The Auswine Forum

Paradigm Hill L'Ami Sage Pinot Noir 2014
French guests coming over so thought I'd open something a bit different, took them a bit by surprise. Quite meaty ok the nose and lots of depth. Good amount of red fruit with a sour (acid coming through) cherry finish. Lot s of depth in this wine. Another good Mornington Peninsula PN.

2010 Cuttaway Hill Pinot Noir, Southern Highlands
been trying Pinot and Shiraz and associated blends in the southern highlands for the last few months out of sheer curiosity.
Really quite impressed
This Pinot is pretty damn good, and has some life in it considering at 7 years it's what I would call reaching its peak.
Great fresh fruit, excellent acidity, tannins like Nebbiolo, decent finish

Tolpuddle 2013, great concentration and character

A host of magnums (magni?) at a lunch in Melbourne lat Friday, prior to returning to the fan-forced oven pretending to be Southern China on Sunday.
Get-together of old (shiraz-loving) school mates.

Arnaud Ente
Mersault 2010. Over-rated producer, this is good for a village wine but costs as much as a Grand Cru. Beautiful Mersault character, there is no doubting where this comes from. 91pts

Jean Claude Bachelet
Puligny-Montrachet 2010. Quite possibly the best bottle of villages Burgundy Blanc I have seen. Have had this wine many times, always excellent, but this bottle was stellar. 96pts Despite the assembled shiraz-lovers, everyone loved it.

Rockford Barossa Valley
Basket Pressed Shiraz 1996. Nice, rounded and mature. As always, pretty one-dimensional. Let's be fair though, the wonderful wine-maker sells this wine exactly where it should be, and it is only market-force that results in stupid (secondary) pricing. Seeing the label, this was wolfed down by the hordes immediately, to almost universal disappointment. 92pts, great value at original price.

Two Hands Winery
Bella's Garden Shiraz 2005. Absolutely trounced the Rockford: long, complex and complete wine. This will motor on for another decade or two, I intend to keep my stock for some time, I have a feeling this will develop into something quite spectacular. 95++pts

Penfold's Wines
Grange Hermitage 1976. Our VCE year, this was served in a magnum decanter blind to avoid "label love' by the lads. Spectacular in every sense of the word, incredible length, lively and sitting majestically at it's peak. And that is a very, very high peak!!! To my delight, the consensus was a Grange from the 80's (making me feel I hadn't committed the fatal blunder of serving pearls to pigs). I hate it when old blokes like me say things like "footy ain't as good as it used to be" or "they don't make boots like they used to" blah blah, but unfortunately I am going to say ...... "they sure don't make Grange like they used to' These days, I taste a hell of a lot of wines, but I can happily say that this is my Wine of the Year thus far. Grange pricing has becaome contentious, but if you can get this for $1000, it is a steal. 99pts.

Pichon Lalande
Pichon Lalande 1996. Should have served this before the Grange, but someone had to go and I wanted him to see it, so this became the finale. A wonderful wine, but a very tough ask to follow up on the above. Still young, especially in this format, I would leave these alone for at least another five years. Bloody good drinking, though. 94pts

Nice notes Felix, though I do wonder how a "one-dimensional" wine that was an "almost universal disappointment" could garner a 92 point score. Had the score been based solely on your first sentence where you said the Basket Press was "nice, rounded and mature" then I'd understand. Just wondering.

Cheers ......................... Mahmoud.

Mahmoud Ali wrote:Nice notes Felix, though I do wonder how a "one-dimensional" wine that was an "almost universal disappointment" could garner a 92 point score. Had the score been based solely on your first sentence where you said the Basket Press was "nice, rounded and mature" then I'd understand. Just wondering.

Cheers ......................... Mahmoud.

