Just thought I'd jump in a bit early.
Leasingham Bin 56 Cabernet Malbec 2005 Not quite full-bodied but it's no shrinking violet. Nicely balanced with cassis, some plum, well-integrated oak in support of the savoury fruit. Medium length finish. Very good. Screwcap. A bargain for $14.
Seville Estate Yarra Valley Pinot Noir 2005 A bit of a departure for me, pinot not one of my usual tipples. But I enjoyed this even though it was a bit volatile at first. It lost much of that over the 4-5 hours it was consumed. Red cherry with a touch of plum, good line across the palate, oak there somewhere, a bit briary, lengthy sour cherry finish with very good persistence though a bit warm (14.5% alc/vol). Screwcap. At the upper end of my usual limit of ~$20, reasonable value, very good.
Maglieri McLaren Vale Shiraz 2006 Plum and black cherries, obvious sweet charry oak, black chocolate, acid softens with breathing, the oak adds a bit to the medium-length finish. Good+. Reasonable value for ~$10.
Hope everyone has had a good week.
Cheers
daz
It's not quite.....SUNDAY!!!
Re: It's not quite.....SUNDAY!!!
Well, the clock over here has just ticked past 12:00, and as I'm still up...
I dropped into a couple of local instores where Andrew Mitchell was presenting his wines last week:
http://www.mitchellwines.com/
2010 Mitchell Watervale Riesling, Clare Valley (screwcap): Fresh tropicals/banana esters on the nose, later lovely lime blossom & bathroom scents; the palate’s full of citrus and surprisingly creamy, very approachable and long. Andrew mentioned that creamy mouthfeel comes from time on lees, which apparently has occurred a few vintages now (not that I’ve noticed until this one).
2007 Mitchell The Growers Semillon, Clare Valley (screwcap): Funky/stinky nose with hints of diesel fumes and tinned tuna, later some sweeter lemon; the palate’s better, lemony and well balanced yet doesn’t have the acidity or the level of buttery/nutty complexity I like. Will it get there?
2006 Mitchell GSM Clare Valley Grenache Sangiovese Mourvedre (screwcap): A very interesting blend, the bright/sweet cherries of grenache followed by peppery, sour cherries of sangiovese, and the meaty/smoky notes of mourvedre on the finish, with a little rebound of sweet cherry. It’s not a heavyweight but it’s interesting, minty and peppery with some mid-palate heat; it would probably would be better with food.
2005 Mitchell Sevenhill Cabernet Sauvignon, Clare Valley (screwcap): Andrew said I’d like this one, and he was right. It’s not the darkest colour, but it’s beautifully perfumed, cassis followed by cranberry, black olive, cedar and cigar box; the palate’s medium-weight with gravelly, long tannins that provide a powerful finish with exceptional length. It would be perfect with a rare cut of eye fillet at the moment, but it will age exceptionally well too.
2007 Mitchell Peppertree Shiraz, Clare Valley (screwcap): It seems reductive on the nose, very poohey with some rubber, but it blows off with a bit of swirling to reveal a good lick of blackberry & black olive; the palate’s well balanced and spicy/peppery, but still has a little of that unpleasant funk in the background, finishing long and gravelly like the cabernet. It reminds me a lot of the 2002 on release, which Andrew says is stinky not because of reduction/sulphur, but because of a combination of wild yeasts and an increased percentage of stalks used in ferment. I still dunno about this one.
2002 Mitchell McNikol Shiraz, Clare Valley (screwcap): Drinking exceptionally well, a huge step up on the 2002 Peppertree despite Andrew maintaining that the only difference between the two was the extended use of newer oak in this. Lovely notes of sage, black olive and cedar replace the stinky characters, while the medium-weight palate’s velvety, black cherries with superb length and a touch of herbs. This would be a great example to show the positives that new oak can add to a wine.
