It's Sunday, Sunday, Sunday!

[dlo]

Had anything good/bad to drink over the last week? Why not drop a few lines underneath and let us know your thoughts?

My week has been - another awfully good botlle of Pewsey Vale 2010 Eden Valley Riesling - 92 points (I've tried a few 2010's from various producers and am immensely impressed thus far), a very ordinary, too hot and alcoholic 2008 DeBortoli Reserve Shiraz - 78 points, replaced by very classy 2005 Katnook Estate Cabernet - 90 points and a more than decent bottle of Morris Classic Liqueur Muscat - 90 points.

The highlights of the week were two sensational bottles on Friday (albeit at either end of their respective lives) and an amazing half bottle of Campbells Merchant Prince Rare Muscat .

"Friday night was a short trip down to the Turkish Fig and Olive Restaurant with a friend for a sampler from Larry Cherubino - the Ad Hoc Wallflower Mt Barker Riesling 2010 .... top class juice, brilliant florals and lime on the nose followed by a zippy but incredibly intense power-packed palate holding enormous reserves of tightly coiled fruit, perfectly integrated, indelible mineral-tinged acidity and amazing length. 93 points with a drinking window until at least 2025. 11.5% A/V, screwcap closure. Not expensive either.

With our marinated lamb chops (served with a sensational caramalised beetroot jus!), we opened my last bottle of Hollick 1984 Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon (12% A/V, small cork but with only 2mm of even staining from the base). The last bottle I tried was a trifle tired and possibly the only slightly under par example from well over a dozen I've purchased over a twenty year period. The colour is still a healthy brick red with some ruby at the core. After some bottle stink blew off, a classic mature Coonawarra Cabernet emerged - seamlessly integrated aromas and flavours of nettle and Provencal herbs over deepset blackcurrant supported by glimpses of "sweet" earth, sous bois, old lounge leather, cigar box and, remarkably, still some residual tomato leaf. The palate just got better and better as the wine sat in the glass - smooth, harmonious with beautifully melded acidity and soft, gentle tannins on a long, distinguished finish. Just lov-er-ly! 94 points. A terrific night of fine wine and food (which was ridiculously inexpensive - $22.50 a head for umpteen courses of very well cooked Turkish fare ... although shame about the ambience - noisy)."

...and that Muscat .....

"This is Campbell's top end 'Muscat', currently retailing for around 120 dollars for a 375 ml bottle! Cork sealed. 18% A/V.

Dark brown/mahogany in colour with khaki green tinges. Opened volatile and astringent but with time (24 hours, i.e. tonight) this passes to reveal a magnificent ancient assembly of decadent smells, flavours and texture - a tour de force of its type and unique for the utter brilliance it delivers in the minute quantities that can be imbibed at any one time - verging on the consistency of fresh motor oil. The bouquet is a cornacopia of muscatels, dates, maple syrup, creme de caramel, molasses, sweet earth, dusty old oak, Christmas cake, baking spices and old tea chest - an unbelievable array of nuance! In the mouth wine has enormous viscosity with mouth coating and teeth staining intensity, flavours that mimic what's found in the bouquet and a gobsmacking finish of monumental length and intensity. This is fortified dessert wine at its global best. 96 points. "

[Matt]

Cape Mentelle 2008 Chardonnay Lemon pith and hints of matchstick. An underlaying foray of toasty hazelnut and brioche, coupled with a very long finish. I suspect it will drink even better in a few more years. Recommended.

Im a big fan of Larrry Cherubino's reislings (Kalgan River near Albany) will look out for the Pewsey Vale after hearing so many glowing reviews.

[Shiraz_Freak]

What is everyone thinking of Jasper HIll, I have had 2 bottles in the last week of georgias paddock, and to tell you the truth it was swill, no faults just swill.

What over rated wines and to think this is in langtons classification OMG, I can't even write a note for it other than aclohol oak and whatever else totally disjointed and will never imo get any better.

i should stop now....

