You know the Sunday drill.....

[TORB]

Hi Good Peoples,

Its that time of the week again; please let us know what you have been knocking back. I will refrain from posting as not to many people will be interested in TN's on Berrima Rain Water, Mittagong Tap Water, or P & N Vege Juice.

But you experiences would be appreciated.

[andyc]

2000 Vincent Girardin Santenay Les Gravieres 1er cru
[/bA favourite relatively lower priced red burg. This, from a lighter vintage shows bright almost new world dark cherry fruit with a fair whack of oak. Very enjoyable and at its peak.

2003 Voyager Shiraz
This was quite rhone like with a whiff of boot polish and blackberry/cherry, only medium weight. Very young and the oak is sure to integrate to make a better wine over the next few years

1996 Pewsey Vale Riesling
I am 8 through a dozen of this and I frimly believe this is now at its peak to my tastes. Acidity, fading lemon fruit and slightly honeyed toast flavours all in line. Very nice and a very good example of how complex an aged Aussie riesling can be.

1999 Wayne Thomas Shiraz
Honest McLaren Vale style now turning more savoury and I wasn't a fan of this as a youngster but some complexity is coming in adding to its attraction.

[Dave Dewhurst]

Ashbrook Grove Cabernet Merlot Cabernet Franc, 2000, Margaret River, Western Australia

Decanted. Crimson red centre with just a hint of red-brown on the rim, more visible when pouring. Overpowering nose of leather and tar to start with, almost unpleasant, but not quite. This blows off quickly to more restrained scents of blackberry and possibly a whiff of apple in there. Oh boy! In the mouth, this is a massive monster with an initial hit of raspberry, swiftly followed by massive mouth filling (mouth-stunning?) glycerolly blackberry and blackcurrant, with possibly some tannins hiding under all the immense sweet fruit. Finish is long, sweet and red fruity with some alcoholic heat. This seems quite different in style to many Margaret River Cab-dominated wines, with sweeter and slightly redder more immense fruit hiding the tannins (perhaps the merlot?) as opposed to more usual dark black savoury fruit with dusty, chocolaty tannins. It perhaps seems a little out of balance at the moment. Not convinced by this.

Di Giorgio Francesco Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, 1998, Limestone Coast, South Australia

Decanted. Dark red centre to mid red rim, no sign of browning. Deep dark nose on this with classic blackcurrant in abundance plus tobacco and mint. The palate was a bit of a surprise with soft red cherries and redcurrants overlying some deeper darker fruit that did not want to reveal itself. Moderately drying upfront tannins and a slightly powdery finish with reasonable length of redcurrant fruit. Not quite sure what to make of this. Good structure and seemingly good fruit but much lighter than I expected fruit-wise. Saved about half the bottle for the next day but not much change. I think this is a very good wine with great structure but perhaps just not my preference for style in a cab sav.

The Warren Vineyard Cabernet Merlot, 2000, Pemberton, Western Australia

Decanted for a couple of hours before drinking. Deep crimson centre to red rim. Restrained nose of cassis and mint with a touch of white pepper. On the palate, the fruit is both redcurrant and blackcurrant and savoury but slightly sweeter than the 97 and 98. Deep, rich, strong fruit with moderately soft tannins and well balanced. Long finish. A simple shepherd’s pie made with a dash of this wine brought out further unctuous fruit power and softened the tannins even more. Very very tasty indeed!

Pulled out a Sandstone Cab Merlot 02 which was corked. Yanked a second which was inky, deep black and slightly sweet fruit with soft tannins and drinking nicely. The sweetness was the only iffy bit!

Cheers

Dave

[n4sir]

I tried a range of Gemtree and Lenswood wines at an instore yesterday - I was particularly impressed with Gemtree's stuff.

Mike Brown was there, and produced some barrel samples of the 2005 Tempranillo (powerful but still meshing), and the two components of the 2004 Obsidian which will be absolutely magnificent; another top-notch 2004 Vales flagship to look out for. There was also a sample of an experimental Shiraz made up of leftover fruit for the 2004 Obsidian pumped over white (Chardonnay) lees - the result is quite stunning.

Of the current releases the 2004 Uncut is fantastic, losing very little to the 2003 Obsidian which is very nice drinking itself, as are all the blends.

Cheers,
Ian

[Alex F]

Some...

