Hi Good Peoples,
Its that time of the week again. Weekly drinking reports are due.
As per our fearless leaders request, if you have drunk any Greenache or GSM/SGM/MSG blends, please put start a new thread for all those notes. The others can be placed here.
I opened a bottle of Lindemans 96 St George last night; bloody terrific wine. Its really turning into something special; the aged characters are just starting to show and the wine has many years to go.
Now what have you been drinking?
An unusual Sunday drinking reports due
Just the odd bottle of dribs and drabs from a cellar "clean out" -
Pipers Brook Riesling 2000 - have not tried one of these for a few years now. Strikingly beautiful label on an Alsace-style bottle followed by a good example of a TCA-infected wine.
From what I could salvage under the taint, there was more than a suggestion of the peach and distinct minerality I often find in Alsatian Rieslings. NR
Rosemount Estate Mountain Blue Shiraz Cabernet 1996 - Still holding a solid colour, this bottle disappointed compared to the many I've tried over the last decade. Whether the initial slightly reticent nose and disjointed palate is representative of the wine's (not so good) evolution, I'm not certain until I try another bottle. With extended breathing, I got more nuance/intensity (tarry blackberry, briar, licorice, fennel, savoury/coconut oak) but the failure of the fruit weight on the palate to cope with invasive mouth-puckering/bitter/harsh tannins turned me off. Judgement partially deferred. Acceptable at best.
Will report back on the outcome of any revisitation.
Trimbach Pinot Gris Selection de Grains Noble 1989 - another disappointment. I've been suspicious of this bottle since purchasing it at auction by the evident darker (than normal) hue. Cork and fill level was fine. Having suffered major label damage in a recent cellar mishap
, I decided to crack it. Deep, burnished dark gold colour, luscious honeyed nose of exotic tropical fruit, lychee and overripe melons. The palate is very sweet, dessert-styled with enormous extract (aka nose), almost cloying with the cleansing acidity of previous (better cellared) examples no where to be found. Very Good at best. 
On a more positive note, a label-damaged Tyrrell's Vat 1 Semillon 1995 still harbours tight, youthful lime/hay/lanolin/grassy fruit with only minimal honey, toast or nuttiness that will come with bottle age. Terrific acid cut and fantastic length. Needs time. Excellent now, should be Outstanding in time. And the Jean Jacques Confuron Nuits-St.-Georges Aux Boudots 1995 was simply gorgeous, resplendent with pinot sap, glossy cherry/plum fruit and wonderfully integrated, classy savoury oak and bright acid on a long, silky, exemplary palate. Outstanding stuff.
Pipers Brook Riesling 2000 - have not tried one of these for a few years now. Strikingly beautiful label on an Alsace-style bottle followed by a good example of a TCA-infected wine.
From what I could salvage under the taint, there was more than a suggestion of the peach and distinct minerality I often find in Alsatian Rieslings. NR
Rosemount Estate Mountain Blue Shiraz Cabernet 1996 - Still holding a solid colour, this bottle disappointed compared to the many I've tried over the last decade. Whether the initial slightly reticent nose and disjointed palate is representative of the wine's (not so good) evolution, I'm not certain until I try another bottle. With extended breathing, I got more nuance/intensity (tarry blackberry, briar, licorice, fennel, savoury/coconut oak) but the failure of the fruit weight on the palate to cope with invasive mouth-puckering/bitter/harsh tannins turned me off. Judgement partially deferred. Acceptable at best.
Will report back on the outcome of any revisitation.
Trimbach Pinot Gris Selection de Grains Noble 1989 - another disappointment. I've been suspicious of this bottle since purchasing it at auction by the evident darker (than normal) hue. Cork and fill level was fine. Having suffered major label damage in a recent cellar mishap
, I decided to crack it. Deep, burnished dark gold colour, luscious honeyed nose of exotic tropical fruit, lychee and overripe melons. The palate is very sweet, dessert-styled with enormous extract (aka nose), almost cloying with the cleansing acidity of previous (better cellared) examples no where to be found. Very Good at best.
On a more positive note, a label-damaged Tyrrell's Vat 1 Semillon 1995 still harbours tight, youthful lime/hay/lanolin/grassy fruit with only minimal honey, toast or nuttiness that will come with bottle age. Terrific acid cut and fantastic length. Needs time. Excellent now, should be Outstanding in time. And the Jean Jacques Confuron Nuits-St.-Georges Aux Boudots 1995 was simply gorgeous, resplendent with pinot sap, glossy cherry/plum fruit and wonderfully integrated, classy savoury oak and bright acid on a long, silky, exemplary palate. Outstanding stuff.
Cheers,
David
David
Two of interest last night....
2002 Sorrenberg Chardonnay
Have always been impressed with this label. Beautifully balanced, lovely mouthfeel, rich butterscoth, and some underlying oatmealy intrigue. Rivals some of its more esteemed Beechworth neighbours.
