Hi Good Peoples,
You know the drill; let us know what you have been drinking over the last week.
Its Sunday ... time for you weekly drinking reports...
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Ratcatcher
- Posts: 374
- Joined: Sat Jan 01, 2005 1:01 pm
- Location: Hobart
One for me too...
Hanging Rock Shiraz 2001:
God what a disappointment on opening. Weird chinese herb overtones, very charry, lots and lots of tannins, not much fruit, weird things happening with the length, I thought it was corked or something so opened a second bottle, different but not much better. Recorked the second bottle (the level is sitting just below neck is this alright?), and I'll drink it in the next month.
Despite the wine being minty, eucalyptic, tannic, we drank half the bottle, I chucked the other half into 2 185 ml bottles and we came back to that 2 days later with steak.
It was very very good.
Spicy, smoky plummy fruit on nose and palate, spice abounds, mouthfilling and mouthcoating, quite an intense very long finish, really complimented the food very well. Excellent.
I guess the moral of the story is that decanting really really really helps...
Hanging Rock Shiraz 2001:
God what a disappointment on opening. Weird chinese herb overtones, very charry, lots and lots of tannins, not much fruit, weird things happening with the length, I thought it was corked or something so opened a second bottle, different but not much better. Recorked the second bottle (the level is sitting just below neck is this alright?), and I'll drink it in the next month.
Despite the wine being minty, eucalyptic, tannic, we drank half the bottle, I chucked the other half into 2 185 ml bottles and we came back to that 2 days later with steak.
It was very very good.
Spicy, smoky plummy fruit on nose and palate, spice abounds, mouthfilling and mouthcoating, quite an intense very long finish, really complimented the food very well. Excellent.
I guess the moral of the story is that decanting really really really helps...
Some Frenchies, just quick recollections:
NV Champagne Jacquart Brut Mosaique
Liked this a lot. Quite fresh, but not acidic like many nv champagnes can be straight off the shelf. Nose was a little muted, fruit weight on palate considerable in comparison. Lost its mousse rather quickly.
2004 Domaine Christian Salmon Pouilly Fume
This had sauv gooseberry on nose, along with subtle melon fruits. Yes this was sauv, but no this was not Marlborough sauv (and thank Christ for that). Had high astringency and moderate acid; needs time.
2003 J. Moreau & Fils Chablis
This was nice. Very indicative of the year, a fat and generous wine that really had no acid to speak of, at least for a Chablis. A surprisingly long finish.
2004 Bouchard Aine & Fils Cuvee Signature Bourgogne
For $25, I'd quickly buy this over a lot of other similarly priced new world pinots on the market. An honest wine, this was just light cherry fruit with no real oak derived characters to speak of. Not generous in the mouth, but this aint a twelve hour romp, just a social hello over lunch.
2002 Louis Jadot Cote de Nuits Village Le Vaucrain
This far outclassed the previous pinot, but it ought to. Pushing the envelope at $50, but even though I wouldn't buy I could see the value. Darker fruit on the nose, with subtle pinot forest and earth. More of the same on the palate, but this wine is all about structure. Big bones, with a lot of meat attached at the moment, this will benefit from five years of sleep.
2003 Michel Chapoutier Belleruche
What a bargain! $16 a bottle and this had a little something for everyone. There was talk of apple strewdel, struck match, apricot pie, rhubarb, black pepper, white pepper, the list goes on! Not built for the long haul, it's drinking superbly right now, with silky tannins that linger on the finish. Bravo.
1998 Chateau Pichon-Longueville Baron
Last but not least. Wine of the night; a beaut wine. I'm not an authority on the regions of Bordeaux, but this had none of the graphite/pencil shavings aroma that I hear many talk about. Was wonderful nonetheless. A lot of primary fruit, quite concentrated as though smelling reduction sauce on occasion, with tar, cloves and gentle toast. Decanted initially for two hours, this continued to evolve in the glass, ever improving. Again, a wine of structure, not yet in harmony but it will be in years to come. Most enjoyable.
NV Champagne Jacquart Brut Mosaique
Liked this a lot. Quite fresh, but not acidic like many nv champagnes can be straight off the shelf. Nose was a little muted, fruit weight on palate considerable in comparison. Lost its mousse rather quickly.
2004 Domaine Christian Salmon Pouilly Fume
This had sauv gooseberry on nose, along with subtle melon fruits. Yes this was sauv, but no this was not Marlborough sauv (and thank Christ for that). Had high astringency and moderate acid; needs time.
2003 J. Moreau & Fils Chablis
This was nice. Very indicative of the year, a fat and generous wine that really had no acid to speak of, at least for a Chablis. A surprisingly long finish.
2004 Bouchard Aine & Fils Cuvee Signature Bourgogne
For $25, I'd quickly buy this over a lot of other similarly priced new world pinots on the market. An honest wine, this was just light cherry fruit with no real oak derived characters to speak of. Not generous in the mouth, but this aint a twelve hour romp, just a social hello over lunch.
2002 Louis Jadot Cote de Nuits Village Le Vaucrain
This far outclassed the previous pinot, but it ought to. Pushing the envelope at $50, but even though I wouldn't buy I could see the value. Darker fruit on the nose, with subtle pinot forest and earth. More of the same on the palate, but this wine is all about structure. Big bones, with a lot of meat attached at the moment, this will benefit from five years of sleep.
2003 Michel Chapoutier Belleruche
What a bargain! $16 a bottle and this had a little something for everyone. There was talk of apple strewdel, struck match, apricot pie, rhubarb, black pepper, white pepper, the list goes on! Not built for the long haul, it's drinking superbly right now, with silky tannins that linger on the finish. Bravo.
