The Auswine Forum

Hi Good Peoples,

It's that time of the week again. Please let us know what you have been drinking.

List, vibes, impressions and tasting notes all welcome.

Last night I opened a 98 Dead Arm Shiraz. Before I knew it, 3/4 of the bottle had 'evaporated' much to my shock. Bloody terrific now, at 11 years of age the tannins have softened and integrated leaving a smooth wine with a ton of fresh fruit flavour. Still has many year left.

I'll post this again ....

After Wednesday's big dinner (see http://forum.auswine.com.au/viewtopic.php?p=80506#80506) I had a good friend over last night for dinner - we drank four reds, pouring off half of each bottle into 330ml screw cap bottles. I took no notes, once again, but the wine's were all outstanding.

My guest brought two bottles -

Orlando Coonawarra Jacaranda Ridge Cabernet Sauvignon 1996 - typically robust with at least another 10-15 years superior resolution to come. Still relatively tannic with ample reserves of leafy blackcurrant fruit. Can be broached now but will be better in a few years time. 92 points.

Capel Vale "Howecroft" Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot 1995 - a surprise packet. Fleshy deep set plum and blackcurrant underpinned by outrageously good cedar/oak amongst many other good things. Terrific balance, gorgeous mouth feel, expansive finish. Hard to fault. 93 points Drink now - 2015+.

Orlando Coonawarra St Hugo Cabernet Sauvignon 1988 - opened a little lean and mean but over the next few hours flourished into a terrific cool climate cabernet with excellent structure and length. Will live for another 5 years, possibly more. 92 points 12% A/V!!!!!!!!

By this stage the theme was well and truly established, so I went for the jugular and opened an older Frenchy - Chateau Langoa-Barton (St Julien) 1985 - thought this would be silky smooth and fully mature - to our amazement this was incredibly youthful with at least two decades of evolution to look forward to. Typically earthy, herb-tinged blackcurrant fruit with undergrowth, damp earth and a hint of barnyard. The palate has abundant tannin to shed although the wine is drinking superbly right now. I peeked at Parker's rating etc and this was a totally different proposition in every respect to his 2001 tasting note! 93 points.

Another great night of superlative red wine drinking!

(OK I'll repost as well..)

Tuesday was Veuve Clicquot 2002 and Wild Earth Central Otago Pinot 2007.. Was in party mode so can't recall the Veuve other than I enjoyed it! The Pinot was great. In the bigger style of Pinot but worth seeking out at a reasonable price.

Friday was a Torzi Matthews Frost Dodger Shiraz 2005.. Did certainly evolve! Started with a whack of american oak dominating, eventually settled down after a few hours in the decanter to be very ripe, interesting drinking. Touch jammy, but Mrs TiggerK certainly enjoys that style. Look forward to trying the 2007.

Last night (after some Wehenstephaner Kristall Weissbier - my fav beer), tried an advance screening of Seppelt Chalambar Shiraz 2004 ... Closed nose and lots of tannins dominated to start with as you'd expect for a youngish wine, but again the decanter worked it's magic and ended up being a great drink. Lots of spicy dark fruits and length. Hold for at least another 5 years to be at it's best though.

Tonight will try the Seppelt at day 2, and might go for the E.Guigal Brune et Blonde 2003 for a bit of a Sunday treat. Been itching to try it..

Cheers
TiggerK