Tasting notes, vibes or impressions all welcome.
...... and I have to work again!
You know the drill.....
You know the drill.....
Its Sunday and this "drill" is less painful than a visit to the dentist, even for newbies; so if you are a lurker, try coming out of the closet and have a go at telling us what you have been drinking. We won't bite (hard)
Tasting notes, vibes or impressions all welcome.
...... and I have to work again!
Tasting notes, vibes or impressions all welcome.
...... and I have to work again!
Veritas Bulls Blood 04 - big big purple wine - still big 24 hrs later - very viscous - plums and spice - very drinkable with roo sausages - apologies to any one with roo in there username.
Yalumba Cab/shiraz 02 - to quote Greg Matthews "yeah yeah" - very easy drinking - nice red/purple colour - plums and blackberries on the palate - drinking superbly now - cheap as chips
regards
Yalumba Cab/shiraz 02 - to quote Greg Matthews "yeah yeah" - very easy drinking - nice red/purple colour - plums and blackberries on the palate - drinking superbly now - cheap as chips
regards
2002 Jim Barry The Lodge Hill Shiraz This seems to be my accidental midweek quaffer at present, which is definitely not a bad thing. Nothing subtle about it, menthol, chocolate and dark fruits on the nose, continue on the palate with beautiful viscous mouthfeel with no significant alcohol heat. Stood up really well into the 2nd night. Distinction.
2006 Tyrrells Vat 1 Semillon Just got this last week so thought I should try one out. Beautiful fresh nose of citrus and stone fruit. Zippy, light and acidic on the palate, getting plenty of fresh pineapple, lemon and a little fresh nectarine. Distinction.
2002 Clos Clare Shiraz Powerful bouquet of blackberry/blueberry, vanilla & chocolate. Silky tannins, long finish, damn enjoyable. Distinction. WOTW for mine.
Also had a Richmond Grove Coonawarra Cabernet which was very regional, nice & herby, good tannic structure. Can't remember vintage or details.
Cheers
Nick
2006 Tyrrells Vat 1 Semillon Just got this last week so thought I should try one out. Beautiful fresh nose of citrus and stone fruit. Zippy, light and acidic on the palate, getting plenty of fresh pineapple, lemon and a little fresh nectarine. Distinction.
2002 Clos Clare Shiraz Powerful bouquet of blackberry/blueberry, vanilla & chocolate. Silky tannins, long finish, damn enjoyable. Distinction. WOTW for mine.
Also had a Richmond Grove Coonawarra Cabernet which was very regional, nice & herby, good tannic structure. Can't remember vintage or details.
Cheers
Nick
Last weekend birthday wine...
1969 Bernard Tornay Champagne Brut Carte d'Or
70% Pinot Noir / 30% Chardonnay; Synthetic Cork
Dark gold / amber, with a weak mousse and a very fine bead. The wife suggested plum-sake and cheese on the nose, my mother thought madeira; to my mind all these were present with additional notes of mushroom and old wood. On the palate this was was fat and intensely rich; mature, and yet remarkably fresh. All the aromatic elements were present, with a tart acidity, to produce a sumptuously long finish. Enjoyed with, and a perfect match for, goose liver foie gras. A superb food wine.
Mid-week cheapy....
2003 Château Marjosse
Bright ruby, pink to the rim. This medium-bodied wine seems to have developed a little more complexity on the nose since my last bottle (May 2005) with aromatic cherry, plum, flower and earth notes. Cherry and plum carry through to the more one-dimensional palate, with good acidity and silky-sweet tannins.
This weekend...
2001 Domaine Robert Arnoux Echezeaux
Dark ruby. Muted red fruit on the nose. On the palate, the pure red fruit is sweet with a mineral edge. Medium bodied with a gentle acidity, soft tannins and a medium-length finish. Not a wow wine, but a joy to sip and contemplate by itself.
1969 Bernard Tornay Champagne Brut Carte d'Or
70% Pinot Noir / 30% Chardonnay; Synthetic Cork
Dark gold / amber, with a weak mousse and a very fine bead. The wife suggested plum-sake and cheese on the nose, my mother thought madeira; to my mind all these were present with additional notes of mushroom and old wood. On the palate this was was fat and intensely rich; mature, and yet remarkably fresh. All the aromatic elements were present, with a tart acidity, to produce a sumptuously long finish. Enjoyed with, and a perfect match for, goose liver foie gras. A superb food wine.
Mid-week cheapy....
2003 Château Marjosse
Bright ruby, pink to the rim. This medium-bodied wine seems to have developed a little more complexity on the nose since my last bottle (May 2005) with aromatic cherry, plum, flower and earth notes. Cherry and plum carry through to the more one-dimensional palate, with good acidity and silky-sweet tannins.
This weekend...
2001 Domaine Robert Arnoux Echezeaux
Dark ruby. Muted red fruit on the nose. On the palate, the pure red fruit is sweet with a mineral edge. Medium bodied with a gentle acidity, soft tannins and a medium-length finish. Not a wow wine, but a joy to sip and contemplate by itself.
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Billy Bolonski
- Posts: 79
- Joined: Sun Jun 06, 2004 10:39 pm
- Location: Sydney
Glaetzer Godolphin Cabernet Shiraz 2005
Saw this on my travels this week and just thought I would give it a try and see what all the fuss was about. Good price at $45 too.
Very dense deep perple colour, very intense aroma of very ripe plums, mulberry and some vanilla oak. This went down very easily, ripe tannins a little stalky but again ripe. The alcohol was a bit obvious and slightly out of balance.
Overall a bit boring. Nothing wrong with it but it was like so many other Barossa shiraz. Very safe but not that exciting. I can do just as good but cheaper. Excellent bottle and lable though, if you like that sort of thing.
