Tis that point on the calendar once again. Please let us know what you have been drinking over the past week. Lists, vibes or impressions welcome... oh, and tasting notes too.
Son, Sun, Sunday....
Son, Sun, Sunday....
Good Morrow Unto You All,
Tis that point on the calendar once again. Please let us know what you have been drinking over the past week. Lists, vibes or impressions welcome... oh, and tasting notes too.
Tis that point on the calendar once again. Please let us know what you have been drinking over the past week. Lists, vibes or impressions welcome... oh, and tasting notes too.
Two extremely good wines this week.
The 1999 Tyrrell's HVD Semillon Reserve was absolutely superb, surprising with its remarkable freshness and vivacity, nigh-on perfect weight and structure and a finish to die for. Loaded with grassy-, soapy- and lanolin-tinged melon and citrus fruit with only the merest hint of toast and honey, this outstanding wine has perfectly-integrated, cutting G&T-like acidity that augurs well for a considerably bright future in the cellar. A wonderful example. Drink now-2019+. 94 points
The De Toren (Stellenbosch, South Africa) Directors Reserve Fusion V from vintage 2000 also impressed with its gorgeous youthful garnet colour and stunning aromatics feauturing deep-set small dark-berried fruit and a sizeable, but well-judged, input from cedary/vanillin oak. The palate offers an identical blast of primary fruit, quality oak accompanied by attractive chocolate-coated licorice and sweet earthy flavours, lively acidity, all supported by a very fine but still to fully resolve firmish tannin regime. This excellent/outstanding example possesses room for development and improvement, although after 72 hours after opening, suffered from such a degree of oxidation to render the remnants suitable only to be tipped down the kitchen sink. Drink 2010-2015+. 91 points
The 1999 Tyrrell's HVD Semillon Reserve was absolutely superb, surprising with its remarkable freshness and vivacity, nigh-on perfect weight and structure and a finish to die for. Loaded with grassy-, soapy- and lanolin-tinged melon and citrus fruit with only the merest hint of toast and honey, this outstanding wine has perfectly-integrated, cutting G&T-like acidity that augurs well for a considerably bright future in the cellar. A wonderful example. Drink now-2019+. 94 points
The De Toren (Stellenbosch, South Africa) Directors Reserve Fusion V from vintage 2000 also impressed with its gorgeous youthful garnet colour and stunning aromatics feauturing deep-set small dark-berried fruit and a sizeable, but well-judged, input from cedary/vanillin oak. The palate offers an identical blast of primary fruit, quality oak accompanied by attractive chocolate-coated licorice and sweet earthy flavours, lively acidity, all supported by a very fine but still to fully resolve firmish tannin regime. This excellent/outstanding example possesses room for development and improvement, although after 72 hours after opening, suffered from such a degree of oxidation to render the remnants suitable only to be tipped down the kitchen sink. Drink 2010-2015+. 91 points
Cheers,
David
David
2004 Antinori 'Peppoli' Chianti Classico [cork, 13%, $26]
Good drop. The usual quality dried fruit/berry chianti aromas, savoury and dusty on the palate, not exactly salty but with a certain tang about it. Lovely balance along the palate - plenty of mid & back palate mouthfeel instead of just a wash of fruit on the front (with I'm coming to dislike more & more). Enough acid, and soft grape-tannins frame the whole. It reveals its price with the complexity & length of finish, both of which are fairly forgettable, but as an honest pasta-partner wine on a warm night it can't be beat.
cheers,
Graeme
Good drop. The usual quality dried fruit/berry chianti aromas, savoury and dusty on the palate, not exactly salty but with a certain tang about it. Lovely balance along the palate - plenty of mid & back palate mouthfeel instead of just a wash of fruit on the front (with I'm coming to dislike more & more). Enough acid, and soft grape-tannins frame the whole. It reveals its price with the complexity & length of finish, both of which are fairly forgettable, but as an honest pasta-partner wine on a warm night it can't be beat.
cheers,
Graeme
seddo wrote:with the hot and unusually humid weather we are having in the nations capital - I have been partaking in the dreaded homebrew - Little Creatures Pale Ale clone and a Stella clone - both very mature LCPA -42weeks old and the Stella 26 weeks.
cheers
Seddo
The Canberra weather has been a challenge for wine drinking, and I've been into the homebrew as well. I make a bunch of low-temperature ferment lagers, pilseners, and ales fermented with lager yeasts over the cold months, which are ready to go over summer.