2004 Gralyn Cabernet Sauvignon (sample bottle)
A moment of impulsive madness and the cork was out before you could cry vinfanticide. Incredibly perfumed, violets and sweet scented blackberries. The nose is pure unadulterated fruit at this stage and really draws you in. Medium bodied in the mouth, hints of lush blackberry fruit which are quickly overcome by powdery tannins. No green characters, but did detect some fleshy red capsicum. Caramel oak is attractive - not charry and not overdone. Well balanced, even at this early stage and will look to track some down on release.
LL
2002 Sorrenberg Chardonnay
Have always been impressed with this label. Beautifully balanced, lovely mouthfeel, rich butterscoth, and some underlying oatmealy intrigue. Rivals some of its more esteemed Beechworth neighbours.
2004 Gralyn Cabernet Sauvignon (sample bottle)
A moment of impulsive madness and the cork was out before you could cry vinfanticide. Incredibly perfumed, violets and sweet scented blackberries. The nose is pure unadulterated fruit at this stage and really draws you in. Medium bodied in the mouth, hints of lush blackberry fruit which are quickly overcome by powdery tannins. No green characters, but did detect some fleshy red capsicum. Caramel oak is attractive - not charry and not overdone. Well balanced, even at this early stage and will look to track some down on release.
LL
No official notes, just impressions.
2004 Landhaus Shiraz - purple/black colour. Core of concentrated fruit that is still bound up very tight. Layered tannins that reminded me of Kilikanoon when tasted blind. Good acid. Definitely a keeper.
2005 Craggy Range Gimblett Chardonnay - a little wishy washy on the nose; acid a bit domineering at this stage. Only just been bottled though, and palate and structure in mouth has all the hallmarks of quality Craggy winemaking. Revisit in 6-12 months.
2004 Chapoutier Les Meysonniers - Rhone syrah that had vibrant fruit more like a new world wine. Tobacco and earth aromas on the nose were the only give aways to true identity. Full biodynamic wine and at under $30, I was quite impressed. Good fruit weight on the palate, with a clean, persistent finish.
2000 Chateau d'Ampuis - triple decanted over 4 hours. Had everything in the right place, a real class wine, but I failed to see beyond the price tag. Probably a case of vinfanticide.
1999 Chateau Duhart-Milon - a little thin, and quite forward, indicative of the vintage i guess. Nose had leathery, leafy and blackcurrant characters that were quite pleasant.
1997 Faiveley ... Chambertin (grand cru) - I forget the full name of this wine, but it was certainly a treat. A nose that still had plenty of robust dark cherry fruit and game nuances, with a lot more going on that I didn't have the time to investigate. Gorgeous texture and weight, with sweet fruit of the briary kind. Long, lasting finish. I think I'll hunt another one of these down.
NV Ayala - victory bubbles with brekkie after eights hours of harvest torment. I can't remember specifics, but it went down very, very well. This is fast becoming my favourite NV bubbles.
Cheers,
2004 Landhaus Shiraz - purple/black colour. Core of concentrated fruit that is still bound up very tight. Layered tannins that reminded me of Kilikanoon when tasted blind. Good acid. Definitely a keeper.
2005 Craggy Range Gimblett Chardonnay - a little wishy washy on the nose; acid a bit domineering at this stage. Only just been bottled though, and palate and structure in mouth has all the hallmarks of quality Craggy winemaking. Revisit in 6-12 months.
2004 Chapoutier Les Meysonniers - Rhone syrah that had vibrant fruit more like a new world wine. Tobacco and earth aromas on the nose were the only give aways to true identity. Full biodynamic wine and at under $30, I was quite impressed. Good fruit weight on the palate, with a clean, persistent finish.
2000 Chateau d'Ampuis - triple decanted over 4 hours. Had everything in the right place, a real class wine, but I failed to see beyond the price tag. Probably a case of vinfanticide.
1999 Chateau Duhart-Milon - a little thin, and quite forward, indicative of the vintage i guess. Nose had leathery, leafy and blackcurrant characters that were quite pleasant.
1997 Faiveley ... Chambertin (grand cru) - I forget the full name of this wine, but it was certainly a treat. A nose that still had plenty of robust dark cherry fruit and game nuances, with a lot more going on that I didn't have the time to investigate. Gorgeous texture and weight, with sweet fruit of the briary kind. Long, lasting finish. I think I'll hunt another one of these down.
NV Ayala - victory bubbles with brekkie after eights hours of harvest torment. I can't remember specifics, but it went down very, very well. This is fast becoming my favourite NV bubbles.
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
Saltram Mamre Brook Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 - lovely wine must be in the front running for best value wine of the year
Saltram Mamre Brook Cabernet Sauvignon 1996 - very good...has built up some nice complexity
Saltram 8th Maker 2002 - big boned, muscular, oaky but super structure
Lanson NV - very good.....value+
Krug 1979 - awesome a better example than the one I had a month back
Wirra Wirra RSW 2003 - excellent...concentrated blackfruits etched with spice, black pepper and espresso
Wynns Cabernet Sauvignon 2002 - lacked fruit weight and slightly herbaceous
Tardieu- Laurent Gigondas 1998 - good stuff....meaty, savoury with layers of complexity
Bollinger Grand Anee Rose 1990 - super stuff.....the Burgundy drinkers Champagne
Saltram Mamre Brook Cabernet Sauvignon 1996 - very good...has built up some nice complexity
Saltram 8th Maker 2002 - big boned, muscular, oaky but super structure
Lanson NV - very good.....value+
Krug 1979 - awesome a better example than the one I had a month back
Wirra Wirra RSW 2003 - excellent...concentrated blackfruits etched with spice, black pepper and espresso
Wynns Cabernet Sauvignon 2002 - lacked fruit weight and slightly herbaceous
Tardieu- Laurent Gigondas 1998 - good stuff....meaty, savoury with layers of complexity
Bollinger Grand Anee Rose 1990 - super stuff.....the Burgundy drinkers Champagne
Recently opened these...
