Its Easter Sunday and .......
Its Easter Sunday and .......
your drinking reports are now due. TN's vibes or just general impressions welcome so please let us know what you have been drinking.
After a few comments on it recently,
Penfolds Bin 389 1996 : Difficult to argue with what's gone before. Very good now, but with prospect of even better.
On thursday night
Markus Molitor 1999 Wehlener Sonnenuhr Spatlese
Suspected cork taint, but at a level low enough to still drink (good or bad, I seem to have a degree of tolerance to mild taint).
Penfolds Bin 389 1996 : Difficult to argue with what's gone before. Very good now, but with prospect of even better.
On thursday night
Markus Molitor 1999 Wehlener Sonnenuhr Spatlese
Suspected cork taint, but at a level low enough to still drink (good or bad, I seem to have a degree of tolerance to mild taint).
Hi all,
Haventt posted for some time. Some of our drinking:
Browns of Padthaway '01 Ernest Shiraz (14.5%). Lovely fruit with enough tannins and wood etc to keep it in balance.
Serafino McLaren Vale 2002 Cabernet. Not a great example with a tough of VA. Fruit still a good example of cabernet from a warmish area from a cool year.
Yalumba 1980 Thoroughbred Vintage Port. Just sensational and still rediculously priced at around $12.00 from auction.
Yalumba Mawsons 2002 Cabernet. Great midweek quaffer.
Leasingham Classic Clare 2002 Shiraz. A touch sweet but will evolve well time.
Penfolds 1990 Bin 707. Last bottle with a lovely nose but disappointing palate. Based on recent tastings was expecting much more.
Chappel Hill 1998 Cabernet. Haven't tried for some time but no further development however still enjoyed.
And many good quality cleanskins.
6 litre bottle of Yalumba 1996 Signature Cabernet/Shiraz. Caught your attention. Have been working on where and when to open this large format bottle. Cellared by Yalumba and in my underground cellar so should be in good condition. Solved the problem when Anne requested something special for the school charity ball silent auction. What the hell; let's get some serious buck for the school. If you want to participate (Gavin, is it legal?) please respond and you can be included. Your bids can be included when the auction gets to it. Auction is in a couple of months.
Chuck
Haventt posted for some time. Some of our drinking:
Browns of Padthaway '01 Ernest Shiraz (14.5%). Lovely fruit with enough tannins and wood etc to keep it in balance.
Serafino McLaren Vale 2002 Cabernet. Not a great example with a tough of VA. Fruit still a good example of cabernet from a warmish area from a cool year.
Yalumba 1980 Thoroughbred Vintage Port. Just sensational and still rediculously priced at around $12.00 from auction.
Yalumba Mawsons 2002 Cabernet. Great midweek quaffer.
Leasingham Classic Clare 2002 Shiraz. A touch sweet but will evolve well time.
Penfolds 1990 Bin 707. Last bottle with a lovely nose but disappointing palate. Based on recent tastings was expecting much more.
Chappel Hill 1998 Cabernet. Haven't tried for some time but no further development however still enjoyed.
And many good quality cleanskins.
6 litre bottle of Yalumba 1996 Signature Cabernet/Shiraz. Caught your attention. Have been working on where and when to open this large format bottle. Cellared by Yalumba and in my underground cellar so should be in good condition. Solved the problem when Anne requested something special for the school charity ball silent auction. What the hell; let's get some serious buck for the school. If you want to participate (Gavin, is it legal?) please respond and you can be included. Your bids can be included when the auction gets to it. Auction is in a couple of months.
Chuck
Your worst game of golf is better than your best day at work
Tintara Shiraz 1998 (the cheap one) Nice drop which has evolved about as far as it will go, not a touch on the top range Tintara but still very enjoyable.
Seppelts Chalambar 1999 Supposed to be one of the poorer vintages of this wine. Still good stuff though. Very much in the cooler climate mould with spices and pepper on the nose and palate overlaying some lovely fruit. Really on song at this point in time and should hold for a couple of years yet.
Heartland Shiraz 2004 As usuall great stuff but was righting it up as it was a great wine with the curries last night. The huge fruit from this wine was still singing over the vindaloo.
Campbells Shiraz Durif 2001 A little dissapointing after the Seppelts and the Heartland, sweet fruit on the nose and palate and not a lot else, pass.
Seppelts Chalambar 1999 Supposed to be one of the poorer vintages of this wine. Still good stuff though. Very much in the cooler climate mould with spices and pepper on the nose and palate overlaying some lovely fruit. Really on song at this point in time and should hold for a couple of years yet.
Heartland Shiraz 2004 As usuall great stuff but was righting it up as it was a great wine with the curries last night. The huge fruit from this wine was still singing over the vindaloo.
Campbells Shiraz Durif 2001 A little dissapointing after the Seppelts and the Heartland, sweet fruit on the nose and palate and not a lot else, pass.
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
Hi all,
Haven't contributed much of late, working long hours and study is really cramping my lifestyle. Should mention my favourite drop at the moment Langanook Syrah. The 2003 is red with a tinge of purple, pepper and violets on the nose, mocha and a tendency towards the darker fruits on the palate, plums and blackberry, nicely balanced oak. For us a good balance between the fruitbomb and elegant ends of the spectrum. The Cab Sav is similarly styled. This will be a regular for us.
