Currently sipping anything enjoyable?

[Tim Smith]

2004 Orlando Steingarten Riesling: Amazing colour-, still in the 'pale straw' stage with the slightest of green tinges still hanging on. Obviously well handled juice fining here. Great lifted nose-all the classic Rizza aromas of Bickfords lime juice cordial and lemon pith. The palate is slatey and firm with out phenolic-tastes dry but with the nice palate weight I'm sure there's a couple of grams of rs. All this is underpinned by some really great acid (added or not, I cant tell, but it's done well..). A real surprise, given it's in the 'difficult' stage of Riesling maturation..i.e drink 'em before they are older than 2 years from vintage, or after 7 years...

[dlo]

Henschke Keyneton Estate 1996 - Found an unopened 6 pack of this buried in the cellar several months ago and have been meaning to try it for some time now. Attractive mid-aged colour. Sweet-fruited (just marginally confected), gaining in complexity as it sits in the glass over the last several hours, mostly cherry and blackberry with some powdery cedar and a hint of "red indian lolly" character. Slightly better in the mouth. Plenty of similar fruit, nicely resolved structure, extremely good length. Somewhere around 88 points (Very Good/Excellent). Thought it better as a youngster. Shits all over the '98 Keyneton (full of brett). Only had the one glass, so I'll T-cork it and have another look-see tomorrow.

[Jay60A]

Picked up a couple of cases for a snip ...

Kalleske Greenock Shiraz 2005
Deep purple red. Nose of mulberries, coffee oak, violets and flowers (I think ). Quite light and dancing on the palate, fresh even. Oak is in the background and nicely integrated already. But the powerful core of the fruit seems very tight to me still. Long finish but the tannins are a touch astringent. Alcohol 15.5% but I don't notice it tasting. Very good wine (and winemaking) but needs time for the tannins to soften. I'm guessing 2013-2018.

btw much better for than the 04 version which I felt may have had better fruit but the heavy oak treatment spoiled it for me.

[Wayno]

2004 Orlando Steingarten Riesling: Amazing colour-, still in the 'pale straw' stage with the slightest of green tinges still hanging on. Obviously well handled juice fining here. Great lifted nose-all the classic Rizza aromas of Bickfords lime juice cordial and lemon pith. The palate is slatey and firm with out phenolic-tastes dry but with the nice palate weight I'm sure there's a couple of grams of rs. All this is underpinned by some really great acid (added or not, I cant tell, but it's done well..). A real surprise, given it's in the 'difficult' stage of Riesling maturation..i.e drink 'em before they are older than 2 years from vintage, or after 7 years...

Was not aware the 04 Steingarten was 'officially' released? Or if it was it must have flown under the radar pretty quickly.

[bacchaebabe]

A couple during the week to celebrate my birthday with two close friends and my partner.

99 Veuve Cliquot Champagne Bloody delicious. Gaining complexity with lovely honey and brioche flavours. Went down a treat. This was an anniversary gift from one of the friends a couple of years ago so it was great to be able to drink it with him.

96 Petaluma Coonawarra Cabernet Very mellow wine especially on opening. Wasn't decanted before but was at the restaurant. The later glasses seemed to open up a little but this was feeling fully developed with blue fruits. Fully resolved tannins and I was wondering if I hadn't slightly missed the boat with this one. A lovely drink but just a bit muted if anything initally but opened up a little more towards the end.

96 Penfolds Bin 389 This was really the goods. Not too dissimilar to the Petaluma but a lot more body. Bolder and a bit more savoury. In contrast this felt like it could still go on a few more years no problems. Again, a lovely wine and it also may have improved with a bit more air. Clean purple fruits with some tannins still giving plenty of structure. Very good drinking.

97 Montana stickie of some sort I can't remember if it was a semillon on riesling but it had purple bits on the label and was definitely Montana. I think I've got a few more of these so I really should check. Anyway, I brought a backup for this one as I wasn't sure if it was going to be Ok or not. Quite a dark orange colour but it was really very good indeed. Nice thick viscosity and excellent level of sweetness. Some apricot and marmelade and toffee and still enough acid to cut through my cream brulee.