NV Mitchell Peppertree Sparkling Shiraz, Clare Valley (cork): I found this a bit disappointing this time - maybe it's a recent disgorgement with some new wild yeast/stalky material in there? (Andrew mentioned later it was an 07 disgorgement after 4 years on lees, and there have been 2 since) There's some barnyard, chocolaty and slightly rubbery/stalky characters, while the palate goes flat very quickly, and lacks fruit weight to go with the surprisingly grippy tannins on the finish. Needs a match of a good slab of turkey to give it a chance.
2006 Mitchell Noble Semillon, Clare Valley 375ml (screwcap): As someone mentioned to me at the time, following the reds this is like adjusting tolerances from funky/reductive characters to VA; it’s full of quince, lemon meringue and vanillin oak, a touch varnishy at times and very, very grippy on the finish. The level of botrytis and sweet fruit is impressive, but in comparison to the delightful 2005 vintage it seems just a little over-extracted – maybe it will come around.
Cheers,
Ian
I dropped into a couple of local instores where Andrew Mitchell was presenting his wines last week:
http://www.mitchellwines.com/
2010 Mitchell Watervale Riesling, Clare Valley (screwcap): Fresh tropicals/banana esters on the nose, later lovely lime blossom & bathroom scents; the palate’s full of citrus and surprisingly creamy, very approachable and long. Andrew mentioned that creamy mouthfeel comes from time on lees, which apparently has occurred a few vintages now (not that I’ve noticed until this one).
2007 Mitchell The Growers Semillon, Clare Valley (screwcap): Funky/stinky nose with hints of diesel fumes and tinned tuna, later some sweeter lemon; the palate’s better, lemony and well balanced yet doesn’t have the acidity or the level of buttery/nutty complexity I like. Will it get there?
2006 Mitchell GSM Clare Valley Grenache Sangiovese Mourvedre (screwcap): A very interesting blend, the bright/sweet cherries of grenache followed by peppery, sour cherries of sangiovese, and the meaty/smoky notes of mourvedre on the finish, with a little rebound of sweet cherry. It’s not a heavyweight but it’s interesting, minty and peppery with some mid-palate heat; it would probably would be better with food.
2005 Mitchell Sevenhill Cabernet Sauvignon, Clare Valley (screwcap): Andrew said I’d like this one, and he was right. It’s not the darkest colour, but it’s beautifully perfumed, cassis followed by cranberry, black olive, cedar and cigar box; the palate’s medium-weight with gravelly, long tannins that provide a powerful finish with exceptional length. It would be perfect with a rare cut of eye fillet at the moment, but it will age exceptionally well too.
2007 Mitchell Peppertree Shiraz, Clare Valley (screwcap): It seems reductive on the nose, very poohey with some rubber, but it blows off with a bit of swirling to reveal a good lick of blackberry & black olive; the palate’s well balanced and spicy/peppery, but still has a little of that unpleasant funk in the background, finishing long and gravelly like the cabernet. It reminds me a lot of the 2002 on release, which Andrew says is stinky not because of reduction/sulphur, but because of a combination of wild yeasts and an increased percentage of stalks used in ferment. I still dunno about this one.
2002 Mitchell McNikol Shiraz, Clare Valley (screwcap): Drinking exceptionally well, a huge step up on the 2002 Peppertree despite Andrew maintaining that the only difference between the two was the extended use of newer oak in this. Lovely notes of sage, black olive and cedar replace the stinky characters, while the medium-weight palate’s velvety, black cherries with superb length and a touch of herbs. This would be a great example to show the positives that new oak can add to a wine.
NV Mitchell Peppertree Sparkling Shiraz, Clare Valley (cork): I found this a bit disappointing this time - maybe it's a recent disgorgement with some new wild yeast/stalky material in there? (Andrew mentioned later it was an 07 disgorgement after 4 years on lees, and there have been 2 since) There's some barnyard, chocolaty and slightly rubbery/stalky characters, while the palate goes flat very quickly, and lacks fruit weight to go with the surprisingly grippy tannins on the finish. Needs a match of a good slab of turkey to give it a chance.
2006 Mitchell Noble Semillon, Clare Valley 375ml (screwcap): As someone mentioned to me at the time, following the reds this is like adjusting tolerances from funky/reductive characters to VA; it’s full of quince, lemon meringue and vanillin oak, a touch varnishy at times and very, very grippy on the finish. The level of botrytis and sweet fruit is impressive, but in comparison to the delightful 2005 vintage it seems just a little over-extracted – maybe it will come around.