I've been drinking pinot from the fridge as well, which works well sometimes. Hoddles Creek 07 pinot and a look at our 2007 Quarry Hill pinot last night with a bunch of homemade pizzas.
Paul.
Highlight of the week for me:-
Baileys Classic Shiraz 1996, still gobs of fruit and the tannin has finally started to settle nicely into the background. When Baileys are good I love them and this is a cracker.
Cape Mentelle Zinfandel 1997, who said Zin doesn't age? This must have been good as the bottle disappeared in record time and left us wanting more.
Grosset Polish Hill Riesling 2001, just starting to settle into its second coming and is starting to show beautiful honey characters with a lovely fresh lemon/lime finish.
Lindemans Hunter River Bin 8855 Semillon 1996. Simply stunning with years ahead of it.
Hainault Terroir Range Merlot 1997, Still the best wine I have ever had out of the Perth Hills. Stunning when young , starting to fade now but still plenty happening to keep up interest.
Greenock Creek Alices Shiraz 2002, big, bold, long finish and a reasonable degree of complexity. Still unsure about them with age but damn good drinking when young.
Baileys Classic Shiraz 1996, still gobs of fruit and the tannin has finally started to settle nicely into the background. When Baileys are good I love them and this is a cracker.
Cape Mentelle Zinfandel 1997, who said Zin doesn't age? This must have been good as the bottle disappeared in record time and left us wanting more.
Grosset Polish Hill Riesling 2001, just starting to settle into its second coming and is starting to show beautiful honey characters with a lovely fresh lemon/lime finish.
Lindemans Hunter River Bin 8855 Semillon 1996. Simply stunning with years ahead of it.
Hainault Terroir Range Merlot 1997, Still the best wine I have ever had out of the Perth Hills. Stunning when young , starting to fade now but still plenty happening to keep up interest.
Greenock Creek Alices Shiraz 2002, big, bold, long finish and a reasonable degree of complexity. Still unsure about them with age but damn good drinking when young.
Following my question about Moscato, thought I'd tell you about the two we tried this week (and a couple of others too):
Brown Bros Moscato 2008. Like the low alcohol (around 6%) not so keen on the sugar. Nice level of spritz, fine bubbles and fairly creamy mouthfeel. Good fresh fruit on the nose, but can almost smell the sugar. Be good for brunch/late breakfast I guess. Easily gulpable.
Grant Burge Moscato 2008. Non-descript bottle (was looking for something fancy following the Moscato thread). Not as low alcohol, about 9%, Good spritz but coarser bubbles. Not so creamy in the mouth, and definitely less sugar. More like a 'regular' wine, good fruit, less sugar - sips rather than gulps.
Woodstock Sem Sauv Blanc 2008 11.5% alc. Lighter on the nose and palate than the two above, fresh, more kiwifruit than passionfruit. Enjoyable and easy to drink.
Plantagenet Riesling 2008. Like it. Bath powder and citrus, quite dry.
Mountadam Riesling 2008. My favourite this week - long dry finish, lemon, lime, maybe even a little bit spicy.
Cheers,
Dave
Brown Bros Moscato 2008. Like the low alcohol (around 6%) not so keen on the sugar. Nice level of spritz, fine bubbles and fairly creamy mouthfeel. Good fresh fruit on the nose, but can almost smell the sugar. Be good for brunch/late breakfast I guess. Easily gulpable.
Grant Burge Moscato 2008. Non-descript bottle (was looking for something fancy following the Moscato thread). Not as low alcohol, about 9%, Good spritz but coarser bubbles. Not so creamy in the mouth, and definitely less sugar. More like a 'regular' wine, good fruit, less sugar - sips rather than gulps.
Woodstock Sem Sauv Blanc 2008 11.5% alc. Lighter on the nose and palate than the two above, fresh, more kiwifruit than passionfruit. Enjoyable and easy to drink.
Plantagenet Riesling 2008. Like it. Bath powder and citrus, quite dry.
Mountadam Riesling 2008. My favourite this week - long dry finish, lemon, lime, maybe even a little bit spicy.