[Christo]

A couple during the week to celebrate my birthday with two close friends and my partner.

99 Veuve Cliquot Champagne Bloody delicious. Gaining complexity with lovely honey and brioche flavours. Went down a treat. This was an anniversary gift from one of the friends a couple of years ago so it was great to be able to drink it with him.

96 Petaluma Coonawarra Cabernet Very mellow wine especially on opening. Wasn't decanted before but was at the restaurant. The later glasses seemed to open up a little but this was feeling fully developed with blue fruits. Fully resolved tannins and I was wondering if I hadn't slightly missed the boat with this one. A lovely drink but just a bit muted if anything initally but opened up a little more towards the end.

96 Penfolds Bin 389 This was really the goods. Not too dissimilar to the Petaluma but a lot more body. Bolder and a bit more savoury. In contrast this felt like it could still go on a few more years no problems. Again, a lovely wine and it also may have improved with a bit more air. Clean purple fruits with some tannins still giving plenty of structure. Very good drinking.

97 Montana stickie of some sort I can't remember if it was a semillon on riesling but it had purple bits on the label and was definitely Montana. I think I've got a few more of these so I really should check. Anyway, I brought a backup for this one as I wasn't sure if it was going to be Ok or not. Quite a dark orange colour but it was really very good indeed. Nice thick viscosity and excellent level of sweetness. Some apricot and marmelade and toffee and still enough acid to cut through my cream brulee.

happy b'day Kris... good to see you celebrated in style.. & hope you got lots of pressies!!

[bacchaebabe]

Thanks Christo,

actually did very well in the presiie stakes. A nice 20 litre muscat barrel among other things. Very happy girl.

[dlo]

Many happy returns, Kris. Looks like you drank your normal excellent standard of wine for the celebration.

[dlo]

Follow-up on the 1996 Keyneton Estate (see last night's entry). What a difference a day makes! Been very warm in Canberra today and having let this sit in the bottle since last night there's been a considerable effect on this wine. There's a gamey, might I suggest a slightly "horsey" character to the wine that was absent last night. Underlying blackberry and blackcurrant fruit now plays a supporting role on both nose and palate but the fresh bouquet is now a trifle cactus, so to speak. The red cherries and indians have all gone walkabout. Structurally, the wine shows little change, perhaps a slight metallic twang from the brett on the back palate. What a shame the potential for a higher rating tonight has been marginalised by this rotten yeast spoilage. 84 points. I'll still drink the rest of the glass and see if anything eventuates (for the better) but don't hold your breathe. Still not a bad drink but, unfortunately, going in the wrong direction.

[Sharkey]

Follow-up on the 1996 Keyneton Estate (see last night's entry). What a difference a day makes! Been very warm in Canberra today and having let this sit in the bottle since last night there's been a considerable effect on this wine. There's a gamey, might I suggest a slightly "horsey" character to the wine that was absent last night. Underlying blackberry and blackcurrant fruit now plays a supporting role on both nose and palate but the fresh bouquet is now a trifle cactus, so to speak. The red cherries and indians have all gone walkabout. Structurally, the wine shows little change, perhaps a slight metallic twang from the brett on the back palate. What a shame the potential for a higher rating tonight has been marginalised by this rotten yeast spoilage. 84 points. I'll still drink the rest of the glass and see if anything eventuates (for the better) but don't hold your breathe. Still not a bad drink but, unfortunately, going in the wrong direction.

I finished the last of mine earlier this year and thought it was fantastic. Bought it at the cellar door for about $27. Hindsight (and more available cash all those years ago) would be a wonderful thing.

[Waiters Friend]

Currently sipping Eppalock Ridge Shiraz 2002 (Heathcote). For the admittedly low price at auction, this has some mint / menthol, and is a surprisingly mouthfilling wine, but is not harmonious - something's edgy about it. I realise these are not conventional wine descriptors, it's just that the richness and balance is not there. Enjoyable nonetheless.