1998 Chateau Pichon-Longueville Baron
Last but not least. Wine of the night; a beaut wine. I'm not an authority on the regions of Bordeaux, but this had none of the graphite/pencil shavings aroma that I hear many talk about. Was wonderful nonetheless. A lot of primary fruit, quite concentrated as though smelling reduction sauce on occasion, with tar, cloves and gentle toast. Decanted initially for two hours, this continued to evolve in the glass, ever improving. Again, a wine of structure, not yet in harmony but it will be in years to come. Most enjoyable.
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
Jeez max, you dont stop do you??? 
Just 3 wines this weekend.
2004 Wolf Blass Yellow Label Cabernet. Not as profound as the last two ive drunk, but warmed up a bit its a decent Friday drink. Very varietal, nice cassis and dry leaf dark. Im sure they bottle this by the river full so a bit of variation must be par for the course.
2005 Main Divide Riesling. Made by Pegasus Bay. Bursting with x factor and bursting with citrus, honey, sherbet, great focus and balance. Super off dry riesling and instantly appealing to all. Must be one of NZs most under rated rieslings, but I know it is steadily gaining cult appeal among many wine drinkers less obsessed than ourselves. A slightly less weighty version of the Pegasus Bay Riesling
2004 Craggy Range Block 14 Syrah. This syrah is so elegant, so refined but still ripping with flavour. fresh boysenberry undertones smoothered with layers of boysenberry ice cream, cream and a very slight peppery edge. fantastic texture - all cream - Just gorgeous, focused, not over extracted and super stylish. Great value. I cant do justice to underlining how brilliant the near entire line up of Craggy Range wines are this year.
Just 3 wines this weekend.
2004 Wolf Blass Yellow Label Cabernet. Not as profound as the last two ive drunk, but warmed up a bit its a decent Friday drink. Very varietal, nice cassis and dry leaf dark. Im sure they bottle this by the river full so a bit of variation must be par for the course.
2005 Main Divide Riesling. Made by Pegasus Bay. Bursting with x factor and bursting with citrus, honey, sherbet, great focus and balance. Super off dry riesling and instantly appealing to all. Must be one of NZs most under rated rieslings, but I know it is steadily gaining cult appeal among many wine drinkers less obsessed than ourselves. A slightly less weighty version of the Pegasus Bay Riesling
2004 Craggy Range Block 14 Syrah. This syrah is so elegant, so refined but still ripping with flavour. fresh boysenberry undertones smoothered with layers of boysenberry ice cream, cream and a very slight peppery edge. fantastic texture - all cream - Just gorgeous, focused, not over extracted and super stylish. Great value. I cant do justice to underlining how brilliant the near entire line up of Craggy Range wines are this year.
Follow me on Vivino for tasting notes Craig Thomson
Hi all,
Most notable was the Penley Estate Phoenix 2004 Coonawarra cabernet. Really yummy and swallows the 14.5%. Feel like another box coming on.
Have been having fun blending cleanskins to make some lovely cabernet/shiraz. Ripe shiraz softening some lovely but austere cabernets.
Chuck
Most notable was the Penley Estate Phoenix 2004 Coonawarra cabernet. Really yummy and swallows the 14.5%. Feel like another box coming on.
Have been having fun blending cleanskins to make some lovely cabernet/shiraz. Ripe shiraz softening some lovely but austere cabernets.
Chuck
Your worst game of golf is better than your best day at work
Major dental surgery 
completely ruined this week's drinking, although, beforehand, I did manage to sneak in a very good to excellent bottle of Mt. Horrocks 1999 Shiraz (88 points) full of plum and blackberry fruit with subservient savoury/spicy oak and very nicely balanced from start to finish. I checked out Chapoutier's very good 1999 Crozes-Ermitage "Les Varionners" (87 points) for brett and yes, there's some there, luckily, mostly blowing off with some airing in the glass. Lovely complex wine underneath. Well cellared bottles may not be as brett-ravaged as "less well kept" examples - usual story! Looking forward to opening a few decent bottles tomorrow night if a couple of the lads from Sydney turn up as planned.
completely ruined this week's drinking, although, beforehand, I did manage to sneak in a very good to excellent bottle of Mt. Horrocks 1999 Shiraz (88 points) full of plum and blackberry fruit with subservient savoury/spicy oak and very nicely balanced from start to finish. I checked out Chapoutier's very good 1999 Crozes-Ermitage "Les Varionners" (87 points) for brett and yes, there's some there, luckily, mostly blowing off with some airing in the glass. Lovely complex wine underneath. Well cellared bottles may not be as brett-ravaged as "less well kept" examples - usual story! Looking forward to opening a few decent bottles tomorrow night if a couple of the lads from Sydney turn up as planned.Cheers,
David
David
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bacchaebabe
- Posts: 1222
- Joined: Fri Aug 15, 2003 5:04 pm
- Location: Sydney
A couple of quaffers with Pizza last night
98 Penfolds Koonunga Hill Holding up very nicely thank you very much. Fairly spicey with plenty of black fruits on the nose and palate and lots of weight. I've still got quite a few bottles of these and they'll keep drinking for a little while yet.
97 Grant Burge Filsell A little lighter in colour but also drinking very well and at peak from an average year. Nice body and weight and plenty of depth of flavour.
Two good cheapies (Well at the time anyway)
98 Penfolds Koonunga Hill Holding up very nicely thank you very much. Fairly spicey with plenty of black fruits on the nose and palate and lots of weight. I've still got quite a few bottles of these and they'll keep drinking for a little while yet.