..... just disappointed, as they were all expecting much more. Still a good wine, and priced at release more than fairly. (I wasn't disappointed, as it was exactly as I expected, and that is my score. Why anyone would pay $600 for a magnum of this is totally beyond me. It is a $50 wine/$100 magnum every day of the week)

NV Lanson Black Label
Disgorged 09/2015
Clear, fine persistent bubbles continuing through the night. Colour was light golden with a very minute tinge of pink.
Immediate sniff of Granny Smith apples upon opening with some lemon and lime.
Would say a reasonably light bodied wine, with the apples and lemon continuing through the palate backed up with plenty of acidity.
Bottle felt like it had some development (only slightly) but this can age a bit more for a number of years to give it more complexity. Finish was long. Will try another bottle next year to check on development. 89pts

2013 Marius Wines Shiraz Simpatico
Clear, dark purple but not inky. Only a small amount of sediment at this stage which was decanted off.
Scents of black cherry, cloves, dark chocolate, a bit of mint and eucalyptus too. Tastes similar to nose but also add some blackberries and earthiness. Tannins were fine and very minimal oak, certainly not popping out but very well integrated and well used.
Finish was long. Still very primary and the wine should deliver for many more years. 91pts

Same old, same old:

• 1964 Fratelli Rosotto Carema donnaz - Italy, Piedmont, Northern Piedmont, Carema (01/08/2017)
  Soft cork, but came out ok with an ah-so opener and had done a good job. The colour is a wonderfully clear, bright and healthy red-claret, with a clear band of orange/mahogany at the rim.
  
  Joyous nose, with the fruit still there but now fully aged, with a lovely floral lift above backed by a little orange zest, and a subtle toffee/caramel base below. Still it has that classic 'every sniff different' appeal that really good old bottles offer, so give it 5 minutes and it might be different.
  
  Unsurprisingly light bodied, with tangy red fruit not showing as mature as the nose, and there is a faint hint of oxidation but much less than anticipated. The acidity is firm enough to have carried the wine this far, and does refresh, but impressively doesn't stick out at all. Not an especially long or intense finish but some nice complexity comes through.
  
  You never can tell with these old wines, and there are plenty of duds and disappointments to balance off against, but this one is remarkably brilliant.

felixp21 wrote:
..... just disappointed, as they were all expecting much more. Still a good wine, and priced at release more than fairly. (I wasn't disappointed, as it was exactly as I expected, and that is my score. Why anyone would pay $600 for a magnum of this is totally beyond me. It is a $50 wine/$100 magnum every day of the week)

Worthy of another thread!

The 96 for me is a little better than 92pts.

Release was $22? I was buying Mt Edelsone 96 my favorite Barossa wine for $45 ex cellar door back then. So double the price. Now Mt Ed is 4 x the price of current release BP though fascinatingly, the secondary market prices for the 96 BP seem to be ahead of the Mt Ed 96.

To truly get Basket Press, you need to get the style which is an old fashioned, soft Barossa wine whereas expectations are often way in excess of the style.It also helps to get good old South Aussie parochialism - a positive here.

I'll start a new thread. Could be a cracker!

JamieBahrain wrote:

felixp21 wrote:
..... just disappointed, as they were all expecting much more. Still a good wine, and priced at release more than fairly. (I wasn't disappointed, as it was exactly as I expected, and that is my score. Why anyone would pay $600 for a magnum of this is totally beyond me. It is a $50 wine/$100 magnum every day of the week)

Worthy of another thread!

The 96 for me is a little better than 92pts.

Release was $22? I was buying Mt Edelsone 96 my favorite Barossa wine for $45 ex cellar door back then. So double the price. Now Mt Ed is 4 x the price of current release BP though fascinatingly, the secondary market prices for the 96 BP seem to be ahead of the Mt Ed 96.

To truly get Basket Press, you need to get the style which is an old fashioned, soft Barossa wine whereas expectations are often way in excess of the style.It also helps to get good old South Aussie parochialism - a positive here.

I'll start a new thread. Could be a cracker!