Cheers,
Ian
Forget about goodness and mercy, they're gone.
-
AndrewCowley
- Posts: 256
- Joined: Mon May 26, 2008 9:52 pm
Re: It's not quite.....SUNDAY!!!
2004 Saltram Mamre Brook Shiraz followed by 2001 Saltram No. 1 Shiraz: Very similar. Loads of blackcurrent fruit and not much else. Nice to start with, but was a bit over the top by the time we got to the No. 1. The No. 1 is supposed to be a tier above the Mamre Brook but I couldn't tell. Perhaps the No. 1 would keep longer and develop into something more interesting. All in all, a very nice (albeit slightly over the top) Saltram Barossa evening.
-
George Krashos
- Posts: 474
- Joined: Mon Aug 18, 2003 7:26 pm
Re: It's not quite.....SUNDAY!!!
This is a bit late - 40th birthday dinner at Vincenzos Cucina Vera in Adelaide last Saturday.
Food was great and service impeccable. The glassware washing up was a mammoth task in itself.
FIRST COURSE - Deconstructed foie gras (Heston Blumenthal style) with pancetta wrapped, partially boned out roasted quail maryland.
Chateau Rieussec 1970 - Not overly sweet, contrasting acidic cut and gained nuances in the glass. Can't see this improving but it was a wonderful 40 year old drink.
Yalumba Show Reserve Sauternes 1980 - Sweeter than the Rieussec which made it have many admirers but not as complex in my view. Again, showing brilliantly for age and a lovely drink.
De Bortoli Noble One 2007 - Thought I'd go young and fresh for the last in the bracket and this was a big contrast. Very sweet and somewhat cloying with lashings of sweet fruits but not much acid that I could pick up. Not bad, just not all that interesting.
SECOND COURSE - Agnolotti pasta parcels stuffed with chicken mousse in a consomme broth.
Marc Bredif Vouvray 1969 - Rapier acidity and very much belying its age. Fresh as a daisy and taut and minerally.
Marc Bredif Vouvray 1986 - A bit of sulphur on the nose which blew off, this needed time in the glass. Developed more roundness and fruit and ended up a very complete glass of white wine.
Boschendal Chenin Blanc 2007 (S. Africa) - Again, a bit of a contrast to round out the flight. This was delicious with young fruit and again some minerals and fresh acidity. Would like to see this with some age on it.
THIRD COURSE - Boned out rabbit, stuffed, rolled and roasted with a tomato and caper sauce.
Beaucastel Chateauneuf du Pape 1970 - WOTN for a few (me included). This was spicy, and complex with plenty of fruit and a lick of tannin. Holding very well for a 40 year old.
Charles Melton Nine Popes 1998 (magnum) - This was in a good place, just entering its drinking plateau for the format. Rich and round it had a beautiful grenache nose and excellent length. Have to start drinking some of the 750 ml on that showing.
FOURTH COURSE - Lamb shoulder cooked sous-vide and then roasted with baby vegetables
Chateau Cheval Blanc 1970 - Developed beautifully in the glass, initially showing somewhat lacking in fruit. Then (as most French wines do in my experience) it gained flesh and backbone. Enough fruit, acid and tannin to make you appreciate its age but as to how "good" it was, I don't have enough experience drinking this label or vintage to comment further. I loved it, so I guess I should just chalk it down for the experience that it was. My bank balance is unlikely to see me getting into Cheval Blanc on a regular basis.
Petaluma Merlot 1991 - Bought this to contrast with the Cheval and it was drinking well with the uplifted fruit that good merlot exhibits. Dry finish and still with some time in hand. Nice drink.
Wynns Black Label Cabernet Sauvignon 1991 - This was my second-placed red for the night. I had given it big wraps and it delivered in spades. Complex and beguiling, it was a fresh-faced 19 year old with plenty more in the tank. Drinking really well, and with only one bottle left, I'll have to think long and hard when to open the other.