Kardinia Riesling 2006
This was the local winner at the recent riesling challenge in Canberra.
Interesting wine, I have had this wine before. It is semi-sweet and very youthful. Made in very basic winemaking conditions, it seemed to have a quite obvious stuck ferment character, this maybe why it is semi-sweet. Overall a good wine but not great. I am sure with time this lable will continue to improve and may indeed be one to watch.....
Stanton & Killeen 'Bulk Buy' Muscat
It is now safely in its own little keg on the kitchen bench. So convenient!
Amazing! Clean, fresh, intense, balanced, complex..... God I love Rutherglen fortifieds!
This was bright and clear and not as dark or caramal coloured as others I have had lately. It smelt of ripe muscat fruit initially but with lots of orange peel, spice and moasses coming in to add complexity. Very sweet on the palate and incredible length. It never gets boring. Easily the best value wines in the world. Bring on the Tokay next.
Billy B
Saw this on my travels this week and just thought I would give it a try and see what all the fuss was about. Good price at $45 too.
Very dense deep perple colour, very intense aroma of very ripe plums, mulberry and some vanilla oak. This went down very easily, ripe tannins a little stalky but again ripe. The alcohol was a bit obvious and slightly out of balance.
Overall a bit boring. Nothing wrong with it but it was like so many other Barossa shiraz. Very safe but not that exciting. I can do just as good but cheaper. Excellent bottle and lable though, if you like that sort of thing.
Kardinia Riesling 2006
This was the local winner at the recent riesling challenge in Canberra.
Interesting wine, I have had this wine before. It is semi-sweet and very youthful. Made in very basic winemaking conditions, it seemed to have a quite obvious stuck ferment character, this maybe why it is semi-sweet. Overall a good wine but not great. I am sure with time this lable will continue to improve and may indeed be one to watch.....
Stanton & Killeen 'Bulk Buy' Muscat
It is now safely in its own little keg on the kitchen bench. So convenient!
Amazing! Clean, fresh, intense, balanced, complex..... God I love Rutherglen fortifieds!
This was bright and clear and not as dark or caramal coloured as others I have had lately. It smelt of ripe muscat fruit initially but with lots of orange peel, spice and moasses coming in to add complexity. Very sweet on the palate and incredible length. It never gets boring. Easily the best value wines in the world. Bring on the Tokay next.
Billy B
Philosophy, I'm in it for the money.
Went to a few wineries in the Yarra last week whilst holidaying in Melbourne. Tried some nice wines but they seemed to be no where near as potent as the Barossa wines , especially shiraz I am acustomed to.
Went to Fergusons Winery first and bought some of their 2003 Yarra Valley ' Jeremy' Shiraz which was lovely.
Also didnt mind their Neds Red which is a mix of various reds which was nice although not a knock out wine.
Stop 2 was at Rochfords and after a quick lesson on all the wines in a room with all the other tasters we tried all the tastings on offer. I again liked the Shiraz'z and the Chardonnay's.
Last stop was Domain Chandon, not to bad if your a big champagne lover but I liked and purchsed the Greens Point Shiraz.
At home again had a bottle of wine with tea last night.
2002 Willow Bridge Estate Shiraz
Smooth, plum and berry flavours. A very light shiraz once again but very drinkable none the less.
Went to Fergusons Winery first and bought some of their 2003 Yarra Valley ' Jeremy' Shiraz which was lovely.
Also didnt mind their Neds Red which is a mix of various reds which was nice although not a knock out wine.
Stop 2 was at Rochfords and after a quick lesson on all the wines in a room with all the other tasters we tried all the tastings on offer. I again liked the Shiraz'z and the Chardonnay's.
Last stop was Domain Chandon, not to bad if your a big champagne lover but I liked and purchsed the Greens Point Shiraz.
At home again had a bottle of wine with tea last night.
2002 Willow Bridge Estate Shiraz
Smooth, plum and berry flavours. A very light shiraz once again but very drinkable none the less.
"A woman drove me to drink, and I'll be a son of a gun but I never even wrote to thank her" WC Fields
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drunkenbum
- Posts: 43
- Joined: Thu Aug 17, 2006 11:29 am
- Location: Frostville South East S.A (Or are we the Limestone Coast now?)
I thought it was about time I posted in this topic! and besides it has been a bigger than normal week on the plonk.
2005 Venezia Guila-Villanova di Farra Pinot Grigio
Off gold, shades of honey, slighly developed colour. Very floral bouquet, accentuated with sweetness, and a hint of rose petal. Big mouthfeel, slight soapiness, long hot finish, lingering warmth. Very varietal with a finely structured acid backbone. A great wine considering I dont usually like the variety!
2001 Poggio Antico Altero-brunello di montalcino 13.5%
Dark red, still vibrant, slight browning on edge. Very restrained, subtle nose, almost austere. Slight cherry nuances combined with sweet blackberries, underlied by a dank, but pleasant undergrowthy character. Hint of VA and brett, but contributes to the overall nose. Big wine on palate, tannins slightly chalky, but reasonably restrained, slightly grippy, but pleasant long finish with a late burst of hotness that sat in the back of the throat. Had slight metallic sour notes, probably due to the VA, and definitely needs to go with food!
2001 Brunello di Montalcino Vendemmia 13.5%
blood red colour, slight browning on edge. definite "fruits of the forest" nose, contained every cherry character under the sun, though slightly hidden by a hot alcoholic sweetness. touch of portiness and old oak, with a slight VA lift. Palate was as smooth as silk, incredibly well intergrated, smooth fine tannins, elegant structure, medium length, slight warmth, very subtle. Great wine on its own.