97 Grant Burge Filsell A little lighter in colour but also drinking very well and at peak from an average year. Nice body and weight and plenty of depth of flavour.
Two good cheapies (Well at the time anyway)
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)
JM Brocard Fourchame 1er cru 2000
This had some Chablis minerality and was moving into a more toasty maturity. At an interesting stage of life and could only be Chablis
Zema Estate Cab Sav 1998
This is a lovely straight forward Coonawarra. At this age I'd like to see more cigar box notes in my cab.
Stefano Lubiana Primervera Pinto Noir 2003
This is drinking really well with some forest floor notes coming into play with the primary cherry flavours. I'll get some 2005 which I'm sure will be good.
Trimbach Vendanges Tardive Gewurztraminer 1997
A truly unique wine that is very powerful with strong acidity. Of medium sweetness but the strength of the flavours and acidity and the length of the finish make this a wonderful experience. I just wouldn't have a clue to what would make a good food match. Too sweet for most mains, not enough for desserts, just enjoy its unique style.
This had some Chablis minerality and was moving into a more toasty maturity. At an interesting stage of life and could only be Chablis
Zema Estate Cab Sav 1998
This is a lovely straight forward Coonawarra. At this age I'd like to see more cigar box notes in my cab.
Stefano Lubiana Primervera Pinto Noir 2003
This is drinking really well with some forest floor notes coming into play with the primary cherry flavours. I'll get some 2005 which I'm sure will be good.
Trimbach Vendanges Tardive Gewurztraminer 1997
A truly unique wine that is very powerful with strong acidity. Of medium sweetness but the strength of the flavours and acidity and the length of the finish make this a wonderful experience. I just wouldn't have a clue to what would make a good food match. Too sweet for most mains, not enough for desserts, just enjoy its unique style.
2004 Gibbston Valley Blanc de Pinot Noir
Rose with attitude!. Unlike most roses, this has great varietal character (cherry)- best to drink not too cold.
2001 Penfolds Bin 28
Disappointing. One dimensional with little fruit and a bitter finish
2001 Richmond Grove Limited Release Shiraz
That's better! Warm, rich blackberrry & cassis.
Rose with attitude!. Unlike most roses, this has great varietal character (cherry)- best to drink not too cold.
2001 Penfolds Bin 28
Disappointing. One dimensional with little fruit and a bitter finish
2001 Richmond Grove Limited Release Shiraz
That's better! Warm, rich blackberrry & cassis.
We're not here for a long time, we're here for a good time!
Tried the new release 2004 Morris Shiraz which has been given the Orlando spit & polish. Lost some of it's regionality in the process, but a hell of a nice Shiraz for $14-$15. I have no doubt this will be a regular on people's best value lists in the months to come.
The 2002 Voyager Reserve SSB was a lovely wine, elegant, restrained, with sweet herbs, and a mealy, textural finish. The Joseph 2003 Angel's Gully Shiraz was just OK - a little hot on the nose, and a little hollow through the mid palate with nice chewy tannins. The 2005 Pizzini Sangiovese was as always consistent. A little more forward and lacking the complexity of the 04 release, but good value just the same.
And tonight (with the best Coq au Vin I have eaten) we enjoyed a 2002 Lindy's Stevens Shiraz. A very characterful drop - a great way to introduce someone to Hunter Shiraz, a touch leathery, followed by some rich mid-weight fruit, with a spicy savoury finish. The 1998 Craiglee Shiraz took a little while to get going but once it opened up it was beautiful. Quite rich and full by Craiglee standards with savoury rasberry fruit & cracked black pepper. Still too young, probably another 3-4 years before I would contemplate opening another.
The 1994 All Saints Botrytis Semillon was stunning. Deservedly laden with trophies, the nose was rich, but with candied fruits moreso than just obvious botrytis character. Long, luscious, and drying towards the finish - rivals any Oz sticky that I have tried.
The 2004 Juniper Estate Cane Cut Riesling is just a joy to drink. Honeyed on the nose, with hints of fig, lychee, lime leaf and more. Pristine condition, beautifully clean on the palate, somehow we ended up drinking this after the All Saints, and it was a little overblown, but a very smart wine.
LL
The 2002 Voyager Reserve SSB was a lovely wine, elegant, restrained, with sweet herbs, and a mealy, textural finish. The Joseph 2003 Angel's Gully Shiraz was just OK - a little hot on the nose, and a little hollow through the mid palate with nice chewy tannins. The 2005 Pizzini Sangiovese was as always consistent. A little more forward and lacking the complexity of the 04 release, but good value just the same.
And tonight (with the best Coq au Vin I have eaten) we enjoyed a 2002 Lindy's Stevens Shiraz. A very characterful drop - a great way to introduce someone to Hunter Shiraz, a touch leathery, followed by some rich mid-weight fruit, with a spicy savoury finish. The 1998 Craiglee Shiraz took a little while to get going but once it opened up it was beautiful. Quite rich and full by Craiglee standards with savoury rasberry fruit & cracked black pepper. Still too young, probably another 3-4 years before I would contemplate opening another.
The 1994 All Saints Botrytis Semillon was stunning. Deservedly laden with trophies, the nose was rich, but with candied fruits moreso than just obvious botrytis character. Long, luscious, and drying towards the finish - rivals any Oz sticky that I have tried.
The 2004 Juniper Estate Cane Cut Riesling is just a joy to drink. Honeyed on the nose, with hints of fig, lychee, lime leaf and more. Pristine condition, beautifully clean on the palate, somehow we ended up drinking this after the All Saints, and it was a little overblown, but a very smart wine.