Interestingly I went through a few old boxes last week and found some receipts, purchased 1990 Mt Ed for $15 from a well known Adelaide retailer, and the 90 BP cost me $16...how things have changed!!!
What intrigues me is the Rockford CD is the only place you would consider purchasing BP...and the Henschke CD is the last place you would go to, to purchase...anything!!

Still think 86 BP is a fabulous wine,one of the best, with the same vintage of Mt Ed just behind.
Cheers
Craig

Actually, back then Henschke cellar door was the cheapest place in Australia to but Mt Ed. I was a domestic pilot at the time and would always visit wine shops in all the major capitals and had a good handle of pricing. A number of pubs in Adelaide and environs lagged Henschke pricing creep in the early 90's though their cellaring appalling.

Later in the 90's Henschke's pricing at Cellar Door went beyond retail and I've never bought since.

Rockford also used to give away free bottles with big purchases but that stopped about the mid 90's too when staff members seemed a little younger and less seasoned in fueling unfaltering loyalty.

Jamie, I was always looked after by this retailer in the days before kids, mortgages etc. and he would smash the price of the cellar door.
Yes only a dollar or so back then, but it represented 10+% off what Henschke could do.
I was fortunate when Robert manned the CD in the days going way back...30 years nearly and when he had 1918 in the early years to get free bottles on a number of occasions.
I remember in 1989 with a mate visiting the cellar door and buying around $700 worth between us...I had a Holden Torana sedan and 6-7 dozen filled the boot nicely along with a couple of bottles to take to lunch

Cheers
Craig

haha, yea, Rocky is awesome.
I really admire the stance he took in the late 90's when Pakerised Barossa shiraz prices went thru the roof... with so many wineries dramatically increasing their prices to cash in. Not Rockford!!! Now, I hope, that loyalty and sensibility is being repaid as the international masses have jumped off Aussie wines.
I was on his list for about 15 years, dropped off in the late 90's, purely because I didn't really crave that style anymore. Still have a lot of 80's and 90's stuff, none of it past prime. It is great to drink once or twice a year, and drink it for what it is... a good honest shiraz with no pretensions. I don't know what he charges these days, but it was cheap as chips in the 80's and 90's.
Wineries like Rockford and Wendouree deserve all the success they can get, and for me, are the polar opposite to those few scavengers who put their wines on the market at ridiculous prices ($500 for an Aussie pinot, anyone?)

phillisc wrote:

JamieBahrain wrote:

felixp21 wrote:
..... just disappointed, as they were all expecting much more. Still a good wine, and priced at release more than fairly. (I wasn't disappointed, as it was exactly as I expected, and that is my score. Why anyone would pay $600 for a magnum of this is totally beyond me. It is a $50 wine/$100 magnum every day of the week)

Worthy of another thread!

The 96 for me is a little better than 92pts.

Release was $22? I was buying Mt Edelsone 96 my favorite Barossa wine for $45 ex cellar door back then. So double the price. Now Mt Ed is 4 x the price of current release BP though fascinatingly, the secondary market prices for the 96 BP seem to be ahead of the Mt Ed 96.

To truly get Basket Press, you need to get the style which is an old fashioned, soft Barossa wine whereas expectations are often way in excess of the style.It also helps to get good old South Aussie parochialism - a positive here.

I'll start a new thread. Could be a cracker!

Interestingly I went through a few old boxes last week and found some receipts, purchased 1990 Mt Ed for $15 from a well known Adelaide retailer, and the 90 BP cost me $16...how things have changed!!!
What intrigues me is the Rockford CD is the only place you would consider purchasing BP...and the Henschke CD is the last place you would go to, to purchase...anything!!

Still think 86 BP is a fabulous wine,one of the best, with the same vintage of Mt Ed just behind.
Cheers
Craig

I agree Craig.. in fact I'm sipping on an 86 Mt Ed right now....

I bought the 91 Mt Ed at CD for the then horrendous price of $14.40....

