The Auswine Forum

His royal highness is playing in Perth on the 1st of March.

I'm planning to have an early dinner with friends before hand; with a couple of wines.

Pretty much decided on a 96 Cullens Reserve Sauvignon Blanc Semillon.
But then I'm torn by a few reds: 1978 Brown Brothers Familly Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon Franc (from the year I was born, I'm guessing it's pushing it by now so this might be fitting for the occasion); 1993 Seppelt Great Western Shiraz; 1993 Mount Mary Quintet.

Anyone with a recent view on these would be muchly appreciated, I'll probably never see the Thin White Duke again and it's not often one is in the company of Royalty.

Dave

Saw the great man myself for the first time at Wembley late last year - superb performance - the man is a true professional and his backing band was outstanding. He played a lot of his old material as well as quite a few tracks off the new album.

Definitely worth the dosh!

Cheers
Phil

Dave

Great idea to have some top quality plonk before what should be an awesome night.

On your choices, I had a 1993 Mount Mary Quintet late last year and it was superb. Certainly needed a bit of time on the glass to display its best, but showed wonderful depth and intensity. I would say it is a wine that warrants a good meal and bit of time to contemplate.

I'd be a touch wary of the 96' Cullen Sem Sauv Blanc and the 78' Brown Brohter Family Reserve. While 96 was a great year in Margaret River, SSB generally need to be drunk within a year or two of release, although others may argue on the Cullen - given its quality. I recently had the Cullen SSB from 2000 and was totally disappointed - over the hill and quite unpleasant.

I'm of a similar era to yourself and have had a few Australian reds from 1977 over the last couple of years. Wynns Black Label Cab Sauv 77' & Brands Laira Coonawarra CS 77' were both well and truly past it and barely drinkable. The only one I've tried still going strong was the 77' Grange.

That leaves the 93 Seppelt Great Western Shiraz, which I have not tried but would be approaching its prime.

Hope you have a great night,

Cheers

Andy

Thanks for that, think I will go the Mount Mary - with some good time in a decanter.
Regarding the SSB, I've nothing but good experiences with the Reserve 96, had last year at Tsunami (Perth's own attempt at Tetsuya's) and kicked arse!! Perhaps your 00 was having a "dumb period" I know his Parkerness says thats a lie...but maybe. I had a 94 in 2000 and it was lovely as well.

I'll probably open the Brown Brothers as well as an investigation (it's my birthday on the 22nd of Feb anyway). Might go nuts and have the Seppelt on the Friday, we're going to catch A Perfect Circle and MJK is well known for his love of Australian red wine.

Any other views would be gratefully recieved.