TN: Richmond Grove 1998 Coonawarra Cabernet (for Martin P)

[David Lole]

Martin,

Grabbed this FYI, as the box was right next to the RG '98 Barossa Riesling (tasted earlier this evening) I pilferred from the cellar the other day. Again, a $15 jobbie, not a top-shelfer, but hopefully a good pointer to your request on how the '98 reds are travelling.

Deep ruby. Nicely integrated nose of cedar, blackcurrant, sandalwood, sweet corn, a little mint or menthol and just a touch of dusty oak and forest floor. Pretty darn good. Impressive front palate of sweet black fruits, good acid and some savoury oak, followed by a slight dip in the middle-palate and then kicks in at the back with some silky, resolute fine-grained tannin and savoury blackcurrant in a prolonged, authoritative finish. Medium body. Highly Recommended with a minor demerit for the Lifesaver Syndrome (hole in the middle). Still, very attractive juice. Looks pretty darn young to me and might just get better with another 5 years under its' belt. Thought it a notch or so better at release. Wouldn't give up on it, though.

Postscript: Filling out nicely now with 3 hours breathing under its' belt. Probably worthy of an Excellent rating, much as I thought when deciding to buy a case of it. On reflection of the adverse comment on the Rosemount Show Reserve (taking this is the Coonawarra Cab.) I'll try a bottle in the next little while and post a TN to see if it's falling apart with a hour or so breathing.

[simm]

I too would be interested in the whatever notes you make regarding the life of the Rosemount Reserve Cab 98, David, you old barsby. And thanks muchly for the Richmond Grove TN. Just 3 days ago I looked into the end of a cap of this wine and thought mmmmm... must give you a go very soon. Now I'll really have to try one. Interesting about the five yrs business, I was going to put them into the drink now box but I might just try the one.

cheers,

[Martin Phillipson]

David

Much obliged. Obviously the Richmond Grove is better than the Penfolds 1998 Bin 407 I opened at the weekend. It was OK I guess but there was no complexity, not a lot of structure and not a lot of varietal character. V disappointing and don't know whether to drink em now and cut my losses or let them rest to see if some miraculous resurrection occurs.

Weather report...Spring is on the way, above zero temperatures and snow starting to melt. Still expect one more icy blast tho before the golf season arrives (which is usually late April/early May).

Cheers and thanks

MP

[Muscat Mike]

Martin,
I did not know there was such a thing as a "Golf Season". In Oz our golf season is 12 months long. You will have to emigrate.
MM.
PS - I would also give the 407s a rest for 2 or more years.

[Martin Phillipson]

Mike

I lived in Canberra for 5 years, and NZ for 3 before that and I miss 12 months a year golf something rotten. However, since coming back here my handicap has dropped by 10 shots to a single figure effort..less golf but way better quality. Not sure which I would trade!

I have buried the 407's under a pile of other cases of wine and will leave them be as you suggest.

Cheers

MP

David

Maybe my bottle was faulty although as your TN pointed out it was all oak and tannin and v little fruit. Maybe just a stylistic problem I had with it.

Cheers