FIFTH COURSE - Selection of cheeses and petit-desserts - all and sundry were pretty stuffed by this stage.
Warres Vintage Port 1970 - Really loved this for its not-too sweet and yet still robust palate. Spirit was integrated and grape acid shone through. On this showing I'lll have to find some more 1970 VPs.
Rockford VP 1996 - First of these I've opened since purchase. Mellowed somewhat since release but still big and beautiful and yet with a terrific harmony on the palate. This one will keep. No hurry.
Great night with the food perfect and not a dud in any of the wines. The wine gods were smiling and a good time was had by all.
-- George Krashos
Food was great and service impeccable. The glassware washing up was a mammoth task in itself.
FIRST COURSE - Deconstructed foie gras (Heston Blumenthal style) with pancetta wrapped, partially boned out roasted quail maryland.
Chateau Rieussec 1970 - Not overly sweet, contrasting acidic cut and gained nuances in the glass. Can't see this improving but it was a wonderful 40 year old drink.
Yalumba Show Reserve Sauternes 1980 - Sweeter than the Rieussec which made it have many admirers but not as complex in my view. Again, showing brilliantly for age and a lovely drink.
De Bortoli Noble One 2007 - Thought I'd go young and fresh for the last in the bracket and this was a big contrast. Very sweet and somewhat cloying with lashings of sweet fruits but not much acid that I could pick up. Not bad, just not all that interesting.
SECOND COURSE - Agnolotti pasta parcels stuffed with chicken mousse in a consomme broth.
Marc Bredif Vouvray 1969 - Rapier acidity and very much belying its age. Fresh as a daisy and taut and minerally.
Marc Bredif Vouvray 1986 - A bit of sulphur on the nose which blew off, this needed time in the glass. Developed more roundness and fruit and ended up a very complete glass of white wine.
Boschendal Chenin Blanc 2007 (S. Africa) - Again, a bit of a contrast to round out the flight. This was delicious with young fruit and again some minerals and fresh acidity. Would like to see this with some age on it.
THIRD COURSE - Boned out rabbit, stuffed, rolled and roasted with a tomato and caper sauce.
Beaucastel Chateauneuf du Pape 1970 - WOTN for a few (me included). This was spicy, and complex with plenty of fruit and a lick of tannin. Holding very well for a 40 year old.
Charles Melton Nine Popes 1998 (magnum) - This was in a good place, just entering its drinking plateau for the format. Rich and round it had a beautiful grenache nose and excellent length. Have to start drinking some of the 750 ml on that showing.
FOURTH COURSE - Lamb shoulder cooked sous-vide and then roasted with baby vegetables
Chateau Cheval Blanc 1970 - Developed beautifully in the glass, initially showing somewhat lacking in fruit. Then (as most French wines do in my experience) it gained flesh and backbone. Enough fruit, acid and tannin to make you appreciate its age but as to how "good" it was, I don't have enough experience drinking this label or vintage to comment further. I loved it, so I guess I should just chalk it down for the experience that it was. My bank balance is unlikely to see me getting into Cheval Blanc on a regular basis.
Petaluma Merlot 1991 - Bought this to contrast with the Cheval and it was drinking well with the uplifted fruit that good merlot exhibits. Dry finish and still with some time in hand. Nice drink.
Wynns Black Label Cabernet Sauvignon 1991 - This was my second-placed red for the night. I had given it big wraps and it delivered in spades. Complex and beguiling, it was a fresh-faced 19 year old with plenty more in the tank. Drinking really well, and with only one bottle left, I'll have to think long and hard when to open the other.
FIFTH COURSE - Selection of cheeses and petit-desserts - all and sundry were pretty stuffed by this stage.
Warres Vintage Port 1970 - Really loved this for its not-too sweet and yet still robust palate. Spirit was integrated and grape acid shone through. On this showing I'lll have to find some more 1970 VPs.
Rockford VP 1996 - First of these I've opened since purchase. Mellowed somewhat since release but still big and beautiful and yet with a terrific harmony on the palate. This one will keep. No hurry.