Annie's Lane Cabernet Merlot 2001
Initial VA (more vinegar than nail polish remover), blew off with some swirling to leave a slightly sour wine. Completly nasty the next night. Could have been heat affected before purchase at a closing down drive thru (:? serves me right...), or randox.
Madfish Premium Red blend 2001
Much, much better. Drinking really nicely, smooth and tasty, just as good on the second night. Recommended for value.
Remelluri Rioja 1999
Corked. Bugger. Not good to pay corkage on a corked wine
Evans and Tate Cabernet Merlot 2002
Off the wine list to have something to wash down the excellent steak at Mambo Italiano, City Beach. Uncomplicated, easy drinking, went with everything (even calamari rings!). Good "bistro" wine.
Will open a Perrin CDR tonight for the theme tastings... should be good!
Annie's Lane Cabernet Merlot 2001
Initial VA (more vinegar than nail polish remover), blew off with some swirling to leave a slightly sour wine. Completly nasty the next night. Could have been heat affected before purchase at a closing down drive thru (:? serves me right...), or randox.
Madfish Premium Red blend 2001
Much, much better. Drinking really nicely, smooth and tasty, just as good on the second night. Recommended for value.
Remelluri Rioja 1999
Corked. Bugger. Not good to pay corkage on a corked wine
Evans and Tate Cabernet Merlot 2002
Off the wine list to have something to wash down the excellent steak at Mambo Italiano, City Beach. Uncomplicated, easy drinking, went with everything (even calamari rings!). Good "bistro" wine.
Will open a Perrin CDR tonight for the theme tastings... should be good!
Gavin's Picks!
http://www.auswine.com.au/page.asp?PageID=1064
http://www.auswine.com.au/page.asp?PageID=1064
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bacchaebabe
- Posts: 1222
- Joined: Fri Aug 15, 2003 5:04 pm
- Location: Sydney
Last night with a damn fine roast:
96 E & E Black Pepper Shiraz An excellent wine but not the earth shattering experince of the last bottle which was my WOTY to date. Lovely wine with good fruit, well integrated tannins and plenty of life ahead of it but didn't jump out the of glass, shake me by the shoulders and slap me around the face like the last bottle. Maybe because we had it first. Distinction
03 D'Arrenberg Laughing Magpie Deep purple, pleanty of licorice, chocolate, caramel and very slight touch of apricot. Good weight and very nice wine. Credit
04 Seppelt Victorian Reserve Shiraz Expected a little bit more of this. Appeared a little lightweight compared the ones that went before. Good flavour but just a tad thin and rough tannins on the finish. Needs time I think to integrate a bit better. Pass
05 Vasse Felix Semillon (Sticky and not sure of actual name) This was brilliant. Searing acidity and very clean mouthfeel. Perfect weight for this style. Distinction
97 Montana Late Harvest (of unknown variety) Very orange colour and past it really. Still, I felt like drinking it anyway. Burnt toffee finish and a bit bitter really. Got a bit better with some air time but it should have bee drunk earlier and it was only a cheapie anyway. Fail.
96 E & E Black Pepper Shiraz An excellent wine but not the earth shattering experince of the last bottle which was my WOTY to date. Lovely wine with good fruit, well integrated tannins and plenty of life ahead of it but didn't jump out the of glass, shake me by the shoulders and slap me around the face like the last bottle. Maybe because we had it first. Distinction
03 D'Arrenberg Laughing Magpie Deep purple, pleanty of licorice, chocolate, caramel and very slight touch of apricot. Good weight and very nice wine. Credit
04 Seppelt Victorian Reserve Shiraz Expected a little bit more of this. Appeared a little lightweight compared the ones that went before. Good flavour but just a tad thin and rough tannins on the finish. Needs time I think to integrate a bit better. Pass
05 Vasse Felix Semillon (Sticky and not sure of actual name) This was brilliant. Searing acidity and very clean mouthfeel. Perfect weight for this style. Distinction
97 Montana Late Harvest (of unknown variety) Very orange colour and past it really. Still, I felt like drinking it anyway. Burnt toffee finish and a bit bitter really. Got a bit better with some air time but it should have bee drunk earlier and it was only a cheapie anyway. Fail.
