Its that timeof the week again. Weekly drinking reports are due.
I will fill mine details in later.... when I get over last nights big dinner.
Sunday drinking reports due
Sunday drinking reports due
Hi Good Peoples,
Its that timeof the week again. Weekly drinking reports are due.
I will fill mine details in later.... when I get over last nights big dinner.
Its that timeof the week again. Weekly drinking reports are due.
I will fill mine details in later.... when I get over last nights big dinner.
-
Big Dave
A right mixed bag ere from the last couple of weeks:
Chateau Coutet, 1982, Barsac, France.
375 ml bottle. First Barsac of any sort for me and an interesting experience to have one so old. Middle brown colour, kind of dark caramel/red gum honey I guess. There were caramel and nuts on the nose and lashings of caramel and raisins in the mouth coming to a fantastically acidic finish without the slightest hint of cloying. We had this alongside a couple of Aussie stickies (to be fair young and nothing of renown) but just the acidity and finish blew them away, let alone the quality and heritage of the wine (even though supposedly not a great vintage).
Cavalier Crest Pinot Noir, 2003, Margaret River, Western Australia.
Hmmm. Brick red colour with slight watery edge. Initially poured a glass of this that seemed quite promising with whiffs of black and red cherries and seemingly similar to a number of pinot noses pinot I have had from the SW region as a whole. In the mouth however, this seemed a mass of searing hot alcohol and thin redcurrant fruit with a hint of greenness. At this point I decanted the wine, only to be overwhelmed by a massive smell of banana-flavoured confectionary and sherbet. I have not come across this before in a wine and am not sure if it is a fault. In the winery on the day, this seemed quite smooth and silky with no hint of banana or sherbet and the alcohol seemed well controlled. The wine did not improve in the decanter or overnight.
I will admit it was at the end of a long dayÂ’s tasting and while I was driving (and hence spitting), palate fatigue might have been an issue. I still have one more bottle of this and two 2004Â’s, so tÂ’would be good to know whether anyone thinks this might be a faulty bottle or a "what the bloody hell was I thinking" bottle!!!
Nyetimber Brut Reserve, 1995, Sussex, England.
Well bugger me backwards through me oilskins as they say where I come from. Served blind and mistaken as French champagne! Very bready and biscuity on the nose, with a medium to coarse bubble which might have been the only give away that this was not a good champagne (although I am no expert I hasten to add!). Gorgeous mouth filling butteriness, great acidity, very palate cleansing and very good length. Knock me down with a kipper, a very drinkable English wine! Better watch out boys and girls as we might just take more than the Ashes!!!
Bodegas Pirineos Marbore, 2002, Somontano, Spain
Oh boy! On decanting this, waves and waves of plummy fruit, blackcurrants and black olives gush out of the decanter and into the room. A right mixture this one, a blend of Tempranillo, Cab Sav, Merlot, Moristel and Parraleta. Deep red core to red rim. In the glass, the nose is more restrained with a little cassis and a whiff of blood. In the mouth, the wine is full of savoury black fruit with a touch of redness with fine tannins doing that chalky, powdery chocolatey thing that I just love. Great length too. Plenty of oomph here, without being an overpowering bomb and has the structure to last a fair while I think. Note to self: find more!!
Cheers
Dave
Chateau Coutet, 1982, Barsac, France.
375 ml bottle. First Barsac of any sort for me and an interesting experience to have one so old. Middle brown colour, kind of dark caramel/red gum honey I guess. There were caramel and nuts on the nose and lashings of caramel and raisins in the mouth coming to a fantastically acidic finish without the slightest hint of cloying. We had this alongside a couple of Aussie stickies (to be fair young and nothing of renown) but just the acidity and finish blew them away, let alone the quality and heritage of the wine (even though supposedly not a great vintage).
Cavalier Crest Pinot Noir, 2003, Margaret River, Western Australia.
Hmmm. Brick red colour with slight watery edge. Initially poured a glass of this that seemed quite promising with whiffs of black and red cherries and seemingly similar to a number of pinot noses pinot I have had from the SW region as a whole. In the mouth however, this seemed a mass of searing hot alcohol and thin redcurrant fruit with a hint of greenness. At this point I decanted the wine, only to be overwhelmed by a massive smell of banana-flavoured confectionary and sherbet. I have not come across this before in a wine and am not sure if it is a fault. In the winery on the day, this seemed quite smooth and silky with no hint of banana or sherbet and the alcohol seemed well controlled. The wine did not improve in the decanter or overnight.
I will admit it was at the end of a long dayÂ’s tasting and while I was driving (and hence spitting), palate fatigue might have been an issue. I still have one more bottle of this and two 2004Â’s, so tÂ’would be good to know whether anyone thinks this might be a faulty bottle or a "what the bloody hell was I thinking" bottle!!!
Nyetimber Brut Reserve, 1995, Sussex, England.
Well bugger me backwards through me oilskins as they say where I come from. Served blind and mistaken as French champagne! Very bready and biscuity on the nose, with a medium to coarse bubble which might have been the only give away that this was not a good champagne (although I am no expert I hasten to add!). Gorgeous mouth filling butteriness, great acidity, very palate cleansing and very good length. Knock me down with a kipper, a very drinkable English wine! Better watch out boys and girls as we might just take more than the Ashes!!!
Bodegas Pirineos Marbore, 2002, Somontano, Spain
Oh boy! On decanting this, waves and waves of plummy fruit, blackcurrants and black olives gush out of the decanter and into the room. A right mixture this one, a blend of Tempranillo, Cab Sav, Merlot, Moristel and Parraleta. Deep red core to red rim. In the glass, the nose is more restrained with a little cassis and a whiff of blood. In the mouth, the wine is full of savoury black fruit with a touch of redness with fine tannins doing that chalky, powdery chocolatey thing that I just love. Great length too. Plenty of oomph here, without being an overpowering bomb and has the structure to last a fair while I think. Note to self: find more!!
Cheers
Dave
Last edited by Big Dave on Sun Mar 26, 2006 12:35 pm, edited 2 times in total.
All quaffers this week for me, bar one:
01 Seppelt Salinger: served very cold, this was clean and refreshing and is settling in to pick up some secondary flavours, having shed the exuberant fruit of its youth
05 Gloucester Ridge Unwooded Chardonnay: Nice quaffer at $12
05 Gloucester Ridge Sauvignon Blanc: Also nice quaffing at $12
04 Tahbilk Viognier: This has developed a bit over the last 12 months: rounding out now, fat musky spices, apricot and pears. Great value at about $11 of the mailing list.
