Hi Good Peoples,
It's that time of the week again. Time to tell us what you have been drinking. Lists, vibes or detailed notes welcome.
Sunday reports due
Have had the family here since xmas so no time for notes, but lots of wine and TV's
2000 Bowen Estate Cab Sav Time to try one to see how they are travelling,
and my father who is still staying is a big Bowen fan. Still very much in its youth but showing some good potential will be a couple more years before I try the next one.
1999 Tyrells Vat 47 Char Pinot Gris (mag) This was given to my brother in
law with a six pack of Vat 1 he purchased. Lovely wine that went well with the
BBQ garlic prawns would be interested to try this one with another 5 years under its belt.
2001 Dorrien Estate The Growers Cab Sav This is one that came with a mixed case through Fosters shareholders, I think it is one they make for Cellarmasters and is a good example of why I have cancelled my mixed case order from them.
1996 Hardys Tintara Shiraz Nice shiraz with most things in the right place but didn't really blow me away like I thought it would.
2003 Heartland Directors Cut Shiraz Sent as a replacement for a dud bottle a couple of months ago. Very nice wine but not a huge jump over the standard
04 shiraz which is good stuff anyway. Would like to try the 04 Directors to see how they compare.
2000 Knappstein Enterprise Cab Sav Great stuff and drinking well at the moment, don't know if it will go the long haul and I will drink my one remaining bottle in the next couple of years.
1998 Jacobs Creek Reserve Cab Sav Single bottle kept for a few years out
of curiosity. Still a nice drop but not going anywhere. Proves the point that these wines are good qpr drink now propositions.
1996 Rosemount Show Reserve Cab Sav Had this on the same night as the 200
Bowen and the Bowen was a better wine. Not sure if this bottle was 100% as it
had a slightly sweet hint on the nose and palate that seemed a little out of place. Not enough to make it undrinkable, I have another bottle left and will be interested to see if it is better.
2003 Seppelts Victorian Shiraz Picked up for a song prior to xmas and is
a great qpr BBQ wine.
2002 Serafino Shiraz First of a six pack I picked up last year, great stuff rich nose and lots of nice things on the palate, glad I have another five
oh and more SOSS
Glen
2000 Bowen Estate Cab Sav Time to try one to see how they are travelling,
and my father who is still staying is a big Bowen fan. Still very much in its youth but showing some good potential will be a couple more years before I try the next one.
1999 Tyrells Vat 47 Char Pinot Gris (mag) This was given to my brother in
law with a six pack of Vat 1 he purchased. Lovely wine that went well with the
BBQ garlic prawns would be interested to try this one with another 5 years under its belt.
2001 Dorrien Estate The Growers Cab Sav This is one that came with a mixed case through Fosters shareholders, I think it is one they make for Cellarmasters and is a good example of why I have cancelled my mixed case order from them.
1996 Hardys Tintara Shiraz Nice shiraz with most things in the right place but didn't really blow me away like I thought it would.
2003 Heartland Directors Cut Shiraz Sent as a replacement for a dud bottle a couple of months ago. Very nice wine but not a huge jump over the standard
04 shiraz which is good stuff anyway. Would like to try the 04 Directors to see how they compare.
2000 Knappstein Enterprise Cab Sav Great stuff and drinking well at the moment, don't know if it will go the long haul and I will drink my one remaining bottle in the next couple of years.
1998 Jacobs Creek Reserve Cab Sav Single bottle kept for a few years out
of curiosity. Still a nice drop but not going anywhere. Proves the point that these wines are good qpr drink now propositions.
1996 Rosemount Show Reserve Cab Sav Had this on the same night as the 200
Bowen and the Bowen was a better wine. Not sure if this bottle was 100% as it
had a slightly sweet hint on the nose and palate that seemed a little out of place. Not enough to make it undrinkable, I have another bottle left and will be interested to see if it is better.
2003 Seppelts Victorian Shiraz Picked up for a song prior to xmas and is
a great qpr BBQ wine.
2002 Serafino Shiraz First of a six pack I picked up last year, great stuff rich nose and lots of nice things on the palate, glad I have another five
oh and more SOSS
Glen
Winner of the inaugural RB cork-count competition
Runner up RB-NTDIR competition
Runner up TORB TN competition
Leave of absence second RB c-c competition
Runner up RB-NTDIR competition
Runner up TORB TN competition
Leave of absence second RB c-c competition
-
Gavin Trott
- Posts: 1860
- Joined: Mon Jul 28, 2003 5:01 pm
- Location: Adelaide
- Contact:
GRB wrote:
2003 Heartland Directors Cut Shiraz Sent as a replacement for a dud bottle a couple of months ago. Very nice wine but not a huge jump over the standard
04 shiraz which is good stuff anyway. Would like to try the 04 Directors to see how they compare.
Glen
Glen
I recommend you do that, I did not like or promote the 2003 Directors, a bit over ripe and on the prune side for me, but the 2004 is much better.
That said, its a BIG wine, not big alcohol or big oak, but a big big fruit driven wine, if this is your style?
Worth the few extra $ to try one perhaps
regards
Gavin Trott
Gavin Trott
2005 Gibbston Valley Riesling
Very pale straw colour, with a nose that was uncharacteristic of the region, lacking that minerally component and comrpised of an apple waft that was more like pinot gris. The style is off-dry to medium, but lacks the acid to support the structure, tasting overtly soapy.
2005 Felton Road Riesling
Not as pale as the Gibbston, this nose is varietal and the medium style is a true pleasure to drink with acid and sugar in perfect harmony. Delicous and long, this is one of my favourite rieslings.
2003 Penfolds Bin 138 GSM
Dark ruby colour, the nose has distinct layers purported by the grapes comprising the blend. An old world, earth nuance, distinct floral and raspberry and then black liquorice straps. Aromas carry through to the palate, where dark berry fruit becomes a little more apparent. Tannins are rough and persistent, maybe a bit too drying for some. An unoffensive wine, it would make a good quaffer at half the price.