LL
roughred wrote:The 2002 Voyager Reserve SSB was a lovely wine, elegant, restrained, with sweet herbs, and a mealy, textural finish. The 1998 Craiglee Shiraz took a little while to get going but once it opened up it was beautiful. Quite rich and full by Craiglee standards with savoury rasberry fruit & cracked black pepper. Still too young, probably another 3-4 years before I would contemplate opening another.
LL
Thanks for these notes. Have you tried the other Voyager Cellar door special (the 99 Reserve Cab)? I was very impressed with it, but walked away without buying, even though I thought it great value at £58 (we could only carry 6 bottles back to UK).
Many thanks for the 98 Craiglee note. I have a dozen on the way from an Auction win and was expecting them to be drunk within 2-3 years going on various critics estimates, so your note is highly reassuring. I got them very cheap, so was happy to treat it as a high class quaffer
(
regards
Ian
Hi peoples one from last week to start
1998 Bin 28 monster wine, needs another 5 years, if you don't mind letting it sit in decanter for hour or 2 drink now
St Hallets Blackwell 2001 Drinking well now, could get better in a few years but is such a big barossa style now, with soft tannins mmmmmm.....
Hunter trip on friday
Tempus two
2002 hunter shiraz was best VFM
2003 WR stevens shiraz($55) was either not good or corked, upoon asking for another bottle to be tasted, we were rufused unless they guaranteed us too buy some??????? avoid this place
tyrells
the best winery to visit in the hunter
had a mini vertical of vat1 05,99,97,89 97 was the standout, but the 89 was easily a reason y hunter semillon is the best ageing white wine in aus.
vat 8/9 from the great 2003 hunter vintage already sold out, but the 2005 seems very promising, not sure about the 2004(maybe others can give an opinion)
Meerea park
anyone who thinks hunter wines are weak have never had a wine from this winery.
2003 alex munro.... classic hunter with years left to bring out all the pepper and spice
Brokenwood
Usually a big fan of this winery, but on this particular day the customer service was crap. 2004 hunter shiraz and mistress block are good but not worth the money, i might have better things to say but the attuide of the cellar door staff member was F%$K@D
Tulloch
Wanted a hector and got treatment similar brokenwood, 2000 hecter shiraz is good but cellar door staff should take training in customer service
Metala original plantings 2000 am tasting this as i write up notes, this is a great 2000 shiraz, many years left with strawberrys on the nose and coffee mocha on the palate....
cheers all
Simon
1998 Bin 28 monster wine, needs another 5 years, if you don't mind letting it sit in decanter for hour or 2 drink now
St Hallets Blackwell 2001 Drinking well now, could get better in a few years but is such a big barossa style now, with soft tannins mmmmmm.....
Hunter trip on friday
Tempus two
2002 hunter shiraz was best VFM
2003 WR stevens shiraz($55) was either not good or corked, upoon asking for another bottle to be tasted, we were rufused unless they guaranteed us too buy some??????? avoid this place
tyrells
the best winery to visit in the hunter
had a mini vertical of vat1 05,99,97,89 97 was the standout, but the 89 was easily a reason y hunter semillon is the best ageing white wine in aus.
vat 8/9 from the great 2003 hunter vintage already sold out, but the 2005 seems very promising, not sure about the 2004(maybe others can give an opinion)
Meerea park
anyone who thinks hunter wines are weak have never had a wine from this winery.
2003 alex munro.... classic hunter with years left to bring out all the pepper and spice
Brokenwood
Usually a big fan of this winery, but on this particular day the customer service was crap. 2004 hunter shiraz and mistress block are good but not worth the money, i might have better things to say but the attuide of the cellar door staff member was F%$K@D
Tulloch
Wanted a hector and got treatment similar brokenwood, 2000 hecter shiraz is good but cellar door staff should take training in customer service
Metala original plantings 2000 am tasting this as i write up notes, this is a great 2000 shiraz, many years left with strawberrys on the nose and coffee mocha on the palate....
cheers all
Simon
Ian S wrote:roughred wrote:The 2002 Voyager Reserve SSB was a lovely wine, elegant, restrained, with sweet herbs, and a mealy, textural finish. The 1998 Craiglee Shiraz took a little while to get going but once it opened up it was beautiful. Quite rich and full by Craiglee standards with savoury rasberry fruit & cracked black pepper. Still too young, probably another 3-4 years before I would contemplate opening another.
LL
Thanks for these notes. Have you tried the other Voyager Cellar door special (the 99 Reserve Cab)? I was very impressed with it, but walked away without buying, even though I thought it great value at £58 (we could only carry 6 bottles back to UK).
Many thanks for the 98 Craiglee note. I have a dozen on the way from an Auction win and was expecting them to be drunk within 2-3 years going on various critics estimates, so your note is highly reassuring. I got them very cheap, so was happy to treat it as a high class quaffer
regards
Ian
Ian,
Craiglee does have a reputation for hanging together in the better years -the 1990 is still drinking very well - as is the 1997 - haven't tried the '98 but by the note sounds like it needs more than a few years before being drunk. The 2002 is also an excellent drop if you can source any.
Cheers,
David
David
oakboy wrote:Brokenwood
Usually a big fan of this winery, but on this particular day the customer service was crap. 2004 hunter shiraz and mistress block are good but not worth the money, i might have better things to say but the attuide of the cellar door staff member was F%$K@D
Tulloch
Wanted a hector and got treatment similar brokenwood, 2000 hecter shiraz is good but cellar door staff should take training in customer service
Didn't go to Mount Pleasant?
I have had frosty reception in Brokenwood and Tulloch before... Brokenwood especially.