Mt Hurtle GSM 2004

Acidity poking out, weak flavours, some attempt at structure but the individual components do not meld well. Lightly scented nose, not much of anything really. Bad. Nothing compared to the 2001.

Tyrells Vat 1 Semillon 1994

Wonderfully complex old wine. Lable says it should peak in 2000, but I think it was on tasting at cellar door last year. Certainly the one I had was very complex, much more so than the 1994 Elizabeth (a very nice wine in itself). Green apples, honey, a wonderful mix of lemon butter and lemon custard on the nose. Some toast, somewhat reminded me of a portuguese egg tart. On the palate was more of the honeyed/lemon/buttery characteristics, supported by good acidity and a wonderful toasty persistent finish. A bit overwhelmed by the Thai food (spiciness), but after dinner it showed its true wonderful colours.

And some other red cleanskin, can't remember.

[DaveL]

Last night 2001 Sorrenberg Sauvignon Blanc great stuff. Restrained oak, mouthfilling midpalate, and a lingering savoury finish. One of those wines that's all about mouthfeel and went a treat with grilled yabbies with lemon and herb rissotto. I bought this on spec out of a bargain bin at the Steve's Bottle Shop for $20, so I had only very limitted expectations for this wine. It's always a pleasure to be surprised I haven't found a white from Beechworth that I don't like so far.

1991 Penfolds Koonunga Hills Over the hill. Picked this up on the weekend as an experiment. When I think of the wines that are sold under this label these days it makes me want to cry. I reckon I found this 2 or three years too late, but you can still see the quality of the fruit and structure as it gracefully declines. Drink up.

[camw]

Dinner at Tetsuya's last night -

Flight 1
Pol Roger Sir Winston Churchill 1988
Krug 1989

Flight 2
Maximin Grunhaus Abstberg fuder auslese riesling 1995
Zind-Humbrecht Gewürztraminer Grand Cru Goldert 1997

Flight 3
Raveneau Valmur chablis 2000
Bonneau du Martray 1985

Flight 4
Rousseau Gevrey-Chambertin Clos St. Jacques 1990
Rene Engel Grands-Echezeaux 1989

Flight 5
Latour 1971
Cheval Blanc 1982

Flight 6
La Mission Haut Brion 1985
Lafite Rothschild 1986
Leoville Las Cases 1990

Flight 7
Suduiraut 1990
Zind Humbrecht Clos Windsbuhl SGN Pinot Gris 2001

Flight 8
Yquem 1971
Coutet cuvee madame 1971

[Craig(NZ)]

Cam you are a sick man!!

As for me just 2 humble wines to rest in your shadow unnoticed

2002 Carrick Pinot Noir. This has settled down a lot over the last 6 months, losing its puppy fat and revealing dark smioky fruits in a tight frame, classy and focussed as many otago pinots are compared to ones further north, but the 02 really isnt too varietal and my increasingly unpracticed palate could struggle to pick this as pinot blind. The 03 is very much more varietal and the better drink. 96 Points

2005 Main Divide Riesling. What is your record for demolishing a case of wine from purchase till completion?? I might just beat it with this wine! Massive crowd pleaser, rampant nose of citrus, honey and citrus skin, palate is alive, zany, razzle dazzle, snap out of it, wake you up style. This is such under rated wine amongst the wine snob world, but those new to the game just are bowled by this. The best wine in the world to take to impress friends just a bit into vino. 96 Points

Chow

[Finney]

OK, tried a few this week....

00 Seppelts St Peters, corked! Have emailed Seppelts.....

On reports from this forum, tried the 04 Mamre Brook Cab Sav. What can I say, have ordered more, excellent wine, excellent price!

99 Three Hills, Charles Andreas ($13 at auction), great buy and a lovely wine! Thanks Ric for bringing these to my attention in December! Will see how the other 2 travel over next few years!

Finney (Craig)

[Maximus]

Cam,

How was the '88 Winston?

Craig,

Agree re the Carrick pinots.

A few bits and pieces for me this week.

2004 Grant Burge Miamba Shiraz
Nose was big fruit to begin, with layers and layers of choclate in the mouth with a big finish. Persistent length. However, I was up and down with this wine over the 24 hours it was open, finding it too smoky at times.

2004 Blackenbrook Pinot Noir (Nelson)
It’s a nose wine, captivating me with aromas of forest, black cherry, blood plum and a floral lift I just can’t quite pinpoint. The extra air into the afternoon did it wonders and the palate settled down. Amazingly persistent too. Oh and five stars in Winestate magazine (does that count for anything?).