Cheers,
Kris
There's a fine wine between pleasure and pain
(Stolen from the graffiti in the ladies loos at Pegasus Bay winery)
Kris
There's a fine wine between pleasure and pain
(Stolen from the graffiti in the ladies loos at Pegasus Bay winery)
Noon 2004 Twelve Bells
Starting to come out of bottling, moving shock. Grenache dominant (as per our leader's request), very youthful and forward in the palate with strong mulberry and redcurrant notes. Somehow managed to hide the alcohol weighing in at 15.5%. Don't know how as its only a middleweight in colour and on the palate. Decent quaffer and great value. Just don't serve it to guests who are driving!
Huntington Estate 1999 reserve cabernet bin 32 or 36
Can't quite remember the bin (notes from memory) but it was the reserve bottling. Great wine. Deep red garnet colour, Typical earthy Mudgee nose and starting to develop secondary character on the palate along with fruit flavours in the blood plum spectrum. Found this wine quite simple in youth and its proving me wrong as it is aging. Should develop for a couple of years yet and be drinking well for several years after again.
Starting to come out of bottling, moving shock. Grenache dominant (as per our leader's request), very youthful and forward in the palate with strong mulberry and redcurrant notes. Somehow managed to hide the alcohol weighing in at 15.5%. Don't know how as its only a middleweight in colour and on the palate. Decent quaffer and great value. Just don't serve it to guests who are driving!
Huntington Estate 1999 reserve cabernet bin 32 or 36
Can't quite remember the bin (notes from memory) but it was the reserve bottling. Great wine. Deep red garnet colour, Typical earthy Mudgee nose and starting to develop secondary character on the palate along with fruit flavours in the blood plum spectrum. Found this wine quite simple in youth and its proving me wrong as it is aging. Should develop for a couple of years yet and be drinking well for several years after again.
Bartenders are supposed to have people skills. Or was it people are supposed to have bartending skills?
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Andrew Jordan
- Posts: 775
- Joined: Wed May 05, 2004 11:53 am
- Location: Sydney
Other than the 2004 Saltram Mamre Brook Cabernet (wine bargain of the year so far!) and the 2003 Schwarz Thiele Rd Grenache (tasting notes can be found in seperate threads), we had the following wines during the week:
2003 Seppelt Shiraz Chalambar
Screwcap and consumed over 2 days.
Day 1: Decanted (or decantered for the rebellous few on this forum
) for 4 hours prior to initial glass. Strong floral aromas intermixed with nuances of cherry, plum, spice and eucalypt. Upon initial drinking the palate is full but still very tight. The finish was short and bitter. Decided to leave over-night and try again the next day.
Day 2: The aromas were still as strong as ever, may have softened a little, but those strong floral aromas continued to waft from the glass. The palate was still full, concentrated, smooth and flavoursome. Lots of ripe dark fruit covered the mouth and the oak handling although apparent is well used. Excellent mouth feel. However, finish had improved immensely. Gone was the bitterness replaced with a long finish of fine, ripe tannins. You can tell this wine is only going to get better with some bottle age as it settles and all binds together. Won't be trying another one for at least 5 years. Another bargain from Seppelt.
2004 Thorn-Clarke Shiraz Shotfire Ridge
Deep purple in colour, this wine exhibits strong aromas of blackberries, licorice and vanilla. The palate is ripe, full and chewy and continues with the blackberry theme accompanied with a supporting cast of plum, chocolate and spice. Good use of oak. The wine possesses a great mouth feel and is well balanced. Medium to long finish with a touch a acidity but concludes with grippy, ripe tannins. This wine definitely needs some time to fully integrate and come together but once it does it will be a gorgeous, considering the price. Up there with the 2002 release of this wine, and IMHO will surpass it in the near future.
2003 Seppelt Shiraz Chalambar
Screwcap and consumed over 2 days.
Day 1: Decanted (or decantered for the rebellous few on this forum
) for 4 hours prior to initial glass. Strong floral aromas intermixed with nuances of cherry, plum, spice and eucalypt. Upon initial drinking the palate is full but still very tight. The finish was short and bitter. Decided to leave over-night and try again the next day.
Day 2: The aromas were still as strong as ever, may have softened a little, but those strong floral aromas continued to waft from the glass. The palate was still full, concentrated, smooth and flavoursome. Lots of ripe dark fruit covered the mouth and the oak handling although apparent is well used. Excellent mouth feel. However, finish had improved immensely. Gone was the bitterness replaced with a long finish of fine, ripe tannins. You can tell this wine is only going to get better with some bottle age as it settles and all binds together. Won't be trying another one for at least 5 years. Another bargain from Seppelt.
2004 Thorn-Clarke Shiraz Shotfire Ridge
Deep purple in colour, this wine exhibits strong aromas of blackberries, licorice and vanilla. The palate is ripe, full and chewy and continues with the blackberry theme accompanied with a supporting cast of plum, chocolate and spice. Good use of oak. The wine possesses a great mouth feel and is well balanced. Medium to long finish with a touch a acidity but concludes with grippy, ripe tannins. This wine definitely needs some time to fully integrate and come together but once it does it will be a gorgeous, considering the price. Up there with the 2002 release of this wine, and IMHO will surpass it in the near future.
Cheers
AJ
Cabernet is ... and will always be ... KING!
AJ
Cabernet is ... and will always be ... KING!