Alex
2000 Wild Duck Creek Duck Muck: In the scheme of things, this is still quite young. However, this was drinking very well and for mine, it was a great wine. While it was over 15%, it was not a hot, overtly alcohol wine and was a great accompaniment to the Beef Hotpot with Potato Dumplings. This was a variation to the Lamb Hotpot in the June Super Food Ideas.
Great food and wine with great friends
Great food and wine with great friends
Ciao,
michaelw
You know it makes sense!
michaelw
You know it makes sense!
These are more vibes than any concrete tasting notes
2002 Penfolds Kalimna Shiraz
Having not had one of these since the 1996 vintage, I thought it was time to have a try. A nice shiraz, silky smooth, but I felt the fruit component was lacking and the wine was a bit ‘flat’, it did not really grab me at all. However not a bad wine by any means, but did not meet my expectations.
2001 ST Hallet Faith Shiraz
This was a far better wine to the the above, excellent structure and tannins with an excellent smooth finish. It was like drinking velvet, went excellent with Chargrilled Lamb. I am not sure I’d hold onto this wine much longer really, drinking really well now.
2003 Wynns Coonawarra Shiraz Cabernet Merlot
We were getting a bit untidy by this stage and a quaffer was called for. This wine surprised me. Really good fruit and the oak integration was spot on, hard to fault this wine at all, excellent quaffer!
2002 Penfolds Kalimna Shiraz
Having not had one of these since the 1996 vintage, I thought it was time to have a try. A nice shiraz, silky smooth, but I felt the fruit component was lacking and the wine was a bit ‘flat’, it did not really grab me at all. However not a bad wine by any means, but did not meet my expectations.
2001 ST Hallet Faith Shiraz
This was a far better wine to the the above, excellent structure and tannins with an excellent smooth finish. It was like drinking velvet, went excellent with Chargrilled Lamb. I am not sure I’d hold onto this wine much longer really, drinking really well now.
2003 Wynns Coonawarra Shiraz Cabernet Merlot
We were getting a bit untidy by this stage and a quaffer was called for. This wine surprised me. Really good fruit and the oak integration was spot on, hard to fault this wine at all, excellent quaffer!
Thanks for these notes. Have you tried the other Voyager Cellar door special (the 99 Reserve Cab)? I was very impressed with it, but walked away without buying, even though I thought it great value at £58 (we could only carry 6 bottles back to UK).
Many thanks for the 98 Craiglee note. I have a dozen on the way from an Auction win and was expecting them to be drunk within 2-3 years going on various critics estimates, so your note is highly reassuring. I got them very cheap, so was happy to treat it as a high class quaffer
regards
Ian
Ian,
I have tried the 99 Voyager Reserve Cab at CD. I thought it was a lovely wine, with some developing cigarbox, and at $58 fair value by comparison. However as far as premium 99 MR Cabs go, I think it only sits mid-field.
Like you my Craiglee's came from auction where they can be picked up pretty smartly, mine were at about $25 from memory. In my opinion it is a good Craiglee, not a great one, but at that sort of price it is hard to beat, and has a good many years ahead of it.
LL
[/b]Stefano Lubiana Primervera Pinto Noir 2004[/b] Nice fruity little number, has cqlmed down a bit from the initial fruit shock. colour was brown tinged, but overall a nce drink.
2001 Devil's Lair Cab This was an excellent example, rich Margaret River berry fruit, long tannins but well intergrated . I have had a poor example of this before but this was sensational. Oliver marks it down, perhaps he got a dud to taste.
2002 Villa Maria Res Pinot good wine lovely fruit, drinking superbly
2001 Devil's Lair Cab This was an excellent example, rich Margaret River berry fruit, long tannins but well intergrated . I have had a poor example of this before but this was sensational. Oliver marks it down, perhaps he got a dud to taste.
2002 Villa Maria Res Pinot good wine lovely fruit, drinking superbly
It's one of my favourite times of the year with Le Tour de France starting in Strasbourg this year. Since I could not get any EPO I thought I'd celebrate the start of La Grande Boucle with an Alsace wine......
2003 Rene Mure Cote de Rouffach Gerwurtraminer Alsace ( $ 31 ) : Good rich Gerwurtz' - nice honied aspect. Rather heavy but I think that's the style. Made a roast pork and cabbage dish to match.
2005 Castagna Allegro Beechworth Victoria ( $ 30 ) : Like the Gerwurtz' above this seemed very weighty - probably the " heaviest " rose I've ever tried. Impressive but not what I look for in a rose. Perhaps a red wine drinkers rose !
2002 Primo Estate Joseph Nebbiolo Clarendon SA ( $ 43 ) : A bit of "imbiber error" here as I served it too cool. Restrained but definitely pretty classy wine. Could have done with Food too but we'd already eaten.
So in a way this wine was wasted on me.
2003 Rene Mure Cote de Rouffach Gerwurtraminer Alsace ( $ 31 ) : Good rich Gerwurtz' - nice honied aspect. Rather heavy but I think that's the style. Made a roast pork and cabbage dish to match.
2005 Castagna Allegro Beechworth Victoria ( $ 30 ) : Like the Gerwurtz' above this seemed very weighty - probably the " heaviest " rose I've ever tried. Impressive but not what I look for in a rose. Perhaps a red wine drinkers rose !
2002 Primo Estate Joseph Nebbiolo Clarendon SA ( $ 43 ) : A bit of "imbiber error" here as I served it too cool. Restrained but definitely pretty classy wine. Could have done with Food too but we'd already eaten.
So in a way this wine was wasted on me.
Wines this week
A good week. Ruth and Colin Kay from Kay Bros Amery in McLaren Vale were visiting, so managed some good wines.
