Arrived back on Australian shores after 13 months away. Great to be home, can't believe the number of new wine labels noted at Sydney Airport.
A nice welcome home dinner last night-roast dinner and access to my father's celler-jet lag and the occassion meant just a few impressions of the following wines.
Henschke 2002 Julius Riesling-Lime,spice & lanolin. Rich plate with a tangy backpalate which rolls into the finishing acid. Great now and in the forseeable future. Not the acid structure to go the long haul.
Seppelt 1993 Sparkling Show Reserve Shiraz- Garnet red showing it's age. Meats and mushroom nose, some French Vanilla too. The palate was like an 80's Seppelt Hermitage. Distinct white pepper evident. A mature finish layering the mouth with tannins and flavour. Gloriously mature wine.
Rockford 1996 SVS Moorooroo Shiraz- Dull red in colour-as expected. Meats, sweet shiraz, blackberry jam and earth. A big Barossa shiraz in the mouth. The palate dominated by sweet shiraz flavours, earth and ol' boot leather. These flavours persist with the aid of a balanced finish.
Have noted this wine maligned in respect to it's two other SVS siblings. I prefer the Hoffmanns and the Flaxmann too. But Moorooroo is a great wine, the palate intensity probably where most critism arises. The mature palate flavours, of sweet fruit and earth, may not be as impressive, but still a great look at BP components!
Charles Melton 9 Popes 2000- Not a good showing tonight. Not tainted but found the wine too ripe and not very enjoyable. I regularily buy 9 Popes, this vintage may mean a try before I buy in the future. As mentioned, may just be a poor showing though-comments anyone?
Henschke 1999 Noble Rot Riesling- the colour has darkened, showing premature development ( have noted this in some Henschke reds ). Delightful Botrytis bouquet, honey & apricots with pleasant undertones of sweet tangerines. Rich palate and finishing with a dash of acid that balances fruit sweetness.
I have always felt Henscke's two Noble Rots-riesling & semillon-to be shy of attention.
Seppelt Chalambar 1999- the knock out blow. Slept for 12 hours and great to be home!