Cheers,
Very pale straw colour, with a nose that was uncharacteristic of the region, lacking that minerally component and comrpised of an apple waft that was more like pinot gris. The style is off-dry to medium, but lacks the acid to support the structure, tasting overtly soapy.
2005 Felton Road Riesling
Not as pale as the Gibbston, this nose is varietal and the medium style is a true pleasure to drink with acid and sugar in perfect harmony. Delicous and long, this is one of my favourite rieslings.
2003 Penfolds Bin 138 GSM
Dark ruby colour, the nose has distinct layers purported by the grapes comprising the blend. An old world, earth nuance, distinct floral and raspberry and then black liquorice straps. Aromas carry through to the palate, where dark berry fruit becomes a little more apparent. Tannins are rough and persistent, maybe a bit too drying for some. An unoffensive wine, it would make a good quaffer at half the price.
Cheers,
Max
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Avant d’être bon, un vin doit être vrai
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Avant d’être bon, un vin doit être vrai
1995 Magill Estate Shiraz
After double decantering and filtering this wine to remove sediment and cork after it literally fell to bits it was really nice. Not a big ballsy shiraz but delicate and lovely aftertaste.
1997 Wendouree MB Pressing
Flitered this and left it in decanter for a few hours. When we tried it I've never experienced a wine with such earthy characteristics. Also a mint almost peppermint taste which was very different. Very smooth and most enjoyavle though.
1992 Grant Burge Meshach
Double filtered this back into bottle and drank it last. Fruity on the nose with a big rich powerful taste. Most enjoyable.
After double decantering and filtering this wine to remove sediment and cork after it literally fell to bits it was really nice. Not a big ballsy shiraz but delicate and lovely aftertaste.
1997 Wendouree MB Pressing
Flitered this and left it in decanter for a few hours. When we tried it I've never experienced a wine with such earthy characteristics. Also a mint almost peppermint taste which was very different. Very smooth and most enjoyavle though.
1992 Grant Burge Meshach
Double filtered this back into bottle and drank it last. Fruity on the nose with a big rich powerful taste. Most enjoyable.
"A woman drove me to drink, and I'll be a son of a gun but I never even wrote to thank her" WC Fields
-
Andrew Jordan
- Posts: 775
- Joined: Wed May 05, 2004 11:53 am
- Location: Sydney
Working our way through a few of the 2002 vintage purchases this week before we have to go back to work ... 
2002 Kangarilla Road Shiraz
Purple in colour the nose was very McClaren Vale. Lots of plum and pepper. Palate was more of the same. Although a well-structured, well-balanced and well-priced wine, it definitely goes better with food. Although a good wine for the price I don't agree with Parker that this is "the type of wine made in Australia but nowhere else in the world". I think there are better examples that fit this statement IMHO. Definitely has another 3-5 years in it yet although it probably has hit its peak and will not get any better.
2002 Langmeil Shiraz Valley Floor
Purple/black in colour. Not decantered but opened the bottle an hour before drinking. Larger than life aroma's of ripe blackberry, plum, and currant rise from the glass. Palate is like an Arnie action movie, not to complicated but has enough meat it in to keep you interested. Loads of sweet black fruit coat the tongue which ends with a longish, well-balanced finish. It is drinking very nicely now, but easily has another 2-4 years left in it yet. Very nice wine for the price and definitely in the running as one of the best bargain shiraz to consistently come out of the Barossa every year.
1999 Turkey Flat Shiraz
After Jamie's review of the 1998vs1999 last month, thought I would crack one of these myself to see how they are travelling. Not decantered unfortunately. Wine displayed a dark red/crimson colour with plenty of life. The nose consisted of sweet black fruit, licourice, spice and a hint of menthol. The wine is very smooth with lashings of ripe blackberry fruit attacking every part of the palate. Very good mouth feel and well-balanced. However, does have a firm/predominant finish of fine/silky tannins which suggests it still needs a bit more time to soften, and dare I suggest it ... improve. As one would expect definitely a step up on the 2000 release (which I had a month ago) with much more dense fruit present and a fuller finish. Glad I have some more of this in the cellar and I will drink the rest over the next 2-5 years. Wonderful wine and a good example of what Barossa shiraz is all about.
2002 Leasingham Shiraz Bin 61
Started with a great nose of fruit and chocolate. The palate was more of the same, medium bodied with lots of sweet blackberry fruit, mint and a touch of chocolate. Medium length finish with silky, smooth tannins. Not a complex wine, more of a mid week quaffer too be shared with friends. Interestingly the bottle says this wine will develop flavour and complexity if cellared beyond 10 years ... not sure if this wine is built for the long-haul ... and I will have definitely drunk all of mine when 2012 comes around. Campbell says drink between 2005-07. IMHO may last a couple more years than that but definitely ready to drink now as I do not see it improving much at all. Nice wine if you are not looking for anything too complex.
2004 Petersons Petit Verdot
Took this bottle to an Italian restaurant to share with friends last night. Have been holding onto it for 6 months since receiving it in my Big Red Club shippment from the winery in July '05. The wine has just recently been awarded a trophy in the Mudgee Wine Show for best red wine in class 18 (other than Shiraz or Cabernet) if this means anything! But the real reason I wanted to taste it was because the grapes that were supplied to Peterson's to make this wine were grown by a friend of mine I work with who grows grapes on his property in Mudgee. And he also wanted to know what it was like. Very lively colour, with plenty of blackfruit and spice on the nose. The palate continued with the fruit theme, with a dab of well used oak also coming to the fore. Very nice, well balanced wine, with a firm back-bone of soft, silky tannins. Everybody at the table liked it which was a good sign. In fact it impressed me so much I might even call the winery next week and place an order for some more. A nice change from usual cabernet and shiraz drunk in this household!
2002 Kangarilla Road Shiraz
Purple in colour the nose was very McClaren Vale. Lots of plum and pepper. Palate was more of the same. Although a well-structured, well-balanced and well-priced wine, it definitely goes better with food. Although a good wine for the price I don't agree with Parker that this is "the type of wine made in Australia but nowhere else in the world". I think there are better examples that fit this statement IMHO. Definitely has another 3-5 years in it yet although it probably has hit its peak and will not get any better.