2001 Ornellaia Tenuta dell' Ornellaia Bolgheri 14.5%
Vibrant dark red, very deep colour. VA lift on nose, covering a lot, had a hot alcoholic sweetness on nose, slight solera style smell about it due to VA. Very charry palate, acrid, smokey, meaty. Very intense driven by alcoholic warmth, elegant tannin structure, slightly agressive, with a very long finish.
2001 Brunello di Montalcino Fuligni 14.5%
Cherry red, vibrant colour. Nose had a lot of gamey characters, cherries, very full "busy" nose, lots going on, creamy oak on nose, with a slight VA lift. Quite harsh, bitter and metallic on palate, hard tough green tannin finish, very dry, brambly woody characters, not overly pleasant, but the structure was fine and elegant, not at all intrusive with lovely creamy oak, needs more time to intergrate, and hopefully lose the harsh bitter agressiveness, did get bit better with each mouthful, but not a particulary attractive wine at this stage.
2002 Redigraffi Rosso Toscana 14.5% (CORKED)
Lush deep red, very vibrant and young looking. Looking past the moderate TCA, it had a very busy super intense creamy nose. Lashings of oak, but very well intergrated, chalkish tannins that literally coat the mouth (in a good way). Intense long palate, very diverse wine, with many layers. Probably too high in Alc. and needs food. I believe a good bottle would be a stunning wine.
Had the limestone Coast wine show this week, and the standouts of the dinner were 03 Balnaves Chard. and 98 Lawsons shiraz, but all of the 18 wines were good.
The wine show was, as always stunning with too many highlights to mention, but my favorite part as always was the museum section, with wines like the 1990 Wynns Michael and John Riddoch showing well, and a good spread of vintages from Lawsons shiraz which seem to always impress me. If any one wants to know more, let me know, and I will try to remember!
2005 Venezia Guila-Villanova di Farra Pinot Grigio
Off gold, shades of honey, slighly developed colour. Very floral bouquet, accentuated with sweetness, and a hint of rose petal. Big mouthfeel, slight soapiness, long hot finish, lingering warmth. Very varietal with a finely structured acid backbone. A great wine considering I dont usually like the variety!
2001 Poggio Antico Altero-brunello di montalcino 13.5%
Dark red, still vibrant, slight browning on edge. Very restrained, subtle nose, almost austere. Slight cherry nuances combined with sweet blackberries, underlied by a dank, but pleasant undergrowthy character. Hint of VA and brett, but contributes to the overall nose. Big wine on palate, tannins slightly chalky, but reasonably restrained, slightly grippy, but pleasant long finish with a late burst of hotness that sat in the back of the throat. Had slight metallic sour notes, probably due to the VA, and definitely needs to go with food!
2001 Brunello di Montalcino Vendemmia 13.5%
blood red colour, slight browning on edge. definite "fruits of the forest" nose, contained every cherry character under the sun, though slightly hidden by a hot alcoholic sweetness. touch of portiness and old oak, with a slight VA lift. Palate was as smooth as silk, incredibly well intergrated, smooth fine tannins, elegant structure, medium length, slight warmth, very subtle. Great wine on its own.
2001 Ornellaia Tenuta dell' Ornellaia Bolgheri 14.5%
Vibrant dark red, very deep colour. VA lift on nose, covering a lot, had a hot alcoholic sweetness on nose, slight solera style smell about it due to VA. Very charry palate, acrid, smokey, meaty. Very intense driven by alcoholic warmth, elegant tannin structure, slightly agressive, with a very long finish.
2001 Brunello di Montalcino Fuligni 14.5%
Cherry red, vibrant colour. Nose had a lot of gamey characters, cherries, very full "busy" nose, lots going on, creamy oak on nose, with a slight VA lift. Quite harsh, bitter and metallic on palate, hard tough green tannin finish, very dry, brambly woody characters, not overly pleasant, but the structure was fine and elegant, not at all intrusive with lovely creamy oak, needs more time to intergrate, and hopefully lose the harsh bitter agressiveness, did get bit better with each mouthful, but not a particulary attractive wine at this stage.
2002 Redigraffi Rosso Toscana 14.5% (CORKED)
Lush deep red, very vibrant and young looking. Looking past the moderate TCA, it had a very busy super intense creamy nose. Lashings of oak, but very well intergrated, chalkish tannins that literally coat the mouth (in a good way). Intense long palate, very diverse wine, with many layers. Probably too high in Alc. and needs food. I believe a good bottle would be a stunning wine.
Had the limestone Coast wine show this week, and the standouts of the dinner were 03 Balnaves Chard. and 98 Lawsons shiraz, but all of the 18 wines were good.
The wine show was, as always stunning with too many highlights to mention, but my favorite part as always was the museum section, with wines like the 1990 Wynns Michael and John Riddoch showing well, and a good spread of vintages from Lawsons shiraz which seem to always impress me. If any one wants to know more, let me know, and I will try to remember!
Asleep in a gutter somewhere!
Wirra Wirra Shiraz 2002
Deep red/purple, rich dark spicey cherry with a little licorice on the nose. Palate reflects the rich dark cherry fruit and spice. Good acid and tannin finish. Needs more time. Leave at least 2 years. 92
Rothvale Lukes Shiraz 2000
Mid to deep red with lovely youngish spicey red fruit nose. Hardly any developed Hunter earth or leather yet. Fully flavoured, sweet fruit and powerful acid/tannin finish. Great drinking already but definitely needs more time to show fully developed potential. Leave 3 years or more. 94
KeithT
Deep red/purple, rich dark spicey cherry with a little licorice on the nose. Palate reflects the rich dark cherry fruit and spice. Good acid and tannin finish. Needs more time. Leave at least 2 years. 92
Rothvale Lukes Shiraz 2000
Mid to deep red with lovely youngish spicey red fruit nose. Hardly any developed Hunter earth or leather yet. Fully flavoured, sweet fruit and powerful acid/tannin finish. Great drinking already but definitely needs more time to show fully developed potential. Leave 3 years or more. 94
KeithT
Wine By Brad, Semillion Sauvignon Blanc, 2005 Prevelly, Margaret River, WA
First impression was of intense tropical grass clippings. POW!
