Last Sunday of the financial year....

[TORB]

What have you guys and girls been drinking over the past week to help keep the fiscal fiend out of your minds?

Tasting notes, vibes, lists or impressions welcome.

[seddo]

Cascabel - Tipico 05 - a blend of grenache/monastrell/shiraz - ripe fruity wine that started off very sweet but toned down after 2 hours breathing - excellent wine with spicy slow cooked lamb shanks - 15 bucks at a local chain store - going back today too purchase a few more.

Torbreck The Steading 06 - just did not do it for me - had high hopes but was a waste of money IMHO.

Majella Cab 03 - in the process of tasting this was better on day one than two - will see how the final glass tastes tonight.

cheers
Seddo

[Wayno]

Just the one. Voyager Estate Chardonnay 2004
Classy wine, with smoke, nuts, stonefruit and lemon rind on the nose. The palate quite full bodied and structured, awash with all of the above with terrific length. Alive and kicking.

[Teddy]

Hi all
Not a lot of wine this week, as I have been stuck in the jungle, whilst walking the Kokoda Track in PNG.

But believe me there was a huge amount of beer drinking after our trek.
The beer of choice was S.P larger "South Pacific" which we appropriate titled "Special Piss".
There wasn’t a lot of memorable wine but certainly a journey of a life time, if any one has the chance to walk the track, DO IT.
Regards
Trev

[Nayan]

Another week of excellent drinking.

La Chapelle Jaboulet 1983

Chave Hermitage 1989, 1985 & 1982

Charvin Chateauneuf du Pape 2004

Bonneau du Martray Corton-Charlemagne 1998, 1996, 1995, 1994, 1993, 1991, 1989

Leoville Barton 1990, 1989, 1988, 1986, 1985, 1983, 1981, 1978, 1975, 1970, 1966, 1934!!

[dlo]

Another week of excellent drinking.

La Chapelle Jaboulet 1983

Chave Hermitage 1989, 1985 & 1982

Charvin Chateauneuf du Pape 2004

Bonneau du Martray Corton-Charlemagne 1998, 1996, 1995, 1994, 1993, 1991, 1989

Leoville Barton 1990, 1989, 1988, 1986, 1985, 1983, 1981, 1978, 1975, 1970, 1966, 1934!!

Any thoughts on the following, Nayan -

La Chapelle 1983

Chave 82 and 89

BDM 1989

I have a bottle each of these and am wondering how they are travelling.

TIA

[dlo]

Ch. Haut-Bages Liberal 1986 - I have no experience with Chateau Haut-Bages Liberal and although ‘86 is a well-regarded year, I’ve also noted many a scribe’s report for this vintage’s harshness of tannin, so I was a little surprised by this wine’s lithe personality and wonderful resolution. Fully mature but holding an extremely good deep ruby colour with only perceptible lightening in the very outer edge, followed by a solid nose of pencil lead, cedar and weedy blackcurrant with suggestions of freshly turned damp sod, dried herbs and a hint of black olive. The medium-bodied palate offers up a soft but expansive texture, more than enough plummy/curranty fruit underpinned by secondary earthy/herbaceous/cedary characters, low acidity and fully-resolved lacy tannins. The moderately long finish confirms the consistency of everything that has come before - a smooth, rounded wine drinking at the peak of its powers. Nothing startling, but sound, solid and eminently satisfactory. 88 points from me today, this wine should be drunk over the next 3-5 years.

A few friends came around for a very nice evening meal last night with some older wines. The Haag was just wonderful! The rest quite outstanding for what they were (apart for the 2 duds).

Fritz Haag Brauneberger Juffer-Sonnenuhr Riesling Auslese 1983 - 94 points - simply stunning for its purity of fruit, remarkable freshness and wonderful length. WOTN.

Domaine D'Ambinos Clos des Mulonnierres, Coteaux du Layon Beaulieu 1982 - 90 points - a little mute on the nose but really sang on the palate - demi sec Chenin with some time up its sleeve.