[Mark S]

Seppelt Para Vintage Port 1983 - not sure if Seppelt are still doing these vintage year releases - about a week since I opened it, has improved greatly over the week; powerful, classicly tawny port profile, strongly rancio'd, figs, dates, stewed fruits, and soooo long in the mouth. The empy glass next day still hits you in the nose with its aromas. Conventional wisdom is that fortifieds like muscat, tokay, tawny ports, stay much the same in bottle and also once opened - I've repeatedly found this untrue, with these wines developing deeper and far more complex flavour profiles over a week or two or three, if you can sip them gradually over such a length of time.

[Jay60A]

2004 Orlando Steingarten Riesling: Amazing colour-, still in the 'pale straw' stage with the slightest of green tinges still hanging on. Obviously well handled juice fining here. Great lifted nose-all the classic Rizza aromas of Bickfords lime juice cordial and lemon pith. The palate is slatey and firm with out phenolic-tastes dry but with the nice palate weight I'm sure there's a couple of grams of rs. All this is underpinned by some really great acid (added or not, I cant tell, but it's done well..). A real surprise, given it's in the 'difficult' stage of Riesling maturation..i.e drink 'em before they are older than 2 years from vintage, or after 7 years...

Was not aware the 04 Steingarten was 'officially' released? Or if it was it must have flown under the radar pretty quickly.

Not sure but I suspect a high (huge?) percentage of the 04 production may have gone to the UK (Tesco Supermarkets).

It's sold through here. Now on the 05 model.

[Waiters Friend]

Not sure but I suspect a high (huge?) percentage of the 04 production may have gone to the UK (Tesco Supermarkets).

It's sold through here. Now on the 05 model.[/quote]

Half your luck. However, is it possible you're drinking it a few years too early? It's a fabulous wine with 5+ years age.

[dlo]

2004 Orlando Steingarten Riesling: Amazing colour-, still in the 'pale straw' stage with the slightest of green tinges still hanging on. Obviously well handled juice fining here. Great lifted nose-all the classic Rizza aromas of Bickfords lime juice cordial and lemon pith. The palate is slatey and firm with out phenolic-tastes dry but with the nice palate weight I'm sure there's a couple of grams of rs. All this is underpinned by some really great acid (added or not, I cant tell, but it's done well..). A real surprise, given it's in the 'difficult' stage of Riesling maturation..i.e drink 'em before they are older than 2 years from vintage, or after 7 years...

Was not aware the 04 Steingarten was 'officially' released? Or if it was it must have flown under the radar pretty quickly.

Not sure but I suspect a high (huge?) percentage of the 04 production may have gone to the UK (Tesco Supermarkets).

It's sold through here. Now on the 05 model.

AFAIK 05's come and gone .... 06 is the current release (and not a patch on the 05 if my tasting bottle was representative). The '02 and '05 are super wines IMHO.

[dlo]

Seppelt Para Vintage Port 1983 - not sure if Seppelt are still doing these vintage year releases - about a week since I opened it, has improved greatly over the week; powerful, classicly tawny port profile, strongly rancio'd, figs, dates, stewed fruits, and soooo long in the mouth. The empy glass next day still hits you in the nose with its aromas. Conventional wisdom is that fortifieds like muscat, tokay, tawny ports, stay much the same in bottle and also once opened - I've repeatedly found this untrue, with these wines developing deeper and far more complex flavour profiles over a week or two or three, if you can sip them gradually over such a length of time.

I've got quite a few of these beauties sitting on the top of a couple of boxes in the cellar - they've gotta be the worst shaped bottles from a storage point of view - but I, too, have never seen such a transition from an initially spiritous, rough and volatile tawny to a thing of such magnificance over such a long period of time! To me, this suggests this vintage of Para should live for an extraordinary period.

What you say in your post, I believe is mostly true, Mark, but does depend on what type of fortified it is and where it may be "at". For instance, if it was particularly old and fragile "something-or-other" there is a strong possibility that it'll fall apart soon after opening or may have already carked it. But as you found and is the case with so many of the wonderful examples our better fortified makers seem to turn out, they can improve, or at least hold for days, sometimes weeks after being opened. Tawnies are notorious for lasting the longest with exposure to air. Muscats and Tokays can last very well, too, but if they're particularly old and haven't been recently blended or "freshened up", won't do so well. Vintage Port can last for several days but if mature you'll find they'll fall over fairly quickly.