Should also mention that we gave a bottle of the Pillar Box a try - looking for a cheap fruit bomb for my daughter who, like most 19 year olds is into the style. This stuff is dross! Like chewing on bandaids. Sweet and sour at the same time. 24 hours later, the bandaids have diminished but still sickly sweet with a bitter finish. Absolutely revolting. What was Parker on?
Regards,
Allan
Haven't contributed much of late, working long hours and study is really cramping my lifestyle. Should mention my favourite drop at the moment Langanook Syrah. The 2003 is red with a tinge of purple, pepper and violets on the nose, mocha and a tendency towards the darker fruits on the palate, plums and blackberry, nicely balanced oak. For us a good balance between the fruitbomb and elegant ends of the spectrum. The Cab Sav is similarly styled. This will be a regular for us.
Should also mention that we gave a bottle of the Pillar Box a try - looking for a cheap fruit bomb for my daughter who, like most 19 year olds is into the style. This stuff is dross! Like chewing on bandaids. Sweet and sour at the same time. 24 hours later, the bandaids have diminished but still sickly sweet with a bitter finish. Absolutely revolting. What was Parker on?
Regards,
Allan
-
Gianna
- Posts: 149
- Joined: Tue Jan 18, 2005 8:22 pm
- Location: The world's most liveable city - Melbourne
1996 Cyril Henschke
My first glass after a 4 week AFD........
A blend of 60% Cab Sav, 20% Merlot, 20% Cab Franc and aged in new French Oak. 14% Alcohol
Decanted for two hours ( some initial bottle stink that blew off fairly quickly ) the nose was bouquet of cedar, licorice, sweet plums, blackcurrants and with a hint of mint.
The palate was silky, complex and evolved. Little influence of oak as the fruit has definitely come to the fore. Earthy and dark currant flavours were the most dominant. A very pleasant re-entry to the world of wine. 90 pts
My first glass after a 4 week AFD........
A blend of 60% Cab Sav, 20% Merlot, 20% Cab Franc and aged in new French Oak. 14% Alcohol
Decanted for two hours ( some initial bottle stink that blew off fairly quickly ) the nose was bouquet of cedar, licorice, sweet plums, blackcurrants and with a hint of mint.
The palate was silky, complex and evolved. Little influence of oak as the fruit has definitely come to the fore. Earthy and dark currant flavours were the most dominant. A very pleasant re-entry to the world of wine. 90 pts
At every turn, it pays to challenge orthodox ways of thinking
I tried the Serafino range yesterday at an instore, and had these brief impressions:
2005 Sorrento Unwooded Chardonnay: Nice length and acid but lacks real fruit freshness of an UW style.
2004 Serafino Reserve Chardonnay: Heavy oak and malo influences, yeasty rather than buttery, and pulls up short.
2004 Serafino Merlot: Surprisingly good – nice fruit definition, medium weight, little oak.
2003 Serafino Cabernet Sauvignon: Too much oak, too much alcohol – the 2002 is a lot better.
2004 Sorrento Cabernet Sauvignon Cabernet Franc: Mid weight, nice sweet cherry fruit, but not overly complex.
2003 Sorrento Shiraz: Something wrong here – stinky sulphur/dog poo, short & porty.
2003 Serafino Shiraz: Again too much oak, too much alcohol.
2005 Sorrento Grenache: 40 year old vines - Sweet raspberries, considerable heat from the 15% alcohol.
2005 Serafino Grenache: Pre-release, 80 year old vines - At first tighter than the Sorrento, then far more floral, still meshing, still big alcohol.
2005 Serafino Tempranillo: Pre-release. Whoa this is good! Exotic, spicy plum fruit, big tannins, great length – this would be perfect at next month's Asian offline (pity it’s not available yet).
2004 Serafino Sharktooth Reserve Shiraz: Pre-release, only 700 cases made. I really didn’t want to spit this one out – savoury, rich blackberry/blueberry Shiraz, layered, spicy and long. What a superb couple of wines to finish with.
Cheers,
Ian
2005 Sorrento Unwooded Chardonnay: Nice length and acid but lacks real fruit freshness of an UW style.
2004 Serafino Reserve Chardonnay: Heavy oak and malo influences, yeasty rather than buttery, and pulls up short.
2004 Serafino Merlot: Surprisingly good – nice fruit definition, medium weight, little oak.
2003 Serafino Cabernet Sauvignon: Too much oak, too much alcohol – the 2002 is a lot better.
2004 Sorrento Cabernet Sauvignon Cabernet Franc: Mid weight, nice sweet cherry fruit, but not overly complex.
2003 Sorrento Shiraz: Something wrong here – stinky sulphur/dog poo, short & porty.
2003 Serafino Shiraz: Again too much oak, too much alcohol.
2005 Sorrento Grenache: 40 year old vines - Sweet raspberries, considerable heat from the 15% alcohol.
2005 Serafino Grenache: Pre-release, 80 year old vines - At first tighter than the Sorrento, then far more floral, still meshing, still big alcohol.
