Balmoral Syrah

Gregoire · Post by **Gregoire** » Sun Apr 29, 2007 8:57 pm

The 2002 is being offered for $18.50 in 6-packs at Dan Murphy's. A bit of a steal wouldn't you say? Bought a dozen today, on the off chance that there's no catch! Will approach them in 2 years or so.

graham · Post by **graham** » Mon Apr 30, 2007 10:02 am

The price is the real macoy.....$20 for syrah and Mt Blue (Brisbane prices). Anyone tasted the 2002 vintages ? Do they have long term potential?? :shock:

Apparently Rosemount selling ALL stock to make way for new bottles.

Graham

Gregoire · Post by **Gregoire** » Mon Apr 30, 2007 10:47 am

The Blue is 2000, which makes me a little coy, because it was not a good vintage. Tasted one, and while it was very "drinkable", it was a little thin and short. An Australian merlot-drinker's style.

The Syrah is 2002, from McLaren Vale. Haven't had one yet, but I've heard nothing suggesting that '02 in McLaren vale was a lesser vintage. So the wine should be sound, full, long, tannic, etc. etc. etc. and best left well alone for a few years.

Red Bigot · Post by **Red Bigot** » Mon Apr 30, 2007 11:21 am

Jeremy Oliver wasn't too impressed with the Balmoral 2002:
"A very oaky and unsophisticated wine of short-term charm and appeal made from unevenly ripened fruit. Its deep, briary and confiture-like aromas of blackberries, plums and cassis are backed by smoky dark chocolate/vanilla oak with lightly herbal nertones. Full to medium in weight, it’s jammy and forward, reliant on sweet oak and alcohol for palate intensity. It is underpinned by a greenish thread and lacks genuine definition. (McLaren Vale, 16.2/87, drink 2007-2010)"

Gregoire · Post by **Gregoire** » Mon Apr 30, 2007 2:37 pm

Just as well I only paid $18.50 Will most likely be a nice enough drink at that price, and will most likely get a little better with a couple more year's bottle age. Thanks for the heads-up RB. No need to get any more.

qwertt · Post by **qwertt** » Mon Apr 30, 2007 9:13 pm

Bought some at $18.50 per bottle. Drank one bottle over 2 nights. Very much enjoyed it, but no way would it justify its original price of over $50.

I think JO's description is pretty accurate, except I think it is a lot more drinkable than the description would suggest. In my view, pretty good value for what I pad.

Gianna · Post by **Gianna** » Tue May 01, 2007 12:01 am

I still have the 1998 sitting in my cellar, any update from anyone about how it is travelling ?
I always thought that this would be a long term wine of at least 10 + years.

JO window is 2010 - 2018

Red Bigot · Post by **Red Bigot** » Tue May 01, 2007 8:40 am

Gianna wrote:I still have the 1998 sitting in my cellar, any update from anyone about how it is travelling ?
I always thought that this would be a long term wine of at least 10 + years.

JO window is 2010 - 2018

I had one last week, it was starting to mellow a little, but still firm and with some youthful tones, I'm happy to drink my remaining 5 (of 9 bought) over the next 5 years. I think this was probably the best Balmoral made, there has certainly been nothing as good since.