ticklenow1 wrote:Had a dinner last night at home to celebrate our 10th Wedding Anniversary. Some nice wines and food.
Ian
Congrats on the milestone Ian ... terrific line up of wines too!
Currently attacking Tesco's Best... Tescos Finest Nero D'Avola Sicilia DOC... The back label claims this is "smooth and rich" and "once open, drink within 2 days". Some of these Tesco finest wines are not half bad, but it does really irritate me to have home brand wine. Oh well.
Brambly, black cherry nose, with a hint of shrubbery overlaying some savoury red fruit. The palate has a whack of dusty tannins, a little grippy actually which is somewhat surprising. Certainly smooth, I might not plump for "rich" by Aussie standards, but a nice, medium bodied savoury red for about AU$11 (at half price normal... not sure Id pay the full freight).
Jim wrote:SC Pannell's 2013 Aromatico (Gewuerztraminer/Riesling) tonight. Some (16) Western and North Eastern Victorian wines tomorrow afternoon during the "East vs West Wine Challenge" tasting. Looking forward to it.
I went to the East vs West event too (sitting at the side of the front row) and the dinner afterwards. I learned a great deal, drank some nice wines, and met a lot of interesting people. Even got a photo afterwards with James and Ralph.
We should have asked the presenters to ask for a show of hands if there were Auswine forumites there so we could all meet each other.
2013 Geoff Hardy Adelaide Hills riesling last night. Nice, never going to set the world on fire but went well up at one of the local fish restaurants with some whiting, chips and salad.
Opened a 2013 Hoddles Creek Pinot when I got home. My first try of the entry level wine and confirms what people say, this is good pinot for sub $20. Really enjoyed a glass and a half and looking forward to seeing how it held up overnight tonight.
You can find me on Instagram at oz_oenophile Follow for my little wine journey.
Cloth Ears wrote:Got some chili crab balls to cook up for dinner tonight. Maybe a 2012 Antonina to go with that - plus a couple of single malts for dessert?
Ended up being a Kreglinger Vintage Brut 2004 instead. Nice drop. Not so yeasty as you'd get from a similar vintage Champagne, but nicely balanced and very approachable. I think that was the last of the 2004's, though. And finished with a port blended by us from various sources.
Jonathan
"It is impossible to build a fool proof system; because fools are so ingenious."
My Fourriers arrived yesterday, and whilst the reds are due for a few years sleep, I thought I would try one of the few Chardonnays. It was a 2012 and opened up quite sweet, with tropical, almost new world characteristics, quite surprising for an old world wine. Leave the others for a few years to see if they meld. Can't wait to try the reds!
Hacker wrote:My Fourriers arrived yesterday, and whilst the reds are due for a few years sleep, I thought I would try one of the few Chardonnays. It was a 2012 and opened up quite sweet, with tropical, almost new world characteristics, quite surprising for an old world wine. Leave the others for a few years to see if they meld. Can't wait to try the reds!
Hacker wrote:My Fourriers arrived yesterday, and whilst the reds are due for a few years sleep, I thought I would try one of the few Chardonnays. It was a 2012 and opened up quite sweet, with tropical, almost new world characteristics, quite surprising for an old world wine. Leave the others for a few years to see if they meld. Can't wait to try the reds!
Fourrier chardonnay ?
Yes indeed, not anywhere renowned as his reds, but he offers it. There are a number of reviews on Cellartracker. Quite a 'unique' label as well.
Mike Hawkins wrote:1990 Lynch Bages - the 90 lunch bags is one of my all time favourite wines from what was one of the most consistently brilliant vintages around the planet. For my tastes, drinking right at its peak.
Really glad to hear. Is this the wine you bought off me from the restaurant sale?
Mike Hawkins wrote:1990 Lynch Bages - the 90 lunch bags is one of my all time favourite wines from what was one of the most consistently brilliant vintages around the planet. For my tastes, drinking right at its peak.
Really glad to hear. Is this the wine you bought off me from the restaurant sale?
maybs wrote:Halfway into my first ever glass of Rockford Moppa Springs GSM. Got 6 2010 delivered the other day and decided to crack one.
Wow. This is seriously tasty wine and great value at the price. Seriously considering going back for another 6 pack.