2002 Langmeil Shiraz Valley Floor
Purple/black in colour. Not decantered but opened the bottle an hour before drinking. Larger than life aroma's of ripe blackberry, plum, and currant rise from the glass. Palate is like an Arnie action movie, not to complicated but has enough meat it in to keep you interested. Loads of sweet black fruit coat the tongue which ends with a longish, well-balanced finish. It is drinking very nicely now, but easily has another 2-4 years left in it yet. Very nice wine for the price and definitely in the running as one of the best bargain shiraz to consistently come out of the Barossa every year.
1999 Turkey Flat Shiraz
After Jamie's review of the 1998vs1999 last month, thought I would crack one of these myself to see how they are travelling. Not decantered unfortunately. Wine displayed a dark red/crimson colour with plenty of life. The nose consisted of sweet black fruit, licourice, spice and a hint of menthol. The wine is very smooth with lashings of ripe blackberry fruit attacking every part of the palate. Very good mouth feel and well-balanced. However, does have a firm/predominant finish of fine/silky tannins which suggests it still needs a bit more time to soften, and dare I suggest it ... improve. As one would expect definitely a step up on the 2000 release (which I had a month ago) with much more dense fruit present and a fuller finish. Glad I have some more of this in the cellar and I will drink the rest over the next 2-5 years. Wonderful wine and a good example of what Barossa shiraz is all about.
2002 Leasingham Shiraz Bin 61
Started with a great nose of fruit and chocolate. The palate was more of the same, medium bodied with lots of sweet blackberry fruit, mint and a touch of chocolate. Medium length finish with silky, smooth tannins. Not a complex wine, more of a mid week quaffer too be shared with friends. Interestingly the bottle says this wine will develop flavour and complexity if cellared beyond 10 years ... not sure if this wine is built for the long-haul ... and I will have definitely drunk all of mine when 2012 comes around. Campbell says drink between 2005-07. IMHO may last a couple more years than that but definitely ready to drink now as I do not see it improving much at all. Nice wine if you are not looking for anything too complex.
2004 Petersons Petit Verdot
Took this bottle to an Italian restaurant to share with friends last night. Have been holding onto it for 6 months since receiving it in my Big Red Club shippment from the winery in July '05. The wine has just recently been awarded a trophy in the Mudgee Wine Show for best red wine in class 18 (other than Shiraz or Cabernet) if this means anything! But the real reason I wanted to taste it was because the grapes that were supplied to Peterson's to make this wine were grown by a friend of mine I work with who grows grapes on his property in Mudgee. And he also wanted to know what it was like. Very lively colour, with plenty of blackfruit and spice on the nose. The palate continued with the fruit theme, with a dab of well used oak also coming to the fore. Very nice, well balanced wine, with a firm back-bone of soft, silky tannins. Everybody at the table liked it which was a good sign. In fact it impressed me so much I might even call the winery next week and place an order for some more. A nice change from usual cabernet and shiraz drunk in this household!
Cheers
AJ
Cabernet is ... and will always be ... KING!
AJ
Cabernet is ... and will always be ... KING!
I've been away for a while. Here are some impressions, 'cause I didn't take any notes:
92 Hill Of Grace: Over the hill, so to speak. I guess we got a bad bottle (luckily we have another few, I just hope they weren't looked after in the same way). Oxidized, old. Half the bottle is still sealed and in the fridge, a week later...
03 Primo Joseph Angel Gully Shiraz. Bloody good. Wish I'd bought more than six, because this stuff is great. It's drinking (and smells incredible) well now, should last and change a bit over the next few years.
03 Primo Joseph Moda Cabernet Merlot. Come back in at least three years.
99 Primo Joseph Moda Cabernet Merlot. Not sure if it was the food, the wine, or the company, but this was outstanding.
05 Clos Clare riesling. In the hole. Come back in a few months.
I know there's a lot more, I just can't remember...!
92 Hill Of Grace: Over the hill, so to speak. I guess we got a bad bottle (luckily we have another few, I just hope they weren't looked after in the same way). Oxidized, old. Half the bottle is still sealed and in the fridge, a week later...
03 Primo Joseph Angel Gully Shiraz. Bloody good. Wish I'd bought more than six, because this stuff is great. It's drinking (and smells incredible) well now, should last and change a bit over the next few years.
03 Primo Joseph Moda Cabernet Merlot. Come back in at least three years.
99 Primo Joseph Moda Cabernet Merlot. Not sure if it was the food, the wine, or the company, but this was outstanding.
05 Clos Clare riesling. In the hole. Come back in a few months.
I know there's a lot more, I just can't remember...!
3 Rieslings and a token Red this week
2005 Mount Horrocks Watervale Riesling ( $22 from mailing list ) : Very impressive. A lovely intensity....I think Mt Horrocks is really starting to produce some top wines in the last couple of years - they were always good and well made but now I reckon they are really starting to shine - I'd guess that this is due to doing everything possible correctly from growing grapes to hand picking to excellent winemaking. Also buying direct is a bit cheaper than from retail and all in stevin too.
1999 Richmond Grove Watervale Riesling ( stelvin / cellar ) : If some reckon they can rate wines out of 100 points then let me introduce the Pelican Riesling Maturity Indicator - this is maturing nicely under stevin and is 34.86% mature....I promise not to use this indicator again.
1998 Petaluma Hanlin Hill Clare Valley Riesling ( cellar ) : Has now entered into drinkable maturity. Lively gold colour with just a glint of youthfulness to it still. Rich toasty and limey. At least as good a drink , but different , to a fresh 1 y.o Clare Riesling , so I am happy with how this has cellared.
Some thoughts on Australian Aged Riesling : I went through a bit of a crisis recently as to whether aged Oz Riesling was really as great a drink as some critics would have you believe. Was I overly influenced by wise old critics rather than following my own palate ?
I think this was partly due to the fact that my partner who I share 99% of drinks with is not really a fan at all of Riesling and especially aged stuff. Therefore I usually get to drink the majority of a bottle of aged Riesling whilst she started on a Red. Given the quite rich nature of some aged Riesling it can become heavy going drinking a bottle by yourself. ( God help me when some of my Magnums of Riesling are ready ! ).