02 J F Mugnier Chambolle Musigny: This bottle that was cooked in the car in Jan 06. pale red, pinkish tinges. This si quite see through in the decanter. Strawberry, raspberry sappy nose and a little spice. In the mouth: aaaaah, a lovely silky pinot. Strawberries and cream palate, hints of darker berry flavours too along with a trace of sappiness and lightly spiced back palate. The fruit is all front palate, and the finish is short. I hope this is the heat effect, an earlier bottle was much more impressive. 87/100.
and last week, neglected to post:
99 Domaine Santa Duc Gigondas: Densely garnet coloured. The nose on this starts out as a roast joint of meat, and evolves into something truffley and herbal. The first thing to note about the palate is the lovely supple front palate texture. Flavour wise, think roast meat,soy sauce, yeast, along with some bright icing sugar fruit sweetness, some white pepper and herbs all overlying some subtle sour cherry, blackberry fruit - quite a complex mouthful. Plentiful tannins and and acid spine that sticks out quite prominently lead this into a finish that has a touch of nailpolish on it and some hard corners. Nice flavour profile, more in the savoury mould than its Australian equivalents, but some structural components are a little out of balance. 87/100
02 Spinifex Esprit: his is still a dark purple red. Sweet, slightly confected nose, Palate is raspberry coulis, blackberry jam, some herbs and spice, a savoury almost earthy note, and a bright, lifting, cleansing freshness about this on the palate. Finely tannic, balanced acidity, nice mid palate and persistent spicy rhonish finish. A real delight now but still has years in front of it - I was expecting it to be more developed than this. Noice! 90/100
99 Vasse Felix Noble Riesling: Golden colour now. Still varietal limey riesling. Talcy and slightly honeycomb. The palate is fruit sweet and musky but in a sugar sense it isnt as over the top as some aussie stickies. The acid on the finish is bracing, and the fruit on this bottle is a little short. Nice nonetheless. 88/100 for this bottle, its wobbled between 86 and 91 over time,
cheers
AB
01 Seppelt Salinger: served very cold, this was clean and refreshing and is settling in to pick up some secondary flavours, having shed the exuberant fruit of its youth
05 Gloucester Ridge Unwooded Chardonnay: Nice quaffer at $12
05 Gloucester Ridge Sauvignon Blanc: Also nice quaffing at $12
04 Tahbilk Viognier: This has developed a bit over the last 12 months: rounding out now, fat musky spices, apricot and pears. Great value at about $11 of the mailing list.
02 J F Mugnier Chambolle Musigny: This bottle that was cooked in the car in Jan 06. pale red, pinkish tinges. This si quite see through in the decanter. Strawberry, raspberry sappy nose and a little spice. In the mouth: aaaaah, a lovely silky pinot. Strawberries and cream palate, hints of darker berry flavours too along with a trace of sappiness and lightly spiced back palate. The fruit is all front palate, and the finish is short. I hope this is the heat effect, an earlier bottle was much more impressive. 87/100.
and last week, neglected to post:
99 Domaine Santa Duc Gigondas: Densely garnet coloured. The nose on this starts out as a roast joint of meat, and evolves into something truffley and herbal. The first thing to note about the palate is the lovely supple front palate texture. Flavour wise, think roast meat,soy sauce, yeast, along with some bright icing sugar fruit sweetness, some white pepper and herbs all overlying some subtle sour cherry, blackberry fruit - quite a complex mouthful. Plentiful tannins and and acid spine that sticks out quite prominently lead this into a finish that has a touch of nailpolish on it and some hard corners. Nice flavour profile, more in the savoury mould than its Australian equivalents, but some structural components are a little out of balance. 87/100
02 Spinifex Esprit: his is still a dark purple red. Sweet, slightly confected nose, Palate is raspberry coulis, blackberry jam, some herbs and spice, a savoury almost earthy note, and a bright, lifting, cleansing freshness about this on the palate. Finely tannic, balanced acidity, nice mid palate and persistent spicy rhonish finish. A real delight now but still has years in front of it - I was expecting it to be more developed than this. Noice! 90/100
99 Vasse Felix Noble Riesling: Golden colour now. Still varietal limey riesling. Talcy and slightly honeycomb. The palate is fruit sweet and musky but in a sugar sense it isnt as over the top as some aussie stickies. The acid on the finish is bracing, and the fruit on this bottle is a little short. Nice nonetheless. 88/100 for this bottle, its wobbled between 86 and 91 over time,
cheers
AB
Opened a few younger reds this week...
2003 Grosset Gaia: Screwcap. Opened, decanted, enjoyed. A beautifully balanced wine that's drinking well now, but it's still a babe. Very enjoyable. Loads of fruit, fine tannin, plenty of acid and I reckon this has the potential to hang around for a very, very long time...
2003 Primo Estate Joseph Angel Gully Shiraz: Cork. Nothing like I remember it last time. Where's the incredibly purfumed nose gone? It wasn't corky or otherwise faulty - perhaps the camp fire I drank the last bottle around influenced me. Alright, but not outstanding.
2002 Clos Clare Shiraz: Screwcap. Wow! A very peppery nose with bits and pieces of dark dark dark druit poking through. Again in the mouth, with some American oak and pepper and typical Clare Valley shiraz characters. Very nice balance and length. Yum.
2003 Clos Clare Shiraz: Screwcap. Similar but more youthful than the 02, and replaced some of the pepper with some more fruit. Also very nice. Prefer the 02, though.
2003 De Bortoli Yarra Valley Shiraz Viognier: Cork. Nothing special, but nothing terrible. Won't investigate further.
2002 Leasingham Bastion Shiraz Cabernet: Cork. Great value, but that's about it. No stand out fruit, structure, tannin, balance, or anything... sure, they're all there, but not in any particularly pleasing form.
2005 Pewsy Vale Gewurztraminer: Screwcap. Interesting - haven't had a straight traminer for a long time. Enjoyable, even with the massive 14.5% alcohol.
2003 Grosset Gaia: Screwcap. Opened, decanted, enjoyed. A beautifully balanced wine that's drinking well now, but it's still a babe. Very enjoyable. Loads of fruit, fine tannin, plenty of acid and I reckon this has the potential to hang around for a very, very long time...
2003 Primo Estate Joseph Angel Gully Shiraz: Cork. Nothing like I remember it last time. Where's the incredibly purfumed nose gone? It wasn't corky or otherwise faulty - perhaps the camp fire I drank the last bottle around influenced me. Alright, but not outstanding.
2002 Clos Clare Shiraz: Screwcap. Wow! A very peppery nose with bits and pieces of dark dark dark druit poking through. Again in the mouth, with some American oak and pepper and typical Clare Valley shiraz characters. Very nice balance and length. Yum.
2003 Clos Clare Shiraz: Screwcap. Similar but more youthful than the 02, and replaced some of the pepper with some more fruit. Also very nice. Prefer the 02, though.
2003 De Bortoli Yarra Valley Shiraz Viognier: Cork. Nothing special, but nothing terrible. Won't investigate further.
2002 Leasingham Bastion Shiraz Cabernet: Cork. Great value, but that's about it. No stand out fruit, structure, tannin, balance, or anything... sure, they're all there, but not in any particularly pleasing form.
2005 Pewsy Vale Gewurztraminer: Screwcap. Interesting - haven't had a straight traminer for a long time. Enjoyable, even with the massive 14.5% alcohol.
Jeanneret Clare Valley Riesling 2002
12.5% A/V. Stelvin closure.
Another great example of 2002 Clare Riesling.