2005 Serafino Tempranillo: Pre-release. Whoa this is good! Exotic, spicy plum fruit, big tannins, great length – this would be perfect at next month's Asian offline (pity it’s not available yet).
2004 Serafino Sharktooth Reserve Shiraz: Pre-release, only 700 cases made. I really didn’t want to spit this one out – savoury, rich blackberry/blueberry Shiraz, layered, spicy and long. What a superb couple of wines to finish with.
Cheers,
Ian
Forget about goodness and mercy, they're gone.
2003 D'arenberg Cadenza GSM (Bonsai Vine?) Zork Closure
I think this is the Bonsai vine renamed as part of a McClaren Vale growers marketing push.
Nose of Cherries and some blackberries, initially a bit of heat from the alcohol (14.5%) on the palate, along with spice and cherries - the heat either dissapated or the alcohol in the bottle became less noticable as the alcohol in my system increased.
Bought at a bottle shop in Port Moresby at around $30. Not great value at this price, but prices up here are between 20-80% higher than down south.
I think this is the Bonsai vine renamed as part of a McClaren Vale growers marketing push.
Nose of Cherries and some blackberries, initially a bit of heat from the alcohol (14.5%) on the palate, along with spice and cherries - the heat either dissapated or the alcohol in the bottle became less noticable as the alcohol in my system increased.
Bought at a bottle shop in Port Moresby at around $30. Not great value at this price, but prices up here are between 20-80% higher than down south.-
Dave Dewhurst
- Posts: 283
- Joined: Wed Apr 05, 2006 2:03 pm
- Location: Perth, WA
Wolf Blass Brown Label Classic Shiraz, 1999, Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale and Langhorne Creek, South Australia
Kind of a weird but full on nose while decanting – loads of redcurrant fruit spilling out all over the place with a little sweet confectionary. The latter seems to blow off immediately though. Red core to pale red rim with little sign of browning. Initially on the palate the fruit is light and a mix of redcurrant and cranberry, but plenty of it, along with a dry tannic finish accompanied by a hint of vanilla. There is a slight pepperiness around the edges of the tongue too. Left for a while to air as the fruit seems a bit muted compared to previous occasions. After a while, port, chocolate and deep black fruits, tinged with a little alcoholic heat come off on the nose. The fruit has blackened considerably with blackberry and more chocolate rising. The tannins have softened a tad and are coming up a little earlier and getting a bit more powdery as opposed to astringent dry. Quite a long finish, but still of a redcurranty nature. Last time I had this, it was a big dusty chocolate bomb, so this showing was somewhat unexpectedly lighter. Still liked it though!
Lindemans Pyrus, 2000, Coonawarra, South Australia
Decanted. Dark red centre with slight browning towards the rim, which is more noticeable when decanting. The nose fills the room during decanting with cedar, blackcurrant, blackberry and mint. Awesome nose! Very smooth in the mouth with soft tannins, restrained blackberry fruit, a hint of mocha/chocolate and plenty of mintiness. Seems to be drinking very well now but will be interested to see where it goes in the next few years.
Cheers
Dave
Kind of a weird but full on nose while decanting – loads of redcurrant fruit spilling out all over the place with a little sweet confectionary. The latter seems to blow off immediately though. Red core to pale red rim with little sign of browning. Initially on the palate the fruit is light and a mix of redcurrant and cranberry, but plenty of it, along with a dry tannic finish accompanied by a hint of vanilla. There is a slight pepperiness around the edges of the tongue too. Left for a while to air as the fruit seems a bit muted compared to previous occasions. After a while, port, chocolate and deep black fruits, tinged with a little alcoholic heat come off on the nose. The fruit has blackened considerably with blackberry and more chocolate rising. The tannins have softened a tad and are coming up a little earlier and getting a bit more powdery as opposed to astringent dry. Quite a long finish, but still of a redcurranty nature. Last time I had this, it was a big dusty chocolate bomb, so this showing was somewhat unexpectedly lighter. Still liked it though!
Lindemans Pyrus, 2000, Coonawarra, South Australia
Decanted. Dark red centre with slight browning towards the rim, which is more noticeable when decanting. The nose fills the room during decanting with cedar, blackcurrant, blackberry and mint. Awesome nose! Very smooth in the mouth with soft tannins, restrained blackberry fruit, a hint of mocha/chocolate and plenty of mintiness. Seems to be drinking very well now but will be interested to see where it goes in the next few years.