2004 Blackenbrook Pinot Gris (Nelson)
Nice, in the Alsacian mould but with more acid than I'd expect. Winemaker worked for Zind-Humbrecht, so the pedigree is respectable. But, I just don't get pinot gris yet. Except for Dry River and Nevis Bluff.

2003 Stonecroft Syrah (Hawke's Bay)
Bucking frilliant.

2003 Mt Langi Ghiran Billi Billi Shiraz
Had this a fortnight ago and was very impressed. Sub $20 wine which reminded me of the Seppelt Victorian Shiraz. This had an intense, tight core of fruit on the nose without being typically pepper driven, and weighty in the mouth more fruit to boot.

1993 Stonecroft Syrah (Hawke's Bay)
Cracked at a restaurant with shitty glassware. Nose had lots going on, but just declining a bit on the palate. Very respectable aged example from the kiwis though.

2002 Terravin "J" Cab/Merlot/Malbec (Marlborough)
Concentrated, brambly fruit on the nose with rich mouthfeel that turned a little dry on the finish. Class wine though.

2004 Cullen Ellen Russel Cab/Merlot
Nose was a bit too leafy for mine. Definitely not on the palate though, which is where it was saved. Wouldn't buy though.

2004 Unison Red (Hawke's Bay)
Yummo. Sit back, relax, drink this and the bottle will be gone in no time.

Cheers,

[Ian S]

TORB
2 AFW's in succession . Hope you recover soon.

For us, a 1999 Cappello di Prete from Candido, Puglia A (Negroamaro) wine we've enjoyed before in (of all places) Ferrara in Northern Italy. No specific TN, as we drank it on a chartered train on the return journey of an excursion to Durham. On it's own, it's quite Italianate, though showing that gentle warmth of the better southern Italian wines. With the Minestrone and Pancetta it went ok, however with the Beef and a little airing, it really sung (and this out of basically rubbish glasses - but with no corkage fee and great food again, I'm not complaining!). At £8.50 it's a great bargain, though at about €6-7 locally it's stunning value.

Big hand also to Giovanni at Giovanni's enoteca in Durham, a true Italian gentleman (Michelle was wonderfully pampered with a fresh cup of espresso, water and a seat brought out specially). Whilst his prices won't match those in Italy itself, his passion for his wines is sincere.
(No connections).

Also, remnants of a 1996 Punset Barbaresco, Piemonte which whilst perhaps an improvement after 3-4 days decanted into a half bottle, really lacked the depth of better Barbaresco, only offering a glimpse at the perfume of the better examples.

regards

Ian

[Roscoe]

Not much of great interest this week. Two worth mentioning:
Chapel Hill Cabernet Sauvignon 1998
This seemed to show its Coonawarra (30%) heritage more than MV (70%). Light red at rim. Predominantly cassis nose and palate, with a few touches of cedar and chocolate followed by soft tannins. Reasonable length and balance. A tad simple, lacking in depth and power, but a good drink. I think drink now up to 2 yrs.
Yarra View (Oakridge) Chardonnay 2004
Very pale. Touch of struck match on nose with subtle fruit. Predominantly melon palate, with some lemon and honey, the latter suggesting some development, and a crisp finish. Very subtle and well integrated oak playing a back seat role. A restrained cool climate style that may develop well in the medium term. Not really my style, but a very good wine nonetheless.

[Craig(NZ)]

Max

Havent tried the 04 unison yet, will this weekend. cant wait till next month when the 04 selection is released

Max are you going to "Hot red hawkes bay" tasting??

[Roscoe]

Forgot this one
Cape Mentelle Trinders Cab Merlot 1999
Seems to be a lot of bottle variation in this wine, which I think is due to brett. This was my last, and not a great bottle. While it had structure, the fruit was faded and there was a strong band-aid character, which seemed to overwhelm everything else. If you have any more, I would drink them, but have another bottle as a back up. I have had some good bottles of this wine.

[Maximus]

Max are you going to "Hot red hawkes bay" tasting??

Is the pope Catholic?

[Andrew Jordan]

Still recovering from a touch of the flu during last week, so no real tasting notes only a few impressions as I could not really trust my palate ... ... but needed to keep my Vitamin C intake up!

2002 Scarpantoni Shiraz Block 3
This was a nice surprise as McClaren Vale shiraz really hasn't been rocking my boat lately. In fact enjoyed this immensely.