By the third sip, not so smack-in-the-mouth, enough fruityness to be enjoyable as a quaffer, enough acid at the end to make me crave fish and chips. A bit of spicyness as it warms up a bit. Pretty good effort by the Bradster.
Picardy, Pinot Noir, unknown vintage, Pemberton, WA
One glass with a really nice Schezuan duck with green tea noodles lunch @ Vans, Cottesloe. Completely the wrong choice! Very much bacon, bacon, smoky bacon. Otherwise a nice drop, smooth and tasty, but would have been much better with, say, a risotto with wild mushies and proscuttio. Or bacon and eggs (maybe?)
First impression was of intense tropical grass clippings. POW!
By the third sip, not so smack-in-the-mouth, enough fruityness to be enjoyable as a quaffer, enough acid at the end to make me crave fish and chips. A bit of spicyness as it warms up a bit. Pretty good effort by the Bradster.
Picardy, Pinot Noir, unknown vintage, Pemberton, WA
One glass with a really nice Schezuan duck with green tea noodles lunch @ Vans, Cottesloe. Completely the wrong choice! Very much bacon, bacon, smoky bacon. Otherwise a nice drop, smooth and tasty, but would have been much better with, say, a risotto with wild mushies and proscuttio. Or bacon and eggs (maybe?)
Gavin's Picks!
http://www.auswine.com.au/page.asp?PageID=1064
http://www.auswine.com.au/page.asp?PageID=1064
Orlando 1997 Jacaranda Ridge
Lovely delicate nose dominated by fine sweet spice characteristics, cigar and a hint of dark berry fruits lurking in the background. Tannins beginning to soften out. Pallette dominated by those same spices with the fruit rather muted and rather one-dimensional.
It was enjoyable, but it always felt as if something was missing.
Lovely delicate nose dominated by fine sweet spice characteristics, cigar and a hint of dark berry fruits lurking in the background. Tannins beginning to soften out. Pallette dominated by those same spices with the fruit rather muted and rather one-dimensional.
It was enjoyable, but it always felt as if something was missing.
David G
"I'm going to die with a twinkle in my eye cause I sung songs, spun stories, loved, laughed and drank wine"
"I'm going to die with a twinkle in my eye cause I sung songs, spun stories, loved, laughed and drank wine"
Langmeil Valley Floor Shiraz 2002: The nose was quite promising with ripe red berries, liquorice and coffee but the palate was disappointing. The palate seemed to have lost most of its fruit and what remained was a leathery, tannic, oaky mess. Not good and not faulty either.
Mount Mary Chardonnay 2004: This is a wine which needs time. Quite acidic at the moment but shows its class in structure and mouthfeel. The palate exhibited a mix of nectarine and grapefruit with underlying minerality and chalkiness. Not overly complex at the moment but time should be kind to this chardonnay with improvement expected.
Moss Wood Margaret River Cab Sav 2000: Upon opening this seemed quite spiky with an astringent finish. 3 hours later in the decanter the wine had transformed into a supple, silky cabernet exhibiting cassis, earth, dried herbs, black olive and cedar. Quite long but perhaps a little warm through the finish. It seemed a little stewy but was still very good. A good wine from an ordinary vintage. It would rate somewhere around 91-92 points and I would drink any left over the next 3 years
St. Halletts Old Block Shiraz 1998: I have had 2 bottles of this wine in the past month and believe it is ready to be drunk. If you like Barossa shiraz that still exhibits primary fruit this is ready to drunk but if tertiary characters are your thing, this wine still has some time on its side. Smooth integrated palate of chocolate, raspberry, plum, and a little liquorice and earthy leather. Good length and a very silky mouthfeel.
Penfolds Bin 28 Kalimna Shiraz 1996: Lots of sweet berries and plum and vanilla oak make for a full bodied wine which is still 10 years from its peak in my eyes. Very youthful. Super wine for the price.
Grosset Polish Hill Riesling 2006: Classy wine. Nose showed some floral aromatics reminiscent of rose petals and lavender but with a zesty lime aroma too. Typical Grosset palate of razor like lime and lemon acidity with slate, stones and minerals lying beneath. Will age well.
Premierships and great wine... that is what life is all about
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Daryl Douglas
- Posts: 1361
- Joined: Fri Sep 05, 2003 7:23 pm
- Location: Nth Qld
Seppelt Moyston Cabernet Merlot 2004 Nice, not a blockbuster like Mamre Brook Cab 04. I think it needs more time to come together as the fruit didn't really emerge until towards the end of the bottle. I'll give it another 2-3 years. Recommended.
Mr Riggs The Gaffer Shiraz 2005. Initially some really plummy fruit in the style that I don't particularly enjoy. A bit stewed? Tasted the next day, it was better. Acid seemed a bit bitey but the fruit showed more red berries. Fine, dusty tannins. I bought this bottle to try but don't think I'll get any more. Agreeable.
Leasingham Bin 61 Shiraz 2002 Now this is more like it. There's much more happening here than with The Gaffer. Charry oak and ripe plums on the nose are reflected on the palate with ripe black cherries, soft tannins and enough acid to see it through another 3-4 years, probably longer. Recommended+
Also tried Tatachilla Partners 2004 and Miranda High Country Cab 2002. The former wasn't a bad quaffer. The latter lacked fruit, pass.