Jean-Marc Pavelot Savigny-Les-Beaune 1er Cru "La Dominode" 1999 - 91 points - tight and quite green and sappy at first - blossomed in the glass to display ravishing cherry and plum fruit on a terrific holding platform of acid and tannin. Good for another few years in the cellar before consuming over the subsequent decade.

Chateau Ducru-Beaucaillou 1981 - wonderful mature St. Julien that belies the rather anonymous vintage. 91 points on its ear. Needs to be drunk soonish - the wine opened brilliantly then started a slow but steady decline in quality.

Ch. Gruaud Larose 1962 - DOA - 50 points.

Brand's Laira Claret 1968 - terrific nose of cigar box, leather, sweet old tertiary characters followed by a lifeless palate of faded fruit 60 points for the interesting nose - otherwise totally passed it.

[dave vino]

2002 Giaconda Chardonnay - beautiful nose, could sit there and smell it all night. Rich, creamy palate that went on forever. My only criticism is that it was a bit hot on the finish, but I think another 5-10 years would change that, and it would be magnificent. WOTN

1995 Mt Mary Quintet - Lovely elegence about the wine. Soft sweet, perfumed nose. Soft mouthfeel and tannins, great length.

2001 Wendouree Shiraz - Huge berry aromas, soft tannins that didn't overpower the fruit. Not as good as the 2000 I had earlier.

1999 Yalumba Octavius - Huge fruit profile on the nose, but somewhat tannic compared to the Wendouree. Probably needs another 10years to balance out.

2003 Moss Wood CabSav - Way too young, but you could see the power of the wine. This one is a stayer. Leave for another 10 years.

[DaveB]

Nice work Nayan

Mazzei Zisola 2004
Palacios Remondo La Montessa 2004
Leroy Musigny 1993
Domaine Billaud-Simon Chablis Vaillons 1er 2005
Domaine William Fevre Chablis Vaillons 1er 2005
Tscharke The Master Montepulciano 2005
Moss Wood Cabernet 1997
Chateau Leoville-Las-Cases 1995
Elk Cove Reserve Pinot 1997
Petaluma Riesling 1999
Saltram Pinnacle Selection 1980
Mark Bredif Vouvray 1993
Domaine Pierre de La Grange Muscadet 2004
Torbreck Run Rig 2005
Krug 1988
Justin/Glaymond Syrah 2004 (50% Barossa/50% Paso Robles)
All Saints Muscat

Hmmm....I think I'm missing about 10 wines here but I didn't take any notes...I know there was some Meusault, Chianti, grower Champagne and Barolo in there somewhere

[Partagas]

Woodlands 2004 Margaret’s cab/merl reserve – a friend and I bought a six pack each of this on release due to the overwhelming remarks by most critics and a very good price. The first few bottles we tried were not very impressive. Was definitely not 97 out 100 (JO score). Anyway it has been a while since I had tried it and decided to crack open a bottle the other day. I found it difficult to write too many notes but it was extremely rich in colour, a little confusing on the nose, medium to full but more in the full side (yet very elegant and medium light the first few bottles I tried) and even a slight bitterness. Now the next night however lifted everything and now seemed to be a lot more classy and together. Wow what a difference a day makes. Think it would have been doubly as good the night after that if it lasted. Could not score this yet. Might turn out to be a great classic????

I was very close to giving up on these but once again realize why critics sometimes know what they’re talking about. Drink this some time late next decade. Would like to hear other recent views on this wine.

Sam

[Daryl Douglas]

Forest Hill Vineyard Block 8 Chardonnay 2005 Varietal cool climate chard this one, light colour, white peach, some mealy characters on the fore-to-mid palate (fermentation on lees?), barely noticeable oak in the background. Good length citrus finish some chalkiness. I'll try to leave the last bottle for another 3-5 years as it seems still quite young and fresh. The Wise Wines chard 05 I had last weekend was more advanced but still one of the better chards I've tried. Forest Hill's block series wines have increased in price ex-winery from $35 to $38 chard and riesling, $45 to $50 for the shiraz and cab.