Just opened a 2007 Moppa Springs. Quite sweet but eminently drinkable. That seems to me to be the essential characteristic of Rockford wines - moreishness.
maybs wrote:Halfway into my first ever glass of Rockford Moppa Springs GSM. Got 6 2010 delivered the other day and decided to crack one.
Wow. This is seriously tasty wine and great value at the price. Seriously considering going back for another 6 pack.
Just opened a 2007 Moppa Springs. Quite sweet but eminently drinkable. That seems to me to be the essential characteristic of Rockford wines - moreishness.
They get better with age.
Cheers Ian
If you had to choose between drinking great wine or winning Lotto, which would you choose - Red or White?
Congratulations on your milestone and WOW! What a way to celebrate, some amazing wines!
ticklenow1 wrote:Had a dinner last night at home to celebrate our 10th Wedding Anniversary. Some nice wines and food.
First up some home made Bruschetta with NV Billecart Salmon Brut. Quite nice with some creamy nutty notes and nice acidity. 3/5
Rockford Black Shiraz Magnum. Sparkling Shiraz. This was a prize for winning the Rockford Black Magnum Golf day this year. According to the note in the box - "In 1997, after 3 years maturation in oak a small amount of Black Shiraz was filled into 575 magnums, fermented, then aged on lees for another 11 years prior to disgorgement in 2008". I did have a couple of glasses but my wife and the rest of the gang were raving about this. It did seem to have a lot more depth of flavour than the standard Black Shiraz. Still had good fizz and the Magnum disappeared very quickly. 5/5 (wife's rating!)
Next up was a 2006 Leeuwin Estate Art Series Chardonnay. Absolutely stunning wine that is only going to get better. Peaches, fig, citrus and that lovely buttery oak make this my favourite Chardonnay by a mile. Not as good as the 2001 but still exceptional. 4.5/5
Onto the reds and some slow roasted pork belly and wilted spinich and rich sauce:
2002 Rockford Moppa Springs. GSM. it's amazing how a $24 wine can live like this and still be so good. Colour is starting to fade a bit, but the nose and palate are still lively though. Super smooth tannins and still some good fruit but it is starting to fade. Should hold for a few more years but drinking fantastic now. I have so much of this in my cellar and after drinking this I am so glad. Moppa has always been one of our staples and it is such a good medium term cellaring proposition for the price. Lovely wine but was overshadowed by the next. 4/5
2002 Charles Melton Nine Popes. GSM. This was a bit of a step up from the Moppa Springs. Brighter in colour, it was also fresher as well. Much better than the 2003 we had at an offline earlier this year and I guess that would be down to the better vintage. Silken tannins and still plenty of red and black fruit poking through. Best Nine Popes I've had and a couple thought it WOTN. 4.5/5
Next up was some slow cooked Beef Cheeks in red wine along with baby carrots and new potatoes.
1997 Rockford Basket Press Shiraz. On it's own you'd say this is a cracking wine. Considering the vintage, it's a triumph. It does lack a little length but it's drinking very well at the moment. Colour is only light and fading but the nose is very good. Fruit has well and truly faded and the secondary characteristics are to the fore. It was not up to the same standard as the next wine but I'd rather have 6 to 8 bottles of this than 1 of the next. 4/5
1997 Penfolds Grange. My WOTN by a whisker from the Leeuwin. Still has time on it's side but as this was a wedding present we had always intended to drink it on our 10th anniversary. It didn't let us down and was a pleasure to drink. Not as powerful as some of the better vintage Grange's but still excellent. The tannins were beautiful and still shows plenty of primary fruit along with chocolate, spice and tobacco. So well balanced and yes, it does deserve it's spot at the pinnacle of Australian Wine as it's so consistently good, but it doesn't warrant it's price tag for me. 4.5/5
2004 Wendouree Shiraz Mataro. Still a pup and it really needs another 5-10 years. It was still very good and spent 12 hours in the decanter. Still quite tightly coiled and on the nose there was a distinctive note of mint/menthol. I actually enjoyed it more than I thought I would and it reaffirmed my decision to get on the mailing list and purchase the wines. Colour looked like a current vintage wine and was still ultra bright. The wine had good balance and was on the big side of medium bodied. With plenty of swirling by the end of the night it was trying to open up but I suspect I should have decanted it the night before. 4/5
2003 Greenock Creek Seven Acre Shiraz. Only one word for this - Big! Like the Wendouree, the colour was so youthful. Just a big, slap you in the face fruit bomb. Oak only plays a minor role and the fruit is the star attraction. Even at 16% alcohol there was little to no heat at all. Like the colour, the wine is still youthful and has the tannin stucture to only get better. Not one for Pinot lovers or the anti RPJ set, but if you like them big, get onto this. Very good way to finish the reds. 4/5
Onto desert, a Caramel tart with home made milk chocolate and vanilla ice cream with whipped cream.