Seppelt Jaluka Chardonnay 2005 Hey, this is pretty good. White peaches, noticeable malo, restrained oak and lively acid on the finish. Very good mouthfeel. Recommended+
Leo Buring Eden Valley Riesling 2006 I enjoyed this but not quite sure what to make of it. Were the grapes a little ripe. Is there a bit more residual sugar? Slate and limes on the nose and palate with that little touch of sweetness that I like in a riesling. Recommended.
Mr Riggs The Gaffer Shiraz 2005. Initially some really plummy fruit in the style that I don't particularly enjoy. A bit stewed? Tasted the next day, it was better. Acid seemed a bit bitey but the fruit showed more red berries. Fine, dusty tannins. I bought this bottle to try but don't think I'll get any more. Agreeable.
Leasingham Bin 61 Shiraz 2002 Now this is more like it. There's much more happening here than with The Gaffer. Charry oak and ripe plums on the nose are reflected on the palate with ripe black cherries, soft tannins and enough acid to see it through another 3-4 years, probably longer. Recommended+
Also tried Tatachilla Partners 2004 and Miranda High Country Cab 2002. The former wasn't a bad quaffer. The latter lacked fruit, pass.
Seppelt Jaluka Chardonnay 2005 Hey, this is pretty good. White peaches, noticeable malo, restrained oak and lively acid on the finish. Very good mouthfeel. Recommended+
Leo Buring Eden Valley Riesling 2006 I enjoyed this but not quite sure what to make of it. Were the grapes a little ripe. Is there a bit more residual sugar? Slate and limes on the nose and palate with that little touch of sweetness that I like in a riesling. Recommended.
Bellussi Di Valdobbiadene Prosecco ( $23 ) : lovely mouthfeel and at the price a good change from basic Jansz et al.
2004 Kumea River "Village" Chardonnay NZ ( $ 25 ) : Nice subdued deluxe quaffing dry white.
2004 Les Vins de Vienne Cotes du Rhone ( $ 21 ) : Lovely Cotes du Rhone - good QPR - nice change from bloody Guigal !
2004 Kumea River "Village" Chardonnay NZ ( $ 25 ) : Nice subdued deluxe quaffing dry white.
2004 Les Vins de Vienne Cotes du Rhone ( $ 21 ) : Lovely Cotes du Rhone - good QPR - nice change from bloody Guigal !
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Daryl Douglas
- Posts: 1361
- Joined: Fri Sep 05, 2003 7:23 pm
- Location: Nth Qld
Gary W wrote:Daryl Douglas wrote:Seppelt Jaluka Chardonnay 2005 Hey, this is pretty good. White peaches, noticeable malo, restrained oak and lively acid on the finish. Very good mouthfeel. Recommended+
I am not sure that the Drumborg has any MLF (at most partial). Lees stirring yes. Could be wrong though.
GW
You're most likely right Gary. It may well have been the lees stirring that gave it the character I thought was MLF. I found some complexity on the middle palate, but I'm not a chardonnay, or any other wine for that matter, expert. Like anyone else though if I like a wine, sometimes I'll buy more. One chardonnay that I've enjoyed in the past is the standard Coldstream Hills; the Jaluka seems more restrained, more elegant than it. Cooler climate perhaps?
Cheers
daz
rednut wrote:Went to Fergusons Winery first and bought some of their 2003 Yarra Valley ' Jeremy' Shiraz which was lovely.
Also didnt mind their Neds Red which is a mix of various reds which was nice although not a knock out wine.
Yes, was impressed by the Jeremy (our last bottle of the 98 vintage was polished off a year or two ago), but pretty hard to get hold of over here.
At a work dinner;
2006 Cape Mentelle Sauvignon Blanc Semillon (Margaret River)
Right in the groove. Fresh, even bracing acidity, asparagus and straw and cut grass, clean light and intense palate. Moderate length finish. It's generally a pleasant style of wine for drinking without thinking too much. I'm a bit baffled how they sell these things for anything over $20; I find them attractive enough but a bit anonymous.
2003 Bowen Estate Shiraz (Coonawarra)
A nose of white pepper & spice; a light-medium weight palate with softish tannins, moderate acid and some distinct warmth. The kind of wine that pales a bit after a few glasses; there seem to be elements of greenness here that clash with the hat of the alcohol. To be drunk sooner rather than later.
Glassware - at Altitude in the Shangri-La (ex-ANA)] hotel in Sydney - was very good, the view is fantastic, and as you might fear, food is variable, and the service, on this night at least, was positively arthritic! Perhaps thet's so you get to fully enjoy the view?
And I tried some 2002 Howard Park Scotsdale Shiraz (Great Southern)[14%, screwcap] last night at home with kangaroo fillets, and struggled so much with getting any flavours from it that I realised that all the sneezing I did all day was really the harbinger of some kind of head cold. Admittedly, this wine in the past has been distinctly closed, and seems to need a vigorous decant at this age; there did emerge some dark chocolate fruit in the end, with fine tannins and a mostly soft mouthfeel. I've saved half the bottle - perhaps I'll have better luckwith that.
cheers,
Graeme
2006 Cape Mentelle Sauvignon Blanc Semillon (Margaret River)
Right in the groove. Fresh, even bracing acidity, asparagus and straw and cut grass, clean light and intense palate. Moderate length finish. It's generally a pleasant style of wine for drinking without thinking too much. I'm a bit baffled how they sell these things for anything over $20; I find them attractive enough but a bit anonymous.
2003 Bowen Estate Shiraz (Coonawarra)
A nose of white pepper & spice; a light-medium weight palate with softish tannins, moderate acid and some distinct warmth. The kind of wine that pales a bit after a few glasses; there seem to be elements of greenness here that clash with the hat of the alcohol. To be drunk sooner rather than later.
Glassware - at Altitude in the Shangri-La (ex-ANA)] hotel in Sydney - was very good, the view is fantastic, and as you might fear, food is variable, and the service, on this night at least, was positively arthritic! Perhaps thet's so you get to fully enjoy the view?