[griff]

Thanks Christo,

actually did very well in the presiie stakes. A nice 20 litre muscat barrel among other things. Very happy girl.

Happy Birthday Kris,

With your recent trip to the Rutherglen what are your thoughts as to the filling of the barrel?

cheers

Carl

[Wayno]

2004 Orlando Steingarten Riesling: Amazing colour-, still in the 'pale straw' stage with the slightest of green tinges still hanging on. Obviously well handled juice fining here. Great lifted nose-all the classic Rizza aromas of Bickfords lime juice cordial and lemon pith. The palate is slatey and firm with out phenolic-tastes dry but with the nice palate weight I'm sure there's a couple of grams of rs. All this is underpinned by some really great acid (added or not, I cant tell, but it's done well..). A real surprise, given it's in the 'difficult' stage of Riesling maturation..i.e drink 'em before they are older than 2 years from vintage, or after 7 years...

Was not aware the 04 Steingarten was 'officially' released? Or if it was it must have flown under the radar pretty quickly.

Not sure but I suspect a high (huge?) percentage of the 04 production may have gone to the UK (Tesco Supermarkets).

It's sold through here. Now on the 05 model.

AFAIK 05's come and gone .... 06 is the current release (and not a patch on the 05 if my tasting bottle was representative). The '02 and '05 are super wines IMHO.

Seconded.

[lordson]

I finally got round to driking that Penfolds Bin 28 Kilimna Shiraz 2004

nose balanced, alcoho not bad, dark chocolate. v. clear smell

plum comes up with a swirl

good first impresion, doesn't hit too hard

spicy towards the end, good smooth tannins, not harsh. alcohol is in the foreground a little bit, unlike others i've tasted, good simple flavours, not much depth

finishes very smoothly and lightly

defintatly should be decanted, otherwise its much too simple and spicy

an enjoyable wine. hard to fault, but not fantastic

90 points.

on the third night, it definately changed alot since the first and second days. tasted bit richer, and fully bodied, but not subtle and structured like normal wine is. it was a bit all over the place

thats the wine starting to go bad right?

[cuttlefish]

I finally got round to driking that Penfolds Bin 28 Kilimna Shiraz 2004

nose balanced, alcoho not bad, dark chocolate. v. clear smell

plum comes up with a swirl

good first impresion, doesn't hit too hard

spicy towards the end, good smooth tannins, not harsh. alcohol is in the foreground a little bit, unlike others i've tasted, good simple flavours, not much depth

finishes very smoothly and lightly

defintatly should be decanted, otherwise its much too simple and spicy

an enjoyable wine. hard to fault, but not fantastic

90 points.

on the third night, it definately changed alot since the first and second days. tasted bit richer, and fully bodied, but not subtle and structured like normal wine is. it was a bit all over the place

thats the wine starting to go bad right?

Re: the wine starting to go bad...Could be, yes. Did it smell at all like vinegar ? They eventually turn a bit vinegary.

[bacchaebabe]

Thanks Christo,

actually did very well in the presiie stakes. A nice 20 litre muscat barrel among other things. Very happy girl.

Happy Birthday Kris,

With your recent trip to the Rutherglen what are your thoughts as to the filling of the barrel?

cheers

Carl

Thanks Carl and David for the birthday wishes.

Re the barrel, I bought 20 litres of muscat from Morris for $220. Stanton and Killeen had 23 litres of their muscat for $242 but I figured the barrel was 20 litres so better going for a 20 litre volume for the time being. I threw it in the night the barrel arrived (the barrel was already seasoned by Stanton and Killeen where we bought it). Managed to get most of it into the barrel too. And there was about 500mls left over so maybe the barrel is not quite 20 litres. I'll use this for initial topping up.

The Morris muscat is what they sell as their standard liqueur muscat in the cannister readily available everywhere which is $17 for 500 mls at the cellar door so it's a pretty good deal. On the Rutherglen classification, this is a classic muscat and is 5-7 years old.