Cheers
Dave
Easter Weekend Wines 2006
Thursday Night
2003 Castagna Sauvage
A wine prominently made from Shiraz with small amounts of Viognier and Sangiovese consumed Thursday night while watching the Brisbane Lions officially enter their “re-building stageâ€Â. Quite a smoky feel to this wine from the 2003 Bushfires which adds a certain amount of complexity to the wine. Smoky, Russian caravan tea like nose with ripe fruit lying beneath the smoke and earthy nose. The palate shows ripe dark berry and plum flavours with an underlying smoky, earthy and meatiness. As the wine sat in the glass it continued to evolve with smoked small-good like flavours becoming more prominent. An interesting wine as different flavours and aromas were revealed during the night. A wine for peaty single malt (think laphraoig and lagavulin) lovers. 89/100
Friday Lunch
2002 Hugel Riesling
My first venture into Alsace!! I enjoyed it and not too expensive at $29. Pale straw/green in the glass with an aromatic nose of grapefruit, lychee, and floral notes. The palate revealed a dryness and citrus acidity which complimented the lemon and oregano BBQ’ed prawns well. Lychees, pear, and lime flavours where evident. Slightly more aromatic and sweet than my usual Clare and Eden Valley Rieslings but a good start into an area of wine in which I can see myself further exploring. 88/100
Saturday Night
2003 Devils Lair Chardonnay: aromas of toasted nuts and tropical fruit. The palate was quite complex with an intermingling of citrus, butterscotch and toasty characters
2004 Voyager Estate Chardonnay: very nice, not as complex as the Devils Lair. Time in the cellar will be rewarding.
1991 Peter Lehmann Stonewell Shiraz: a lot of seepage up the cork and the wine was very flat. Raspberry cordial, coffee and a little chocolate with a little tannin left. Dissapointing.
1994 Penfolds Bin 389 Cab Shiraz: Pretty good example of Cab/Shiraz. Mocha, sweet dark berries, integrated tannin but with the acid a little spiky on the finish. Pretty good overall but another bottle the following afternoon showed even better.
1996 Yalumba Signature Cab Shiraz: WOTN. Very smooth cab/shiraz. Aromas of red and dark berries, chocolate coffee and slight vanilla note were enticing from the get-go. The palate did not disappoint with blackberry, plum, chocolate, vanilla and a bit of spice. The tannins were perfectly interwoven with the right fruit and were silky smooth across the palate. Long finish, great stuff.
2003 Killakanoon Oracle Shiraz: Brought out at the end of the night for American visitors to try. They loved the sweet oak, full on sweet fruit and the silky mouth feel. It was a bit out of place after the aged reds but was still quite a good wine. Needs time in the cellar to mellow and integrate. Question whether the fruit will soak up all that oak.
Sunday Afternoon
2005 Seppelts Drumborg Riesling: super tight Riesling which cut through the hangover perfectly. Minerals, lime, sour apple, a little sweet banana when it warmed up, and all super concentrated flavours. Long slate-like acidy finish that gave the wine its killer punch. 93/100
1998 Domaine du Vieux Telegraphe: First try of this well-renown Rhone. Palate was a little subdued but time in the glass let it reveal dried herbs, dusty earth and notes of sweet fruit. Medium bodied, the palate was superb. A dry stony vein runs through the wine surrounded by fine tannins, raspberry, black fruits, pepper, maybe a touch of tobacco and a leather-like character. Very long finish and could not have been any smoother – I think I am hooked. Outstanding. 94/100
1994 Penfolds Bin 389 Cab Shiraz: Had it all over the bottle the night before which was from the same cellar – bah
to bottle variation! The nose opened up with a slightly leafy note and was followed by aromas of dark brooding fruit, smoky cedar and a little mocha. The palate was very smooth with supple tannins underlying dark berries, ripe plum, coffee, dusty earth and a well underplayed vanilla tinged oakiness. Still can develop with more time. Great wine. 94/100
2004 Glaetzer Amon-Ra Shiraz: Vinfanticide but it needed to be done. From 105-115 year old dry grown Northern Barossa Shiraz vines this unfiltered Shiraz alerts you to its seriousness from its black hue which stains the decanter. 5 hours after decanting the nose is pure Barossa confection: red-skins, milko bars and black berry all duke it out. The palate is mouth filling with dense flavours of raspberry, plum, blackberry, chocolate and vanilla with a slight element of spice. A real monster but its silkiness and pristine focused fruit stop you from dismissing it as an over-extracted Barossan monster.
Another 5 hours later the overt vanilla aromas have lessened but still quite prominent. The wine is even smoother with fine olive edged tannins interplaying with the dark fruits and the oak influences are less obvious, really allowing the dense fruit to shine. Very long. A great wine to finish the afternoon off. 94/100 with potential to pick up at 3-4 more points in 10 years. Great Shiraz.
Cracking afternoon of wines.
Thursday Night
2003 Castagna Sauvage
A wine prominently made from Shiraz with small amounts of Viognier and Sangiovese consumed Thursday night while watching the Brisbane Lions officially enter their “re-building stageâ€Â. Quite a smoky feel to this wine from the 2003 Bushfires which adds a certain amount of complexity to the wine. Smoky, Russian caravan tea like nose with ripe fruit lying beneath the smoke and earthy nose. The palate shows ripe dark berry and plum flavours with an underlying smoky, earthy and meatiness. As the wine sat in the glass it continued to evolve with smoked small-good like flavours becoming more prominent. An interesting wine as different flavours and aromas were revealed during the night. A wine for peaty single malt (think laphraoig and lagavulin) lovers. 89/100
Friday Lunch
2002 Hugel Riesling
My first venture into Alsace!! I enjoyed it and not too expensive at $29. Pale straw/green in the glass with an aromatic nose of grapefruit, lychee, and floral notes. The palate revealed a dryness and citrus acidity which complimented the lemon and oregano BBQ’ed prawns well. Lychees, pear, and lime flavours where evident. Slightly more aromatic and sweet than my usual Clare and Eden Valley Rieslings but a good start into an area of wine in which I can see myself further exploring. 88/100
Saturday Night
2003 Devils Lair Chardonnay: aromas of toasted nuts and tropical fruit. The palate was quite complex with an intermingling of citrus, butterscotch and toasty characters