Anyway having tried some of these 5 to 10 year old Rieslings recently I have concluded that some can be really good and probably in line with all other types of wine a minority is really truly worth cellaring. The practical result is that I will still buy some Oz Riesling to cellar but less than before and when it comes time to open these older ones some nice food and maybe a couple of Riesling friendly guests will be invited over.
2003 Torres Sangre de Toro , Spain ( $13 ) : This no longer has a toy bull attached to it but I was happy to buy this as it is now in stelvin. Pleasant silky slightly less alcoholic take on Grenache. Good QPR. ( even without the toy bull on string ! ).
Finally a Beer - I'm usually more of a fruit man when it comes to beer ( eg Coopers Ale or a Begian monk beer ) but I was very impressed with Matilda Bay Bohemian Pilzner for a " clear " style beer - there's a lovely bitterness to it. Excellent.
2005 Mount Horrocks Watervale Riesling ( $22 from mailing list ) : Very impressive. A lovely intensity....I think Mt Horrocks is really starting to produce some top wines in the last couple of years - they were always good and well made but now I reckon they are really starting to shine - I'd guess that this is due to doing everything possible correctly from growing grapes to hand picking to excellent winemaking. Also buying direct is a bit cheaper than from retail and all in stevin too.
1999 Richmond Grove Watervale Riesling ( stelvin / cellar ) : If some reckon they can rate wines out of 100 points then let me introduce the Pelican Riesling Maturity Indicator - this is maturing nicely under stevin and is 34.86% mature....I promise not to use this indicator again.
1998 Petaluma Hanlin Hill Clare Valley Riesling ( cellar ) : Has now entered into drinkable maturity. Lively gold colour with just a glint of youthfulness to it still. Rich toasty and limey. At least as good a drink , but different , to a fresh 1 y.o Clare Riesling , so I am happy with how this has cellared.
Some thoughts on Australian Aged Riesling : I went through a bit of a crisis recently as to whether aged Oz Riesling was really as great a drink as some critics would have you believe. Was I overly influenced by wise old critics rather than following my own palate ?
I think this was partly due to the fact that my partner who I share 99% of drinks with is not really a fan at all of Riesling and especially aged stuff. Therefore I usually get to drink the majority of a bottle of aged Riesling whilst she started on a Red. Given the quite rich nature of some aged Riesling it can become heavy going drinking a bottle by yourself. ( God help me when some of my Magnums of Riesling are ready ! ).
Anyway having tried some of these 5 to 10 year old Rieslings recently I have concluded that some can be really good and probably in line with all other types of wine a minority is really truly worth cellaring. The practical result is that I will still buy some Oz Riesling to cellar but less than before and when it comes time to open these older ones some nice food and maybe a couple of Riesling friendly guests will be invited over.
2003 Torres Sangre de Toro , Spain ( $13 ) : This no longer has a toy bull attached to it but I was happy to buy this as it is now in stelvin. Pleasant silky slightly less alcoholic take on Grenache. Good QPR. ( even without the toy bull on string ! ).
Finally a Beer - I'm usually more of a fruit man when it comes to beer ( eg Coopers Ale or a Begian monk beer ) but I was very impressed with Matilda Bay Bohemian Pilzner for a " clear " style beer - there's a lovely bitterness to it. Excellent.
A rare dinner with (nearly) all imported wines, two friends coming for dinner brought a Lanson NV Champagne, recent batches of these seem to be pretty fresh and lively, very nice and a good buy at $50 or under.
We were having italian-style antipasto and then duck breast (fried and roasted with a small side of smoked duck breast from Poachers Pantry) for the main course, so I brought out a couple of imports I picked up at a sale at Ultimo Wine Centre last year.
The Italian red was a Pio Cesare Barbera d'Alba (Fides) 1999 and it's savoury, slightly earthy flavours and mid-weight structure went well with the smoked meats and other goodies on the antipasto platter. I don't have a lot of experience with Barbera d'Alba, it was drinking nicely but would probably last another 2-3 years.
With the duck we drank a Domain Michel Gros Nuit St Georges Premier Cru 2001, a nicely soft and succulent pinot, not feral or farmyardy, but without the real depth of fruit and tannin structure of a really good burgundy, but still a good match for the duck course.
Dessert was a selection of home-made ice creams with fruit, Vanilla, White sesame (tastes like halva), chocolate (made with 85% Lindt dark chocolate) and lime leaf and coconut were the choices, the black sesame batch was all gone. With this and the fruit we drank Morris Cellar door Tokay and Seppelt GR63 Muscat.
Funny that no one took up the offer of brandy/whisky to finish...
We were having italian-style antipasto and then duck breast (fried and roasted with a small side of smoked duck breast from Poachers Pantry) for the main course, so I brought out a couple of imports I picked up at a sale at Ultimo Wine Centre last year.
The Italian red was a Pio Cesare Barbera d'Alba (Fides) 1999 and it's savoury, slightly earthy flavours and mid-weight structure went well with the smoked meats and other goodies on the antipasto platter. I don't have a lot of experience with Barbera d'Alba, it was drinking nicely but would probably last another 2-3 years.
With the duck we drank a Domain Michel Gros Nuit St Georges Premier Cru 2001, a nicely soft and succulent pinot, not feral or farmyardy, but without the real depth of fruit and tannin structure of a really good burgundy, but still a good match for the duck course.
Dessert was a selection of home-made ice creams with fruit, Vanilla, White sesame (tastes like halva), chocolate (made with 85% Lindt dark chocolate) and lime leaf and coconut were the choices, the black sesame batch was all gone. With this and the fruit we drank Morris Cellar door Tokay and Seppelt GR63 Muscat.
Funny that no one took up the offer of brandy/whisky to finish...
