A medley with dinner

David Lole · Post by **David Lole** » Wed Aug 06, 2003 2:40 am

With Ian B. a bevy of half bottles and thensome over baked potatoes with an abundance of relishes.

1999 McWilliams Elizabeth Semillon
After a horribly corked version last week, tonight's (replacement) duplicate cork-sealed (unfortunately pre-stelvin mentality) example exhibited the classic Hunter varietal characters non-red bigots ( :lol:

) appreciate in this classic Oz style. Stunningly bright lemon/yellow in colour, this approachable wine is lurking (now there's an interesting word!) in the cusp between primary and secondary stages of development. Lovely soapy, toast and citrus notes in the bouquet, followed by a silky, somewhat muted (but quite attractive, elemental) palate with moderate levels of cleansing, soft acidity. A typically honest Hunter with a 5-7 year drinking window on this bottle's performance. Recommended.

2003 Taylor's Clare Riesling
With the 2000 drinking (too) well since its' inception and having bought a truckload of the great 2001 (followed by a disappointing (for the vintage) 2002), the current release re-excites my interest in this label. Almost colourless, but bright as buggery, this impressive Riesling reveals the perfect floral characteristics of the variety without being overtly perfumed or too confectionary. One can almost smell the acid leaping from the glass. The promise of the nose translates perfectly to a palate displaying good weight of limey, very fresh, mouthfilling, crunchy fruit only found in the best Oz examples. Laden with the zesty essence of citrus peel in a formidably crisp finish this Excellent young wine has the potential to improve to Outstanding (I kid you not!) over the next decade.

1996 J. J. Confuron Chambolle-Musigny 1er Cru
Almost perfect in colour and so spicy and complex on the nose, this heavily extracted, but most impressive, pinot just misses on an Outstanding rating by way of the slightly astringent (read high acid/green tea) characters showing on the palate. Still has great depth and length. Time in the cellar should smooth things over. Can't wait to serve this (with PLCB in attendance) at an off-line in about 2013.

1964 Saltram Musuem Vintage Port
Needless to say, this Shiraz/Cabernet blend predominates from Langhorne Creek and is of the highest calibre for such an ancient Aussie VP. A slight, initial volatility on the nose is followed by intense liquorice, blackberry, bitter chocolate (with hints of sweet earth and dusty oak) meshed to the finest spirit imaginable. The same nuances predominate throughout a full-bodied, sweetly fruited palate with the only criticism being the appearance of some harshness/bitterness (probably from the spirit) in the finish. Still amazingly youthful for a 39 year old! Will probably last for another 20 years, if well stored. Up there with the best, I guess! Rated Excellent (for age)

It's 2.45 A.M. and I'm going to bed!

TORB · Post by **TORB** » Wed Aug 06, 2003 2:35 pm

David,

If you didnt drink that c-though you could have been in bed hours earlier! :lol:

David Lole · Post by **David Lole** » Wed Aug 06, 2003 4:47 pm

Ric,
It was the port that destroyed me :shock:

, the c-thrus were over and out in a matter of minutes (we were writing up new releases)

TORB · Post by **TORB** » Wed Aug 06, 2003 5:02 pm

David,

I dont know what it is about port but it tends to destroy a lot of us. In reality its not much more alcoholic than a lot of the big reds so the effect should not be that marked. Possibly its because of the incohol level that you are under the affulence of :wink:

when you start drinking it.