[Craig(NZ)]

2010 Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc. My 2nd bottle of this and opinion hasn't changed. This is definitely one of the finest vintages under this label for years and years. Perhaps best since 1996. Lovely elegant and approachable wine. Finely boned and balanced. Lots of Lime, basil and passionfruit. very fine ripe acids. Impressive and classy. 99 points

2006 Pegasus Bay Riesling. Weighty and zany. Distinctively Pegasus Bay. This style doesn't grab me as it once did but it still is a tasty drop. not as good as an 02 or 07 but a good drink at $20. I'm nopt sure if they have blown their support base now it is around $30 a bottle. I certainly don't buy it anymore if it is that price and definitely it is not an automatic case buy as it once was. 93 points

[Craig(NZ)]

What is everyone thinking of Jasper HIll, I have had 2 bottles in the last week of georgias paddock, and to tell you the truth it was swill, no faults just swill.

What over rated wines and to think this is in langtons classification OMG, I can't even write a note for it other than aclohol oak and whatever else totally disjointed and will never imo get any better.

i should stop now....

hmmm this reminds me I have a bottle of this tucked away somewhere.....2001? I think? i just never feel like drinking this style almost ever!

[Wayno]

Henschke Abbott's Prayer 2007 - not as elegant as I imagined it might have been - big, sumptuous, velvety style. Delicious
Penfolds St Henri 2001 - showing signs of age - relatively developed with leathery notes and just a bit dried out. All that said, still drinking quite well, but drink up over the next couple of years.
Kooyong Haven Pinot Noir 2006 - excellent
Cape Mentelle SSB 2010 - so very characteristic of the regional Margs SSB, grassy, fresh, great summer wine... but I think riesling's my sub for this sort of thing these days
Pol Roger NV - dryer than I recall, crisp, appley, yeasty, great length. Classy.

[via collins]

Guigal 2005 Cotes du Rhone - medium-bodied wine that developed lots of meat over a 3 hr decant. Nice peppery nose. Strawberries, cherry and hints of graphite in the body. Not a huge length, but satisfying nonetheless. Got better by the glass, and I'll keep a few more of these away a little longer. Good good.

Tenuta Sant' Antonio 2008 Amarone di Valpolicella Campo dei Gigli dark velveteen palate, dark cherries, extremely rich mouthfeel, beautifully balanced. A confected licorice note in the closure too. Excellent.

L'angerville volnay Clos du Duc 2005 sour cherry and forest floor, good volume and just a hint of citrus oil, keen fresh bouquet. Licorice and plum jam revealed after time. Simply delicious.

Nobile di Montepulciano tre Rose ten angelini 2006 Moody dark red, suffused with smallgoods and mascarello cherries, slightly sour. And smoky notes as well. A brooder, and more than a match for a beef and mozzerella pasta timbale.

[Shiraz_Freak]

Had a BBQ tonight and made Sangria with a bottle of 02 georgias paddock, lovely.

[George Krashos]

Enjoyed a Rockford Cabernet Sauvignon 1994 whilst watching the miracle that was Spurs' win over the Arse(nal). The wine was almost as good as the result, showing nice varietal characteristics, a whiff of mint and pleasant meaty, smokiness over an integrated palate. Jeremy Oliver reckons that this vintage is past it. He's wrong.

-- George Krashos

[daz]

"Bird In Hand Two In The Bush Chardonnay 2009" Needs to be cold to hide the nasty alcohol intruding on the mid to back palate, otherwise it'd be a good wine with viscous mouthfeel, peachy fruit, slightly coconut oak and grapefruit characters on the finish when well chilled. Halliday 90pts? Nah, 86-87.

[monghead]

Had a BBQ tonight and made Sangria with a bottle of 02 georgias paddock, lovely.

Geez mate, if that is what you make Sangria with, what do you use in the beef stew? Grange? HOG?

[Tucker Wine Studios]

Briery Estate Furmento 2008: Actually a very good wine, or let's say I liked it a lot. Made from the classical (for Tokaj) Hungarian Furmint and Harslevelu grapes, here in a dry style. There are lots of good aromas in this wine; butter, caramel, malt, nuts, sweet wood, brandy, and a hint of petroleum, glue and lanolin. Although dry, the wine is fairly opulent and rich, a little bit like a big Chardonnay. Reminds me of a dry Furmint from the esteemed Disznoko winery and of some dry aged Chenin Blancs from the Loire. Probably not to everybody's taste but there are obviously some old style Chardonnay aficionados here and so this is a wine you may consider to try. Briery Estate is anyway a funky-quirky hilarious place.