Medium straw/green. An enticing, youthful bouquet of citrus pith, lime, a little toast and emerging notes of petrol. The palate just sings with crunchy green apple and limey fruit, a touch of residual sugar nicely counterbalanced by lively acidity. Finishes crisp, clean and long. Excellent+. Drink now to 2012.
Zema Estate Family Selection Cabernwt Sauvignon 1991
If this wasn't corked, I reckon from what is still intact this may be an excellent wine. NR.
St. Huberts Cabernet Sauvignon Barrel Select 1991
12.5% A/V. Cork closure. Superb level and virtually no seepage up the cork.
A brilliant offering, equivalent to a top Second Growth from a very good year. A beautiful crimson/garnet colour holding right to the edge. Wonderfully pure, savoury nose of superripe currants, blackberries, a subtle leafiness, cedary oak and a hint of licorice and spice box. Top shelf. The palate delivers an identical level of excellence - silky mouthfeel, perfect weight and a fantastic equilibrium difficult to emulate. Copious quantities of succulent fruit (aka the bouquet) mesh, seamlessly, with terrific fresh, bright acids and a gorgeous, melting fine tannin regime to produce a complete package. Finishes with such aplomb, I had to pinch myself and check that this was, in fact, from the Yarra Valley! Outstanding verging on Exceptional. What a wine! Although at the zenith, I can't see similarly kept bottles falling over in a hurry. Wow!
St Hallett's Eden Valley Riesling 2002
An Excellent/Outstanding refreshing, youthful example with a pronounced, classy, steely mineral core, bulk lime and great line. Terrific long aftertaste. Still a pup. Drink or hold for another decade.
Seppelt Dorrien Cabernet Sauvignon 1992
Excellent result from a cooler year. Typical cedary/earthy/curranty/choco-berry Dorrien. This bottle was far fresher/cleaner/better than the last one opened. My faith is restored.
Fritz Haag Mosel-Saar-Ruwer Brauneberger Juffer-Sonnenuhr Riesling Spatlese 1998er
A quintessential example of German Riesling. Pristine bright straw/green in colour, the brilliant nose exudes aromas of ripe white peach, nectarine, lemon sorbet, lime, pear, slate and minerals. Later, perplexing hints of smoke, toast and petrol make their mark. Rich and mouthfilling but fresh, lively and barely out of nappies, this wine paired beautifully with marinated, char grilled fillet pork sticks. The sweet and sour complexity of the wine was the perfect foil to this relatively simple dish served with a little rice and finely chopped shallot. Flavours marry identically in nuance to those found in the nose. Seemingly more "Auslese" than "Spatlese" in fruit sweetness and intensity, we marvelled at the indelible, slatey acidity that provided focus on a long, clean, refreshing finish of great authority. Easily rated as Outstanding with a long drinking window ahead of now - 2018+. Marvellous stuff!
Seppelt's Great Western Shiraz (labelled as Hermitage) 1985
Harbouring a bright red/medium ruby core with only minimal bricking. Exaggerated dimethyl nose (a distracting asparagus character that marred the bouquet that, thankfully, dissipated with time) at first followed by intense aromas of black plums, mulberry, blackberry, roasted capsicum, tinned sweet corn, savoury/chocolate/mocha oak and a touch of white pepper. In the mouth, succulent sweet, spicy red and black fruits (as noted above) may be just starting to tire just a frac, although ripe acidity still pokes through, and with integrated fine-grained, fluffy tannins, present a well structured, fully mature wine of some class. Creamy/mocha oak, seamlessly meshed throughout, plays an important, supportive role in the wine's flavour profile. Surprisingly, there's less of the overt dimethyl here than found in the bouquet (a good thing!). Still an Excellent example but, if representative, must be drunk soon.
Henschke's Lenswood Vineyard "Abbott's Prayer" 1994
Made with Merlot (70%), Cabernet (28%) and Cabernet Franc (2%) from the southern Mount Lofty Ranges rising above the Barossa. Situated around 550 metres above sea level, this elevated site provides long, cool ripening seasons, ideal for such a wine style. 18 months maturation in new Vosges and Nevers hogsheads adds necessary subtlety required for such a smooth, soft and silky offering. Deeper core than the '85 Seppelt although showing more brown/bricking throughout the edges. The nose opened with a vegetative/horsey note that was worrisome. Luckily, with time in the glass, this blew off and was replaced by something a lot better! Almost reminiscent of a top right bank Pomerol (Le Conseillante springs to mind!), aromas of satsuma plum, cedar, truffles, spice, coffee, earth and Autumn leaves greet the taster. Of medium-body and low/medium acidity, the palate continues the beat of the drum with the flavour/textural properties mentioned earlier, beautifully meshed to integrated, ripe, melt-in-the-mouth, drop-dead-gorgeous tannins. Understandably, finishes long and quite plummy with a rounded softness and elegance in keeping with my "Pomerol" reference above. Verging on Outstanding, my only concern being there may be a trace of brett here and bottles stored in warmer climes may suffer because of it. Otherwise, terrific and to be enjoyed over the next several years. Nice one, Henschke!
12.5% A/V. Stelvin closure.
Another great example of 2002 Clare Riesling.
Medium straw/green. An enticing, youthful bouquet of citrus pith, lime, a little toast and emerging notes of petrol. The palate just sings with crunchy green apple and limey fruit, a touch of residual sugar nicely counterbalanced by lively acidity. Finishes crisp, clean and long. Excellent+. Drink now to 2012.
Zema Estate Family Selection Cabernwt Sauvignon 1991
If this wasn't corked, I reckon from what is still intact this may be an excellent wine. NR.
St. Huberts Cabernet Sauvignon Barrel Select 1991
12.5% A/V. Cork closure. Superb level and virtually no seepage up the cork.
A brilliant offering, equivalent to a top Second Growth from a very good year. A beautiful crimson/garnet colour holding right to the edge. Wonderfully pure, savoury nose of superripe currants, blackberries, a subtle leafiness, cedary oak and a hint of licorice and spice box. Top shelf. The palate delivers an identical level of excellence - silky mouthfeel, perfect weight and a fantastic equilibrium difficult to emulate. Copious quantities of succulent fruit (aka the bouquet) mesh, seamlessly, with terrific fresh, bright acids and a gorgeous, melting fine tannin regime to produce a complete package. Finishes with such aplomb, I had to pinch myself and check that this was, in fact, from the Yarra Valley! Outstanding verging on Exceptional. What a wine! Although at the zenith, I can't see similarly kept bottles falling over in a hurry. Wow!
St Hallett's Eden Valley Riesling 2002
An Excellent/Outstanding refreshing, youthful example with a pronounced, classy, steely mineral core, bulk lime and great line. Terrific long aftertaste. Still a pup. Drink or hold for another decade.
Seppelt Dorrien Cabernet Sauvignon 1992
Excellent result from a cooler year. Typical cedary/earthy/curranty/choco-berry Dorrien. This bottle was far fresher/cleaner/better than the last one opened. My faith is restored.