Jeir Creek sparkling red (2005-06 disgorgement), Canberra
- One of the best cool climate sparkling reds I've had. Mix of vintages and varieties dating back to 2001 (cabernet sauvignon, shiraz and merlot). At about $25 per bottle, this would have shone in the Fizzy Cold and Red tasting, if they'd managed to include it.
Valminor 2004 albarino (Rias Biaxas, Spain)
- My pick of recent Spanish albarinos. Lovely mid-gold character and treads that line of good albarino: some sauvignon blanc aromatics, a spine of riesling lemon, and a mid-weight viognier mouthfeel. Good lees handling and develops the mildest hint of spritz well after opening. Got a McLaren vale red winemaker saying good things about white wine, and that does say something.
Roda I 2001 tempranillo (Rioja Alta, Spain)
- This was very, very good. Brought along to dinner at Sage as Colin had mentioned a liking for good Spanish joven tempranillo, so decided to bring something very different. Almost a study in how to build a line of tanins. Beautiful, subtle, ripe but fine fruits. If it weren't beyond my drinking budget I'd have quite a bit of this.
That was one dinner at Sage. Friday saw a visit to Clonakilla to introduce Colin Kay to Tim Kirk (truly a fascinating conversation to witness), and then a lovely gift of the 2005 Clonakilla shiraz viognier for dinner (release scheduled for 1 Sept 2006).
Clonakilla 2005 shiraz viognier (Murrambateman) 14%
- The layering of spice is what gets me with this wine. Especially with some time after opening, the nose is beautifully floral (7% viognier cofermented), but the aromatics are not dominated by the viognier, which has but a fairly minor, supporting role. You smell cool climate shiraz florals, and then the palate gives layers of ripe fruits, pepper, violets and more spice. Crackingly northern Rhone. Even in a glut this will sell out fast.
While the dinner at Grazing (Gundaroo) featured the Clonakilla, the other wines held up well:
Mount Majura 2005 riesling (Canberra) 11.6%
- Frank van de Loo is producing some excellent wines from the Mount Majura vineyards, and this aromatic riesling is one of the better examples. Lemon and minerals on the palate follow white blossom on the nose (citrus blossom/jasmine). At about $16 a bottle before it sold out, I'm glad I have a bit of this stashed away.
Kyeema 2004 merlot (Canberra)
- Andrew McEwan makes good merlot and shiraz from his Murrambateman vineyards, selling most of it direct to restaurants. Merlot from cool climate sites worries me more often than not, but this one works. It comes through with green olives and good spice and has a solid, medium length finish. Nice wine and good with or without food.
Jeir Creek 2004 botrytis semillon sauvingnon blanc, 12% (375ml)
- Possibly the best dessert wine from the Canberra district, Rob Howell grows the sauvignon blanc himself and brings in the semillon. This has a lovely weight of acid and doesn't overdo the botrytis, so can handle sweet desserts. Apricot, citrus and marmalade, put through good French oak (Allier and Vosges) produce an excellent sticky.
Beyond the visit, a couple of other interesting bottles:
Cusumano 2004 Nero d'Avola (Sicilia) 13.5%
- I think my first straight bottle of nero d'avola and not so impressive on day one. Took a while to unwind, and much better day two (better profile to the fruits, nice balance of dark berries and savoury/sour characters). Really enjoying the final glass until a fly drowned itself in it and had to be abandoned (a fly, in winter, in Canberra! Damn that climate change).
Vintage Cellars 2004 tempranillo (King Valley) 14%
- A bit ho-hum, but not bad for a varietal cleanskin to make up the balance in a 6 bottle pack during the 20% discount thing. Done by Gapstead, who know their stuff, but fairly clearly a case of doing a good job of second string fruit. Sour and savoury tempranillo is there, but well defined cherry, let alone the cola or sarsparilla I look for, all a bit lacking.
Jeir Creek sparkling red (2005-06 disgorgement), Canberra
- One of the best cool climate sparkling reds I've had. Mix of vintages and varieties dating back to 2001 (cabernet sauvignon, shiraz and merlot). At about $25 per bottle, this would have shone in the Fizzy Cold and Red tasting, if they'd managed to include it.
Valminor 2004 albarino (Rias Biaxas, Spain)
- My pick of recent Spanish albarinos. Lovely mid-gold character and treads that line of good albarino: some sauvignon blanc aromatics, a spine of riesling lemon, and a mid-weight viognier mouthfeel. Good lees handling and develops the mildest hint of spritz well after opening. Got a McLaren vale red winemaker saying good things about white wine, and that does say something.
Roda I 2001 tempranillo (Rioja Alta, Spain)
- This was very, very good. Brought along to dinner at Sage as Colin had mentioned a liking for good Spanish joven tempranillo, so decided to bring something very different. Almost a study in how to build a line of tanins. Beautiful, subtle, ripe but fine fruits. If it weren't beyond my drinking budget I'd have quite a bit of this.
That was one dinner at Sage. Friday saw a visit to Clonakilla to introduce Colin Kay to Tim Kirk (truly a fascinating conversation to witness), and then a lovely gift of the 2005 Clonakilla shiraz viognier for dinner (release scheduled for 1 Sept 2006).
Clonakilla 2005 shiraz viognier (Murrambateman) 14%
- The layering of spice is what gets me with this wine. Especially with some time after opening, the nose is beautifully floral (7% viognier cofermented), but the aromatics are not dominated by the viognier, which has but a fairly minor, supporting role. You smell cool climate shiraz florals, and then the palate gives layers of ripe fruits, pepper, violets and more spice. Crackingly northern Rhone. Even in a glut this will sell out fast.