A mix of others, Jacobs Creek Chard 07, quite quaffable especially at the price.

Grant Burge Filsell 05 needs more time to better integrate, very Barossan.

Clos Clare Shiraz 02 had nice fruit but a bit confected and the oak was overt, initially thought it may have had a touch of TCA.

Longhop Shiraz 07 and Torzi Matthews Schist Rock 07 drinking beautifully, excellent showcases for Dominic's talented winemaking.

Thorn Clarke Quartage 06, always enjoyable, nuff said.

Saltram Metala 05 seems to show some bottle (palate?) variation. Generally enjoyable, the 27000+ bottles don't seem to be as enjoyable as the 90000+ bottles I've had, still, excellent value for the less than $11 I paid.

Cheers

daz

[seddo]

Last Night - current contender for wine of the year

Teusner Avatar 05 - in the words of Ron Weasley "bloody brillant"- rich and ripe without being super sweet - spicey and smooth as the proverbial baby's bot.

cheers
Seddo

[Wayno]

Great wine that one, incredibly silky smooth. Wine of the year would be a stretch for me personally but there's no doubt it's a distinctive, classy piece of work.

[Adair]

I'll just relay Saturday as my father-in-law came over and he won my treasured wine wanker award, with:

2007 Tamar Ridge "Research Series" Albarino: Complex: apple, cream, pineapple, florals - most interesting; deep middle, long and textured. Served blind, I thought it Olasz Rizling. Excellent. 93/100.

2005 Vello "Reserve" Pinot Noir - Tamar, Tasmania: Even better. It was obvious this producer understands Burgundy. $40 and worth every cent. 94/100.

I retorted with...

2004 Seppelt St.Peters Shiraz - A bit disappointing after the above. 90/100

2006 Ravenworths Marsanne - I am always excited when I open a bottle of Ravensworth and he really pushes the envelope. In the case of this wine, I think he pushed the oak envelop a little too much. Deep, textured but boring from a flavour perspective due to the vanilla and cream. 88/100.

... and lost!

Adair

[pstarr]

Thanks Adair, for the note on the Tamar albarino. Some good skills involved in that project, though I will not buy it due to the Gunns connection. My albarino vines were doing well when I looked at them on the weekend, and should have a good volume of fruit in 2010.

[Adair]

Thanks Adair, for the note on the Tamar albarino. Some good skills involved in that project, though I will not buy it due to the Gunns connection. My albarino vines were doing well when I looked at them on the weekend, and should have a good volume of fruit in 2010.

Thanks. I am glad I took the time to post. As you are interested, I will extrapolate a little. The florals I mention were more savoury than say florals in a Riesling. This savoury element combined with the deeper, creamier pineapple (without oak) reminded me of some of the excellent Hungarian wines I have tasted (I realise that Albarino is made mostly in Spain, but I have yet to have a quality example). So as well as being technically excellent with depth, texture and length (without being forced in the winery with oak or pressing, etc.), the flavours seemed commercially pleasing (as enjoyed by other tasting with us) as well as most interesting to a true wine lover.

Adair

[tonsta]

Chateau Leoville-Las-Cases 1995

What were your thoughts/notes on this?
Tony

[bacchaebabe]

Had a 97 Rouge Homme Coonawarra Shiraz Cabernet last night.

Still a deep ruby red which was somewhat surprising. Not a lot of fruit left on the nose or palate. A little bit of spice and savory notes though. Medium bodied with all the tannins fully resolved. Really at the end of its run, this one. A bit like Big Brother, you know its time is over but you enjoy it none-the-less. (Yes, maybe I was drinking it watching Big Brother)

[Curt]

Hi Nayan,

Have some older vintages BdM in the cellar .. would be very interested in your TN or impressions on how they are going. Cheers, Curt

[MilduraBob]