2010 Hayshed Hill Cabernet Sauvignon
Pulled it from the offsite a couple of weeks ago. Sitting in a good spot with fruit and tertiary savoury characters in balance. Tannins now getting silky.

felixp21 wrote:haha, yea, Rocky is awesome.
I really admire the stance he took in the late 90's when Pakerised Barossa shiraz prices went thru the roof... with so many wineries dramatically increasing their prices to cash in. Not Rockford!!!

I had a Stonewall lunch with Robert during that period and he was very frank abut things. The French have the great vineyards and the current hype won't last he said. He wanted long term customers. He had a style of shiraz and he felt he charged a good price. Vivid memories of the chat and how right he was.

geez, if he is as astute about the share market as he is about wine, he is probably a billionaire by now

Certainly a millionaire and even more if the rumours of sale, what his share would be if Rockford was ever sold.

Cheers
Craig

2013 Logan Weemala Pinot Noir For around $15 you can't go wrong, light to medium bodied classic Pinot, not perfect but enjoyable, great for a midweek drink, great over two nights.

2006 McGuigan Personal Reserve (limited edition) Hunter Valley Shiraznot to certain what the limited edition is about, however was familiar with the personal reserve label. Purchased from a discount website, labelled worth $180 but yours for $50. Decided to give it a go. On opening - liquorice with a whack of acid. Given it about 2 hours to open up - liquorice with a touch of acid. Not what I would expect from a Hunter Shiraz. Just enjoyable , however tried it against the Logan Pinot - much preferred the Logan. Must stay away from these discount websites.

I suspect I would have preferred the Logan as well, though that's influenced by a deep-seated distrust and contempt for McGuigan.

2010 Domaine Bernard Faurie, Hermitage Greffieux-Bessards

Lovely! Full bodied Northern Rhone Syrah blend.

2012 Metala Shiraz - Cabernet White Label
Clear, dark ruby/purple. Seems a little lighter in colour than my other bottles.
Fruit forward nose of blueberries, blackberries, some strawberries too. Some eucalyptus and nutmeg spices.
Similar taste profile but with the addition of some softened toasty oak and equally mellow tannins. There's some alcohol felt but not overwhelming.
Finish was medium plus and overall a pretty enjoyable and good QPR wine that can still cellar for a number of years. 89pts

2013 Pikes Riesling Reserve The Merle
Clear, faded yellow, tiny amount of bubbles sticking to the glass.
Powerful scent of freshly squeezed lemon and the Clare opened can of tennis balls. Smelt very fresh.
Lemon juice, lemon peel (bitterness), a bit of saline and minerals, crushed rocks and powerful hit of acid that got my saliva running. Felt dry but also possibly a very small amount of RS if you really tried to look for it.
Finish was long. Perfect example of a young, fresh Clare Riesling but would definitely hold if you want some development maybe 10 years later. 91pts

NV Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin Champagne Brut
Clear, light golden with medium density persistent bubbles.
Orange blossom, orange peel and some citrus coming out of the glass, and a little bit of sweetness upon swirling.
Had that orange peel bitterness with a little bit of mandarin candy throughout the bottle. Taste profile didn't really change over 2 hours. Had a really nice cut of acidity to go with all of this. The finish was medium plus.
I think the bottle had been in my cellar for about 2-3 years but overall was showing reasonably fresh. Not sure about the bitterness and was looking for a bit more oxidative flavours that comes with age so hopefully will gain more complexity with some additional cellaring. 88pts

1972 All Saints Vintage Port



Made form Shiraz grapes grown by All Saints at Wahgunyah, near Rutherglen.
Not sure what the alcohol level is as it's not on the label.
Ullage just below base of neck. Capsule visibly leaking.
Cork removed with ah-so and broke in 2 parts. Was well soaked, but still remarkably pliable.
Was not expecting much. 1972 was a crap vintage + a leaking capsule

A little muted at first but after 15 minutes in the decanter it awoke from the long 45 year sleep to reveal lively sweet plummy fruit, rancio, mocha, raisin and liquorice. The structure and balance are exemplary. Such a delight to drink!