Mike Press Wines Shiraz 2009: Had already a couple of vintages of this wines (and other wines from MP) and always liked them. This Shiraz is one of the very very few wines I buy by the case as it represents excellent value for your money. First impression of the 2009 Shiraz is that it tastes still very young (well, it is) and maybe needs a little bit more time to come together. It's rich and mouthfilling. Fruit, tannin, oak, acidity, alcohol, none is sticking out, but I think in a couple of months time they will be more in harmony. It's a bloody delicious wine now but will be better later, or give it enough time to breath.

Myattsfield Joseph Myatt Reserve 2005: Not sure if I understood this wine. It's 95% Merlot plus 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. Colour is dark purple. The wine has aromas of ripe stewed fruits but is not too expressive on the palate. But there's a quite spiky and harsh acidity poking out while the tannins framework appears a little bit fragile and underdosed giving the wine a medium body leaning towards light. I let it breath and drank it over three days but there was not much change. Still can't get over the acidity which feels quite corrosive. Enjoyment was limited. Maybe if there would be better Merlot clones available in Australia? Never had Petrus & Co but thoroughly enjoyed the Majella and Gibson Reserve Merlots from 2004. Spectacular Merlots I had in the past were Planeta (Sicily) and Veenwouden (Paarl). Also loved the Falesco Montiano.

Longview Devils Elbow Cabernet Sauvignon 2006: Excellent depth and concentration. Great ripe fruit, chocolate and spice flavours. Smooth and velvety tannins. Drinks beautifully now but will last.

Mount Buninyong Chardonnay Liqueur: from Ballarat, sweet but unexciting...and gave me a headache.
Dutschke The Tokay: yummy great stuff.
Seppelt Rare Muscat: heavenly.

Happy Drinking,
Mario

[Waiters Friend]

Myattsfield Joseph Myatt Reserve 2005: Not sure if I understood this wine. It's 95% Merlot plus 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. Colour is dark purple. The wine has aromas of ripe stewed fruits but is not too expressive on the palate. But there's a quite spiky and harsh acidity poking out while the tannins framework appears a little bit fragile and underdosed giving the wine a medium body leaning towards light. I let it breath and drank it over three days but there was not much change. Still can't get over the acidity which feels quite corrosive. Enjoyment was limited. Maybe if there would be better Merlot clones available in Australia? Never had Petrus & Co but thoroughly enjoyed the Majella and Gibson Reserve Merlots from 2004. Spectacular Merlots I had in the past were Planeta (Sicily) and Veenwouden (Paarl). Also loved the Falesco Montiano.

G'day Mario

Here are my impressions from tasting and buying the wine 6 months ago, as posted: "I (who has yet to find a good straight Merlot anywhere) was pleasantly surprised by their reserve red, which (2005 vintage) is 95% Merlot, with 5% Cabernet Sauvignon stated on the label. The surprise packet is the mysterious 2% Petit Verdot (not on the label) that they have somehow squeezed into what must have been a full tank by then, and this really lifts the wine nicely."

Maybe in the intervening time, the lift has gone back to the ground floor Certainly, when I drank one recently, I was not as impressed as before. For me, however, still a good expression of a variety that Australia does quite poorly, as a rule.

Cheers

Allan

[

[Tucker Wine Studios]

G'day Mario

Here are my impressions from tasting and buying the wine 6 months ago, as posted: "I (who has yet to find a good straight Merlot anywhere) was pleasantly surprised by their reserve red, which (2005 vintage) is 95% Merlot, with 5% Cabernet Sauvignon stated on the label. The surprise packet is the mysterious 2% Petit Verdot (not on the label) that they have somehow squeezed into what must have been a full tank by then, and this really lifts the wine nicely."