2004 Voyager Estate Chardonnay: very nice, not as complex as the Devils Lair. Time in the cellar will be rewarding.
1991 Peter Lehmann Stonewell Shiraz: a lot of seepage up the cork and the wine was very flat. Raspberry cordial, coffee and a little chocolate with a little tannin left. Dissapointing.
1994 Penfolds Bin 389 Cab Shiraz: Pretty good example of Cab/Shiraz. Mocha, sweet dark berries, integrated tannin but with the acid a little spiky on the finish. Pretty good overall but another bottle the following afternoon showed even better.
1996 Yalumba Signature Cab Shiraz: WOTN. Very smooth cab/shiraz. Aromas of red and dark berries, chocolate coffee and slight vanilla note were enticing from the get-go. The palate did not disappoint with blackberry, plum, chocolate, vanilla and a bit of spice. The tannins were perfectly interwoven with the right fruit and were silky smooth across the palate. Long finish, great stuff.
2003 Killakanoon Oracle Shiraz: Brought out at the end of the night for American visitors to try. They loved the sweet oak, full on sweet fruit and the silky mouth feel. It was a bit out of place after the aged reds but was still quite a good wine. Needs time in the cellar to mellow and integrate. Question whether the fruit will soak up all that oak.
Sunday Afternoon
2005 Seppelts Drumborg Riesling: super tight Riesling which cut through the hangover perfectly. Minerals, lime, sour apple, a little sweet banana when it warmed up, and all super concentrated flavours. Long slate-like acidy finish that gave the wine its killer punch. 93/100
1998 Domaine du Vieux Telegraphe: First try of this well-renown Rhone. Palate was a little subdued but time in the glass let it reveal dried herbs, dusty earth and notes of sweet fruit. Medium bodied, the palate was superb. A dry stony vein runs through the wine surrounded by fine tannins, raspberry, black fruits, pepper, maybe a touch of tobacco and a leather-like character. Very long finish and could not have been any smoother – I think I am hooked. Outstanding. 94/100
1994 Penfolds Bin 389 Cab Shiraz: Had it all over the bottle the night before which was from the same cellar – bah
to bottle variation! The nose opened up with a slightly leafy note and was followed by aromas of dark brooding fruit, smoky cedar and a little mocha. The palate was very smooth with supple tannins underlying dark berries, ripe plum, coffee, dusty earth and a well underplayed vanilla tinged oakiness. Still can develop with more time. Great wine. 94/100
2004 Glaetzer Amon-Ra Shiraz: Vinfanticide but it needed to be done. From 105-115 year old dry grown Northern Barossa Shiraz vines this unfiltered Shiraz alerts you to its seriousness from its black hue which stains the decanter. 5 hours after decanting the nose is pure Barossa confection: red-skins, milko bars and black berry all duke it out. The palate is mouth filling with dense flavours of raspberry, plum, blackberry, chocolate and vanilla with a slight element of spice. A real monster but its silkiness and pristine focused fruit stop you from dismissing it as an over-extracted Barossan monster.
Another 5 hours later the overt vanilla aromas have lessened but still quite prominent. The wine is even smoother with fine olive edged tannins interplaying with the dark fruits and the oak influences are less obvious, really allowing the dense fruit to shine. Very long. A great wine to finish the afternoon off. 94/100 with potential to pick up at 3-4 more points in 10 years. Great Shiraz.
Cracking afternoon of wines.
Amon Ra
How much is the Amon Ra? Here in Canada we sell it for $100 Canadian. I had it in a tasting called "little brother big brother" against the Bishop and I preferred the Bishop right now. (only $50.00) Thanks - Rick
Red Wine is the Blood of Life
[quote]How much is the Amon Ra? Here in Canada we sell it for $100 Canadian. I had it in a tasting called "little brother big brother" against the Bishop and I preferred the Bishop right now. (only $50.00) Thanks - Rick
[quote]
Rick, The Amon Ra was available here (British Columbia) for about 80.00.
Cheers,
Francois
[quote]
Rick, The Amon Ra was available here (British Columbia) for about 80.00.
Cheers,
Francois
Re: Amon Ra
rwatkins wrote:How much is the Amon Ra? Here in Canada we sell it for $100 Canadian. I had it in a tasting called "little brother big brother" against the Bishop and I preferred the Bishop right now. (only $50.00) Thanks - Rick
Its about $90 AUS per bottle and now pretty much sold out in Aus
2000 Brands "Patron's reserve" Cabernet Sauvignon predominant blend with Shiraz and a few exotics. Still very dark colour almost black. lovely small berry fruits on the nose. Youthfully fresh palate with good quality fruit. full and long. very satisfying well balancedwine, thoroughly enjoyed. Will go a lot longer if given the chance.