2002 Seppelt Chalambar Shiraz
This came nice after decanting in a leanish savoury style. I'm not sure how long this will last but will be decent drinking over the next 5 to 7.
2003 Sandalford Riesling
Starting to show some toastiness but a lack of acidity will probably not allow it to go to full maturity. Still, a good drink over the next few years.
2003 Chateau L'Escart Prestige L'Eden Bordeaux Superieur
This is good value at the entry level and shows off some true Bordeaux traits although fuller than expected perhaps due to the vintage. I will revist with a roast lamb as I think it will shine with food.
This came nice after decanting in a leanish savoury style. I'm not sure how long this will last but will be decent drinking over the next 5 to 7.
2003 Sandalford Riesling
Starting to show some toastiness but a lack of acidity will probably not allow it to go to full maturity. Still, a good drink over the next few years.
2003 Chateau L'Escart Prestige L'Eden Bordeaux Superieur
This is good value at the entry level and shows off some true Bordeaux traits although fuller than expected perhaps due to the vintage. I will revist with a roast lamb as I think it will shine with food.
Also had an '04 Mamre Brook Cabernet this weekend, cracker of a wine for the money.
'99 Penfolds Bin 28 - threw off a bit of sediment in the decantererer. Strong nose of stewed cherries, palate of, err, stewed cherries, baby grip on the quite long finish. A pleasant wine that's probably peaked, 89pts.
'99 Penfolds Bin 28 - threw off a bit of sediment in the decantererer.
Strong nose of stewed cherries, palate of, err, stewed cherries, baby grip on the quite long finish. A pleasant wine that's probably peaked, 89pts.
Andrew Jordan wrote:
2003 Seppelt Shiraz Chalambar
Screwcap and consumed over 2 days.
Day 1: Decanted (or decantered for the rebellous few on this forum
Day 2: The aromas were still as strong as ever, may have softened a little, but those strong floral aromas continued to waft from the glass. The palate was still full, concentrated, smooth and flavoursome. Lots of ripe dark fruit covered the mouth and the oak handling although apparent is well used. Excellent mouth feel. However, finish had improved immensely. Gone was the bitterness replaced with a long finish of fine, ripe tannins. You can tell this wine is only going to get better with some bottle age as it settles and all binds together. Won't be trying another one for at least 5 years. Another bargain from Seppelt.
Have the same initial experiences with the Chalambar 2003 ... plus a metallic twang that does dissipate. Give in 12-24 hours and it's singing, luverly. BTW I just drink a glass, replace the screwcap, no decanter but same result.
Quick impressions only on what I drank this week ... everything drunk over 2 nights ...
Kalleske Greenock Shiraz 2004. Fruit bomb style. Bit over-the-top plus too much oak. No improvement next day. Can't see it aging well. Drink now-2010. Maybe off to auction for the other five.
Jacobs Creek Limited Release Cabernet Shiraz 1998 Lovely wine, more elegant than I expected, you can taste the grapes rather than winemaking. Oak is integrated. Complex multi-layered fruit, good length. Complexity on the second day. Two left and they can easily wait another five years if I can!
Majella Cabernet Sauvignon 2003 Bought this as CM loved it, wanted to try one. Packed red fruits and cassis. Gorgeous on the nose. Fantastic first impressions but found the acids sticking out a bit on the finish. Second day fruit is less fresh and acids more imbalanced. Jury out on this one but I'd rather quaff (say) the Serafino Cabernet 2002.
Kaesler WOMS 2002 Vinfantide (again) but can't stay away from this baby and will buy 6-12 of the 2004. Class in a bottle ... stuffing, length, layers of fruit. Our father who art in heaven,please give me the the strength to resist temptation ... Mea Culpa this bottle did not last into a second day. Drink 2010-2020+
Cheers -- Jay
“There are no standards of taste in wine. Each mans own taste is the standard, and a majority vote cannot decide for him or in any slightest degree affect the supremacy of his own standard". Mark Twain.
An interesting week.
1994 Tyrrell's Vat 1 Semillon: Brilliant. Took a while to open up (and warm up!) but it was everything I want from an older semillon. Aged semillon characters with plenty of fruit and acid and further aging potential. I shared this with Dad, who is notoriously tight when it comes to wine. He asked how much it was, I told him it was about sixty bucks a bottle, and he reckons "It's a bloody bargain!" so I guess that's another positive review.
1984 Seppelt Great Western Hermitage: I created a thread about this and the Tyrrell's, but figured I'd collate my impressions here. I'm yet to reply to the people who posted in the Seppelt thread (sorry!) but I have to say I'm surprised it hasn't held up well. In fact, it showed poorly and I'll be struggling to justify spending another sixty bucks on it (retail) or the 85. There's potential there, but I'm not sure if I got a dud bottle of it I was a few years too late. Either way, pouring sixty bucks down the sink hurts.
2004 Seppelt Chalambar: Vintage Cellars have (or had) this stuff for $29 per bottle, or two for $40, so I bought two, and immediately opened one. I know, it's young. But already, it's pretty good. I don't think it's quite up to my vague memories of the 02 or 03, but this stuff is great. Loads of pepper and fruit and spices and tannin and acid and colour and everything that helps a decent shiraz last a long time. At twenty bucks a bottle, it's great value and I'm looking forward to investigating it again in five years or so once it's had a chance to balance out a bit and settle down. Yum.
