I was not sure whether to add to this thread or the Christmas Feast thread, but this one is higher up the list at the moment, so here i go.
Over the last few days at a few different locations...
The Berry Farm NV Strawberry sparkling: nose and palate of sweet strawberries (surprise!!!). Sweeeet and simple. Popular with non wine drinkers.
Xanadu Secession 2004 SSB: crisp and refreshing, pretty good with giant tiger prawns, not as nice as it gets closer to room temp (Xmas day @ sister-in-laws... power outages and thunderstorm! 35 and humid. Blah. Why are we getting Qld weather in Perth?
)
Seppelt Millennium Release 1991 Sparkling Shiraz (FRS): I had a feeling this wouldn't have been good enough for an offline... fairly concentrated, not nearly as intense or complex as Show Reserve, a bit sweet on approach, a bit cloying, still with a bit of tannin bite though. Not too bad, but not great. Okay with turkey roll, went better with the cranberry sauce!
Not popular with those who liked the Strawberry sparkling.
Grosset Noble Riesling 1996: Probably past its best, slightly cloudy orange colour, reasonable apricot and marmalade nose, intense marmalade taste, with enough acid left to finish fairly clean.
Karriview Pinot 2001: Not bad, not great. A bit of strawberry, a bit of savoury cherry, unexciting nose, perhaps would be more complex in a couple of years. Have had far more interesting bottles from these guys.
Vasarelli cab 2000 (not sure which from range, CM product): a bit too acidic, needs time to settle still, or never had the fruit to start with. Not as harsh alongside steak, though.
Merum Shiraz 2001: Very nice! Should have bought a 6 pack last year when first tasted. Quite intense, smooth, at least a couple of years left to get better.
Rockbolt Cab. 2002: A bit harsh compared to the Merum, probably needed more air, also could do with a couple of years away. Has shown better. Once again, could be temperature interfering with enjoyment.