Fritz Haag Mosel-Saar-Ruwer Brauneberger Juffer-Sonnenuhr Riesling Spatlese 1998er
A quintessential example of German Riesling. Pristine bright straw/green in colour, the brilliant nose exudes aromas of ripe white peach, nectarine, lemon sorbet, lime, pear, slate and minerals. Later, perplexing hints of smoke, toast and petrol make their mark. Rich and mouthfilling but fresh, lively and barely out of nappies, this wine paired beautifully with marinated, char grilled fillet pork sticks. The sweet and sour complexity of the wine was the perfect foil to this relatively simple dish served with a little rice and finely chopped shallot. Flavours marry identically in nuance to those found in the nose. Seemingly more "Auslese" than "Spatlese" in fruit sweetness and intensity, we marvelled at the indelible, slatey acidity that provided focus on a long, clean, refreshing finish of great authority. Easily rated as Outstanding with a long drinking window ahead of now - 2018+. Marvellous stuff!
Seppelt's Great Western Shiraz (labelled as Hermitage) 1985
Harbouring a bright red/medium ruby core with only minimal bricking. Exaggerated dimethyl nose (a distracting asparagus character that marred the bouquet that, thankfully, dissipated with time) at first followed by intense aromas of black plums, mulberry, blackberry, roasted capsicum, tinned sweet corn, savoury/chocolate/mocha oak and a touch of white pepper. In the mouth, succulent sweet, spicy red and black fruits (as noted above) may be just starting to tire just a frac, although ripe acidity still pokes through, and with integrated fine-grained, fluffy tannins, present a well structured, fully mature wine of some class. Creamy/mocha oak, seamlessly meshed throughout, plays an important, supportive role in the wine's flavour profile. Surprisingly, there's less of the overt dimethyl here than found in the bouquet (a good thing!). Still an Excellent example but, if representative, must be drunk soon.
Henschke's Lenswood Vineyard "Abbott's Prayer" 1994
Made with Merlot (70%), Cabernet (28%) and Cabernet Franc (2%) from the southern Mount Lofty Ranges rising above the Barossa. Situated around 550 metres above sea level, this elevated site provides long, cool ripening seasons, ideal for such a wine style. 18 months maturation in new Vosges and Nevers hogsheads adds necessary subtlety required for such a smooth, soft and silky offering. Deeper core than the '85 Seppelt although showing more brown/bricking throughout the edges. The nose opened with a vegetative/horsey note that was worrisome. Luckily, with time in the glass, this blew off and was replaced by something a lot better! Almost reminiscent of a top right bank Pomerol (Le Conseillante springs to mind!), aromas of satsuma plum, cedar, truffles, spice, coffee, earth and Autumn leaves greet the taster. Of medium-body and low/medium acidity, the palate continues the beat of the drum with the flavour/textural properties mentioned earlier, beautifully meshed to integrated, ripe, melt-in-the-mouth, drop-dead-gorgeous tannins. Understandably, finishes long and quite plummy with a rounded softness and elegance in keeping with my "Pomerol" reference above. Verging on Outstanding, my only concern being there may be a trace of brett here and bottles stored in warmer climes may suffer because of it. Otherwise, terrific and to be enjoyed over the next several years. Nice one, Henschke!
Cheers,
David
David
Re: Sunday drinking reports due
TORB wrote:Hi Good Peoples,
Its that timeof the week again. Weekly drinking reports are due.
I will fill mine details in later.... when I get over last nights big dinner.
Here's a refresher, notes whenever you are ready please.
All the gruesome pictures here....
http://www.tagworld.com/RedBigot
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! :-)
-
JamieBahrain
- Posts: 3754
- Joined: Sat Aug 16, 2003 7:40 am
- Location: Fragrant Harbour.
Pikes 2001 C/S- Restrained, medium Clare cabernet. Drinking OK now and for a few more years.
Pikes 2001 shiraz- Ripe, plush shiraz, with lovely background complexity from the oak.
Leconfield C/S 01- Well structured. There is a streak of euculypt & menthol, which gives the fruit an upsetting slant for some- cassis lolly nuances etc.
Guigal Cote Rotie 01- Better to be had from the Northern Rhone slopes. Locally, spend your dosh on Clonakilla.
Pikes 2001 shiraz- Ripe, plush shiraz, with lovely background complexity from the oak.
Leconfield C/S 01- Well structured. There is a streak of euculypt & menthol, which gives the fruit an upsetting slant for some- cassis lolly nuances etc.
Guigal Cote Rotie 01- Better to be had from the Northern Rhone slopes. Locally, spend your dosh on Clonakilla.
Had a great vinous week. Spent an hour each at the Tahbilk and Mitchelton cellar doors. I can report that the 1998 Tahbilk 1927 Vines Marsanne is worth every cent of its $30 plus price but the Tahbilk 2000 Big 3 reds are not. Mitchelton on the other hand was very impressive and nearly made me miss my flight home. The whites, except for the Chardonnay, were all very exciting, including the 1998 Riesling and 1998 Marsanne, while the 2001 "Crescent" GSM and 2002 Print Shiraz were simply mind-blowing.
Opened a few wines from the tasting bench during the week including a 2003 Wendouree Shiraz that was absolutely awe-inspiring, a 2005 Mesh that was excellent and a 2002 Leasigham CC Shiraz that lived up to expectations without going over.
Also had tastings of a number of big reputation wines. Of these, the 2001 LEAS Cabernet Sauvignon stood out like in its glory - truly amazing wine in the world context that could take on many top flight Bordeaux, with age-worthiness to boot. The 2003 Wynns John Riddoch gave little excitement while the 2003 Wynns Michael was totally disappointing - not raw and gangly as I would expect but simply lacking depth. 2001 Lakes Folly Chardonnay was dull. 2005 Yering Station Reserve Rose lacked its hype but I liked the dry style. Found the 2000 Yering Station Reserve CS was too green and the 2003 Yering Station Reserve Pinot Noir simply another PN that I would happy to buy at $20 but not for $50+. Enjoyed the Penfolds Reserve Pinot Noir but there is better around at $40... but not many. Glad I did not purchase any 1999 St.Peters - pruney! Also has the 2001 Leasingham CC CS which will have fans as would the 1998 Seppelt Dorrien but not for me. The 1987 John Riddoch was pleasurable but not for $90 - a tiny bit green and hard. 2003 LEAS Shiraz again did not live up to its price or label – never had one that I enjoyed, and I still didn't find anything incredible in the LEAS SB – forgot the vintage but whatever is current - but maybe needs some years of age - nonetheless it is exceptionally balanced. The 2003 LEAS Chardonnay was simply superb and the best I have ever tasted (1999 to 2002) with more mineral acid than I remember in any previous release – destined for total greatness. Finished with the 1996 Leasingham CC Sparkling Shiraz, which I am glad I did given its sweetness – needs more time but will have fans.
Sorry that there is not much detail in my notes but I need to clean up the house.
All you red bigots, get some of the 2001 LEAS Cabernet Sauvignon ($45), 2002 Mitchelton Print Shiraz ($42) and 2001 Mitchelton "Crescent" GSM ($26) for your cellar… leave the Tahbilk 1998 1927 Vines Marsanne to me – only 250 cases made!
Kind regards,
Adair
P.S. Oh, and that 2003 LEAS Chardonnay... but I need to save up for that so don't buy too many!