2004 Saltram Cabernet Sauvignon Mamre Brook
Not much more to say about this wine. Bargain of the year in my book and we have already drunk half a case of the stuff. Brilliant!

1999 Glaetzer Shiraz
Last bottle of this wine, and I must admit I am glad it is. The same as my previous TN ... not much fruit to speak of. All top quality oak on the palate. Still an average wine IMHO and should be drunk sooner rather than later ... or if you have the choice go and buy the Mamre Brook Cabernet.

2005 Torbreck Shiraz Woodcutter's
Recently released and a nice quaffer from Torbreck, in the usual Torbreck style. Goes well with food.

1998 Peter Lehmann Shiraz Black Queen
Latest vintage of the Black Queen, tasted at CD a few weeks back and it was superb. Immediately ordered a case. However, this didn't appear to have the fruit that I remember. Not sure if it was an off bottle or if it was my off palate. Anyway, the wife didn't seem to worry as the bottle was consumed in record time.

[Maximus]

2005 Torbreck Shiraz Woodcutter's
Recently released and a nice quaffer from Torbreck, in the usual Torbreck style. Goes well with food.

AJ,

I've heard from a friend back in Oz that the '05 Woodcutters is a sweeter version - lotsa raspberry and ribena - than other vintages (in a bad way). I was concerned, given the '02, '03 and '04 were staples in my quaffing rack. Did you find any of these characters at all?

And while I'm here, I'd better add to my tally above.

1993 Mitchelton Reserve Shiraz
Starting to brown noticably, with an auburn edge. Nose of prunes, spirity whisky notes, cigar box and crushed herbs. Was pleasant enough, although it deteriorated soon after opening. Not bad for a cheap curio picked up at auction.

2003 Noon Reserve Cabernet
Has been nearly a year since I had my last. Could be longer. This has opened up almost reminisce of a barolo; tar and rose petals, then kirsch and raspberry. Big, bold nose, sweet in a combined fruit and alcohol way, with considerable palate weight and tannins that are a little chewy. Better than my last showing, where the alcohol was a bit pokey, but still not up there in the echelon I want it to be. Nevertheless, enjoyable.

Cheers,

[Mike Hawkins]

I've been having a bad trot with corked champagne - 1996 NF Palmes d'Or, 1996 Lanson Gold Label and 90 Winston Churchill all tipped down the sink in the past 10 days.

Also had a 2002 Tim Adams Aberfeldy. While I normally like this label, it was a bit short and one dimensional. Suffice to say, not the greatest vinous week.

[Gavin Trott]

I've been having a bad trot with corked champagne - 1996 NF Palmes d'Or, 1996 Lanson Gold Label and 90 Winston Churchill all tipped down the sink in the past 10 days.

Also had a 2002 Tim Adams Aberfeldy. While I normally like this label, it was a bit short and one dimensional. Suffice to say, not the greatest vinous week.

Is it possible your Aberfeldy was also a very small touch corked?

I ask as I've had this wine on many occasions, the Aberfeldy that is, it is terific wine and I would never see it as either short, or one dimensional?

Could just be different palates though I guess?

[Wizz]

Among others, I got to try all the new Torbreck gear at in instore last weekend. None of these except maybe the Pict have formidable tannins that stop you drinking these wines now, and they are all weightly little numbers that demand good food. Impressions only:

05 Woodcutters: Fresh, Vibrant, and enjoyable. Good buying if under $20.
04 Struie: Hmm, dont remember a lot except that it is the most "elegant" of them all. and I liked it a lot more than last time I saw it.
04 The Factor: lifted and floral, I thought I could taste Apricots (and I thought I'd poured the descendant by mistake).
04 Descendant: Dark, brooding and slightly hard edged on the back palate. Needs time.
02 Run Rig: Ooooh, this is the ducks nuts. My first try, and this is everything everyone has said. 95+ points is indeed deserving.
03 Run Rig: Similar style to the 02, a touch riper still excellent
04 The Pict: Brooding and massive, some red berries, leather, earth, road tar, very dense and concentrated, needs an eternity to age and soften, and could be a beauty in 10 years.

Lincoln has more detailed, good quality notes on the Run Rig and the Pict on Winorama.