While the dinner at Grazing (Gundaroo) featured the Clonakilla, the other wines held up well:
Mount Majura 2005 riesling (Canberra) 11.6%
- Frank van de Loo is producing some excellent wines from the Mount Majura vineyards, and this aromatic riesling is one of the better examples. Lemon and minerals on the palate follow white blossom on the nose (citrus blossom/jasmine). At about $16 a bottle before it sold out, I'm glad I have a bit of this stashed away.
Kyeema 2004 merlot (Canberra)
- Andrew McEwan makes good merlot and shiraz from his Murrambateman vineyards, selling most of it direct to restaurants. Merlot from cool climate sites worries me more often than not, but this one works. It comes through with green olives and good spice and has a solid, medium length finish. Nice wine and good with or without food.
Jeir Creek 2004 botrytis semillon sauvingnon blanc, 12% (375ml)
- Possibly the best dessert wine from the Canberra district, Rob Howell grows the sauvignon blanc himself and brings in the semillon. This has a lovely weight of acid and doesn't overdo the botrytis, so can handle sweet desserts. Apricot, citrus and marmalade, put through good French oak (Allier and Vosges) produce an excellent sticky.
Beyond the visit, a couple of other interesting bottles:
Cusumano 2004 Nero d'Avola (Sicilia) 13.5%
- I think my first straight bottle of nero d'avola and not so impressive on day one. Took a while to unwind, and much better day two (better profile to the fruits, nice balance of dark berries and savoury/sour characters). Really enjoying the final glass until a fly drowned itself in it and had to be abandoned (a fly, in winter, in Canberra! Damn that climate change).
Vintage Cellars 2004 tempranillo (King Valley) 14%
- A bit ho-hum, but not bad for a varietal cleanskin to make up the balance in a 6 bottle pack during the 20% discount thing. Done by Gapstead, who know their stuff, but fairly clearly a case of doing a good job of second string fruit. Sour and savoury tempranillo is there, but well defined cherry, let alone the cola or sarsparilla I look for, all a bit lacking.
Paul.
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Daryl Douglas
- Posts: 1361
- Joined: Fri Sep 05, 2003 7:23 pm
- Location: Nth Qld
Wynns Coonawarra Shiraz 2005 - not much complexity here, some plummy fruit with red berries and regional mint. Have it at a bbq now but may surprise with cellaring. Acceptable.
Taylors Shiraz 2004 - toasted oak on the nose with mulberry amongst the dark berries. On the palate the dark berry fruit is deep-seated with some char from the oak merely adding complexity, the fruit supporting the oak. Well made, integrated wine with surprising power. Recommended+. Sealed by screwcap it should last to 2010-2012
Taylors Shiraz 2004 - toasted oak on the nose with mulberry amongst the dark berries. On the palate the dark berry fruit is deep-seated with some char from the oak merely adding complexity, the fruit supporting the oak. Well made, integrated wine with surprising power. Recommended+. Sealed by screwcap it should last to 2010-2012
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Omotesando
- Posts: 13
- Joined: Tue Apr 25, 2006 9:04 pm
1) 2004 Godolphin Shiraz Cabernet Sauvignon:
What a lovely, divine wine. I'm sure this has been covered to death on this forum. Its chocolatey and slight dusty character, the fruitiness of berries with plum all bursting out on the palate with a nice long finish, together with the overall spot on balance this was really perfect. You could smell the damn thing from 10m away. Especially rejoiced with the non-appearance of overwhelming oak which has put me off a lot of other Aussie reds drank this year (getting far less tolerant lately, especially for wines above $50). Surprised its drinking so well however.
This was my 2nd bottle. 99/100 perfect for me, then perhaps minus a few points for the lack of distinctive character due to being too 'right' - except for the above-average sweetness. But then again a Clarendon Australis or a WolfBlass Platinum at a few times the price suffers the same fate.
The 1st bottle I had with this was slightly over-ripe and quite plummy for some reason, way too sweet. That was a disappointment. This bottle clarified what all the fuss has been about.
Only 1 x bottle left. Hopefully no bottle variation this time.
2nd best bottle of red so far this year, compared to say the 2000 Craiglee Shiraz which was slightly too young to drink but just sensational and full of self confidence and identity. Granted the Glaetzer was technically more perfect, the latter was one of those wines that just spells character. That's unfortunately what's missing from the perfect Godolphin IM POV.
What a lovely, divine wine. I'm sure this has been covered to death on this forum. Its chocolatey and slight dusty character, the fruitiness of berries with plum all bursting out on the palate with a nice long finish, together with the overall spot on balance this was really perfect. You could smell the damn thing from 10m away. Especially rejoiced with the non-appearance of overwhelming oak which has put me off a lot of other Aussie reds drank this year (getting far less tolerant lately, especially for wines above $50). Surprised its drinking so well however.
This was my 2nd bottle. 99/100 perfect for me, then perhaps minus a few points for the lack of distinctive character due to being too 'right' - except for the above-average sweetness. But then again a Clarendon Australis or a WolfBlass Platinum at a few times the price suffers the same fate.
The 1st bottle I had with this was slightly over-ripe and quite plummy for some reason, way too sweet. That was a disappointment. This bottle clarified what all the fuss has been about.
Only 1 x bottle left. Hopefully no bottle variation this time.
2nd best bottle of red so far this year, compared to say the 2000 Craiglee Shiraz which was slightly too young to drink but just sensational and full of self confidence and identity. Granted the Glaetzer was technically more perfect, the latter was one of those wines that just spells character. That's unfortunately what's missing from the perfect Godolphin IM POV.