And I tried some 2002 Howard Park Scotsdale Shiraz (Great Southern)[14%, screwcap] last night at home with kangaroo fillets, and struggled so much with getting any flavours from it that I realised that all the sneezing I did all day was really the harbinger of some kind of head cold. Admittedly, this wine in the past has been distinctly closed, and seems to need a vigorous decant at this age; there did emerge some dark chocolate fruit in the end, with fine tannins and a mostly soft mouthfeel. I've saved half the bottle - perhaps I'll have better luckwith that.
cheers,
Graeme
Rockford Cabernet Sauvignon 1998
Welcome back, everything is forgiven. This was delightful from start to end, classic chocolate and tobacco characters. No sign of the thinness that has characterised the last couple of bottles I tried. Right near or on the peak of drinking, for me at least.
Petaluma Coonawarra 2000
Tight, structured and long. Obvious signs of eucalypt greenness but didn't distract, instead added character and impression. Quality wine that will improve over the next few years but don't think it's going to survive the long haul, based on the state of it's primary fruit. Heaps of tannic backbone.
Welcome back, everything is forgiven. This was delightful from start to end, classic chocolate and tobacco characters. No sign of the thinness that has characterised the last couple of bottles I tried. Right near or on the peak of drinking, for me at least.
Petaluma Coonawarra 2000
Tight, structured and long. Obvious signs of eucalypt greenness but didn't distract, instead added character and impression. Quality wine that will improve over the next few years but don't think it's going to survive the long haul, based on the state of it's primary fruit. Heaps of tannic backbone.
Cheers
Wayno
Give me the luxuries of life and I will willingly do without the necessities.
Wayno
Give me the luxuries of life and I will willingly do without the necessities.
2004 Meerea Park SV
Reasonably high expectations on the strength of the 2002 enjoyed recently. Unfortunately expectations not met. Simple one dimensional nose, overtly peachy up front and finished thin and steely. Reminded me of the el cheapo Yalumba SV.
2002 Chandon Vintage
Great depth on the nose, apple fruit with a fresh baked sweet pastry lift. Well weighted, clean as a whistle, with minimal lees influence. Would like a bit more funk, but outstanding for the price.
LL
Reasonably high expectations on the strength of the 2002 enjoyed recently. Unfortunately expectations not met. Simple one dimensional nose, overtly peachy up front and finished thin and steely. Reminded me of the el cheapo Yalumba SV.
2002 Chandon Vintage
Great depth on the nose, apple fruit with a fresh baked sweet pastry lift. Well weighted, clean as a whistle, with minimal lees influence. Would like a bit more funk, but outstanding for the price.
LL
Shelmerdine Shiraz 2004
Deep purple with purple rim. Nice depth of fruit, well balance and medium length good VFM.
Zema Estate Cab Sav 1996
Yummo, lovely aged Coonawarra Cab, fair amount of bricking around the rim. Cedar and cigar box on the nose with some earthiness and fruit in the background. Nice balance across the palate with good length. Tanin has resolved resulting in a lovley wine at its peak. Always been a fan of this label and this bottle has only re-inforced that.
Penley Estate Hyland Shiraz 2001
Another winner, starting to develop some secondary characters, spices, pepper over a nice layer of fruit. Probably not for the long haul but nice drinking at the moment.
d'Arenberg Dead Arm 2003
Rich choc and dark fruit with a fair amount of oak in the mix. Lovely wine with great length. Not sure on the VFM stakes but given the rave reviews of the 04 I will have to give it a try.
Wynns BL Cab Sav 2002
What a Fosters doing at the moment. The 03 is all done purchased and tucked away in the cellar and now this green leafy thing appears on the shelves when the 04 is already starting to be released. Avoid if you can and hang out for the 04. Not a bad wine if you like them fairly green but not for my tastes.
Glen
Deep purple with purple rim. Nice depth of fruit, well balance and medium length good VFM.
Zema Estate Cab Sav 1996
Yummo, lovely aged Coonawarra Cab, fair amount of bricking around the rim. Cedar and cigar box on the nose with some earthiness and fruit in the background. Nice balance across the palate with good length. Tanin has resolved resulting in a lovley wine at its peak. Always been a fan of this label and this bottle has only re-inforced that.
Penley Estate Hyland Shiraz 2001
Another winner, starting to develop some secondary characters, spices, pepper over a nice layer of fruit. Probably not for the long haul but nice drinking at the moment.
d'Arenberg Dead Arm 2003
Rich choc and dark fruit with a fair amount of oak in the mix. Lovely wine with great length. Not sure on the VFM stakes but given the rave reviews of the 04 I will have to give it a try.
Wynns BL Cab Sav 2002
What a Fosters doing at the moment. The 03 is all done purchased and tucked away in the cellar and now this green leafy thing appears on the shelves when the 04 is already starting to be released. Avoid if you can and hang out for the 04. Not a bad wine if you like them fairly green but not for my tastes.
Glen
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
Good Living Wine Show
Went to the Good Living Wine Show at Royal Industries Hall, Moore Park Sydney on Sunday. Approx 220 wineries present, and it was a lot quieter than Plonk Oz a few months ago. Good for the punters as easy to get to the front, have a drink and a chat with the people, but not for the wineries. As the numbers were low all the sessions were free (apart from the $25 entry fee). So we went along to the blind Shiraz tasting
Binbagen 2004 Shiraz, Hunter Valley 8/10 ($16)
Lightest of the 5 wines tasted, ruby red in colour and an earthy, cherry slightly leathery taste. Lean and with little tannins showing through. Really liked this as a quaffing wine for any occasion, quite surprised it was from the Hunter.