-
Aussie John
- Posts: 50
- Joined: Mon Aug 18, 2003 10:41 pm
Over the weekend:
1990 orlando Lawsons .... 89pts
1983 Tahbilk reserve Cab... 92pts
1971 Grange.......94pts
1986 Grange....95pts
1998 Grange....96pts
1995 Moss Wood....89pts
1995 Cullens.........90pts
1986 Hill of Grace...90pts
1996 Greenock Creek Creek Block Shiraz...98pts
1996 Kays Block 6 Shiraz...88pts
1986 Pichon Lalande....90pts
1993 Leoville Las Cases...92pts
1995 Clerc Milon.....94pts
Lots of other rubbish- the above were the highlights. The 96 Creek Block, at 10 years of age, is probably the greatest young Aussie red I have seen. Up there with the very best wines in the world over the past two decades. Absolutely mind-boggling stuff, a freak, and far and away the best Greenock Creek release to date, all RR's included.
1990 orlando Lawsons .... 89pts
1983 Tahbilk reserve Cab... 92pts
1971 Grange.......94pts
1986 Grange....95pts
1998 Grange....96pts
1995 Moss Wood....89pts
1995 Cullens.........90pts
1986 Hill of Grace...90pts
1996 Greenock Creek Creek Block Shiraz...98pts
1996 Kays Block 6 Shiraz...88pts
1986 Pichon Lalande....90pts
1993 Leoville Las Cases...92pts
1995 Clerc Milon.....94pts
Lots of other rubbish- the above were the highlights. The 96 Creek Block, at 10 years of age, is probably the greatest young Aussie red I have seen. Up there with the very best wines in the world over the past two decades. Absolutely mind-boggling stuff, a freak, and far and away the best Greenock Creek release to date, all RR's included.
2000 Lark Hill Shiraz (Canberra)
Not well stored, and it showed. Aged before its time (some browning at the rim), the nose is still quite intense in it's white pepper aromas. Palate is quite light-weight, generally a bit tired, and the spicy fruit gives the impression of heat. medium length finish. I expect well-stored bottles to be better.
1998 Penfolds Bin 28 'Kalimna' Shiraz
Why they leave 'Kalimna' on this I don't know. We're never going to get AOC-style vineyard name protection in this country, that's for sure. Still garnet red, there is a medium-intensity nose of Barossa fruit-cake and blackberries, together with some trademark charry-but-balanced oak. The palate follows on, but I don't find that the slight decline in primary fruit has yet been balanced by complexity of development. The body is medium+ in size, the tannins have certainly softened out, and though it's quite satisfying to drink now I believe there's plenty more interest hidden away.
1997 Wendouree Cabernet Sauvignon (Clare)
Eaten with roast lamb, and you never missed the mint sauce! The bottle was opened and double decanted a couple of hours beforehand, but never really seemed to climb out of its green funk. Ruby in colour, the nose was quite powerful and spoke all in olive-accented tones; menthol, spearmint, and capsicum-scented herbal aromas. The palate wore the same shades; while never appearing under-ripe it never quite got to that old cedar/cassis target. Well-enough balanced, and medium bodied, but the length of finish never quite made it. The very end of the bottle seemed to improve (something which happens so often you can't help but wonder whether the alcohol is responsible) but it remained obstinately earthbound. I have another one at home - let's see what another five years will do.
cheers,
Graeme
Not well stored, and it showed. Aged before its time (some browning at the rim), the nose is still quite intense in it's white pepper aromas. Palate is quite light-weight, generally a bit tired, and the spicy fruit gives the impression of heat. medium length finish. I expect well-stored bottles to be better.
1998 Penfolds Bin 28 'Kalimna' Shiraz
Why they leave 'Kalimna' on this I don't know. We're never going to get AOC-style vineyard name protection in this country, that's for sure. Still garnet red, there is a medium-intensity nose of Barossa fruit-cake and blackberries, together with some trademark charry-but-balanced oak. The palate follows on, but I don't find that the slight decline in primary fruit has yet been balanced by complexity of development. The body is medium+ in size, the tannins have certainly softened out, and though it's quite satisfying to drink now I believe there's plenty more interest hidden away.
1997 Wendouree Cabernet Sauvignon (Clare)
Eaten with roast lamb, and you never missed the mint sauce! The bottle was opened and double decanted a couple of hours beforehand, but never really seemed to climb out of its green funk. Ruby in colour, the nose was quite powerful and spoke all in olive-accented tones; menthol, spearmint, and capsicum-scented herbal aromas. The palate wore the same shades; while never appearing under-ripe it never quite got to that old cedar/cassis target. Well-enough balanced, and medium bodied, but the length of finish never quite made it. The very end of the bottle seemed to improve (something which happens so often you can't help but wonder whether the alcohol is responsible) but it remained obstinately earthbound. I have another one at home - let's see what another five years will do.
cheers,
Graeme
Hi folks,
A mixed bag for the Easter weekend for me, impressions below
2000 Redhill Estate Classic Release Chardonnay
Had a buttery/creamy nose I’d expect from the peninsula in a 2000 vintage wine. On the palate the fruit had all but dried up and the wine was past it. Left too long forgotten in the cellar.