Opened a few wines from the tasting bench during the week including a 2003 Wendouree Shiraz that was absolutely awe-inspiring, a 2005 Mesh that was excellent and a 2002 Leasigham CC Shiraz that lived up to expectations without going over.
Also had tastings of a number of big reputation wines. Of these, the 2001 LEAS Cabernet Sauvignon stood out like in its glory - truly amazing wine in the world context that could take on many top flight Bordeaux, with age-worthiness to boot. The 2003 Wynns John Riddoch gave little excitement while the 2003 Wynns Michael was totally disappointing - not raw and gangly as I would expect but simply lacking depth. 2001 Lakes Folly Chardonnay was dull. 2005 Yering Station Reserve Rose lacked its hype but I liked the dry style. Found the 2000 Yering Station Reserve CS was too green and the 2003 Yering Station Reserve Pinot Noir simply another PN that I would happy to buy at $20 but not for $50+. Enjoyed the Penfolds Reserve Pinot Noir but there is better around at $40... but not many. Glad I did not purchase any 1999 St.Peters - pruney! Also has the 2001 Leasingham CC CS which will have fans as would the 1998 Seppelt Dorrien but not for me. The 1987 John Riddoch was pleasurable but not for $90 - a tiny bit green and hard. 2003 LEAS Shiraz again did not live up to its price or label – never had one that I enjoyed, and I still didn't find anything incredible in the LEAS SB – forgot the vintage but whatever is current - but maybe needs some years of age - nonetheless it is exceptionally balanced. The 2003 LEAS Chardonnay was simply superb and the best I have ever tasted (1999 to 2002) with more mineral acid than I remember in any previous release – destined for total greatness. Finished with the 1996 Leasingham CC Sparkling Shiraz, which I am glad I did given its sweetness – needs more time but will have fans.
Sorry that there is not much detail in my notes but I need to clean up the house.
All you red bigots, get some of the 2001 LEAS Cabernet Sauvignon ($45), 2002 Mitchelton Print Shiraz ($42) and 2001 Mitchelton "Crescent" GSM ($26) for your cellar… leave the Tahbilk 1998 1927 Vines Marsanne to me – only 250 cases made!
Kind regards,
Adair
P.S. Oh, and that 2003 LEAS Chardonnay... but I need to save up for that so don't buy too many!
Wine is bottled poetry.
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Andrew Jordan
- Posts: 780
- Joined: Wed May 05, 2004 11:53 am
- Location: Sydney
2002 Seppelt Shiraz Original Sparkling - The best value Sparkling Shiraz on the market IMO. First time I have had it under crown seal. I like it! Bravo Seppelt!
1996 Peter Lehmann Shiraz Black Queen - Not as much upfront fruit as the last bottle we had of this. A tad disappointing actually, very one dimensional, and finished with a non-refreshing acidic finish. Bad bottle?
2003 Schubert Shiraz Goose-yard Block
Had a bottle of this during the week over dinner with a mate in Brisbane. Excellent example of Barrosa shiraz. Didn't take any formal tasting notes on this bottle, but the experience was the same as this tasting note I did a few months back.
Looking forward to trying the 2004 which arrived on my doorstep on Friday!
2004 Glaetzer Godolphin
The 2nd wine we had at dinner during the week. This is the 3rd time I have tried this wine and this bottle may have been the best yet. The first bottle was damn fine, the 2nd very ordinary (I think it had been heat affected), but this one stood tall. Similiar notes to the first bottle we consumed before the holidays. Again decanted for 4 hours prior to consumption, the wine had a deep, dark purple colouring with aromas of blackfruits, berrys, plums, dark chocolate and oak filling the nose. The palate was BIG and rich, very in your face but at the same time very well structured and having great balance. Lots of rich, concentrated, deeply flavoured fruit cover the tongue, well offset with a salvo of soft, vanillia oak. Hard to believe this wine is only 1 year old as it is so smooth and slurpable. Has a very long, flavoursome finish with just a hint of a heat but doesn't at all detract from the wine. I will stand with my original statement with the first bottle of this we had ... "this is the best Shiraz/ Cabernet blend I have had and is definitely an experience"!
2004 Red Nectar Wines Cabernet Sauvignon - this is still young but gaining a bit of weight with some bottle age. Still has room for improved. Great value for money. Troy's only commercially released Cabernet to my knowledge. Looking forward to the 2005 release.
1996 Peter Lehmann Shiraz Black Queen - Not as much upfront fruit as the last bottle we had of this. A tad disappointing actually, very one dimensional, and finished with a non-refreshing acidic finish. Bad bottle?
2003 Schubert Shiraz Goose-yard Block
Had a bottle of this during the week over dinner with a mate in Brisbane. Excellent example of Barrosa shiraz. Didn't take any formal tasting notes on this bottle, but the experience was the same as this tasting note I did a few months back.
Decanted for 4 hours prior to consumption. Deep purple in colour, the wine displayed strong aromas of chocolate, plum, blackberry and coffee. This is a beauty and is a classic Barossa shiraz. Great mouth feel and balance and could easily drink this all night, not like some of the other ball-tearers coming out of the Barossa these days where 1-2 glasses is just about all my palate can handle. But donÂ’t be caught thinking that this is not a big wine, because it is. Very concentrated upfront fruit, with lashings of rich black fruits and dark chocolate. However, very smooth and elegant at the same time. Soft, silky tannins and a wonderfully long finish. This wine will definitely improve with some age on it, but boy is it drinking very nicely right now. Will be hard to keep my hands off in the short term! Another winner from the so-so 2003 Barossa vintage and worth every Parker point. In fact take any criticÂ’s score and add 2, itÂ’s that good!!
Looking forward to trying the 2004 which arrived on my doorstep on Friday!
2004 Glaetzer Godolphin
The 2nd wine we had at dinner during the week. This is the 3rd time I have tried this wine and this bottle may have been the best yet. The first bottle was damn fine, the 2nd very ordinary (I think it had been heat affected), but this one stood tall. Similiar notes to the first bottle we consumed before the holidays. Again decanted for 4 hours prior to consumption, the wine had a deep, dark purple colouring with aromas of blackfruits, berrys, plums, dark chocolate and oak filling the nose. The palate was BIG and rich, very in your face but at the same time very well structured and having great balance. Lots of rich, concentrated, deeply flavoured fruit cover the tongue, well offset with a salvo of soft, vanillia oak. Hard to believe this wine is only 1 year old as it is so smooth and slurpable. Has a very long, flavoursome finish with just a hint of a heat but doesn't at all detract from the wine. I will stand with my original statement with the first bottle of this we had ... "this is the best Shiraz/ Cabernet blend I have had and is definitely an experience"!
2004 Red Nectar Wines Cabernet Sauvignon - this is still young but gaining a bit of weight with some bottle age. Still has room for improved. Great value for money. Troy's only commercially released Cabernet to my knowledge. Looking forward to the 2005 release.
Cheers
AJ
Cabernet is ... and will always be ... KING!
AJ
Cabernet is ... and will always be ... KING!