Cheers,
Dave
pstarr wrote:seddo wrote:with the hot and unusually humid weather we are having in the nations capital - I have been partaking in the dreaded homebrew - Little Creatures Pale Ale clone and a Stella clone - both very mature LCPA -42weeks old and the Stella 26 weeks.
cheers
Seddo
The Canberra weather has been a challenge for wine drinking, and I've been into the homebrew as well. I make a bunch of low-temperature ferment lagers, pilseners, and ales fermented with lager yeasts over the cold months, which are ready to go over summer.
I've been drinking pinot from the fridge as well, which works well sometimes. Hoddles Creek 07 pinot and a look at our 2007 Quarry Hill pinot last night with a bunch of homemade pizzas.
Thats the beauty about the Canberra climate- low ferment lager yeasts for those great summer beers - must try your pinot
cheers
Seddo
Charles Milton Rose of Virginia 2008 This has to be one of the worst Roses I have tried in years. Utterly disappointing which in itself was a major disappointment given the hype I had read about the wine. The palate opened with rasberries and rybena. As for the back end of the wine, there was none, no acidity leaving the wine overall totally unbalanced and unrefreshing. The wife said it reminded her of the lolly bags from our kids 4th bithday party the previous week. Ok we have been a bit spoilt recently with a couple of French beauties (Domaine Ott and Tempier Bandol Rose) but this was supposed to be the best in the country. Seems we still have a bit of distance to go yet. C-
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Mike Hawkins
- Posts: 2771
- Joined: Fri Aug 29, 2003 9:39 am
1990 Wynns Michael Shiraz - based on previous samples, I never thought this would live up to the hype at release, but I have to say this was stunning. Long, complex and without the expected oak-fest. Still years of life in front of it.
2001 Voyager Estate Cabernet - happy to say this is the last bottle of this brett monster in my collection.
2002 Veuve Cliquot Brut - my favourite VC for a while. Lots of citrus and bread notes, decent length and acidity.
2003 Lindemans Pyrus - nothing special, but its so cheap I can't complain.
2001 Voyager Estate Cabernet - happy to say this is the last bottle of this brett monster in my collection.
2002 Veuve Cliquot Brut - my favourite VC for a while. Lots of citrus and bread notes, decent length and acidity.
2003 Lindemans Pyrus - nothing special, but its so cheap I can't complain.
Penfolds Bin 407 1998 Second bottle opened in the past couple of weeks, unfortunately (given I've got 10 left) with consistent notes ... drinkable but nothing flash on first opening, collapsed into a mess of tannin & acid after an hour or so, & then recovered after around 3 hours to be of some interest ...
Leeuwin Estate Art Series Chardonnay 2001 Off a restaurant list (Boat Shed in Nelson) with a good selection but prices all over the place, this looked too good to pass over at $145 (AUD 115 or so), even though that's rather more than I'd normally spend. Must've been a little too chilled, as for the first 45 minutes it was quite restrained. But it then transformed into an utterly stunning wine ... hedonistic, viscuous, brilliant length ... it's only Jan but difficult to see this being toppled as white WOTY ...
Cheers
Peter
Leeuwin Estate Art Series Chardonnay 2001 Off a restaurant list (Boat Shed in Nelson) with a good selection but prices all over the place, this looked too good to pass over at $145 (AUD 115 or so), even though that's rather more than I'd normally spend. Must've been a little too chilled, as for the first 45 minutes it was quite restrained. But it then transformed into an utterly stunning wine ... hedonistic, viscuous, brilliant length ... it's only Jan but difficult to see this being toppled as white WOTY ...
Cheers
Peter
Eileen Hardy Chardonnay 2005
Excellent, very composed, balanced wine, effortless. Stonefruit, citrus, long finish.
Brokenwood Jelka Botrytis Riesling 2004
Quite rich and perhaps lacking focus but pleasant enough.
Excellent, very composed, balanced wine, effortless. Stonefruit, citrus, long finish.
Brokenwood Jelka Botrytis Riesling 2004
Quite rich and perhaps lacking focus but pleasant enough.
Cheers
Wayno
Give me the luxuries of life and I will willingly do without the necessities.
Wayno
Give me the luxuries of life and I will willingly do without the necessities.