1996 Mitchell McNicol Shiraz: I was surprised when I found this bottle wasn't faulty. I have had bad luck with this wine and vintage previously, but this was one of the replacement bottles from Mitchell and I guess they did a good job of replacing bad wine. I can't believe this stuff is ten years old already. There's a stack of vibrant dark fruit in there, then there's leather and chocolate and some pepper and cassis, and it's great. Incredible, tasty length. The alcohol and acid and tannin and fruit and other bits and pieces balance beautifully, and it's a great wine once it opens up (I gave it about four hours in the decanter).
2003 Rockford Basket Press: This is interesting. I was silly enough to drink a bottle of this at the pub one night with a mate. Late at night. After plenty of that wonderful beer stuff. I liked what I tasted but I'm not sure about it. Everything was there (apart from faults!) but I think I tasted it under the wrong cirumstances because I can't remember much about it. I was good, but not outstanding. Of course, I was too pissed and the wine was too young and it wasn't worth the $85 per bottle and I'm an idiot, but I think I'll leave it for a while anyway. My main memory is "give it time. Lots of time!" and then a taxi and then I was at home in bed the next day... and that I paid about double what I reckon it's worth.
1994 Tyrrell's Vat 1 Semillon: Brilliant. Took a while to open up (and warm up!) but it was everything I want from an older semillon. Aged semillon characters with plenty of fruit and acid and further aging potential. I shared this with Dad, who is notoriously tight when it comes to wine. He asked how much it was, I told him it was about sixty bucks a bottle, and he reckons "It's a bloody bargain!" so I guess that's another positive review.
1984 Seppelt Great Western Hermitage: I created a thread about this and the Tyrrell's, but figured I'd collate my impressions here. I'm yet to reply to the people who posted in the Seppelt thread (sorry!) but I have to say I'm surprised it hasn't held up well. In fact, it showed poorly and I'll be struggling to justify spending another sixty bucks on it (retail) or the 85. There's potential there, but I'm not sure if I got a dud bottle of it I was a few years too late. Either way, pouring sixty bucks down the sink hurts.
2004 Seppelt Chalambar: Vintage Cellars have (or had) this stuff for $29 per bottle, or two for $40, so I bought two, and immediately opened one. I know, it's young. But already, it's pretty good. I don't think it's quite up to my vague memories of the 02 or 03, but this stuff is great. Loads of pepper and fruit and spices and tannin and acid and colour and everything that helps a decent shiraz last a long time. At twenty bucks a bottle, it's great value and I'm looking forward to investigating it again in five years or so once it's had a chance to balance out a bit and settle down. Yum.
1996 Mitchell McNicol Shiraz: I was surprised when I found this bottle wasn't faulty. I have had bad luck with this wine and vintage previously, but this was one of the replacement bottles from Mitchell and I guess they did a good job of replacing bad wine. I can't believe this stuff is ten years old already. There's a stack of vibrant dark fruit in there, then there's leather and chocolate and some pepper and cassis, and it's great. Incredible, tasty length. The alcohol and acid and tannin and fruit and other bits and pieces balance beautifully, and it's a great wine once it opens up (I gave it about four hours in the decanter).
2003 Rockford Basket Press: This is interesting. I was silly enough to drink a bottle of this at the pub one night with a mate. Late at night. After plenty of that wonderful beer stuff. I liked what I tasted but I'm not sure about it. Everything was there (apart from faults!) but I think I tasted it under the wrong cirumstances because I can't remember much about it. I was good, but not outstanding. Of course, I was too pissed and the wine was too young and it wasn't worth the $85 per bottle and I'm an idiot, but I think I'll leave it for a while anyway. My main memory is "give it time. Lots of time!" and then a taxi and then I was at home in bed the next day... and that I paid about double what I reckon it's worth.
Steve wrote:An interesting week.
1994 Tyrrell's Vat 1 Semillon: Brilliant. Took a while to open up (and warm up!) but it was everything I want from an older semillon. Aged semillon characters with plenty of fruit and acid and further aging potential. I shared this with Dad, who is notoriously tight when it comes to wine. He asked how much it was, I told him it was about sixty bucks a bottle, and he reckons "It's a bloody bargain!" so I guess that's another positive review.
1984 Seppelt Great Western Hermitage: I created a thread about this and the Tyrrell's, but figured I'd collate my impressions here. I'm yet to reply to the people who posted in the Seppelt thread (sorry!) but I have to say I'm surprised it hasn't held up well. In fact, it showed poorly and I'll be struggling to justify spending another sixty bucks on it (retail) or the 85. There's potential there, but I'm not sure if I got a dud bottle of it I was a few years too late. Either way, pouring sixty bucks down the sink hurts.