John Duval Wines 2004 Entity Shiraz and Plexus GSM: TN here http://forum.auswine.com.au/viewtopic.php?t=4720&sid=aaaea470edeba3627186e1402569aeab
Grosset 2005 Watervale Riesling: Very nice, what you would expect from this label from this vintage.
Grosset 2005 Watervale Riesling: Very nice, what you would expect from this label from this vintage.
Premierships and great wine... that is what life is all about
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JamieBahrain
- Posts: 3754
- Joined: Sat Aug 16, 2003 7:40 am
- Location: Fragrant Harbour.
Adair wrote:Opened a few wines from the tasting bench during the week including a 2003 Wendouree Shiraz that was absolutely awe-inspiring
Any more snippets of information appreciated. Approachability, change in style, other impressions etc. Don't see too many of the straight shiraz opened these days.
Agree with you Adair on LEAS 2001 Cab Sauv. It was one of the standout wines at a tasting of some really good wines, I remember the stall was next to Moss Wood. The finish and excellent length really impressed me. And for $40 too...
So I had
Jacob's Creek Reserve Shiraz 1999:
Very nice wine starting to develop some aged character. Still retains a fair bit of plum and spice. Everything is nicely integrated, will probably hold a few more years if you want to more secondary flavours. That line is really excellent VFM.
Rosemount Estate Tradition 2002:
Forward, displaying lots of loose fruit flavours. Wierd. When I tried it last it the fruit was a lot more tightly wound, and the cabernet a lot more focussed. Now it just seems one-dimensional, and hardly worth the price I
paid for it.
VC Pinot Noir 2002:
Made by Yering Station. Some nice stinkiness blowing away to reveal sour cherry fruit. Slightly complex but it felt a bit thin in the mouth and the acid was poking out. Average length, wasn't too bad with the food (Peach Chicken)
So I had
Jacob's Creek Reserve Shiraz 1999:
Very nice wine starting to develop some aged character. Still retains a fair bit of plum and spice. Everything is nicely integrated, will probably hold a few more years if you want to more secondary flavours. That line is really excellent VFM.
Rosemount Estate Tradition 2002:
Forward, displaying lots of loose fruit flavours. Wierd. When I tried it last it the fruit was a lot more tightly wound, and the cabernet a lot more focussed. Now it just seems one-dimensional, and hardly worth the price I
paid for it.
VC Pinot Noir 2002:
Made by Yering Station. Some nice stinkiness blowing away to reveal sour cherry fruit. Slightly complex but it felt a bit thin in the mouth and the acid was poking out. Average length, wasn't too bad with the food (Peach Chicken)
Adair wrote:All you red bigots, get some of the 2001 LEAS Cabernet Sauvignon ($45), 2002 Mitchelton Print Shiraz ($42) and 2001 Mitchelton "Crescent" GSM ($26) for your cellar… leave the Tahbilk 1998 1927 Vines Marsanne to me – only 250 cases made!
P.S. Oh, and that 2003 LEAS Chardonnay... but I need to save up for that so don't buy too many!
Thanks Adair, you can have all those white to yourself, no competition here.
There must be something about the LEAS Cabernet, I seldom like it enough to buy and the 2001 didn't quite make the Buy rating either. I did buy Cape-Mentelle, Voyager, Moss Wood, Cullen, Devils Lair, Higher Plane, Howard park and Woody Nook MR Cabernets or blends from 2001.
And of course the 2002 Mitchelton Print is already in my cellar, haven't tried the Crescent GSM.
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! :-)
As well as the following wines I tried the Leeuwin Estate Range at an instore. I agree with you on the 2003 Art Series Chardonnay Adair - it was absolutely superb, a major jump on the 2002 we tried blind at Blacktongues last month. I wasn't as taken by the 2001 Art Series Cabernet Sauvignon though - loved the nose, but the palate was a mere shadow in comparison, and seemed to have some ungainly alcohol heat (surprisingly at 14%).
2005 Foggo Wines McLaren Vale Unwooded Chardonnay (Screwcap): Light straw/green. Bright and clean nose, slightly grassy with zesty lemon/citrus fruit; likewise the palate is spicy and zingy, with fresh lemon/juicy fruit, and crisp acidity on the finish. Perfect with Pesto.
2001 Lindemans Bin 50 Shiraz (Magnum): Mid to dark red colour with a bare hint of violet on the outer edge of the rim. A surprisingly perfumed and complex nose just like four years ago, with strong raspberry fruit laced with pepper and chocolate, and bright cherry and licorice with breathing. The light to mid-weight palate is just as approachable and fresh, the bright raspberry fruit again with a distinctive lick of milk chocolate and a tinge of green, finishing with fine, slightly grainy tannins and a hint of strawberry/cordial on the aftertaste. A very pleasant surprise.
1998 d'Arenberg d'Arrys Original Grenache Shiraz (UK import): Mid to dark red/brick. The wine still retains that initial sweetness it had on release, but has become more savoury with bottle age, varying between boiled lollies and ground beef, tangy raspberries, vanilla and sweet smoke, and eventually some licorice, sweet leather and spices. The palate is light to mid-weight and ideally suited to food; sweet/jammy raspberries and some licorice with breathing, with very fine olive tannins providing very good length, finishing with a hint of minty alcohol (14%). This is a great food wine in mid-development.
1998 Penfolds Bin 389 Cabernet Shiraz: Dark to very inky crimson. This was decanted through a breatheasy so it was singing from the first glass, an incredibly complex, beautiful and exotic nose of earthy/mushrooms, sweet florals/violets, some pepper and dark chocolate/truffle. While the bouquet flirted with perfection, the palate is still in the process of meshing although it’s still incredibly complex, with ripe, earthy red berries and pepper, ground spices and star anise, and some (almost Clare-like) soy sauce and chocolate/licorice characters. The fine, chalky gum-draining tannins throughout the superb length of the palate suggests this still has a long, long way to go, although there’s a hint of minty alcohol heat on the finish (14%) that may eventually threaten the final balance. Perfect with steak and black bean sauce.
Cheers,
Ian
2005 Foggo Wines McLaren Vale Unwooded Chardonnay (Screwcap): Light straw/green. Bright and clean nose, slightly grassy with zesty lemon/citrus fruit; likewise the palate is spicy and zingy, with fresh lemon/juicy fruit, and crisp acidity on the finish. Perfect with Pesto.
2001 Lindemans Bin 50 Shiraz (Magnum): Mid to dark red colour with a bare hint of violet on the outer edge of the rim. A surprisingly perfumed and complex nose just like four years ago, with strong raspberry fruit laced with pepper and chocolate, and bright cherry and licorice with breathing. The light to mid-weight palate is just as approachable and fresh, the bright raspberry fruit again with a distinctive lick of milk chocolate and a tinge of green, finishing with fine, slightly grainy tannins and a hint of strawberry/cordial on the aftertaste. A very pleasant surprise.