Cheers
Brian
Life's too short to drink white wine and red wine is better for you too! :-)
Brian
Life's too short to drink white wine and red wine is better for you too! :-)
GRB wrote:1996 Rosemount Show Reserve Cab Sav Had this on the same night as the 2000 Bowen and the Bowen was a better wine. Not sure if this bottle was 100% as it had a slightly sweet hint on the nose and palate that seemed a little out of place. Not enough to make it undrinkable, I have another bottle left and will be interested to see if it is better.
Glen
Glen
I find this with all the Rosemount's I've tried in recent history. Maybe something like the Balmoral Syrah would be different, but I've developed quite a label antipathy towards Rosemount.
Ian
Red Bigot wrote:
The Italian red was a Pio Cesare Barbera d'Alba (Fides) 1999 and it's savoury, slightly earthy flavours and mid-weight structure went well with the smoked meats and other goodies on the antipasto platter. I don't have a lot of experience with Barbera d'Alba, it was drinking nicely but would probably last another 2-3 years.
Brian
I suspect you're not far off on the cellaring. Cesare is good producer, but we've not had much luck with the Alba versions. We've much preferred recent ones from Monferrato, especially the Allesandra by Colonna. At £15 it's not cheap, but offers real depth and complexity.
Was there much acidity? The variety is noted for it, and hence it's quite a good match for the meats and other antipasti.
Ian
For us:
Crociani Vino Nobile di Montepulciano 1999
This is very much in it's slot and the other 2 bottles will get drunk this year I suspect. Showing great (Italianate) decaying influences, it's in great balance. Half bottle to finish tonight.
Margrain Pinot Noir 2002
Not disimilar in style to the Palliser of the same vintage. Both are relatively easy going Pinot's offering enough complexity to keep interest up. Good value at £10.
Ian
Crociani Vino Nobile di Montepulciano 1999
This is very much in it's slot and the other 2 bottles will get drunk this year I suspect. Showing great (Italianate) decaying influences, it's in great balance. Half bottle to finish tonight.
Margrain Pinot Noir 2002
Not disimilar in style to the Palliser of the same vintage. Both are relatively easy going Pinot's offering enough complexity to keep interest up. Good value at £10.
Ian
Hi all,
Drink a lot of wine over many years, but not really into this TN's stuff! So here goes....
Been hitting the younger stuff this week:
2004 Gotham Shiraz - Julie and I have struggled with this one and trying to find a meal that suits the wine, a huge wine with plenty of fruit with licorice and spice, not a lot of tannins with a huge lingering finish, we found that lasagne is the go, went really well. Not sure how this wine will age and is probably a bit of a one off wine anyway, please someone correct me if I am wrong? Intellesting!
2004 Oomoo - Not sure what all the fuss was about - Will chug through the few remaining. For the price a good wine.
2002 Leasingham Classic Clare - What can I say - Really balanced fruit with chocolate and spice, oak and tannins, look forward to seeing how it ages. Like a previous TN, I have trouble getting my nose out of the glass! I really enjoy this wine. I should see about getting more!!!
LOL
2004 Glaetzer The Bishop - Excellent fruit up front but I did find it a little hollow behind, Julie didn't, so could've been me!, not alot of tannins, but a wine that will age well over the next 4-6.
Regards
Finney
Drink a lot of wine over many years, but not really into this TN's stuff! So here goes....
Been hitting the younger stuff this week:
2004 Gotham Shiraz - Julie and I have struggled with this one and trying to find a meal that suits the wine, a huge wine with plenty of fruit with licorice and spice, not a lot of tannins with a huge lingering finish, we found that lasagne is the go, went really well. Not sure how this wine will age and is probably a bit of a one off wine anyway, please someone correct me if I am wrong? Intellesting!
2004 Oomoo - Not sure what all the fuss was about - Will chug through the few remaining. For the price a good wine.
2002 Leasingham Classic Clare - What can I say - Really balanced fruit with chocolate and spice, oak and tannins, look forward to seeing how it ages. Like a previous TN, I have trouble getting my nose out of the glass! I really enjoy this wine. I should see about getting more!!!
LOL
2004 Glaetzer The Bishop - Excellent fruit up front but I did find it a little hollow behind, Julie didn't, so could've been me!, not alot of tannins, but a wine that will age well over the next 4-6.
Regards
Finney
Ian S wrote:Red Bigot wrote:
The Italian red was a Pio Cesare Barbera d'Alba (Fides) 1999 and it's savoury, slightly earthy flavours and mid-weight structure went well with the smoked meats and other goodies on the antipasto platter. I don't have a lot of experience with Barbera d'Alba, it was drinking nicely but would probably last another 2-3 years.
Brian
I suspect you're not far off on the cellaring. Cesare is good producer, but we've not had much luck with the Alba versions. We've much preferred recent ones from Monferrato, especially the Allesandra by Colonna. At £15 it's not cheap, but offers real depth and complexity.
Was there much acidity? The variety is noted for it, and hence it's quite a good match for the meats and other antipasti.
Ian
Hi Ian, thanks for the info. Apart from Thai-style food we eat quite a lot of dishes that seem to suit Italian wine styles, so I'm keen to try a few more, but the good ones seem to be fairly expensive here, like most imports.
The Fides had enough acid to be quite noticeable on first taste before food, as you said, this helps it cope with the strongly flavoured meats and other antipasti components.
Cheers
Brian
Life's too short to drink white wine and red wine is better for you too! :-)
Brian
Life's too short to drink white wine and red wine is better for you too! :-)
Red Bigot wrote:Hi Ian, thanks for the info. Apart from Thai-style food we eat quite a lot of dishes that seem to suit Italian wine styles, so I'm keen to try a few more, but the good ones seem to be fairly expensive here, like most imports.
The Fides had enough acid to be quite noticeable on first taste before food, as you said, this helps it cope with the strongly flavoured meats and other antipasti components.
Brian
They're also expensive in Italy!
For Barbaresco, the co-op (Produttori del Barbaresco) is surprisingly high quality and IMO good qpr. Just taken an order of some of their single vineyard wines, so over time will get a good view on them. However someone pointed me to the only e-bob thread without abuse in it, which has quite a few TN's on them
http://dat.erobertparker.com/bboard/sho ... produttori
Overcropped Barbera is wincingly acidic, but get over 10-15 euro and the depth of fruit starts to balance the wine up. Some variation on oak treatment exists, so it's a bit of a "pick your producer" wine.