Lindauer Brut NV, which is a NZ Pinot Noir/Chardonnay/Chenin Blanc. This wine is quite a dry style methode traditionelle, with a pleasant aroma. The palate is crisp, complex and well balanced, with a full flavour and lasting taste. Being so dry, this wine may not be to everyone’s liking.
2002 St Ignatius ‘Hangman’s Gully’ Cabernet Sauvignon.
An excellent Pyrenees cabernet with a hint of eucalypt and mint combined with earthy characters on the nose. Deep purple colour, with plum, blackcurrant and some mint on the palate. A medium weight wine with firm but no overpowering tannins and a long, smooth finish.
2000 Warrenmang Grand Pyrenees.
A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Shiraz with deep purple colour, good oak integration and soft tannins. The nose of blackberry fruit with some spicey edges carried through to the palate, enhanced by blackcurrant fruit flavours. A very complex wine with a long, soft finish with many years of development still to come.
2002 Polleters Shiraz.
A full bodied Shiraz with loads of black fruit flavours, some spice and chocolate, fine drying tannins and an excellent finish. Dark purple in colour with rich fruit and some mint on the nose. The pick of them in my view.
2001 Warrenmang ‘Black Puma’ Shiraz.
On opening the tannins were ‘grippy’ but settled down as time went by. More decanting time would have helped so it is probable that we didn’t give this wine the treatment it needed. Aromas of ripe berry fruit and mint with a complex palate displaying blackberry and plum finishing long and dry.
Canadian Icewine – 2005 Inniskillin Gold Reserve, and everybody loved it. Although very sweet in the mouth it finishes with an almost dry slightly acidic taste, which is most unusual and very refreshing.
Bob.

[Andre]

2005 Mount Langi Ghiran 'Langi' Shiraz
2005 Mount Langi Ghiran 'Cliff Edge' Shiraz
2005 Mount Langi Ghiran 'Nowhere Creek' Shiraz
2005 Mount Langi Ghiran 'Moyston Hills' Shiraz (best aussie)
2005 Mount Langi Ghiran 'The Gap' Shiraz
2006 Vincent Paris 'Granit 30'
2005 Domaine Albert Belle Hermitage (wotn)
2005 Domaine Belle Crozes Hermitage 'Les Pierrelles'
2005 Domaine du Tix Cuvée de Bramefan
2006 Domaine du Tix Cuvée de Bramefan

I was very impressed with the single vineyards from Mount Langi (Nowhere, Moyston, The Gap), for $27 it is IMHO an excelent QPR.

[John #11]

2007 Winter Creek Pinot Gris
Opens very fruity, sweet, with passionfruit, white peaches, and pears. The longer it breaths, the more it evolves, loosing sweetness, and gaining lovely dry characteristics. A very smart, great value wine. Super fruit and definition.

JP

[n4sir]

I tried some Majella wines at an instore last week and had the following brief thoughts - in general I felt some of the reds were still settling down after eight months in bottle, and it's a little unfair to be judging them for another couple of months:

2008 Majella Riesling: Bottled two weeks ago - lemons & mineral, good drinking now although I do prefer the zingy acid of some of the Clare equivalents.

2008 Majella Melody Rosé: Nice floral rose petal/tropicals again, although there is just a tiny touch of bitterness on the finish compared to the 07. That's being picky though.

2007 Majella The Musician: Leaner than 06, oak up front and a very tight, grippy finish - give it a few months for the oak to integrate, then drink it before the 06's.

2006 Majella Shiraz: Some VA/crushed ants evident at first on the nose, but it settles down after a few minutes; not as big as the previous two years and another good one to drink when that oak integrates like the Musician.

2006 Majella Cabernet Sauvignon: Medium-weight compared to the last two blockbuster years, but it's very sweet with chocolate/caramel, the balance and structure already very, very good.

2005 Majella Malleea: Inky, earthy, minerally and tarry, but it's still just a baby and still meshing - the pick of the bunch but really needs another year or two to show its stuff.

2005 Majella Sparkling Shiraz: Not bad, but I still like the 04 better which has deeper/sweeter fruit.

Cheers,
Ian