Maybe in the intervening time, the lift has gone back to the ground floor Certainly, when I drank one recently, I was not as impressed as before. For me, however, still a good expression of a variety that Australia does quite poorly, as a rule.

Cheers
Allan

G'Day Allen,
Interesting what you wrote. I visited Myattsfield about a year ago but I can't remember anymore which wines I actually tasted. But I bought the above wine and some others. What I remember is that I got the impression that these guys at Myattsfield are nice and talented folks and always wanted to visit the cellar door again but somehow it didn't work out over the last year. As far as I remember the Myattsfield team is also making the wines for some other wineries (Lion Mill?). Anyway, my bottle of the 2005 Reserve was unfortunately not in great shape. But there's still the chance that it is in a transition low towards a better matured wine - but I probably will never know as this was my only bottle.

Cheers,
Mario

[jafa]

The plan was to pull an 07 Sophia but my hand fell on a 2005 Te Mata Coleraine. Hadn't tried one before, so out
with the cork.
Nice mid red, not as extracted looking as expected. Fabulous claret fruity nose, soft smooth, seeming a little disjointed
on day one. Next day, much better. Darker black fruits,more grip, creamy texture and absolutely Coleraine style.
Very impressed with the balance, check back label; 13.5% alc. That food friendly restrained style is why I keep buying
this sort of wine rather than alcohol bloated, over the top showponies. Needs serious cellar time. At least 5 years.
Day two; Very good, good.

cheers jafa

[Craig(NZ)]

The plan was to pull an 07 Sophia but my hand fell on a 2005 Te Mata Coleraine. Hadn't tried one before, so out
with the cork.
Nice mid red, not as extracted looking as expected. Fabulous claret fruity nose, soft smooth, seeming a little disjointed
on day one. Next day, much better. Darker black fruits,more grip, creamy texture and absolutely Coleraine style.
Very impressed with the balance, check back label; 13.5% alc. That food friendly restrained style is why I keep buying
this sort of wine rather than alcohol bloated, over the top showponies. Needs serious cellar time. At least 5 years.
Day two; Very good, good.

Have drunk 2 of my 8 of these and both times it blew me away and on both occassions it sat up next to some pretty heavyweight competition (05 Puriri Hills Pope and Reserve and 00 Pavillon Rouge). Certainly very very at home in that company. The 05 Coleraine has got lovely structure. Just adore it. Balance is super as you have said.

Yip keep em a while longer I am thinking. Good vintages of coleraine just seem 10-15 year wines these days, and really even the top 90's vintages are looking more and more like 20 year wines. The best vintages of the 00's must be looking at that sort of longeivity even given the higher merlot/ franc content of 02-05?? Will be interesting to see.

On the subject. Got an Eamil form Peter Cowley this week and I am sure he wouldnt' mind me quoting him re the 2009's "We have been having a good look at the 09 Awatea and Coleraine as they come up for bottling and not that I am biased but they are pretty fabulous wines". Save the pennies!!

[Peter NZ]

On the subject. Got an Eamil form Peter Cowley this week and I am sure he wouldnt' mind me quoting him re the 2009's "We have been having a good look at the 09 Awatea and Coleraine as they come up for bottling and not that I am biased but they are pretty fabulous wines". Save the pennies!!

For what it's worth, Neal Martin rates the '09 Coleraine 93 - 95 in the most recent Wine Advocate (vs 95 for the '07 & 93 for the '05).

[Jordan]

Two excellent reds over the weekend were the recent highlights. They being:

2004 Tim Adams 'Aberfeldy' Shiraz: classical Clare medium weight. Menthol, ecualypt nose with a hint of aniseed and vanilla. Lovely balanced wine with fine tannins and fresh blackberry and cherry like fruit. Looking promising to be an excellent wine with maturity.

1999 Lindemans Limestone Ridge Coonawarra Cab Shiraz: Drinking somewhere nears its peak with the shiraz fruit providing plush plums and berries and the cabernet kicking in some dried herbs, green capsicum and fine tannin. Great medium bodied mouthfeel and good length. I should drink more Cab Shiraz blends.