Great night with the food perfect and not a dud in any of the wines. The wine gods were smiling and a good time was had by all.
-- George Krashos
Re: It's not quite.....SUNDAY!!!
Nice drinking there George, also had my 40th a few months ago, you obviously had a few more wine afficionado's on hand than I did!! Happy belated 40th!
Like the way you started with the foie and stickies as well. Smiles all round no doubt.
Cheers
Tim
Like the way you started with the foie and stickies as well. Smiles all round no doubt.
Cheers
Tim
Last edited by TiggerK on Sun Oct 10, 2010 7:36 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Re: It's not quite.....SUNDAY!!!
2 wines sealed with glass stoppers - this is what I prefer as the closure - better than cork and screwcaps I reckon.
2005 BREZZA Barbera d'Alba : I have always been very impressed by the wines of BREZZA. From the Dolcetto to the Nebbiolo's they always have perfect balance. This is no exception. Almost a miracle of being clean but with soul and character as well. Pure class.
2007 SALOMON Undhof Kogl Riesling : pristine - probably at peak now. Also recall a killer Riesling "grappa" from this producer that also was sealed with a glass stopper. I give these empties to a bloke I know who makes his own spirits !
2005 BREZZA Barbera d'Alba : I have always been very impressed by the wines of BREZZA. From the Dolcetto to the Nebbiolo's they always have perfect balance. This is no exception. Almost a miracle of being clean but with soul and character as well. Pure class.
2007 SALOMON Undhof Kogl Riesling : pristine - probably at peak now. Also recall a killer Riesling "grappa" from this producer that also was sealed with a glass stopper. I give these empties to a bloke I know who makes his own spirits !
Re: It's not quite.....SUNDAY!!!
Last night with a boned leg of lamb with Greek herbs and spices cooked on the BBQ
Bay of Fire 2007 Pinot Gris. Good example of the variety.
Balgownie Estate 1998 Bendigo Shiraz (Museum release). Sensational nose and in superb condition this was one of the best shiraz in a while. Lovely bottle age.
Jim Barry 2001 Mcrae Wood Shiraz. Great fruit and again great bottle age.
And to finish a very old Yalumba Galway Pipe. Measured in pints and fl oz. Mmmmmmm.
A few other quaffers during the week.
Chuck
Bay of Fire 2007 Pinot Gris. Good example of the variety.
Balgownie Estate 1998 Bendigo Shiraz (Museum release). Sensational nose and in superb condition this was one of the best shiraz in a while. Lovely bottle age.
Jim Barry 2001 Mcrae Wood Shiraz. Great fruit and again great bottle age.
And to finish a very old Yalumba Galway Pipe. Measured in pints and fl oz. Mmmmmmm.
A few other quaffers during the week.
Chuck
Your worst game of golf is better than your best day at work
Re: It's not quite.....SUNDAY!!!
Wedding Anniversary weekend so had a few.
NV Cloudy Bay Pelorus. Not bad but shoulda bought the Nautalis instead. Just ok
2010 Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc. Really enjoyable wine, quite softly spoken this year and approachable already. Plenty of interest.
2004 Te Mata Elston Chardonnay. Absolutely superb, smoothered in class, the best Elston i have had for ages. Gorgeously elegant, nice concentration and perfect balance between freshness and age. An absolutely top notch vintage and so glad I have a couple more of these.
2008 Fromm Spatlese Riesling. I think starting to show that 2007 was a better vntage for this wine. Still the signature apple flavour profile but doesnt show the fattness on the palate and layering of the 2007. Still good juice though and enjoyable. The 2009 can't be too far away being released now
NV Cloudy Bay Pelorus. Not bad but shoulda bought the Nautalis instead. Just ok
2010 Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc. Really enjoyable wine, quite softly spoken this year and approachable already. Plenty of interest.
2004 Te Mata Elston Chardonnay. Absolutely superb, smoothered in class, the best Elston i have had for ages. Gorgeously elegant, nice concentration and perfect balance between freshness and age. An absolutely top notch vintage and so glad I have a couple more of these.