1998 d'Arenberg d'Arrys Original Grenache Shiraz (UK import): Mid to dark red/brick. The wine still retains that initial sweetness it had on release, but has become more savoury with bottle age, varying between boiled lollies and ground beef, tangy raspberries, vanilla and sweet smoke, and eventually some licorice, sweet leather and spices. The palate is light to mid-weight and ideally suited to food; sweet/jammy raspberries and some licorice with breathing, with very fine olive tannins providing very good length, finishing with a hint of minty alcohol (14%). This is a great food wine in mid-development.
1998 Penfolds Bin 389 Cabernet Shiraz: Dark to very inky crimson. This was decanted through a breatheasy so it was singing from the first glass, an incredibly complex, beautiful and exotic nose of earthy/mushrooms, sweet florals/violets, some pepper and dark chocolate/truffle. While the bouquet flirted with perfection, the palate is still in the process of meshing although it’s still incredibly complex, with ripe, earthy red berries and pepper, ground spices and star anise, and some (almost Clare-like) soy sauce and chocolate/licorice characters. The fine, chalky gum-draining tannins throughout the superb length of the palate suggests this still has a long, long way to go, although there’s a hint of minty alcohol heat on the finish (14%) that may eventually threaten the final balance. Perfect with steak and black bean sauce.
Cheers,
Ian
Forget about goodness and mercy, they're gone.
JamieBahrain wrote:Any more snippets of information appreciated. Approachability, change in style, other impressions etc. Don't see too many of the straight shiraz opened these days.Adair wrote:Opened a few wines from the tasting bench during the week including a 2003 Wendouree Shiraz that was absolutely awe-inspiring
Hello Jamie,
Unfortunately I have only been on the Wendouree mailing list since the release of the 2001 vintage reds and the only other Wendouree I have tried was the 1990 Shiraz (Didn't bother looking at the colour. Sometimes the colour of Wendourees don't mean much anyway. Brown sugar and liquorice with a gamut of deep dark fruit. Very deep and well layered with no glycerin feel or flabbiness. A light sweet mint, menthol pleasantly runs through the wine. The wine opens on the back plate with massive amounts of very fine tannin. Simply wonderful. 19/20, 96/100 at least, with many years, decades, to burn. Would hold its head on any table, in this case it was at a restaurant's in Blackheath.).
I did not open any of the 2002s but can report that the 2003 Shiraz, S/Malbec and S/Mataro display much for fruit and depth with tannins more fine and powdery than the 2001s, yet still in massive abundance as with the 2001s. The 2003 Wendouree Shiraz I had last night had the structure of a top right bank Merlot - long, awesomely powdery and fine tannins in abundance. With its lovely ripe plum filling the middle palate I found it hard to stop drinking the wine in order to allow it to open more. There were also very noticeable Petit Verdot "purple" aromatics. I would not have picked it as Shiraz. However there was some dark red berry sweetness. No glycerin mouthfeel at all. No noticeable alcoholic heat - 13.5%. What wonderful vines! The 1/3 new, 1/3 one year old and 1/3 two year old French oak again allow the terroir of this place to shine. For whatever it is worth, I rate this wine 96/100. Interestingly, I found the 2003 Shiraz Malbec and 2003 Shiraz Mataro to be bigger wines, but the depth, complexity and structure of this Shiraz make it a greater and indeed more profound wine.
With regard to getting a better idea of how Wendouree Reds may have changed of time, you might be interested in reading Lincoln's notes of a 2003 Wendouree Shiraz Mataro that I took to his place a few months ago: http://www.winorama.com.au/?p=115
I also note that JO wrote this about Wendouree on WineStar: ...perhaps more flesh and fruit sweetness than in previous years, and the tannins are perhaps a grade or two finer than those I used to taste. I'm very, very impressed.
Kind regards,
Adair
Wine is bottled poetry.
The 2003 LEAS Chardonnay was simply superb and the best I have ever tasted (1999 to 2002) with more mineral acid than I remember in any previous release – destined for total greatness
Start a website Adair, everyone else has
www.thenightIdrankwhiteandsawthelight.com.au
But seriously, looks to be a good wine, ive always been impressed with LEAS and a few other top aussie chards too. In NZ most so called 'educated' wine drinkers seem to bag aussie whites nearly as much as so called 'educted' aussie wine drinkers bag kiwi reds.
Moet NV: sweet commercial French crowd pleaser. OK I guess.
Jacques Selosse Contraste: Disg 2/05 100% pinot (I think). The most flavoursome Champagne I have ever tried; the pinot strawberry/coppery influence dominates. A food style wine not to be served too cold...it masks the dominant flavour profile. I would like to see this again in 5 and 10 years. Pity it is so rare. Very good, but I would struggle to pay the $$$ this commands.
cheers,
David M.
Jacques Selosse Contraste: Disg 2/05 100% pinot (I think). The most flavoursome Champagne I have ever tried; the pinot strawberry/coppery influence dominates. A food style wine not to be served too cold...it masks the dominant flavour profile. I would like to see this again in 5 and 10 years. Pity it is so rare. Very good, but I would struggle to pay the $$$ this commands.
cheers,
David M.
Fluffy,
I have had 2 bottles of the 2003 LEAS Chard now. The 2002 is superior for my tastes by a good length.
Had a glass of the 2001 LEAS Art Cabernet last Friday. I liked it but you have to like a good dose of capsicum on the nose...some heat there too. Will buy a bottle for further considered analysis (if only the higher purpose of calling you an idiot).
GW
I have had 2 bottles of the 2003 LEAS Chard now. The 2002 is superior for my tastes by a good length.
Had a glass of the 2001 LEAS Art Cabernet last Friday. I liked it but you have to like a good dose of capsicum on the nose...some heat there too. Will buy a bottle for further considered analysis (if only the higher purpose of calling you an idiot).
GW
Gary W wrote:Fluffy,
I have had 2 bottles of the 2003 LEAS Chard now. The 2002 is superior for my tastes by a good length.
Had a glass of the 2001 LEAS Art Cabernet last Friday. I liked it but you have to like a good dose of capsicum on the nose...some heat there too. Will buy a bottle for further considered analysis (if only the higher purpose of calling you an idiot).
GW
1) You know that I am an idiot so please don't waste your money.
2) I will buy a bottle of the 2001 LEASCS today and open tonight or tomorrow to no doubt confirm my opinion.
3) You are a fruit slut... but you know that as well!
4) That 2003 Wendouree Shiraz was a great Merlot... and with no mint.
Adair
Wine is bottled poetry.
Kalleske Clarry's 2005- very good
Red Nectar Cabernet 2004- good to very good
Hollick Cabernet 2003- very good to excellent
Wild Duck Creek Springflat Shiraz 2004- very good
Pepperjack Viognier 2005- below average
Pizzini Verduzzo 2005 - very good
Geoff Merrill Reserve Shiraz 2004- excellent
Geoff Merrill Reserve Cabernet 2002- excellent
Salomon Kogl Reserve Riesling 2003- good to very good
Cheers
Red Nectar Cabernet 2004- good to very good
Hollick Cabernet 2003- very good to excellent
Wild Duck Creek Springflat Shiraz 2004- very good
Pepperjack Viognier 2005- below average
Pizzini Verduzzo 2005 - very good
Geoff Merrill Reserve Shiraz 2004- excellent
Geoff Merrill Reserve Cabernet 2002- excellent
Salomon Kogl Reserve Riesling 2003- good to very good
Cheers
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Andrew Jordan
- Posts: 780
- Joined: Wed May 05, 2004 11:53 am
- Location: Sydney
Grant wrote:Kalleske Clarry's 2005- very good
Red Nectar Cabernet 2004- good to very good
Grant,
I am assuming the 2005 Clarry's you tasted was the red? Not sure if you had the 2004, but if you have, how do the two compare?