2001 Wendouree Muscat of Alexandria. I've had this a few times and it's just not my thing. Some at the table just loved it though. NR
We finished with an array of cheeses and some tea and coffee. A great night was had by all and the clouded head this morning suggests a good night!
2008 Paradise IV Chaumont - A blend of cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc, merlot and shiraz. Plenty of dark and sweet red fruit sweetness to be had. Has a somewhat watermelon-y element to the nose. Mouthfeel is good, the length pretty good too. The oak in terms of flavour has gone a little bit more to the background but still gives it a smooth texture, this wine is definitely in its prime although it could go a few more years I feel. Overall a very enjoyable drink.
2014 Rockford Alicante Bouchet. My first try. Not bad sort of BBQ lolly water. The missus is stuck on Brissie with the bad weather and cancelled flights but I think she will be happy I picked up a few of these for hot evening quaffing.
You can find me on Instagram at oz_oenophile Follow for my little wine journey.
maybs wrote:2014 Rockford Alicante Bouchet. My first try. Not bad sort of BBQ lolly water. The missus is stuck on Brissie with the bad weather and cancelled flights but I think she will be happy I picked up a few of these for hot evening quaffing.
LOL. bang on. Classic comment mate.
There's a fine line between fishing and just standing on the shore like an idiot.
Ferngrove Frankland River Orchid Series Dragon Shiraz 2011. First glass and it's seeming to be pretty good value for $14/bottle. Medium+ body with deep-seated blackberry fruit and some savoury black olive, well-integrated lightly charred oak with cedar, slightly chalky drying tannins and good length on the finish that displays some slightly greenish character that seems may have come from a whole bunch component. It's a well balanced wine with enough complexity to add interest.
ticklenow1 wrote:Had a dinner last night at home to celebrate our 10th Wedding Anniversary. Some nice wines and food.
First up some home made Bruschetta with NV Billecart Salmon Brut. Quite nice with some creamy nutty notes and nice acidity. 3/5
Rockford Black Shiraz Magnum. Sparkling Shiraz. This was a prize for winning the Rockford Black Magnum Golf day this year. According to the note in the box - "In 1997, after 3 years maturation in oak a small amount of Black Shiraz was filled into 575 magnums, fermented, then aged on lees for another 11 years prior to disgorgement in 2008". I did have a couple of glasses but my wife and the rest of the gang were raving about this. It did seem to have a lot more depth of flavour than the standard Black Shiraz. Still had good fizz and the Magnum disappeared very quickly. 5/5 (wife's rating!)
Next up was a 2006 Leeuwin Estate Art Series Chardonnay. Absolutely stunning wine that is only going to get better. Peaches, fig, citrus and that lovely buttery oak make this my favourite Chardonnay by a mile. Not as good as the 2001 but still exceptional. 4.5/5
Onto the reds and some slow roasted pork belly and wilted spinich and rich sauce:
2002 Rockford Moppa Springs. GSM. it's amazing how a $24 wine can live like this and still be so good. Colour is starting to fade a bit, but the nose and palate are still lively though. Super smooth tannins and still some good fruit but it is starting to fade. Should hold for a few more years but drinking fantastic now. I have so much of this in my cellar and after drinking this I am so glad. Moppa has always been one of our staples and it is such a good medium term cellaring proposition for the price. Lovely wine but was overshadowed by the next. 4/5
2002 Charles Melton Nine Popes. GSM. This was a bit of a step up from the Moppa Springs. Brighter in colour, it was also fresher as well. Much better than the 2003 we had at an offline earlier this year and I guess that would be down to the better vintage. Silken tannins and still plenty of red and black fruit poking through. Best Nine Popes I've had and a couple thought it WOTN. 4.5/5
Next up was some slow cooked Beef Cheeks in red wine along with baby carrots and new potatoes.