Cheviot Bridge, Yea Valley 7.5/10 ($16)
Classic like smelling Shiraz, spicey, cherry and red fruit and had a bit more on the palate than the first. Very slight sweetness, good continuous flavour and soft finish
Rymill 2002 Shiraz, Coonawarra 4.5/10 ($19)
Pepper, leather, less fruit on the nose. Much firmer tannins, not as clean as the other two, not a lot of fruit coming through, quite dry and somewhat disjointed.
Tin Shed Melting Pot 2004 Eden Valley 6/10 ($16)
Jammy, licorce nose, and jammy on the palate. Seemed a bit disjointed
Wira Wira Woodherdge Shiraz 7/10 ($23)
Lovely chocolate, spicey, soft and rich wine. Good mouth feel, the richest of the 5 wines, with soft tannins. Think this would be really good with some food, but still easy to drink.
Other wines of note that were tasted during the day were
Sparkling
Bortolotti Prosecco Extra Dry 7/10 ($20) – smelt of apples, dry, clean finish, really refreshing
Chandon Vintage Blanc da Blancs 2003 6.5/10 ($30) – again really clean, fresh, crisp
Batasiolo Moscato d-Asti Bosc del Rei DOCG 5.5/10 ($16) 5.5% alcohol – sweet wine, more towards a sticky, but still quite fresh and clean
Bleasdale Sparkling Shiraz 7.5/10 ($15) Good easy drinking sparkling shiraz, nothing complex, but really enjoyable
Reds
Bleasdale Frank Potts 2004 7/10 ($23) – Soft tannins, plenty for fruit coming through and easy to drink
Bimbagen Estate Shiraz 8/10 ($16) – don’t seem to have any notes on this .. oopps!
Blue Metal Cab Sav 2005 8/5/10 (not released yet, expected mid 2007 $25) – really good early drinking cab Sav, incredibly soft, smooth finish, really good amount of fruit coming through and good mouth feel. I will be waiting for this when it comes out on release.
After 7 hours drinking on Sunday .. today is a quiet day
Very quiet!
Binbagen 2004 Shiraz, Hunter Valley 8/10 ($16)
Lightest of the 5 wines tasted, ruby red in colour and an earthy, cherry slightly leathery taste. Lean and with little tannins showing through. Really liked this as a quaffing wine for any occasion, quite surprised it was from the Hunter.
Cheviot Bridge, Yea Valley 7.5/10 ($16)
Classic like smelling Shiraz, spicey, cherry and red fruit and had a bit more on the palate than the first. Very slight sweetness, good continuous flavour and soft finish
Rymill 2002 Shiraz, Coonawarra 4.5/10 ($19)
Pepper, leather, less fruit on the nose. Much firmer tannins, not as clean as the other two, not a lot of fruit coming through, quite dry and somewhat disjointed.
Tin Shed Melting Pot 2004 Eden Valley 6/10 ($16)
Jammy, licorce nose, and jammy on the palate. Seemed a bit disjointed
Wira Wira Woodherdge Shiraz 7/10 ($23)
Lovely chocolate, spicey, soft and rich wine. Good mouth feel, the richest of the 5 wines, with soft tannins. Think this would be really good with some food, but still easy to drink.
Other wines of note that were tasted during the day were
Sparkling
Bortolotti Prosecco Extra Dry 7/10 ($20) – smelt of apples, dry, clean finish, really refreshing
Chandon Vintage Blanc da Blancs 2003 6.5/10 ($30) – again really clean, fresh, crisp
Batasiolo Moscato d-Asti Bosc del Rei DOCG 5.5/10 ($16) 5.5% alcohol – sweet wine, more towards a sticky, but still quite fresh and clean
Bleasdale Sparkling Shiraz 7.5/10 ($15) Good easy drinking sparkling shiraz, nothing complex, but really enjoyable
Reds
Bleasdale Frank Potts 2004 7/10 ($23) – Soft tannins, plenty for fruit coming through and easy to drink
Bimbagen Estate Shiraz 8/10 ($16) – don’t seem to have any notes on this .. oopps!
Blue Metal Cab Sav 2005 8/5/10 (not released yet, expected mid 2007 $25) – really good early drinking cab Sav, incredibly soft, smooth finish, really good amount of fruit coming through and good mouth feel. I will be waiting for this when it comes out on release.
After 7 hours drinking on Sunday .. today is a quiet day
Very quiet!"Seek to understand, before being understood" Stephen Covey
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winetastic
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- Joined: Mon Apr 03, 2006 9:51 pm
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roughred wrote:2004 Meerea Park SV
Reasonably high expectations on the strength of the 2002 enjoyed recently. Unfortunately expectations not met. Simple one dimensional nose, overtly peachy up front and finished thin and steely. Reminded me of the el cheapo Yalumba SV.
That doesnt sound like the same wine I drank midyear.
Medium red in colour, the lovely red berry fruit aromas of the Shiraz are given a floral lift by the Viognier. Medium bodied and full flavoured, both red fruits and a little plum are present on the palate. There are no apricot flavours here, however some tangy citrus peel is evident on the slightly savoury finish.
Some disappointing big name wines were consumed last weekend 
Nefretari 2002 McLaren Vale Shiraz (Glaetzer)
This wine started out with a retail price of $90 and is now going out at $30. Only trouble it is not even worth the $30 tag. Some good fruit weight on the palate but nothing memorable.
Hollicks 1999 Ravenswood Coonawarra Cabernet
An incredibly short palate left me wanting a lot more from this $50 red.
Kays Block 6 1998 Shiraz
Incredibly austere and tannic for a 8.5 year old. I can't see this getting any better in the near future.
Tscharke 2004 Montepulciano Barossa Valley
Fortunately the night finished on a good note with this delightful Italian grape variety with lots of savoury fruit.