Also any word when the 2005 Red Nectar's will be released?
Thanks in advance.
Cheers
AJ
Cabernet is ... and will always be ... KING!
AJ
Cabernet is ... and will always be ... KING!
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Gavin Trott
- Posts: 1861
- Joined: Mon Jul 28, 2003 5:01 pm
- Location: Adelaide
- Contact:
2005 Torbreck Saignee Barossa Valley ( $22 ) : I was really looking forward to this old vine Mataro rose. Very muted nose and slight chlorine on palate. Yes this was sealed with cork. Would be nice drink if you get a good bottle. 14.5 % alc. Must admit I am drinking the 2/3 of this lightly corked wine left from last night whilst Pelicanette is at the Gym !
2002 Jenke Grenache Shiraz Barossa Valley ( $19 ) : Stelvin. Grenachey in a sweetish but soulful Barossa way. Good with Roast Chook.
2002 Dutschke St Jakobi Shiraz Barossa Valley ( $31 ) : Stelvin. Good smooth earthy soft fine tannined healthy Barossa stuff. If you can't like this Barossa beauty you have an overly effeminate palate.
2002 Jenke Grenache Shiraz Barossa Valley ( $19 ) : Stelvin. Grenachey in a sweetish but soulful Barossa way. Good with Roast Chook.
2002 Dutschke St Jakobi Shiraz Barossa Valley ( $31 ) : Stelvin. Good smooth earthy soft fine tannined healthy Barossa stuff. If you can't like this Barossa beauty you have an overly effeminate palate.
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JamieBahrain
- Posts: 3754
- Joined: Sat Aug 16, 2003 7:40 am
- Location: Fragrant Harbour.
Pelican wrote:[2002 Dutschke St Jakobi Shiraz Barossa Valley ( $31 ) : Stelvin. Good smooth earthy soft fine tannined healthy Barossa stuff. If you can't like this Barossa beauty you have an overly effeminate palate.
I had the 00 St Jakobi last night. I was surprised how drinkable and balanced the wine was, without a trace of it's 15%. Great stuff.
I have a 6 pack of the 02 in the cellar. Think it will improve or just a hedonistic treat for a cold winter's night?
quote JamieBahrain
I had the 00 St Jakobi last night. I was surprised how drinkable and balanced the wine was, without a trace of it's 15%. Great stuff.
I have a 6 pack of the 02 in the cellar. Think it will improve or just a hedonistic treat for a cold winter's night?
I just had the single bottle of the 2002 St Jakobi so decided to drink and enjoy now. IMHO probably will not improve as far as worthwhile secondary/tertiary characters go. Certainly will keep for 5 years plus easy. I am currently quite sceptical about the long term ageability of most Barossa Reds made in the last 10 years or so. I still enjoy these wines but reckon they are ready to go at between 3 to 5 years old. If only they could make 'em at 12.9% alc' like the lovely '83 Grange....
I had the 00 St Jakobi last night. I was surprised how drinkable and balanced the wine was, without a trace of it's 15%. Great stuff.
I have a 6 pack of the 02 in the cellar. Think it will improve or just a hedonistic treat for a cold winter's night?
I just had the single bottle of the 2002 St Jakobi so decided to drink and enjoy now. IMHO probably will not improve as far as worthwhile secondary/tertiary characters go. Certainly will keep for 5 years plus easy. I am currently quite sceptical about the long term ageability of most Barossa Reds made in the last 10 years or so. I still enjoy these wines but reckon they are ready to go at between 3 to 5 years old. If only they could make 'em at 12.9% alc' like the lovely '83 Grange....
Andrew Jordan wrote:Grant wrote:Kalleske Clarry's 2005- very good
Red Nectar Cabernet 2004- good to very good
Grant,
I am assuming the 2005 Clarry's you tasted was the red? Not sure if you had the 2004, but if you have, how do the two compare?
Also any word when the 2005 Red Nectar's will be released?
Thanks in advance.
Actually, it was the 2005 Red Nectar; uber- juicy and packed with fruit, quite delicious drinking over the short term, I think, and I also think you want to enjoy it young.
The Clarry's appears to be cracking value at $20- this bottle was a bit closed and also a touch pongy( only in bottle a short while), but the palate was quite classy, grenache dominant, nice balance of sweet and savoury.
I'll try the Shiraz tomorrow, but so far 05 looks superior to the 04's.
Cheers
2002 Seppelt Shiraz Original Sparkling - As always, very enjoyable
2002 Chandon chard/pinot spkl white (can't remember actual name) - very nice. lovely complex tasting bubbles. very suprised how good it was.
2001 Orlando Steingarten Riesling- gee this is good. Excellent
2003 St Hallet EV Riesling- very noice
1998 Henschke Mount Edelstone - A bit cloudy looking, didn't smell like a shiraz, more like a vegetal cabernet. tasted weird. Didn't like it much
2002 Veritas Heinrich- smooth soft fruit. beautiful!
2002 Yering station shiraz/viognier- very good
1997 Seppelt VP- excellent
2002 Chandon chard/pinot spkl white (can't remember actual name) - very nice. lovely complex tasting bubbles. very suprised how good it was.
2001 Orlando Steingarten Riesling- gee this is good. Excellent
2003 St Hallet EV Riesling- very noice
1998 Henschke Mount Edelstone - A bit cloudy looking, didn't smell like a shiraz, more like a vegetal cabernet. tasted weird. Didn't like it much
2002 Veritas Heinrich- smooth soft fruit. beautiful!
2002 Yering station shiraz/viognier- very good
1997 Seppelt VP- excellent
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Mike Hawkins
- Posts: 2760
- Joined: Fri Aug 29, 2003 9:39 am
Krug MV (new label) - really yeasty and without the intensity and length that I am used to from this label. A tad disappointing.
2003 Brainaire Ducru - lots of olives and violets. On the palate a real diochotemy - rustic meets new world. I really enjoyed it and wont be revisiting this label for another 8 years +.
Mike
2003 Brainaire Ducru - lots of olives and violets. On the palate a real diochotemy - rustic meets new world. I really enjoyed it and wont be revisiting this label for another 8 years +.
Mike
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JamieBahrain
- Posts: 3754
- Joined: Sat Aug 16, 2003 7:40 am
- Location: Fragrant Harbour.
parb wrote:[
1998 Henschke Mount Edelstone - A bit cloudy looking, didn't smell like a shiraz, more like a vegetal cabernet. tasted weird. Didn't like it much
There can be serious brett levels in this wine. From pristine cellars, serving the wine a little cold can help. Warm cellars can produce nothing short of undrinkable shiraz.
Shame really. Should have listned to JO