2008 Fromm Spatlese Riesling. I think starting to show that 2007 was a better vntage for this wine. Still the signature apple flavour profile but doesnt show the fattness on the palate and layering of the 2007. Still good juice though and enjoyable. The 2009 can't be too far away being released now
-
Michael McNally
- Posts: 2086
- Joined: Thu Sep 08, 2005 3:06 pm
- Location: Brisbane
Re: It's not quite.....SUNDAY!!!
daz wrote:Just thought I'd jump in a bit early.
Leasingham Bin 56 Cabernet Malbec 2005 Not quite full-bodied but it's no shrinking violet. Nicely balanced with cassis, some plum, well-integrated oak in support of the savoury fruit. Medium length finish. Very good. Screwcap. A bargain for $14.
daz
Hi Daz
Had one of these last week/two weeks ago. Plenty of oomph. Good description.
Cheers
Michael
Bonum Vinum Laetificat Cor Hominis
Re: It's not quite.....SUNDAY!!!
Not much drinking yet. Cellar still empty. Had a nice bottle of Dow's 2004 LBV last night. Smooth and spicy with good length. Very Good and a bargain at a snip over $10 Australian 
Bartenders are supposed to have people skills. Or was it people are supposed to have bartending skills?
Re: It's not quite.....SUNDAY!!!
George Krashos wrote:This is a bit late - 40th birthday dinner at Vincenzos Cucina Vera in Adelaide last Saturday.
Food was great and service impeccable. The glassware washing up was a mammoth task in itself.
FIRST COURSE - Deconstructed foie gras (Heston Blumenthal style) with pancetta wrapped, partially boned out roasted quail maryland.
Chateau Rieussec 1970 - Not overly sweet, contrasting acidic cut and gained nuances in the glass. Can't see this improving but it was a wonderful 40 year old drink.
Yalumba Show Reserve Sauternes 1980 - Sweeter than the Rieussec which made it have many admirers but not as complex in my view. Again, showing brilliantly for age and a lovely drink.
De Bortoli Noble One 2007 - Thought I'd go young and fresh for the last in the bracket and this was a big contrast. Very sweet and somewhat cloying with lashings of sweet fruits but not much acid that I could pick up. Not bad, just not all that interesting.
SECOND COURSE - Agnolotti pasta parcels stuffed with chicken mousse in a consomme broth.
Marc Bredif Vouvray 1969 - Rapier acidity and very much belying its age. Fresh as a daisy and taut and minerally.
Marc Bredif Vouvray 1986 - A bit of sulphur on the nose which blew off, this needed time in the glass. Developed more roundness and fruit and ended up a very complete glass of white wine.
Boschendal Chenin Blanc 2007 (S. Africa) - Again, a bit of a contrast to round out the flight. This was delicious with young fruit and again some minerals and fresh acidity. Would like to see this with some age on it.
THIRD COURSE - Boned out rabbit, stuffed, rolled and roasted with a tomato and caper sauce.
Beaucastel Chateauneuf du Pape 1970 - WOTN for a few (me included). This was spicy, and complex with plenty of fruit and a lick of tannin. Holding very well for a 40 year old.
Charles Melton Nine Popes 1998 (magnum) - This was in a good place, just entering its drinking plateau for the format. Rich and round it had a beautiful grenache nose and excellent length. Have to start drinking some of the 750 ml on that showing.
FOURTH COURSE - Lamb shoulder cooked sous-vide and then roasted with baby vegetables
Chateau Cheval Blanc 1970 - Developed beautifully in the glass, initially showing somewhat lacking in fruit. Then (as most French wines do in my experience) it gained flesh and backbone. Enough fruit, acid and tannin to make you appreciate its age but as to how "good" it was, I don't have enough experience drinking this label or vintage to comment further. I loved it, so I guess I should just chalk it down for the experience that it was. My bank balance is unlikely to see me getting into Cheval Blanc on a regular basis.
Petaluma Merlot 1991 - Bought this to contrast with the Cheval and it was drinking well with the uplifted fruit that good merlot exhibits. Dry finish and still with some time in hand. Nice drink.