The same applies to Dolcetto, but generally they'll be a little cheaper.
Try to avoid 02 vintage for Italian reds - in general a stinker, so although there's still some good wines, there's plenty of poor ones.
Had some very good (and cheap) Puglian wine recently. Candido: Salice Salentino and Cappelo di Prete may be two you might see, hopefully for about AUS $20-$25.
Other good QPR recently in Vino Nobile di Montepulciano; Rosso di Montepulciano and even Rosso di Montalcino
Unfortunately we like Barolo, for which a good one under £25 is great QPR
.
Sean (Marsala) should be able to supply a few more tips, especially around where he works in Sicily, where there seems to be a big quality push.
Finally there seems to be some good press (eventually!) for some of the King Valley Nebbiolo's. I'll have to hunt one down when I'm over to see how they compare.
regards
Ian
Thanks again Ian.
re Nebbiolo, I bought a few Mt Surmon (Clare) Reserve Nebbiolo 2003 ($20) based on a very positive JO TN and thoroughly enjoyed it at a local Italian restaurant, but the bottle of the 2004 non-reserve Nebbiolo (also $20)included in my buy was almost undrinkable, with ethyl-acetate showing and lacking fruit.
re Nebbiolo, I bought a few Mt Surmon (Clare) Reserve Nebbiolo 2003 ($20) based on a very positive JO TN and thoroughly enjoyed it at a local Italian restaurant, but the bottle of the 2004 non-reserve Nebbiolo (also $20)included in my buy was almost undrinkable, with ethyl-acetate showing and lacking fruit.
Cheers
Brian
Life's too short to drink white wine and red wine is better for you too! :-)
Brian
Life's too short to drink white wine and red wine is better for you too! :-)
I spent 3 days in the King Valley exploring food and wine last week and absolutely loved it. There is an abundance of less common varieties that should go well with different foods. Things like Sangiovese, Barbera and Nebiollo as well as even more obscure (in Aus) varieties like Marzemino, Arneis, Verduzzo and Saperavi - a Russian variety.
I pretty much bought a mixed case at the wineries I liked and will drink my way through them with food in the next month or so and then re-order via phone or internet. The wineries I particularly liked were Chrismont, Dal Zotto, Gapsted, Pizzini and Symphonia.
The highlight wines were (from memory – I am at work and my notes are at home)
Chrismont La Zona Marzemino 2002
Chrismont La Zona Sangiovese 2003
Symphonia Saperavi 2004
Symphonia Quintus 2003 – A blend of 5 wines, something like Shiraz,
Cabernet, Saperavi, Sangiovese and Tannant
Pizzini Nebiollo 2000
Dal Zotto Estate Sangiovese 2002
If you are looking for some different wines that go well with food I would recommend any of these.
I pretty much bought a mixed case at the wineries I liked and will drink my way through them with food in the next month or so and then re-order via phone or internet. The wineries I particularly liked were Chrismont, Dal Zotto, Gapsted, Pizzini and Symphonia.
The highlight wines were (from memory – I am at work and my notes are at home)
Chrismont La Zona Marzemino 2002
Chrismont La Zona Sangiovese 2003
Symphonia Saperavi 2004
Symphonia Quintus 2003 – A blend of 5 wines, something like Shiraz,
Cabernet, Saperavi, Sangiovese and Tannant
Pizzini Nebiollo 2000
Dal Zotto Estate Sangiovese 2002
If you are looking for some different wines that go well with food I would recommend any of these.
Sharkey
I love cooking with wine. Sometimes I even put it in the food.
I love cooking with wine. Sometimes I even put it in the food.
2004 Strugglers Flat Martinborough Pinot Noir
A superb new world pinot for around A$20. Very rich fruit and a nice lick of oak. There should be more like this for us Pinot addicts on a budget because there is a lot of mediocrity out there. Made by Capricorn Wines, does anyone know these guys and who the Oz distributor is?
1996 Pewsey Vale Riesling
This is in the zone if you like aged Eden Valley Riesling. Nice toasty aromas with the slightest hint of Kero just to add interest. Should continue to drink well for another five at least as it has a good spine of acidity still.
A superb new world pinot for around A$20. Very rich fruit and a nice lick of oak. There should be more like this for us Pinot addicts on a budget because there is a lot of mediocrity out there. Made by Capricorn Wines, does anyone know these guys and who the Oz distributor is?
1996 Pewsey Vale Riesling
This is in the zone if you like aged Eden Valley Riesling. Nice toasty aromas with the slightest hint of Kero just to add interest. Should continue to drink well for another five at least as it has a good spine of acidity still.
1998 Mitchell Peppertree Shiraz, Drinking beautifully, the best vintage I have had of this wine
1996 Jim Barry Clare Cabernet Sauv. Picked up from the winery at $12.50 pb. Seriously good value at this price.
1999 Piesse Brook Cabernet Sauvignon - a small winery in the Perth hills that often produces good balanced wines at a very good price. Can be over oaked with some varieties, but this was a good drink.
2005 Houghtons White Burgandy (soon to be White Classic). A good blend, weli worth the money
Grant Burge NV - A good sparkling
1996 Jim Barry Clare Cabernet Sauv. Picked up from the winery at $12.50 pb. Seriously good value at this price.
1999 Piesse Brook Cabernet Sauvignon - a small winery in the Perth hills that often produces good balanced wines at a very good price. Can be over oaked with some varieties, but this was a good drink.
2005 Houghtons White Burgandy (soon to be White Classic). A good blend, weli worth the money
Grant Burge NV - A good sparkling
GRB wrote:1999 Tyrells Vat 47 Char Pinot Gris (mag)
Vat 47 contains Pinot Gris? I thought it was labeled Pinot Chardonnay because that's what Tyrrells (incorrectly) thought the variety was when they first started making it.