There was a little bit of leakage through the staves when we first filled it but it was all fine by the next morning and no further drips. Pretty happy with the way it's going. Had a glass the other night and there's already a bit of difference with the newish oak. I might pour a couple of litres off around Christmas and top it back up then.

[griff]

Thanks Christo,

actually did very well in the presiie stakes. A nice 20 litre muscat barrel among other things. Very happy girl.

Happy Birthday Kris,

With your recent trip to the Rutherglen what are your thoughts as to the filling of the barrel?

cheers

Carl

Thanks Carl and David for the birthday wishes.

Re the barrel, I bought 20 litres of muscat from Morris for $220. Stanton and Killeen had 23 litres of their muscat for $242 but I figured the barrel was 20 litres so better going for a 20 litre volume for the time being. I threw it in the night the barrel arrived (the barrel was already seasoned by Stanton and Killeen where we bought it). Managed to get most of it into the barrel too. And there was about 500mls left over so maybe the barrel is not quite 20 litres. I'll use this for initial topping up.

The Morris muscat is what they sell as their standard liqueur muscat in the cannister readily available everywhere which is $17 for 500 mls at the cellar door so it's a pretty good deal. On the Rutherglen classification, this is a classic muscat and is 5-7 years old.

There was a little bit of leakage through the staves when we first filled it but it was all fine by the next morning and no further drips. Pretty happy with the way it's going. Had a glass the other night and there's already a bit of difference with the newish oak. I might pour a couple of litres off around Christmas and top it back up then.

Thanks for the reply. When I get back to Sydney I really am tempted to do this. Considering how much Rebecca likes muscat, bulk may be the answer

cheers

Carl

[dlo]

My wife and daughter have fallen in love with Tyrrell's 2000 Vat 47 Chardonnay (3 down in the last week or so) and we all had a glass last night with dinner. Unfortunately, I was having some balance issues after the meal and couldn't function that well, hence posting this morning.

The colour of the wine is pristine and very youthful. The bouquet reveals terrific fruit counterbalanced by particularly impressive barrel-work followed by a very fresh, similarly balanced and complex palate possessing some wonderful acidic balance but just the slightest overload of alcohol (13.9%). An Outstanding (low 90's) Chardonnay right up there with the best this country has to offer. It's on par with LEAS from this vintage and has the staying power to go a while longer. With the women of the household hooked, looks like it'll be our white quaffer for the summer.

[bacchaebabe]

Thanks for the reply. When I get back to Sydney I really am tempted to do this. Considering how much Rebecca likes muscat, bulk may be the answer

cheers

Carl

Ha, actually, I have a similar problem with Lisa. Over winter, almost every night, "can you go down (to the cellar) and get a muscat?" As most of my muscats are rare, I'm a little reluctant to open them for a midweek night in so kept coming back with ports (of which I have heaps and not all rare).

So this is actually a fantastic (and relatively cheap) way to keep her in muscat over winter and have a little fun.

[Maroon&Blue]

My wife and daughter have fallen in love with Tyrrell's 2000 Vat 1 Chardonnay (3 down in the last week or so) and we all had a glass last night with dinner. Unfortunately, I was having some balance issues after the meal and couldn't function that well, hence posting this morning.

The colour of the wine is pristine and very youthful. The bouquet reveals terrific fruit counterbalanced by particularly impressive barrel-work followed by a very fresh, similarly balanced and complex palate possessing some wonderful acidic balance but just the slightest overload of alcohol (13.9%). An Outstanding (low 90's) Chardonnay right up there with the best this country has to offer. It's on par with LEAS from this vintage and has the staying power to go a while longer. With the women of the household hooked, looks like it'll be our white quaffer for the summer.

Hi DLO

Sorry to question your notes, BUT I thought Vat 1 usually referred to the Semillon & Vat 47 for the Chardonnay!!!

Excuse me, if my info is wrong!

Cheers
Ronaldo

[dlo]

My wife and daughter have fallen in love with Tyrrell's 2000 Vat 1 Chardonnay (3 down in the last week or so) and we all had a glass last night with dinner. Unfortunately, I was having some balance issues after the meal and couldn't function that well, hence posting this morning.