2003 Saltram Mamre Brook Cabernet Sauvignon - This is a personal favourite.
2004 Saltram Mamre Brook Cabernet Sauvignon - Just as good.
2006 Torzi Matthews Frost Dodger Shiraz - Sensational!.
2006 Stella Bella Shiraz - Compared to the 2005 the 2006 is very ordinary. I love the entire range of Stella Bella including the whites. Trust me, the 2006 Shiraz is not one of there great years.
2000 Elderton Command Shiraz- After several hours in the decanter it was sensational!.
2006 Elderton Shiraz- Compared to the 2005 it is average. The 2006 appears to be more medium bodied without the full bodied richness of the 2005.
2006 Elderton Cabernet Sauvignon - Nice drop!. Again, needs a few more years.
Cheers
Leigh
2004 Saltram Mamre Brook Cabernet Sauvignon - Just as good.
2006 Torzi Matthews Frost Dodger Shiraz - Sensational!.
2006 Stella Bella Shiraz - Compared to the 2005 the 2006 is very ordinary. I love the entire range of Stella Bella including the whites. Trust me, the 2006 Shiraz is not one of there great years.
2000 Elderton Command Shiraz- After several hours in the decanter it was sensational!.
2006 Elderton Shiraz- Compared to the 2005 it is average. The 2006 appears to be more medium bodied without the full bodied richness of the 2005.
2006 Elderton Cabernet Sauvignon - Nice drop!. Again, needs a few more years.
Cheers
Leigh
WINE - NECTAR OF THE GODS!
rooman wrote:Charles Milton Rose of Virginia 2008 This has to be one of the worst Roses I have tried in years. Utterly disappointing which in itself was a major disappointment given the hype I had read about the wine. The palate opened with rasberries and rybena. As for the back end of the wine, there was none, no acidity leaving the wine overall totally unbalanced and unrefreshing. The wife said it reminded her of the lolly bags from our kids 4th bithday party the previous week. Ok we have been a bit spoilt recently with a couple of French beauties (Domaine Ott and Tempier Bandol Rose) but this was supposed to be the best in the country. Seems we still have a bit of distance to go yet. C-
I had a similar experience with this about a year ago. Brought a bottle based on a lot of hype and good press and was very disappointed with it. Latest good Rose has been the Teusner Salsa.
Weekend wines were:
2007 Yalumba FDW Chardonnay - Excellent as usual
2008 Pikes Riesling - Very good
2004 Grosset Sem/Sav Blanc - Had aged very well and was enjoyed by all
2006 Laughing Jack Jacks Shiraz - This is not the top shiraz but the cheaper one and for its price (around $20) it was super. Will definitely be getting more of this.
Wirra Wirra - The Cousins (Champagne Blend) - 2006 - Crisp and refreshing, lemon zest and toast on the nose, perhaps slightly too acidic finish for some, but I liked this. Delish!
Kays Amery - Merlot - 2005 - Lovely nose, however on the palate some what disjointed tannins overpowering fruit very deeply buried.
Pirramimma - Late Harvest Reisling - 2005 : Unimpressive - burnt rubber on the nose and palate possibly a small whiff of wet newspaper after leaving it alone for a while - cork looked some what dodgy - suspect either cork or transport/storage issue.
Kays Amery - Merlot - 2005 - Lovely nose, however on the palate some what disjointed tannins overpowering fruit very deeply buried.
Pirramimma - Late Harvest Reisling - 2005 : Unimpressive - burnt rubber on the nose and palate possibly a small whiff of wet newspaper after leaving it alone for a while - cork looked some what dodgy - suspect either cork or transport/storage issue.