Wynns Black Label Cabernet Sauvignon 1991 - This was my second-placed red for the night. I had given it big wraps and it delivered in spades. Complex and beguiling, it was a fresh-faced 19 year old with plenty more in the tank. Drinking really well, and with only one bottle left, I'll have to think long and hard when to open the other.
FIFTH COURSE - Selection of cheeses and petit-desserts - all and sundry were pretty stuffed by this stage.
Warres Vintage Port 1970 - Really loved this for its not-too sweet and yet still robust palate. Spirit was integrated and grape acid shone through. On this showing I'lll have to find some more 1970 VPs.
Rockford VP 1996 - First of these I've opened since purchase. Mellowed somewhat since release but still big and beautiful and yet with a terrific harmony on the palate. This one will keep. No hurry.
Great night with the food perfect and not a dud in any of the wines. The wine gods were smiling and a good time was had by all.
-- George Krashos
menu is tempting! Seen Blumental's version of Foie Gras (only online...
). Wonder how Vince's compares to his.Happy Birthday!
-
Waiters Friend
- Posts: 2824
- Joined: Mon May 02, 2005 4:09 am
- Location: Perth WA
Re: It's not quite.....SUNDAY!!!
Michael McNally wrote:daz wrote:Just thought I'd jump in a bit early.
Leasingham Bin 56 Cabernet Malbec 2005 Not quite full-bodied but it's no shrinking violet. Nicely balanced with cassis, some plum, well-integrated oak in support of the savoury fruit. Medium length finish. Very good. Screwcap. A bargain for $14.
daz
Hi Daz
Had one of these last week/two weeks ago. Plenty of oomph. Good description.
Cheers
Michael
In a case of coincidence, I had to choose between 2005 and 2006 of this wine only a week ago. I went for the 2006 (as I only have one 2005 remaining in the cellar). Medium-full bodied, and needed a little air time to come up with the mocha / hint of violet I was looking for. An enjoyable wine, but not as good as earlier looks at it had promised. Not a keeper, and I will view the 2005 in the same way.
By comparison, I am currently finishing the remains of a John Kosovich 2008 Cabernet Malbec. A 55km cycle around the Swan Valley (and environs) on Thursday resulted in this finding its way into my backback, along with a couple of their Semillon / Verdelho sweet wines. Of course, opened too young, but full bodied, with mocha, blackcurrant and the violets as a minor player - jumping out ofthe glass. Give this another 3-4 years and it will be 'on song'. I think I would rather have one of these (price wise) than 2-3 Bin 56s, much as I enjoyed the Bin 56s of previous years (esp 1998 - 2001).
Cheers
Allan
Wine, women and song. Ideally, you can experience all three at once.
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ticklenow1
- Posts: 1118
- Joined: Tue Aug 31, 2010 3:50 pm
- Location: Gold Coast
Re: It's not quite.....SUNDAY!!!
Went to a tasting at a local bottle shop that is starting to stock some very good wine. They had Leeuwin Estate on tasting.
2009 Siblings Sav Blanc Semillon - a little too sweet for my tastes, although it was a little herby as well. Not for me.
2007 Art Series Chardonnay - Typical Art Series style - Magnificent. The oak is sowell balanced with the fruit. It is great now but I will not try and suggest when to drink! Need to find some money to get some!!
2007 Siblings Margaret River Shiraz - Not as peppery and spicy as I would have thought. Some Art Series Shiraz's that I have had have been too over the top on the pepper and spice but this was a real nice wine. Nice colour with lots of rdark red fruits. I think this would cellar for a while as the tannins and fruit are definitely there to suggest aging potential.
2004 Art Series Cabernet - It was only decanted for about half an hour when I tasted it and it was still very withdrawn. Lots of silky smooth tannins and the colour was still really good. I would have liked to have tried this wine after a few hours in the decanter but this was just not possible. Suggest that this will have a very long life ahead.
At home
2005 Pondalowie Vineyard Blend (Shiraz Tempranillo) - very nice, real juicy wine with lots of cherry and spice. Quite mouth filling.