After reviewing the cellar there were a few wines I thought may have been left too long and needed to be opened. However a Parker Estate 2006 Favourite Son Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot was in a very good spot. Previous bottles showed it needed more sleep time. Lovely black fruits with the merlot adding a little bit extra to the cabernet. No annoying regional mint or eucalyptus. Ready to drink now and will hold for another year or 2 methinks. A good solid mid week wine that surprised.

Also opened a forgotten cleanskin 375ml Seppeltsfield vintage port which I think was from 1998. Just awesome with power and finesse. I'm in heaven.

Carl

Chuck wrote:Also opened a forgotten cleanskin 375ml Seppeltsfield vintage port which I think was from 1998. Just awesome with power and finesse. I'm in heaven.

Carl

Carl, was this from the big cleanskin sell-off around the time of the change of ownership? I think I still have some of these as well (well, definitely some type of cleanskin Seppeltsfield 1998)

2013 Freixenet Cava Vintage Especial
Clear, pale yellow, medium sized persistent beads.
Dominant scents of freshly cut red apples, lemon lime and bitters.
More apples upon taste with a little bit of honey (but dry) and wax. Not a bad amount of wax to back it all up.
Finish was medium minus, not very complex but refreshing. Not bad for a cheap Cava. I'd drink it again for the price. 86pts

A 2000 Wolf Blass Platinum Label Cabernet Sauvignon tonight.

• 2000 Wolf Blass Cabernet Sauvignon Platinum Label - Australia, South Australia, Mount Lofty Ranges, Clare Valley (09/08/2017)
  Showing a faint bricking at the rim, but otherwise a youthful purple-claret colour.
  
  Powerful on the nose, still strongly fruited, with a touch of liqueur, but also mint & leather. Complex but hints that the wine will be quite powerful.
  
  and it is, but far from 'full-throttle' and whilst the initial impression is quite intense, the wine comes into it's own as this subsides and a complex and quite elegant finish emerges. The acidity follows suit, initially quite bold, but helps carry that finish. No apparent tannins, though the depth of fruit still there might be hiding what's left.
  
  I like this a little more than I expected to, and I'd say it would hold it's own with a good vintage of Cullen Cabernet Sauvignon (DM) or Wynns John Riddoch. Not necessarily a wine I would buy again, but one I'm quite glad I bought (the price was reasonable when I got it).
  
  Future development? Yes there is potential, though for those that like and even balance of primary/secondary vs. aged elements, then it might be at/near peak for them. I suspect 4-5 extra years might be better for my palate, softening that initial intensity and bringing out the more complex / delicate side of the wine.
  

sjw_11 wrote:

Chuck wrote:Also opened a forgotten cleanskin 375ml Seppeltsfield vintage port which I think was from 1998. Just awesome with power and finesse. I'm in heaven.

Carl

Carl, was this from the big cleanskin sell-off around the time of the change of ownership? I think I still have some of these as well (well, definitely some type of cleanskin Seppeltsfield 1998)

I think it was as I went there when everyone was getting excited by some great stuff at silly prices.

Carl

2009 McWilliam's Mount Pleasant Wines Elizabeth
Clear, pale gold with hints of green, showing no signs of age.
Slightly sweaty nose upon opening changing to burnt rubber and squeezed mandarin skins.
Clean, medium minus body, not much alcohol. Freshly cut grass with more mandarin peels with hints of lemon. Quite refreshing with enough acid to back everything up. Seems to be in a bit of a transition phase, as it is not completely fresh like a young hunter Sem, but not evolved yet as there didn't seem to be much taost or honey showing through.
Finish was medium. A very easy to drink wine. I'd say hold a few years for some more complexity and evolution. 89pts

2010 St Hugo Cabernet Sauvignon

Pretty juicy and smooth, but plenty of years ahead. I always love opening a bottle of St Hugos - will look forward to opening the next one in a couple of years.