'98 vintage for impending birth?

[dkw]

Hi all,

We've slipped into the 'overdue' phase of first child pregnancy, so I only have a few days to get this organised

We met in 1998, so any suggestions for a good '98 shiraz, chardonnay, and bubbles? We can't afford to spend huge amounts, maybe around $60 each for the still wines and about $100 for the bubbles.

Cheers,

Dave.

[Gary W]

98 Pol Roger (current release) is great.

GW

[707]

Rather than us suggesting what's good, because 98s are hard to find it may be better to tell us what you can find and we'll suggest what's likely to be good.

[Alex F]

Mount Pleasant have a cellar release of their 98 o'shea, OP & OH, 60$, and 50$ respectively. I think not too long ago Meerea Park were also rereleasing their Alexander Munro.

What about the Hardy's Show Reserve Vintage (Port) 1998?

[Ratcatcher]

It'd be pretty difficult to find an AUS chardonnay from 98 that was still drinking well, and available, in 2007 wouldn't it?

[John #11]

'98 Jacobs Creek Centenary Hill Shiraz is still available from CD and other good distributors, about $36-40 per bottle.

[Mike Hawkins]

John #11 - IMO there's a reason its still on the shelves !

[Partagas]

It might be a bit out of price range, but arguably the best chardonnay I have ever tasted was at Christmas time when I bought a bottle of Penfolds 1998 Yartarna that was drinking brilliantly (got it at a good price at around $50 Woollies liquor special). Still had a great body with fantastically well aged balanced fruit. Buttery cashews from memory (had a few great bottles that day). Might be on auction somewhere otherwise would be hard to find at a good price. I was very lucky to find it.

As for 98 O'Shea, not too bad but would not overly recommend it. 2000 was heaps better and I'm sure there are better 98's around. In fact I too live in Perth and found Rotto liquor store had bottles of 98 Mount Pleasant Rosehill (I am pretty sure it was Rosehill) that I found exceptional for the price. Strange place to find it but they still have a couple. Great wine

[dkw]

Thanks for everyone's reply's so far, I think we'll go with the '98 Pol Roger for bubbles. A rough trip to Rotto on the ferry may be just what we need to encourage our little one to make her appearance

For the reds, with a bit of a leaning towards Barossa or Coonawarra, I can find the following:
St Hallet Old Block
Penfolds Bin 389 (yeah, not a straight shiraz but that's alright)
Yalumba Signature
Glaetzer Shiraz and Glaetzer The Bishop

... the selection is pretty broad for reds in a particular shop in Mt Lawley in Perth, so any suggestions are worth a shot.

1998 whites are harder to find at the $60 mark. Most seem to be $120+, which is a bit much for me! But, in my sub-$60 price range I can get:
Penfolds Bin 98A chard
Tyrells chard
Seppelt Drumborg reisling

Other reisling suggestions are welcome, as mum-to-be is a bit indecisive right now.

thanks,

Dave.

[bigkid]

dkw,

I'd second the Pol Roger, having had a very nice bottle recently (although not quite up to the 96). The Bin 389 is drinking well now - that said JO says it will probably have another 11+ years left in it. All the best.

Allan

[n4sir]

Thanks for everyone's reply's so far, I think we'll go with the '98 Pol Roger for bubbles. A rough trip to Rotto on the ferry may be just what we need to encourage our little one to make her appearance

For the reds, with a bit of a leaning towards Barossa or Coonawarra, I can find the following:
St Hallet Old Block
Penfolds Bin 389 (yeah, not a straight shiraz but that's alright)
Yalumba Signature
Glaetzer Shiraz and Glaetzer The Bishop

... the selection is pretty broad for reds in a particular shop in Mt Lawley in Perth, so any suggestions are worth a shot.

1998 whites are harder to find at the $60 mark. Most seem to be $120+, which is a bit much for me! But, in my sub-$60 price range I can get:
Penfolds Bin 98A chard
Tyrells chard
Seppelt Drumborg reisling

Other reisling suggestions are welcome, as mum-to-be is a bit indecisive right now.

thanks,

Dave.

Of the reds on your list, I tried the 1998 Signature last night and it's absolutely fantastic - IMHO it would be the best bet. The Penfolds Bin 389 I tried last year was pretty good too.

Cheers,
Ian