The colour of the wine is pristine and very youthful. The bouquet reveals terrific fruit counterbalanced by particularly impressive barrel-work followed by a very fresh, similarly balanced and complex palate possessing some wonderful acidic balance but just the slightest overload of alcohol (13.9%). An Outstanding (low 90's) Chardonnay right up there with the best this country has to offer. It's on par with LEAS from this vintage and has the staying power to go a while longer. With the women of the household hooked, looks like it'll be our white quaffer for the summer.

Hi DLO

Sorry to question your notes, BUT I thought Vat 1 usually referred to the Semillon & Vat 47 for the Chardonnay!!!

Excuse me, if my info is wrong!

Cheers
Ronaldo

Don't be sorry, I was wondering how long it would take for someone to pick up on it.

Good work!

[Davo]

Thanks for the reply. When I get back to Sydney I really am tempted to do this. Considering how much Rebecca likes muscat, bulk may be the answer

cheers

Carl

Ha, actually, I have a similar problem with Lisa. Over winter, almost every night, "can you go down (to the cellar) and get a muscat?" As most of my muscats are rare, I'm a little reluctant to open them for a midweek night in so kept coming back with ports (of which I have heaps and not all rare).

So this is actually a fantastic (and relatively cheap) way to keep her in muscat over winter and have a little fun.

When the wood dies down a bit and topping time comes around try adding some older material, even just a half bottle, to give it that added complexity which can only come with age.

Sort of like people really, Happy Birthday.

[dlo]

Just polished off the remnants of a 1991 Oakridge Reserve Cabernet -

Medium ruby in colour with some lightening towards the rim. Still quite solid. Offers up a melange of nicely integrated cool-climate scents covering wet earth, well-seasoned cedar, saddle leather, black olive tapenade, iodine, blood, iron with undertones of currants and satsuma plum backed with some quite savoury, quality wood and, finally, a top note of underbrush. The palate is smooth and almost fully resolved, of medum-body, revealing decent flavours mimicking the bouquet, low acidity, soft tannins and a moderately long rather soft but satisfying finish. A very nicely balanced, mature Cabernet with a degree of elegance and a wonderful "drink now" proposition. Rated as Excellent - 90 points.

Seeing Australia were doing quite well in the cricket, I then decided to open a 1984 John Riddoch. Wow! This is really starting to open up nicely after a shaky (read reticent) start. Mature hue. Roasted herbs, capsicum, cigar box, tar/bitumen, lead pencil, blood, hints of blackcurrant and licorice starting to rise. Bloody beautiful wine on the nose. A little later, a lick of creosote, some freshly turned sod, a dab of this, a touch of this - you get the drift - most intriguing trying to eek out the myriad of nuance. The palate delivers a most compelling package. Remarkably elegant and just medium-bodied - quite surprising for a John Riddoch. Perhaps 1984 was a cooler/wetter year than average? The wine glides through the mouth like a hot knife through soft butter guilded with that same cool-fruited herbaceous streak found in the bouquet. There's sufficient sweet weedy blackcurrant fruit providing counterbalance, still tweaked with remarkably good lively acidity, a nice touch of wonderfully integrated savoury French oak, still assertive but melting tannins and a terrific long, dry finish with just the right amount of astringency to keep the finale in perfect balance. A really lovely surprise, especially when I paid $42 + commish for several bottles of this at auction a few months ago. If the other bottles are of the same calibre, I'll definitely keep looking out for more! 93 points 11.2% A/V!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Jay60A]

Another bottle of Crawford River Riesling 2001. So youthful, fresh, balanced, precise. I've had the odd red I just drink and drink but rarely a white. Basically I need an intravenous drip for this. I may have to simply drink this and buy another case ...

Henty Riesling simply rocks.

[Daryl Douglas]

Another bottle of Crawford River Riesling 2001. So youthful, fresh, balanced, precise. I've had the odd red I just drink and drink but rarely a white. Basically I need an intravenous drip for this. I may have to simply drink this and buy another case ...

Henty Riesling simply rocks.

Is the CR the one that was top wine at the national show a few years ago?