Re: Wines this week
pstarr wrote:Roda I 2001 tempranillo (Rioja Alta, Spain)
- This was very, very good. Brought along to dinner at Sage as Colin had mentioned a liking for good Spanish joven tempranillo, so decided to bring something very different. Almost a study in how to build a line of tanins. Beautiful, subtle, ripe but fine fruits. If it weren't beyond my drinking budget I'd have quite a bit of this.
Pulled the '95 of this from my cellar the other month and it was looking like a baby. It's a cracking wine.
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Daryl Douglas
- Posts: 1361
- Joined: Fri Sep 05, 2003 7:23 pm
- Location: Nth Qld
lantana wrote:Is 2005 out already? I thought we were still on 2004Daryl Douglas wrote:Wynns Coonawarra Shiraz 2005 - not much complexity here, some plummy fruit with red berries and regional mint. Have it at a bbq now but may surprise with cellaring. Acceptable.
lantana
Most outlets probably still are but this was from a BWS store which I think is Woolworths. Paid $9.90 for it and the Taylors (should've been $11/btl for 3 [of a limited selection of wines] but the display had [wrong] price tickets offering another 10% off in a 6pk). At $11 the Taylors 04 is excellent qpr, sensational @ $9.90. The Wynns 05 @ $11 is ok, good @ $9.90.
Presently quaffing a Bleasdale Mulberry Tree Cab 02 @ $12.95, nice, very good qpr (from Liquorsavers - Coles/ex-Hedley).
daz
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Michael McNally
- Posts: 2084
- Joined: Thu Sep 08, 2005 3:06 pm
- Location: Brisbane
On a week's holidays so running at about a bottle a day, notes only on wines I could be bothered making them about. Opened one of my faves in the Marius for the 7th wedding anniversary.
2002 Taylors Jaraman Shiraz - McLaren Vale/Clare Valley. 15%. Screwcap. $20 (discounted).
Nose of dark cherries with a touch of VA. Lovely soft palate of dark slightly macerated cherry/plum. Not overtly sweet. Acid noticeable, though not unpleasant. Medium length dry finish with a hint of slighly bitter dark chocolate. Between Good and Very Good. QPR: Medium (partly because I expected more).
2003 Marius Mclaren Vale Shiraz. 14.5% Screwcap. $25.
Black/Red in the glass. Nose of spicy dark berries, with cinammon in the background. Palate of spicy dark fruit, plums, berries, and a lick of something 'black' like tar or licorice (yum). I always get something different from this wine. Great structure. Tannin supports fruit across the entire palate. Restrained spice/pepper/aniseed. Finish is very long. Excellent. QPR: Very High.
2004 Wolf Blass Gold Label Riesling. Eden and Clare Valleys. 11.5%. Screwcap. $18.
Clear golden yellow. Some puzzling barrel characteristics on the nose, along with green bean/tinned asparagus. Pleasant green apple fruit and minerality on the palate, with some (again puzzling) aged charactristics. Finish of light lime. Good. QPR: Medium.
Also had a 2004 Taylors Merlot out at dinner, which was quite OK, and a 2002 Lake Breeze Cab/Merlot which was good, but I couldn't be bothered making a note.
Michael
2002 Taylors Jaraman Shiraz - McLaren Vale/Clare Valley. 15%. Screwcap. $20 (discounted).
Nose of dark cherries with a touch of VA. Lovely soft palate of dark slightly macerated cherry/plum. Not overtly sweet. Acid noticeable, though not unpleasant. Medium length dry finish with a hint of slighly bitter dark chocolate. Between Good and Very Good. QPR: Medium (partly because I expected more).
2003 Marius Mclaren Vale Shiraz. 14.5% Screwcap. $25.
Black/Red in the glass. Nose of spicy dark berries, with cinammon in the background. Palate of spicy dark fruit, plums, berries, and a lick of something 'black' like tar or licorice (yum). I always get something different from this wine. Great structure. Tannin supports fruit across the entire palate. Restrained spice/pepper/aniseed. Finish is very long. Excellent. QPR: Very High.
2004 Wolf Blass Gold Label Riesling. Eden and Clare Valleys. 11.5%. Screwcap. $18.
Clear golden yellow. Some puzzling barrel characteristics on the nose, along with green bean/tinned asparagus. Pleasant green apple fruit and minerality on the palate, with some (again puzzling) aged charactristics. Finish of light lime. Good. QPR: Medium.
Also had a 2004 Taylors Merlot out at dinner, which was quite OK, and a 2002 Lake Breeze Cab/Merlot which was good, but I couldn't be bothered making a note.
Michael
Bonum Vinum Laetificat Cor Hominis
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winetastic
- Posts: 889
- Joined: Mon Apr 03, 2006 9:51 pm
- Location: Sydney
Trentham Estate Petit Verdot 2004
Mid red-purple in colour, initially the wine smells rather yeasty and is overly dry on the palate. Given an hour or two to breathe, lovely aromas and flavours of blackcurrant and blackberry emerge, supported by some spices and smooth tannins. Medium bodied and well balanced with a slightly dry finish.
Score: 8/10
Price: $17
Closure: Cork
Alcohol: 14%
Would I buy this wine again?
Yes, the quality is there and the price is right.
Mid red-purple in colour, initially the wine smells rather yeasty and is overly dry on the palate. Given an hour or two to breathe, lovely aromas and flavours of blackcurrant and blackberry emerge, supported by some spices and smooth tannins. Medium bodied and well balanced with a slightly dry finish.
Score: 8/10
Price: $17
Closure: Cork
Alcohol: 14%
Would I buy this wine again?
Yes, the quality is there and the price is right.