2003 Rockford Basket Press: This is interesting. I was silly enough to drink a bottle of this at the pub one night with a mate. Late at night. After plenty of that wonderful beer stuff. I liked what I tasted but I'm not sure about it. Everything was there (apart from faults!) but I think I tasted it under the wrong cirumstances because I can't remember much about it. I was good, but not outstanding. Of course, I was too pissed and the wine was too young and it wasn't worth the $85 per bottle and I'm an idiot, but I think I'll leave it for a while anyway. My main memory is "give it time. Lots of time!" and then a taxi and then I was at home in bed the next day... and that I paid about double what I reckon it's worth.
You've got to stop paying so much for your wine!
The Red Bigot's got a good pricing service to refer to.
http://users.tpg.com.au/handreck/RBG.htm
Or contact Gavin, I'm sure he can help you out.
Cheers,
David
David
I know, I know 
My main problem involves visiting various friends at various bottle shops and me talking myself into buying stuff
RB's site and price tracking stuff is bloody good, but I'm part of the instant gratification generation and want everything now... or at least, within a few minutes of deciding I want to buy it!
My main problem involves visiting various friends at various bottle shops and me talking myself into buying stuff
RB's site and price tracking stuff is bloody good, but I'm part of the instant gratification generation and want everything now... or at least, within a few minutes of deciding I want to buy it!
-
Daryl Douglas
- Posts: 1361
- Joined: Fri Sep 05, 2003 7:23 pm
- Location: Nth Qld
Cooled down here over the last few days, overcast and some rain, so....
Thorn-Clarke Shotfire Ridge Shiraz 2004
Can't see why this wine has a reputation as a fruit bomb at it's young age. I've not tasted the 02; otherwise, agree with AJs TN and really can't add much to his assessment of the 04. Good wine with potential to improve over the next few years or more. Although I found it to be a bit disjointed, it's a nice wine and will be better when fully integrated. I enjoyed it.
Seppelt Victorian Shiraz 2003
This is a very good quaffer that much has been written about. The oak on the nose is subdued on the palate by the plummy, spicy fruit leading into slightly greenish and stalky grape, drying tannins that add interest. I think I'll buy up on the 03 as it's available for $12.95 locally. Kris' TN of the 04 suggests the 03's better.
Saltram Mamre Brook Cabernet Sauvignon 2003
Nothing really wrong with this wine and while I found it to be a bit lacking in body it's certainly varietal Cab. Tried the Shiraz 02 and thought it to be very nice but didn't try the Cab 02 so can't compare it with 03 or 04.
Saltram Mamre Brook Cabernet Sauvignon 2004
Surely most of us agree this to be a very good/excellent (highly recommended) wine, particularly at $18 or less. The dusty, drying tannins need time to soften for the dark berry fruit and licorice to show more on the mid palate before the finish that's too dry for my palate at this stage.
Karri Grove Estate Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon 2001
Deep purple/red colour, blackberry and dark cherry on the nose with some spicy oak and a touch of vanillin. The fruit on the front palate is deep though a bit confectioned on the mid palate where typical Cab tannins appear to carry a reasonable-length finish. I suspect this wine is from very young vines but was excellent value for $12.74(incl freight) and is drinking well now.
daz
Thorn-Clarke Shotfire Ridge Shiraz 2004
Can't see why this wine has a reputation as a fruit bomb at it's young age. I've not tasted the 02; otherwise, agree with AJs TN and really can't add much to his assessment of the 04. Good wine with potential to improve over the next few years or more. Although I found it to be a bit disjointed, it's a nice wine and will be better when fully integrated. I enjoyed it.
Seppelt Victorian Shiraz 2003
This is a very good quaffer that much has been written about. The oak on the nose is subdued on the palate by the plummy, spicy fruit leading into slightly greenish and stalky grape, drying tannins that add interest. I think I'll buy up on the 03 as it's available for $12.95 locally. Kris' TN of the 04 suggests the 03's better.
Saltram Mamre Brook Cabernet Sauvignon 2003
Nothing really wrong with this wine and while I found it to be a bit lacking in body it's certainly varietal Cab. Tried the Shiraz 02 and thought it to be very nice but didn't try the Cab 02 so can't compare it with 03 or 04.
Saltram Mamre Brook Cabernet Sauvignon 2004
Surely most of us agree this to be a very good/excellent (highly recommended) wine, particularly at $18 or less. The dusty, drying tannins need time to soften for the dark berry fruit and licorice to show more on the mid palate before the finish that's too dry for my palate at this stage.
Karri Grove Estate Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon 2001
Deep purple/red colour, blackberry and dark cherry on the nose with some spicy oak and a touch of vanillin. The fruit on the front palate is deep though a bit confectioned on the mid palate where typical Cab tannins appear to carry a reasonable-length finish. I suspect this wine is from very young vines but was excellent value for $12.74(incl freight) and is drinking well now.
daz
Hamilton 2003 Almond Grove Chardonnay
Nose of ripe apple, pear, vanilla and spice. Well balanced on the palate with good acidity and a creamy mouthful. Fairly dry and has good length. Thought it might be headed downhill but it was still delivering the goods.
Chateau Calissanne 2000 Clos Victoire
A syrah-cabernet blend. Good nose of oak, blackberry fruit, and licorice. Medium-full bodied, dense yet supple on the palate. Very smooth tannins. Very rich and very long finish. Still has another 3 or 4 years in it yet. I'll be drinking the rest of these soon. Yum Yum
Ballast Stone Estate 2001 Stone Mason Shiraz
Blackberry fruit with pepper and cedar notes. Good fruit concentration, fine tannin and very good length. Lovely wine.