-
Dave Dewhurst
- Posts: 283
- Joined: Wed Apr 05, 2006 2:03 pm
- Location: Perth, WA
rooman wrote:Charles Milton Rose of Virginia 2008 This has to be one of the worst Roses I have tried in years. Utterly disappointing which in itself was a major disappointment given the hype I had read about the wine. The palate opened with rasberries and rybena. As for the back end of the wine, there was none, no acidity leaving the wine overall totally unbalanced and unrefreshing. The wife said it reminded her of the lolly bags from our kids 4th bithday party the previous week. Ok we have been a bit spoilt recently with a couple of French beauties (Domaine Ott and Tempier Bandol Rose) but this was supposed to be the best in the country. Seems we still have a bit of distance to go yet. C-
Just had the Tondonia 98 Gran Riserva Rosé - if you want a study in how rosé should be, this is it (know the importer well, so usual caveats apply!). Just spent two weeks in WA and SA, tasting rosés that people tried to persuade me were dry and savoury but mostly were just complete codswallop. Very disappointing style here. Fortunately, rosé was not all we were tasting
Cheers
Dave
malliemcg wrote:
Pirramimma - Late Harvest Reisling - 2005 : Unimpressive - burnt rubber on the nose and palate possibly a small whiff of wet newspaper after leaving it alone for a while - cork looked some what dodgy - suspect either cork or transport/storage issue.
I'd have to say I agree here. The bottle I had was very average too.
Cheers
Wayno
Give me the luxuries of life and I will willingly do without the necessities.
Wayno
Give me the luxuries of life and I will willingly do without the necessities.
-
Daryl Douglas
- Posts: 1361
- Joined: Fri Sep 05, 2003 7:23 pm
- Location: Nth Qld
JJap wrote:Latest good Rose has been the Teusner Salsa.
I'm a very occasional rose drinker, have enjoyed a few bottles of a vintage or two of Turkey Flat. Also enjoyed a few bottles of the first vintage of Teusner Salsa (07?), probably more than the TFs I've had and have recommended the Salsa in threads about roses.
Cheers
daz
Davo wrote:Highlight of the week for me:-
Baileys Classic Shiraz 1996, still gobs of fruit and the tannin has finally started to settle nicely into the background. When Baileys are good I love them and this is a cracker.
Cape Mentelle Zinfandel 1997, who said Zin doesn't age? This must have been good as the bottle disappeared in record time and left us wanting more.
Grosset Polish Hill Riesling 2001, just starting to settle into its second coming and is starting to show beautiful honey characters with a lovely fresh lemon/lime finish.
Lindemans Hunter River Bin 8855 Semillon 1996. Simply stunning with years ahead of it.
Hainault Terroir Range Merlot 1997, Still the best wine I have ever had out of the Perth Hills. Stunning when young , starting to fade now but still plenty happening to keep up interest.
Greenock Creek Alices Shiraz 2002, big, bold, long finish and a reasonable degree of complexity. Still unsure about them with age but damn good drinking when young.
Hey Davo,
Do you have more C. Mentelle Zinfandels specially from 2001 & 2002?
I have a case each, opened one 2001 last week and it was flat. I am not too sure if the wine was still closed or past over its peak? What do you think?
Leigh wrote:2003 Saltram Mamre Brook Cabernet Sauvignon - This is a personal favourite.
2004 Saltram Mamre Brook Cabernet Sauvignon - Just as good.
2006 Torzi Matthews Frost Dodger Shiraz - Sensational!.
2006 Stella Bella Shiraz - Compared to the 2005 the 2006 is very ordinary. I love the entire range of Stella Bella including the whites. Trust me, the 2006 Shiraz is not one of there great years.
2000 Elderton Command Shiraz- After several hours in the decanter it was sensational!.
2006 Elderton Shiraz- Compared to the 2005 it is average. The 2006 appears to be more medium bodied without the full bodied richness of the 2005.
2006 Elderton Cabernet Sauvignon - Nice drop!. Again, needs a few more years.
Cheers
Leigh
Hi Leigh,
What sort of cellaring potential do you reckon Namre Brook Cab. Sav. 2003 & 4 have ?
Hi Ufo,
Mate, I personally think the 2003 is drinking beautifully at the moment and potentially would be good for another 3-5 years. The 2004 is nice at the moment but would benefit from sitting another year or two. As a general rule I seem to really love the Saltram Mamre Brook Cab Sav with at least about 5 years of age. I think this wine is one of the best value Cab Sav's on the market. I opened up a bottle of the 2000 Saltram MB Cab Sav last year and it was very ordinary. 8 years was too long and it was definately past it's drinking window.
Has anyone else tasted the 2003?. Some people find it too tannic and overpowering. (personal taste).