2001 Voyager Cabernet Merlot
Deep purple in colour, still a baby really. Great on the nose and in the mouth, definitely keep some of this for the years ahead, loved it.
2003 Moorooduc Estate ‘The Moorooduc’ Pinot Noir
Brilliant, glowing deep cherry in colour, amazing amount of lifted spice and various berries on the nose. Palate is full, soft and silky, berry, plum and spice flavours running around in all directions. This and the 04 vintage (released in March) have been two of my favourite Oz pinots of recent time.
1998 Penfolds Bin 389
So much has been said of this wine, I’ll just say that I loved it. Still felt like I has a lot of life left in it. Glad I have more of these in the cellar.
2003 Best’s Bin 1 Shiraz
Don’t remember too much about this wine but spicy and peppery come to mind.
1999 Turkey Flat Butchers Block Mataro Shiraz Grenache
Palate wise, this bottle was past its best with very little fruit left, however it did have same nice savoury aged characters on the nose.
Bright Brewery Hellfire Ale
First taste from this brewer, a delicious cloudy ale with fruit and spice characters and a fresh finish.
A mixed bag for the Easter weekend for me, impressions below
2000 Redhill Estate Classic Release Chardonnay
Had a buttery/creamy nose I’d expect from the peninsula in a 2000 vintage wine. On the palate the fruit had all but dried up and the wine was past it. Left too long forgotten in the cellar.
2001 Voyager Cabernet Merlot
Deep purple in colour, still a baby really. Great on the nose and in the mouth, definitely keep some of this for the years ahead, loved it.
2003 Moorooduc Estate ‘The Moorooduc’ Pinot Noir
Brilliant, glowing deep cherry in colour, amazing amount of lifted spice and various berries on the nose. Palate is full, soft and silky, berry, plum and spice flavours running around in all directions. This and the 04 vintage (released in March) have been two of my favourite Oz pinots of recent time.
1998 Penfolds Bin 389
So much has been said of this wine, I’ll just say that I loved it. Still felt like I has a lot of life left in it. Glad I have more of these in the cellar.
2003 Best’s Bin 1 Shiraz
Don’t remember too much about this wine but spicy and peppery come to mind.
1999 Turkey Flat Butchers Block Mataro Shiraz Grenache
Palate wise, this bottle was past its best with very little fruit left, however it did have same nice savoury aged characters on the nose.
Bright Brewery Hellfire Ale
First taste from this brewer, a delicious cloudy ale with fruit and spice characters and a fresh finish.
Aussie John wrote:Over the weekend:
1990 orlando Lawsons .... 89pts
1983 Tahbilk reserve Cab... 92pts
1971 Grange.......94pts
1986 Grange....95pts
1998 Grange....96pts
1995 Moss Wood....89pts
1995 Cullens.........90pts
1986 Hill of Grace...90pts
1996 Greenock Creek Creek Block Shiraz...98pts
1996 Kays Block 6 Shiraz...88pts
1986 Pichon Lalande....90pts
1993 Leoville Las Cases...92pts
1995 Clerc Milon.....94pts
Lots of other rubbish- the above were the highlights. The 96 Creek Block, at 10 years of age, is probably the greatest young Aussie red I have seen. Up there with the very best wines in the world over the past two decades. Absolutely mind-boggling stuff, a freak, and far and away the best Greenock Creek release to date, all RR's included.
AJ,
If memory serves correct the 1996 Greenock's were still made by Robert O'Callaghan, before they moved into the "super-charged" era....?
GD
Aussie John wrote:Over the weekend:
1990 orlando Lawsons .... 89pts
1983 Tahbilk reserve Cab... 92pts
1971 Grange.......94pts
1986 Grange....95pts
1998 Grange....96pts
1995 Moss Wood....89pts
1995 Cullens.........90pts
1986 Hill of Grace...90pts
1996 Greenock Creek Creek Block Shiraz...98pts
1996 Kays Block 6 Shiraz...88pts
1986 Pichon Lalande....90pts
1993 Leoville Las Cases...92pts
1995 Clerc Milon.....94pts
Lots of other rubbish- the above were the highlights. The 96 Creek Block, at 10 years of age, is probably the greatest young Aussie red I have seen. Up there with the very best wines in the world over the past two decades. Absolutely mind-boggling stuff, a freak, and far and away the best Greenock Creek release to date, all RR's included.
Hello AJ
re the Greenock Creek - could you elaborate why the Creek Block was so good ? I'm not a points man myself....
I am currently very sceptical about the ageability of some Barossa reds and if I had to name names Greenock Creek would IMHO be the best example of high alcohol wines that will keep but not really develop worthwhile secondary/tertiary characters. Most recent example for me was 1995 7 Acre ( 14.8% alc. even back then - admittedly a lesser vintage - it was impressively young but it was very heavy going and very food unfriendly I thought ).