1997 Rockford Basket Press Shiraz. On it's own you'd say this is a cracking wine. Considering the vintage, it's a triumph. It does lack a little length but it's drinking very well at the moment. Colour is only light and fading but the nose is very good. Fruit has well and truly faded and the secondary characteristics are to the fore. It was not up to the same standard as the next wine but I'd rather have 6 to 8 bottles of this than 1 of the next. 4/5
1997 Penfolds Grange. My WOTN by a whisker from the Leeuwin. Still has time on it's side but as this was a wedding present we had always intended to drink it on our 10th anniversary. It didn't let us down and was a pleasure to drink. Not as powerful as some of the better vintage Grange's but still excellent. The tannins were beautiful and still shows plenty of primary fruit along with chocolate, spice and tobacco. So well balanced and yes, it does deserve it's spot at the pinnacle of Australian Wine as it's so consistently good, but it doesn't warrant it's price tag for me. 4.5/5
2004 Wendouree Shiraz Mataro. Still a pup and it really needs another 5-10 years. It was still very good and spent 12 hours in the decanter. Still quite tightly coiled and on the nose there was a distinctive note of mint/menthol. I actually enjoyed it more than I thought I would and it reaffirmed my decision to get on the mailing list and purchase the wines. Colour looked like a current vintage wine and was still ultra bright. The wine had good balance and was on the big side of medium bodied. With plenty of swirling by the end of the night it was trying to open up but I suspect I should have decanted it the night before. 4/5
2003 Greenock Creek Seven Acre Shiraz. Only one word for this - Big! Like the Wendouree, the colour was so youthful. Just a big, slap you in the face fruit bomb. Oak only plays a minor role and the fruit is the star attraction. Even at 16% alcohol there was little to no heat at all. Like the colour, the wine is still youthful and has the tannin stucture to only get better. Not one for Pinot lovers or the anti RPJ set, but if you like them big, get onto this. Very good way to finish the reds. 4/5
Onto desert, a Caramel tart with home made milk chocolate and vanilla ice cream with whipped cream.
2001 Wendouree Muscat of Alexandria. I've had this a few times and it's just not my thing. Some at the table just loved it though. NR
We finished with an array of cheeses and some tea and coffee. A great night was had by all and the clouded head this morning suggests a good night!
Cheers Ian
Hi Ian It sounds like a ripper. So sorry we could not be there to help you celebrate. Congratulations on your decade of weddedness.
never underestimate the predictability of stupidity
Went to Watts on Crown for a birthday dinner. Food was good, some dishes better than others. I would recommend due to them being BYO, but advise to stick with meat dishes and not seafood.
1986 Château Gruaud-Larose - One of Bordeaux more recognisable Second Growths, I'm pretty sure this is a cabernet sauvignon dominated blend as well. My dad thought this wine was dead before we opened it, the staff tried to use a corkscrew but the cork broke into several pieces - if only I brought my ah-so cork puller! They strained it through a coffee filter into a carafe, as per my request (I wasn't sure how far this had developed and didn't want to push it over the edge in a wide decanter). This was an interesting wine, I've certainly never tasted anything like it given not many if any Aussie wines can replicate this. I'm guessing typical old Bordeaux profile; dark crimson/ruby in colour, no bricking. Olive, earth and soy sauce on the nose, quite a potent nose at that. Though I sniffed something funky/oxidised at first but it blew off. The palate was a mix of olive and soy again, with a charcoaly-earthy complexity. There was a hint of fruit, blackcurrant or cassis, but this was a fully developed wine with tertiary characters dominating. Okay-good length, very fine tannins with a bit of breathing. The curio factor alone ranks this wine up there in the ones I've tried in my life. Maybe this wine was ever so slightly at the beginning of the end of its life, but you could taste the quality. Dad loved it. Definitely a wine to remember, given it was nothing like I'm used to, but I'm glad I've bought some high end Bordeaux to stash away for another 20-odd years.
2009 Rusden Full Circle Mataro - don't know about this one, had one of their GSM's and couldn't finish a bottle. This had a similar overtly cinnamon sweet something which wasn't great. Anyone a fan?
2004 Pewsey Vale Contours Riesling. Very nice. Reminded me how ridiculously good value riesling generally is. Please huddled masses, maintain your disdain for this glorious grape.
You can find me on Instagram at oz_oenophile Follow for my little wine journey.