VELLETRI RISERVA VELLETRI NV
Ruby red with purple tinge; aromas of strawberry and plum fruit with light anise, earth and tobacco notes; dry, medium-bodied with good acidity and soft tannins on the finish. A regularly enjoyed quaffer and great QPR at $13.95 Cdn.. This is in a sort of squat bottle with a crooked neck much like many ch. neuf de papes and has a little paper tag hanging from it.
Kim Crawford 2005 Sauvignon Blanc
A big nose of pear and dried herbs with a few grassy notes. Lots of fruit. Well balanced fruit and acidity. A real mouthful with a long finish. Buy this one year after year, never seems to disappoint.
Nose of ripe apple, pear, vanilla and spice. Well balanced on the palate with good acidity and a creamy mouthful. Fairly dry and has good length. Thought it might be headed downhill but it was still delivering the goods.
Chateau Calissanne 2000 Clos Victoire
A syrah-cabernet blend. Good nose of oak, blackberry fruit, and licorice. Medium-full bodied, dense yet supple on the palate. Very smooth tannins. Very rich and very long finish. Still has another 3 or 4 years in it yet. I'll be drinking the rest of these soon. Yum Yum
Ballast Stone Estate 2001 Stone Mason Shiraz
Blackberry fruit with pepper and cedar notes. Good fruit concentration, fine tannin and very good length. Lovely wine.
VELLETRI RISERVA VELLETRI NV
Ruby red with purple tinge; aromas of strawberry and plum fruit with light anise, earth and tobacco notes; dry, medium-bodied with good acidity and soft tannins on the finish. A regularly enjoyed quaffer and great QPR at $13.95 Cdn.. This is in a sort of squat bottle with a crooked neck much like many ch. neuf de papes and has a little paper tag hanging from it.
Kim Crawford 2005 Sauvignon Blanc
A big nose of pear and dried herbs with a few grassy notes. Lots of fruit. Well balanced fruit and acidity. A real mouthful with a long finish. Buy this one year after year, never seems to disappoint.
Grape Brain: A euphoric state induced by fine wine flowing over one's palette.
Morris Shiraz 2001
This wine has got a couple of gongs and is being pushed out fairly cheaply at the moment. Nice enough wine in the pepper and spice mould of shiraz with a reasonable amount of fruit weight behind it. Medium bodied without a great deal of depth or complexity, have to say I was a little dissapointed and had expected a bit more.
Bowen Estate Shiraz 2003 Brought by a friend to dinner on Saturday evening, Initially cloves and spices on the nose with the fruit poking it's head through with time. On the platate was more spices with some nice fruit backing it up, full bodied with a bit of oak hiding in the background. Really like this wine and may have to track down a couple for the cellar.
Glen[/b]
This wine has got a couple of gongs and is being pushed out fairly cheaply at the moment. Nice enough wine in the pepper and spice mould of shiraz with a reasonable amount of fruit weight behind it. Medium bodied without a great deal of depth or complexity, have to say I was a little dissapointed and had expected a bit more.
Bowen Estate Shiraz 2003 Brought by a friend to dinner on Saturday evening, Initially cloves and spices on the nose with the fruit poking it's head through with time. On the platate was more spices with some nice fruit backing it up, full bodied with a bit of oak hiding in the background. Really like this wine and may have to track down a couple for the cellar.
Glen[/b]
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
2004 Tyrrell's Vat 18 Belford Semillon (screwcap, 11.3%)
Bought some blue-eye to fry and wanted something characterful to drink. I figured 04 was still young enough to be sort-of interesting. The nose is quite powerful and intense, clean, and smelling strongly of citric fruit; lemons & limes. The strong SO² this showed shortly after bottling has all but dissipated now. The palate is dry, the acidity intially disguised by the strongly fruity palate, but it does set the saliva flowing, so it's there! This is quite big-bodied and powerful, the hefty 11.3% adding to the body. Wel-balanced across the palate, although lacking much character at this stage, it finishes quite long and rich, yet dry. Best to save until 5 years after vintage (as ever) but not without some interest now. Around $16 from Tyrrell's mail list in late -04, which makes it bloody good value I reckon.
cheers,
Graeme
Bought some blue-eye to fry and wanted something characterful to drink. I figured 04 was still young enough to be sort-of interesting. The nose is quite powerful and intense, clean, and smelling strongly of citric fruit; lemons & limes. The strong SO² this showed shortly after bottling has all but dissipated now. The palate is dry, the acidity intially disguised by the strongly fruity palate, but it does set the saliva flowing, so it's there! This is quite big-bodied and powerful, the hefty 11.3% adding to the body. Wel-balanced across the palate, although lacking much character at this stage, it finishes quite long and rich, yet dry. Best to save until 5 years after vintage (as ever) but not without some interest now. Around $16 from Tyrrell's mail list in late -04, which makes it bloody good value I reckon.
cheers,
Graeme