Nefretari 2002 McLaren Vale Shiraz (Glaetzer)
This wine started out with a retail price of $90 and is now going out at $30. Only trouble it is not even worth the $30 tag. Some good fruit weight on the palate but nothing memorable.
Hollicks 1999 Ravenswood Coonawarra Cabernet
An incredibly short palate left me wanting a lot more from this $50 red.
Kays Block 6 1998 Shiraz
Incredibly austere and tannic for a 8.5 year old. I can't see this getting any better in the near future.
Tscharke 2004 Montepulciano Barossa Valley
Fortunately the night finished on a good note with this delightful Italian grape variety with lots of savoury fruit.
We're not here for a long time, we're here for a good time!
OK a bit late but here goes post #1...
Leo Buring Leonay 1995 - Still very fresh, good acid levels. Ready to go now but no hint that it's going to pieces. Very pleasant riesling, maybe lacking a little in complexity though. 91 or so.
Taittinger's NV - Not had this before. Nice enough, but not one of my favourites.
Stefano Lubiana Pinot Noir 2004 - Little bit of funkiness when decanted, but that soon dissipated leaving a sweet, perfumed, rose petal style pinot. Quite complex, but a little bland for me - could have done with some of the more savoury pinot characteristics thrown in. 92.
Dalwhinnie Moonambel Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 - Superbly structured, extremely smooth cabernet of finesse rather than power. Don't drink it with food. Great quality fruit shining through and feels like it would go forever in the cellar. Reasonably priced and top stuff, although look elsewhere if you're after the graphite, crushed rocks type cab. 95.
Leo Buring Leonay 1995 - Still very fresh, good acid levels. Ready to go now but no hint that it's going to pieces. Very pleasant riesling, maybe lacking a little in complexity though. 91 or so.
Taittinger's NV - Not had this before. Nice enough, but not one of my favourites.
Stefano Lubiana Pinot Noir 2004 - Little bit of funkiness when decanted, but that soon dissipated leaving a sweet, perfumed, rose petal style pinot. Quite complex, but a little bland for me - could have done with some of the more savoury pinot characteristics thrown in. 92.
Dalwhinnie Moonambel Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 - Superbly structured, extremely smooth cabernet of finesse rather than power. Don't drink it with food. Great quality fruit shining through and feels like it would go forever in the cellar. Reasonably priced and top stuff, although look elsewhere if you're after the graphite, crushed rocks type cab. 95.
Hi ChrisV,
Welcome to the forum and a terrific first post. I look forward to reding more of your contributions...... but 3 out of 4 Pinot or c-through
... but at least there was a good Cab and one of the c-throughs was Frog Bubbles so it gets a pass too.
Shadrach, your bottle of Block 6 sounds like it was not "representative" and may have had a touch of taint; not enough to be obvious, just enough to strip the fruit.
Welcome to the forum and a terrific first post. I look forward to reding more of your contributions...... but 3 out of 4 Pinot or c-through
... but at least there was a good Cab and one of the c-throughs was Frog Bubbles so it gets a pass too.
Shadrach, your bottle of Block 6 sounds like it was not "representative" and may have had a touch of taint; not enough to be obvious, just enough to strip the fruit.
Just two
Yarraman 'Millenium" Semillon 1999:
Very mouthpuckringly lemony with hints of honey, a little toast. I had the bottle open and drunk it over the next 2 nights, by myself, since the girlfriend said it was too sour. Acid softened somewhat, whereas still retaining quite some vibrancy. 4 to go away to long storage, 1 left to try next year. Very Good.
Mills Reef Elspeth Chardonnay 2000:
Wonder how many of you have seen these as well. At a bit more than $8 a bottle, I took a punt. I served it a bit cold out of the fridge, all I could get was toasty oak, no fruit, and I was like... hmm this is gone . When it warmed up whatever fruit it had was very restrained, perhaps some white peaches, but there was honey and plenty of spice. Nice mouthfeel (very smooth and somewhat luxurious), but I can't help to notice a slight bitter twang sometimes, also the toasty oak seems to be dominant... I feel calling the winery to get their opinion, but I would say drink soon. Good+ to Very Good.
Yarraman 'Millenium" Semillon 1999:
Very mouthpuckringly lemony with hints of honey, a little toast. I had the bottle open and drunk it over the next 2 nights, by myself, since the girlfriend said it was too sour. Acid softened somewhat, whereas still retaining quite some vibrancy. 4 to go away to long storage, 1 left to try next year. Very Good.
Mills Reef Elspeth Chardonnay 2000:
Wonder how many of you have seen these as well
. At a bit more than $8 a bottle, I took a punt. I served it a bit cold out of the fridge, all I could get was toasty oak, no fruit, and I was like... hmm this is gone . When it warmed up whatever fruit it had was very restrained, perhaps some white peaches, but there was honey and plenty of spice. Nice mouthfeel (very smooth and somewhat luxurious), but I can't help to notice a slight bitter twang sometimes, also the toasty oak seems to be dominant... I feel calling the winery to get their opinion, but I would say drink soon. Good+ to Very Good.very lean on the wine front for a while,
2004 'Mount Hurtle' GSM
saw a special on a retailer's chalk board on the way home: medium bodied wine, hints of raspberry and some spice. 14% alc - nice mouth feel and reasonably good finish. under screw cap - this a quaffer is to be drunk over the next 18 months, at this price, buy a dozen ($5/btle).
2004 'Mount Hurtle' GSM
saw a special on a retailer's chalk board on the way home: medium bodied wine, hints of raspberry and some spice. 14% alc - nice mouth feel and reasonably good finish. under screw cap - this a quaffer is to be drunk over the next 18 months, at this price, buy a dozen ($5/btle).
drink for a lot longer than expected too 