As for its longevity, the last time I tasted this from a standard format, it had plenty of potential left.
mphatic wrote:GRB wrote:1999 Tyrells Vat 47 Char Pinot Gris (mag)
Vat 47 contains Pinot Gris? I thought it was labeled Pinot Chardonnay because that's what Tyrrells (incorrectly) thought the variety was when they first started making it.
As for its longevity, the last time I tasted this from a standard format, it had plenty of potential left.
mphatic,
You are most likely correct, as I said lots of wine over xmas, new year and was posting recollections only
, still a nice drop though Winner of the inaugural RB cork-count competition
Runner up RB-NTDIR competition
Runner up TORB TN competition
Leave of absence second RB c-c competition
Runner up RB-NTDIR competition
Runner up TORB TN competition
Leave of absence second RB c-c competition
As it happens I had a magnum of Tyrrells Vat 47 (pinot) Chardonnay on the weekend. It is 100% chardonnay.
1999 Tyrrells Vat 47 (magnum) - Lemony and quite like a HV semillon with a dash of spicy oak. Butter and nuts developing. Bright acid and honey lemon flavours on the palate..but still young. Very nice.
Also had
86 Lindemans St George - Good colour. Cedary blackcurrant nose. Like a bordeaux. Sweet fruit on the palate. Good length. Very nice.
hmmm. I like my new nice, very nice rating system...
and some 2000 Petaluma Coonawarra and 2001 Vasse Heytsbury - both nice. ...
and my last bottle of 1998 Print. Best one yet. Glad they are gond now though. Never liked the buggers.
GW
________________________
http://www.winorama.com.au
1999 Tyrrells Vat 47 (magnum) - Lemony and quite like a HV semillon with a dash of spicy oak. Butter and nuts developing. Bright acid and honey lemon flavours on the palate..but still young. Very nice.
Also had
86 Lindemans St George - Good colour. Cedary blackcurrant nose. Like a bordeaux. Sweet fruit on the palate. Good length. Very nice.
hmmm. I like my new nice, very nice rating system...
and some 2000 Petaluma Coonawarra and 2001 Vasse Heytsbury - both nice. ...
and my last bottle of 1998 Print. Best one yet. Glad they are gond now though. Never liked the buggers.
GW
________________________
http://www.winorama.com.au
Went down to Paringa Estate and Ten By Tractor on the Mornington Penninsula.
Paringa Estate Shiraz 2003..A bit fine for me but massive massive Blackcurrant on the nose and palate.
Paringa 2004 special barrel selection Estate Pinot Noir.. Lovely Pinot but the bottle had been open ages and it were too late in the day for them to open another. I would have liked to have tried a fresh one as I wouldnt pay $90 PB Cellar door price based on this tasting. I also dont beleive 04 MPs are showing as good as 03s yet.
Paringa Pinot Gris 2005...Lovely white with a lovely finish..I bought a couple
Ten Minutes By Tractor...I didnt expect much walking into this winery with a fancy name but was very suprised with a couple of wines.
Ten By Tractor Pinot Noir....OK
Ten By Tractor Reserve Pinot Noir...Better
Ten By Tractor Wallace Pinot Noir 2003...Yes...Lovely and velvety and a real delight. Not cheap at $60 PB Compared to a Stonier but much better than any of the Paringa Pinots showed. There is a reference to some special clone used for this wine on the label but I dont have it with me ATM. I got a couple of bottles. If you are an Aussie Pinot seeker thats payd as much for others...Try this
Ten By Tractor Pinot Gris 2003...Wow this is great Great Pinot Gris. I am really starting to find Pinot Gris the most interesting white as I find it less predictable (a good thing) than Chard etc. Developed Honey and Toffee aftertaste but by no means sweet or sweeter than any other Pinot Gris I have had. Not Cheap I think it was in the $20s but the best Pinot Gris I have had and glad I got a couple..Very very nice
Paringa Estate Shiraz 2003..A bit fine for me but massive massive Blackcurrant on the nose and palate.
Paringa 2004 special barrel selection Estate Pinot Noir.. Lovely Pinot but the bottle had been open ages and it were too late in the day for them to open another. I would have liked to have tried a fresh one as I wouldnt pay $90 PB Cellar door price based on this tasting. I also dont beleive 04 MPs are showing as good as 03s yet.
Paringa Pinot Gris 2005...Lovely white with a lovely finish..I bought a couple
Ten Minutes By Tractor...I didnt expect much walking into this winery with a fancy name but was very suprised with a couple of wines.
Ten By Tractor Pinot Noir....OK
Ten By Tractor Reserve Pinot Noir...Better
Ten By Tractor Wallace Pinot Noir 2003...Yes...Lovely and velvety and a real delight. Not cheap at $60 PB Compared to a Stonier but much better than any of the Paringa Pinots showed. There is a reference to some special clone used for this wine on the label but I dont have it with me ATM. I got a couple of bottles. If you are an Aussie Pinot seeker thats payd as much for others...Try this
Ten By Tractor Pinot Gris 2003...Wow this is great Great Pinot Gris. I am really starting to find Pinot Gris the most interesting white as I find it less predictable (a good thing) than Chard etc. Developed Honey and Toffee aftertaste but by no means sweet or sweeter than any other Pinot Gris I have had. Not Cheap I think it was in the $20s but the best Pinot Gris I have had and glad I got a couple..Very very nice
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Muscat Mike
- Posts: 425
- Joined: Fri Aug 15, 2003 10:05 pm
- Location: Sydney - North West.
Please explain.
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Andrew Jordan
- Posts: 775
- Joined: Wed May 05, 2004 11:53 am
- Location: Sydney
Gary W wrote:hmmm. I like my new nice, very nice rating system...
and some 2000 Petaluma Coonawarra and 2001 Vasse Heytsbury - both nice. ...
Gary,
Like your new rating system too.
In regards to 2001 Vasse Heytsbury, I assume you are referring to the red version, I noticed this just was named Wine of the Year in the latest Winestate mag. Is it that good?? I have some of the 1999 sitting it the cellar and was wondering if I should give them some company with some of the 2001.
Thanks in advance.