2002 Greenock Creek Alices Shiraz - Beautiful dark colour, took a little while to open up and show it's fruit but once it did (3 or so hours) it was wonderful. The alcohol was still there (16%) but the dark fruits and silky tannins did enough to not make it an issue. Still has plenty of years left though. Loved it!
2009 Siblings Sav Blanc Semillon - a little too sweet for my tastes, although it was a little herby as well. Not for me.
2007 Art Series Chardonnay - Typical Art Series style - Magnificent. The oak is sowell balanced with the fruit. It is great now but I will not try and suggest when to drink! Need to find some money to get some!!
2007 Siblings Margaret River Shiraz - Not as peppery and spicy as I would have thought. Some Art Series Shiraz's that I have had have been too over the top on the pepper and spice but this was a real nice wine. Nice colour with lots of rdark red fruits. I think this would cellar for a while as the tannins and fruit are definitely there to suggest aging potential.
2004 Art Series Cabernet - It was only decanted for about half an hour when I tasted it and it was still very withdrawn. Lots of silky smooth tannins and the colour was still really good. I would have liked to have tried this wine after a few hours in the decanter but this was just not possible. Suggest that this will have a very long life ahead.
At home
2005 Pondalowie Vineyard Blend (Shiraz Tempranillo) - very nice, real juicy wine with lots of cherry and spice. Quite mouth filling.
2002 Greenock Creek Alices Shiraz - Beautiful dark colour, took a little while to open up and show it's fruit but once it did (3 or so hours) it was wonderful. The alcohol was still there (16%) but the dark fruits and silky tannins did enough to not make it an issue. Still has plenty of years left though. Loved it!
If you had to choose between drinking great wine or winning Lotto, which would you choose - Red or White?
Re: It's not quite.....SUNDAY!!!
2002 Charles Melton – this has come together nicely and is a great example of a Barossa Cabernet. Much better than the 02 Shiraz which is very one dimensional.
2003 Kurtz Lunar Block – good drinking, enjoyed this.
2004 Kalleske Greenock Shiraz – very nice, another great example
2006 Hoddles Creek Chardonnay – ok something was very amiss with this, don’t know how to describe the fault, but completely undrinkable. Must be a one off bottle, my wife has opened a bottle the weekend before and it was a completely different wine.
cheers Gerry
2003 Kurtz Lunar Block – good drinking, enjoyed this.
2004 Kalleske Greenock Shiraz – very nice, another great example
2006 Hoddles Creek Chardonnay – ok something was very amiss with this, don’t know how to describe the fault, but completely undrinkable. Must be a one off bottle, my wife has opened a bottle the weekend before and it was a completely different wine.
cheers Gerry
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AndrewCowley
- Posts: 256
- Joined: Mon May 26, 2008 9:52 pm
Re: It's not quite.....SUNDAY!!!
Quick addition... a couple of days on, the 2001 Saltram No. 1 Shiraz is majestic. Unbelievable. Well worth $60. Might get more.
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Mark Carrington
- Posts: 266
- Joined: Tue Sep 21, 2010 6:58 pm
Re: It's not quite.....SUNDAY!!!
- 2004 Cape Mentelle Zinfandel - Australia, Western Australia, South West Australia, Margaret River (10/9/2010)
Dark; blackberries, touch porty; fulsome, full bodied, power packed, exuberant though ultimately one dimensional. Almost gets away with 16 degrees but a touch hot on the finish. Not for the meek. (91 pts.)
Re: It's not quite.....SUNDAY!!!
Had the in-laws over from WA so made them feel at home on Saturday night with a 1998 Vasse Felix Cabernet. Bought three of these at auction recently so I was relieved that the first one was a belter. Soft and long, still got good fruit. I'll enjoy the other two (and two we took from the cellar door last year) over the next couple of years.
3, 65, 7, 50
Re: It's not quite.....SUNDAY!!!
Au Bon Climat XXV 2005 Chardonnay - Pronounced matchstick and flint with a remarkbly crisp finish...subltle buttery/oaky undertones...loved it. Perfect for summer drinking.