mkcoleman wrote: Faustino I, 1996 Gran Reserve 10GBP from Heathrow airport when I was back some 6 months ago. Loveley drop, cherry red colour, medium bodied, mellow, smooth and nice gentle finish
beef wrote: Oh, and the 2004 Chalambar is indeed crap.
Stuart
Actually yes, and no.
I have had a huge amount of bottle variation with this wine. We just finished a dozen, all shipped together. 2 bottles were brilliant, 2 were undrinkable and the rest were scattered in between. Some were possibly showing signs of undergoing either a secondary ferment or mlf in the bottle as they opened with a distinct pop.
Good note. Thanks. Similar characters to my bottle but... "a hint of spice"... my bottle had heaps of spice and all other things nice - pepper, leather, earth and a heap of Penfolds-like formic acid - crushed ants. Seriously great complexity.
<snip>
No issues for my $25. I wish the 2004 Chalambar was in the same league, but alas it is not. In fact, the 2004 Chalambar is not in the same league as the 2004 Seppelt Victorian Shiraz! What has happened to the 2004 Chalambar since it was bottled?
Adair
I wonder if I drank it a tad to cold. I sometimes find that the first thing I loose as the temp in the glass falls is complexity in the spice notes rather than the fruit.
Never tried the 2004 -- sounds like I haven't missed anything
David G
"I'm going to die with a twinkle in my eye cause I sung songs, spun stories, loved, laughed and drank wine"
bacchaebabe wrote:96 Penfolds Old Vine This is a blend and not made anymore, methinks. Unfortunately, a bit tired. Fruit quite muted and while pleasant enough, just felt a bit over the hill. Pass
This has been known as the Bin 138 Old Vine GSM (or thereabouts) since the 1998 vintage. I've still got a couple of the 1996 left, so I'd better try one soon by the sound of it.
bacchaebabe wrote:96 Penfolds Old Vine This is a blend and not made anymore, methinks. Unfortunately, a bit tired. Fruit quite muted and while pleasant enough, just felt a bit over the hill. Pass
This has been known as the Bin 138 Old Vine GSM (or thereabouts) since the 1998 vintage. I've still got a couple of the 1996 left, so I'd better try one soon by the sound of it.
Cheers, Ian
The 94 Old Vine is still going strong. Lovely wine.
GW