AB

[Gavin Trott]

Among others, I got to try all the new Torbreck gear at in instore last weekend. None of these except maybe the Pict have formidable tannins that stop you drinking these wines now, and they are all weightly little numbers that demand good food. Impressions only:

05 Woodcutters: Fresh, Vibrant, and enjoyable. Good buying if under $20.
04 Struie: Hmm, dont remember a lot except that it is the most "elegant" of them all. and I liked it a lot more than last time I saw it.
04 The Factor: lifted and floral, I thought I could taste Apricots (and I thought I'd poured the descendant by mistake).
04 Descendant: Dark, brooding and slightly hard edged on the back palate. Needs time.
02 Run Rig: Ooooh, this is the ducks nuts. My first try, and this is everything everyone has said. 95+ points is indeed deserving.
03 Run Rig: Similar style to the 02, a touch riper still excellent
04 The Pict: Brooding and massive, some red berries, leather, earth, road tar, very dense and concentrated, needs an eternity to age and soften, and could be a beauty in 10 years.

Lincoln has more detailed, good quality notes on the Run Rig and the Pict on Winorama.

AB

No, Lincoln's are good but

I like the Ducks Nuts myself

I actually agree, and bought a couple of bottles of this, and I'm not usually a fan of Shiraz Viognier.

Great wine.

[Andrew Jordan]

2005 Torbreck Shiraz Woodcutter's
Recently released and a nice quaffer from Torbreck, in the usual Torbreck style. Goes well with food.

AJ,

I've heard from a friend back in Oz that the '05 Woodcutters is a sweeter version - lotsa raspberry and ribena - than other vintages (in a bad way). I was concerned, given the '02, '03 and '04 were staples in my quaffing rack. Did you find any of these characters at all?

Max,

Must admit didn't strike me a sweeter style compared to previous releases ... although there is sweet fruit (plum) there I didn't pick up any strong raspberry or ribena flavours. Definitely a fruit forward wine with a bit of spice thrown in for good measure, it definitely has the Torbreck mouthfeel and texture that we come to expect and as Wizz stated in his tasting note above ... "a very vibrant wine". Not sure if it is as good as the outstanding 2004 release, but if you like the Torbreck style then I am pretty sure you will like this wine.

[Wizz]

Some of the previous Woodcutters reds have been so young and vibrant on release they tasted like tank samples to me. The 05 had this element about it, although not as much earlier vintages (the 03 was intimidating)

[GRB]

Rouge Homme 1997 Cellar Door Pinot

Tough year for Cab in the Coonawarra but something must have worked here. Lovely cherries and spices at play. Don't know if it is a great Pinot but then again I don't know what a great pinot meant to be like, but this was great drinking.

Leasingham Bin 61 1995

Ok but I have had better bottles in the last 6 months this one appeared past it but still drinkable.

Rosemount Traditional 2001

Corked

Rosemount Traditional 2001

Better but still not as good as the one I had at Xmas time which I thought was exceptional. Don't you just love that bottle variation

Glen

[tex0403]

Bremerton 2002 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
Drinking this wine as I write, definitely not varietal but what it lacks in elegance and charm it certainly makes up for in raw power. Sweet vibrant cassis on the nose backed up by freshly polished leather and a healthy lick of spicy vanillian oak thanks to its time spent in 100% new french oak. On the palate the sweet fruit theme continues through to a lingering finish supported by fine grainy tannins. Alcohol is 14.5% but is definitely in balance thanks to the fruit weight. I could see this wine being easily confused with a shiraz. Should be released soon and will retail for around $45. 94 points.Did anyone buy the 01?

Wolf Blass Gold Label Adelaide Hills Cabernet Sauvignon Cabernet Franc 2002
Thought this would be a run of the mill wolf blass wine but was pleasantly suprised. On the palate it was upfront blackcurrents with lingering notes of crushed leaves and violets. The palate was well balanced and quite savoury with mildly grippy tannins. At $15 it was an excellent wine. 92 points

Lot 147 Rocland Estate Barossa Valley Shiraz 2004
Quite a young, brash and raw shiraz. Plenty of upfront fruit, well balanced and at $15 I thought it was a real bargin. 88 points

Redbank Sunday Morning Pinot Gris 2005
One of the best pinot gris' I have tasted. Excellent fruit plenty of lychee and pear aromas. Palate was quite fruit forward, with an excellent acid structure which carried the fruit through to a long finish. It was neither phenolic or overtly oily which this variety is prone to be. I can see why this won a trophy at the alternative variety wine show. 93 points
[/b]