I of course almost am hoping I am wrong re GC ( I have no doubts that they make their wines with only good intentions ) but I dunno about these huge reds - to the point where I'm not interested in buying them to cellar.
Also as a comic aside I came across an old tasting note of mine circa 1998 for a 1994 Greenock Creek Chardonnay " oaky as buggery " - wonder if they still make that !
Pelican
Gianna wrote:1996 Cyril Henschke
My first glass after a 4 week AFD........
A blend of 60% Cab Sav, 20% Merlot, 20% Cab Franc and aged in new French Oak. 14% Alcohol
Decanted for two hours ( some initial bottle stink that blew off fairly quickly ) the nose was bouquet of cedar, licorice, sweet plums, blackcurrants and with a hint of mint.
The palate was silky, complex and evolved. Little influence of oak as the fruit has definitely come to the fore. Earthy and dark currant flavours were the most dominant. A very pleasant re-entry to the world of wine. 90 pts
Well done for the 4 week AFD !
I recall my first glass of red after many months of AFD's - it was at a Greek mates house and it was his Dads home made stuff that tasted more like brandy than wine......
-
Aussie John
- Posts: 50
- Joined: Mon Aug 18, 2003 10:41 pm
Hi Pelican,
The 96 GC Creek Block is a wine of staggering breadth and depth. A real Barossa gem. Amazingly long and complex, at 10 years of age it is going along nicely, and should reach its plateau in about 3-6 years, and I would think stay there for at least a decade after that.
The 96 seven acres is also a wonderful drop- although I haven't seen that for at least a couple of years. It too would be peaking in the next few years.
The Creek Block was tasted amongst many Aussie Icons, threee vintages of Grange included, and everyone placed it first in light of its complexity length and expression of terroir as the Frogs call it.
I was unaware that Rocky made this wine, but I can say with absolute certainty that it is a far better wine than the 98 Creek Block, which is definitely amongst the monster red class you speak of- not really my cup of tea, and I doubt it will age and develop to anywhere near the extent that the 96 will. IMO, the Creek Block is far better than the 96 RR shiraz, which is a little porty and simple in comparison.
My greatest problem is that I have finished my dozen, and have to rely on the generosity of friends to continue to enjoy this treasure!!!!
The 96 GC Creek Block is a wine of staggering breadth and depth. A real Barossa gem. Amazingly long and complex, at 10 years of age it is going along nicely, and should reach its plateau in about 3-6 years, and I would think stay there for at least a decade after that.
The 96 seven acres is also a wonderful drop- although I haven't seen that for at least a couple of years. It too would be peaking in the next few years.
The Creek Block was tasted amongst many Aussie Icons, threee vintages of Grange included, and everyone placed it first in light of its complexity length and expression of terroir as the Frogs call it.
I was unaware that Rocky made this wine, but I can say with absolute certainty that it is a far better wine than the 98 Creek Block, which is definitely amongst the monster red class you speak of- not really my cup of tea, and I doubt it will age and develop to anywhere near the extent that the 96 will. IMO, the Creek Block is far better than the 96 RR shiraz, which is a little porty and simple in comparison.
My greatest problem is that I have finished my dozen, and have to rely on the generosity of friends to continue to enjoy this treasure!!!!
-
Gavin Trott
- Posts: 1860
- Joined: Mon Jul 28, 2003 5:01 pm
- Location: Adelaide
- Contact:
Rymill MC3 Cab Merlot Franc 2003 - Decent quaffer, light, smooth drinking with sweet palate, not complex but certainly amusing. 87pts
Penfolds Bin 407 Cabernet 1999 - More interesting than the above. A tad hot with a fruit driven palate but a nice smooth drinker, reasonably well integrated oak and acid with a grip on the finish. 90pts
Penfolds Bin 407 Cabernet 1999 - More interesting than the above. A tad hot with a fruit driven palate but a nice smooth drinker, reasonably well integrated oak and acid with a grip on the finish. 90pts
Another late entry:
2002 Tahbilk Marsanne (Nagambie)[12.5%, cork,$10]
Glowing lemon colour. Medium intensity aromas of honeysuckle and peach. Just enough acid to keep it fresh, but that always seems to be the case with this wine - the acid is always discreet yet always up to the job. Lovely full palate of medium weight and finish. The remaining third of the wine, just stoppered in the fridge overnight, was even better the next evening, the additional oxidation seeming to add to the honeyed weight of the wine. Plenty more years left here, and the usual bargain at $10.
cheers,
Graeme
2002 Tahbilk Marsanne (Nagambie)[12.5%, cork,$10]
Glowing lemon colour. Medium intensity aromas of honeysuckle and peach. Just enough acid to keep it fresh, but that always seems to be the case with this wine - the acid is always discreet yet always up to the job. Lovely full palate of medium weight and finish. The remaining third of the wine, just stoppered in the fridge overnight, was even better the next evening, the additional oxidation seeming to add to the honeyed weight of the wine. Plenty more years left here, and the usual bargain at $10.
cheers,
Graeme