Cheers
Leigh
Mate, I personally think the 2003 is drinking beautifully at the moment and potentially would be good for another 3-5 years. The 2004 is nice at the moment but would benefit from sitting another year or two. As a general rule I seem to really love the Saltram Mamre Brook Cab Sav with at least about 5 years of age. I think this wine is one of the best value Cab Sav's on the market. I opened up a bottle of the 2000 Saltram MB Cab Sav last year and it was very ordinary. 8 years was too long and it was definately past it's drinking window.
Has anyone else tasted the 2003?. Some people find it too tannic and overpowering. (personal taste).
Cheers
Leigh
WINE - NECTAR OF THE GODS!
Leigh wrote:Hi Ufo,
Mate, I personally think the 2003 is drinking beautifully at the moment and potentially would be good for another 3-5 years. The 2004 is nice at the moment but would benefit from sitting another year or two. As a general rule I seem to really love the Saltram Mamre Brook Cab Sav with at least about 5 years of age. I think this wine is one of the best value Cab Sav's on the market. I opened up a bottle of the 2000 Saltram MB Cab Sav last year and it was very ordinary. 8 years was too long and it was definately past it's drinking window.
Has anyone else tasted the 2003?. Some people find it too tannic and overpowering. (personal taste).
Cheers
Leigh
2000 wasn't the best wine to start with. 1998 still kicking on
cheers
Carl
Bartenders are supposed to have people skills. Or was it people are supposed to have bartending skills?
Deano wrote:NOONS - Cleanskins...Twelve Bells...last years purchase...i think 2007...i was encouraged by my wife to buy 6 last year, after about 6 years of not purchasing them them...still they don't agree with my palate and stomach for some reason.
What do other people think about this wine?[/b]
Very good actually. Have to like high alcohol grenache styles. Why stomach?
cheers
Carl
Bartenders are supposed to have people skills. Or was it people are supposed to have bartending skills?
Leigh wrote:Hi Ufo,
Mate, I personally think the 2003 is drinking beautifully at the moment and potentially would be good for another 3-5 years. The 2004 is nice at the moment but would benefit from sitting another year or two. As a general rule I seem to really love the Saltram Mamre Brook Cab Sav with at least about 5 years of age. I think this wine is one of the best value Cab Sav's on the market. I opened up a bottle of the 2000 Saltram MB Cab Sav last year and it was very ordinary. 8 years was too long and it was definately past it's drinking window.
Has anyone else tasted the 2003?. Some people find it too tannic and overpowering. (personal taste).
Cheers
Leigh
I tried 2003 when I bought them back in 2005. It definitely needed cellaring that time (I like my reds aged) didn't try the 2004 yet. Just finished 2001 and stll drinking 2002. I agree that ity is the best bang for your bucks Cab. Sav. in the market.
griff wrote:Leigh wrote:Hi Ufo,
Mate, I personally think the 2003 is drinking beautifully at the moment and potentially would be good for another 3-5 years. The 2004 is nice at the moment but would benefit from sitting another year or two. As a general rule I seem to really love the Saltram Mamre Brook Cab Sav with at least about 5 years of age. I think this wine is one of the best value Cab Sav's on the market. I opened up a bottle of the 2000 Saltram MB Cab Sav last year and it was very ordinary. 8 years was too long and it was definately past it's drinking window.
Has anyone else tasted the 2003?. Some people find it too tannic and overpowering. (personal taste).
Cheers
Leigh
2000 wasn't the best wine to start with. 1998 still kicking on
cheers
Carl
I agree. 2000 was a terrible year. 1998 and 1999 still going strong
I found the same, tasted of "Redskins" - I really enjoted the 07, was very dissapointed with this.
Nick
Nick
rooman wrote:Charles Milton Rose of Virginia 2008 This has to be one of the worst Roses I have tried in years. Utterly disappointing which in itself was a major disappointment given the hype I had read about the wine. The palate opened with rasberries and rybena. As for the back end of the wine, there was none, no acidity leaving the wine overall totally unbalanced and unrefreshing. The wife said it reminded her of the lolly bags from our kids 4th bithday party the previous week. Ok we have been a bit spoilt recently with a couple of French beauties (Domaine Ott and Tempier Bandol Rose) but this was supposed to be the best in the country. Seems we still have a bit of distance to go yet. C-