Cheers
AJ
Cabernet is ... and will always be ... KING!
AJ
Cabernet is ... and will always be ... KING!
that's what I managed to get out of the wines I tried last week.
2001 DÂ’ArryÂ’s Original Shiraz-Grenache. No notes, full, spicy, fruit, just very nice, very long finish. Far better than the 2000. 9 Euros and 2 to go. 89/100
2002 Cape Mentelle Semillon Sauvignon Blanc. I would really want this to be nice, but somehow it doesn't work. See separate post and question.
2001 Dalwinnie Moonambel Shiraz. Surprisingly elegant, medium-bodied. Very dark red. Sweet vanilla, menthol and liquorice nose. Nicely balanced, dark fruit-driven and liquorice flavours, some other complex flavours around as well. Medium-long finish. Very nice, 24 Euros, only bottle. 91/100
2002 Oliver’s Taranga Shiraz. Day 1: Closed, even after decanting for 2 hours. Very dark red-purple, nearly opaque. Hardly any pinpointable aromas, hot aggressive mouthfeel, some vanilla, where is the ‘dark chocolate’? Why did I spend that much money (all relative, I know) on this? Frustrated, vacuumed the bastard and hoppakee, in the fridge. Two days later: a totally different wine. Complex, powerful and elegant. Nose: blackberry, white pepper, liquorice and vanilla (still no choc). What I particularly enjoyed about this one is that even I can now distinguish different flavours exploding, but not simultaneously. They are relatively clear and isolated rather than complexely interwoven. Kaleidoscope starting off with concentrated sweet plums, blackberry, then white pepper and mild acidity come in, all soaked in vanilla and liquorice. Long, long and intense. The experienced RB may find this simple and linear, for me it’s a serious ‘wow’. 24 Euros, 2 bottles left, yes please. 93/100. WOTW.
Cheers
Eric
2001 DÂ’ArryÂ’s Original Shiraz-Grenache. No notes, full, spicy, fruit, just very nice, very long finish. Far better than the 2000. 9 Euros and 2 to go. 89/100
2002 Cape Mentelle Semillon Sauvignon Blanc. I would really want this to be nice, but somehow it doesn't work. See separate post and question.
2001 Dalwinnie Moonambel Shiraz. Surprisingly elegant, medium-bodied. Very dark red. Sweet vanilla, menthol and liquorice nose. Nicely balanced, dark fruit-driven and liquorice flavours, some other complex flavours around as well. Medium-long finish. Very nice, 24 Euros, only bottle. 91/100
2002 Oliver’s Taranga Shiraz. Day 1: Closed, even after decanting for 2 hours. Very dark red-purple, nearly opaque. Hardly any pinpointable aromas, hot aggressive mouthfeel, some vanilla, where is the ‘dark chocolate’? Why did I spend that much money (all relative, I know) on this? Frustrated, vacuumed the bastard and hoppakee, in the fridge. Two days later: a totally different wine. Complex, powerful and elegant. Nose: blackberry, white pepper, liquorice and vanilla (still no choc). What I particularly enjoyed about this one is that even I can now distinguish different flavours exploding, but not simultaneously. They are relatively clear and isolated rather than complexely interwoven. Kaleidoscope starting off with concentrated sweet plums, blackberry, then white pepper and mild acidity come in, all soaked in vanilla and liquorice. Long, long and intense. The experienced RB may find this simple and linear, for me it’s a serious ‘wow’. 24 Euros, 2 bottles left, yes please. 93/100. WOTW.
Cheers
Eric
andyc wrote:2004 Strugglers Flat Martinborough Pinot Noir
A superb new world pinot for around A$20. Very rich fruit and a nice lick of oak. There should be more like this for us Pinot addicts on a budget because there is a lot of mediocrity out there. Made by Capricorn Wines, does anyone know these guys and who the Oz distributor is?
Andy,
Agree with you on the Strugglers Flat. It represents excellent value and a flavour profile not found at this price level. It is perhaps not surprising then, that this wine is made under the direction of Steve Smith and his crew. Capricorn Wines is a second tier label under Craggy Range. PM me if you want further details on Australian distributors and availability, although you can simply contact them direct through their website.
Cheers,
Max
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Avant d’être bon, un vin doit être vrai
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Avant d’être bon, un vin doit être vrai
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Ratcatcher
- Posts: 374
- Joined: Sat Jan 01, 2005 1:01 pm
- Location: Hobart
[quote="rednut"]1995 Magill Estate Shiraz
After double decantering and filtering this wine to remove sediment and cork after it literally fell to bits it was really nice. Not a big ballsy shiraz but delicate and lovely aftertaste.quote]
What is it with the Penfolds corks?
Every time I've "opened" a cellared bottle of Penfolds from Bin 28 to St Henri I've ended up poking around in the neck and fishing out the bits of cork because the cork has literally fallen to pieces.
Why are their corks so bad?
After double decantering and filtering this wine to remove sediment and cork after it literally fell to bits it was really nice. Not a big ballsy shiraz but delicate and lovely aftertaste.quote]
What is it with the Penfolds corks?
Every time I've "opened" a cellared bottle of Penfolds from Bin 28 to St Henri I've ended up poking around in the neck and fishing out the bits of cork because the cork has literally fallen to pieces.
Why are their corks so bad?
Andrew Jordan wrote:In regards to 2001 Vasse Heytsbury, I assume you are referring to the red version, I noticed this just was named Wine of the Year in the latest Winestate mag. Is it that good?? I have some of the 1999 sitting it the cellar and was wondering if I should give them some company with some of the 2001.
Thanks in advance.
Had it twice now. Not quite impressed enough to buy it at the price...but then again I have enough 2001 MR in the cellar and not enough money - the real problem. Really good stuff but there is some leafy character that some might find off putting. Tearing myself away from the nice system - about 94 points.
For muscat mike..... a wine can be massive blackcurrant and fine. Massive blackcurrant can be a very good sign of DMS. Look at Seppelt Drumborg Cab or 2000 St Peters as examples of very pronounced blackcurranty wines that are fine. Also 93 Cyril Henshcke.
GW