The Auswine Forum

Hi all,

What's been sublime, tantalising or plain awful this week?

Monghead.

Mike Press 2009 Merlot. Good fruit and your more full bodied merlot. Rediculous value. Thanks for the tip Gavin.

Deviation Rd 2007 Chardonnay. The modern chardy and better night 2.

Yalumba Horsey 1970's Vintage Port. Just yummy on these cool nights.

Chuck

La Vendetta Barbera Nebbiolo 2007

Wow, 100% authentic Lange/Piedmonte wine, and absolutely delicious, my style of wine. Its medium bodied, its savoury, its balanced and its approachable, doesn't need a decade, its just about ready now! The nose is intriguing, cherries, plums, liquorice, spice, earth, even a hint of violets, a touch of dustiness and a 'lick' of oak, but not a lot. The wine just tastes, well, delicious really, lovely fruit through the mouth with that juicy Barbera cherry character, and nice acid, and the intensity and tannins of good nebbiolo, its a blend that works. Its (deceptively) easy to drink, works brilliantly with lots of foods, and is gloriously elegant, medium bodied and juicy. And its <$20 per bottle ... how do they do it! Really good stuff!

.

Cape Mentelle 2008 SSB
Fits into the 'plain awful' category for me...maybe I am 'over' this varietal...maybe I should have paid and extra $20 for the Walcliffe which, from what I have read on here, is stunning.

A pretty quiet week after an excellent night of wines at our recent capital tasters dinner (http://forum.auswine.com.au/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=11812). A bottle of the excellent value and very quafable 2010 Yalumba Y Series Pinot Grigio and also the very enjoyable 2008 Pio Cesare Barbera D'Alba which had all the elements wanted in Barbera. Dried cherry, earthy herbs, licorice and spice. Very nice.

In the aftermath of Yasi (fortunately minor damage) with no electricity for 4-5 days, Buller's Calliope Shiraz 2002, bloody big wine with plenty of time in front of it, not really my style these days. Orlando Jacob's Creek Centenary Hill Shiraz 2002, another biggie but with obvious green/menthol characters, interesting. Turkey Flat Shiraz 2002 Now that's more like it, bloody good wine and I can see why Halliday usually rates it highly, drank about a dozen of the 1999.

2005 Te Mata Awatea - drinking very nicely, no hurry at all with this one. Smooth and richly tasty.

2009 Domaine Jean-Paul Dubost Beaujolais Villages Tracot- Vibrant juicy cherries, sappy and spicy. Good Good.
2009 Moorilla Estate Praxis Pinot Noir- Dark deep cherries and raspberries, cheerful but simplistic. Solid Good.
2010 Frankland Estate Isolation Ridge Riesling- Bright citrus, chalky acidity. Good Good.

Monghead.

Grosset Off-dry 2010 Watervale Riesling, Clare Valley
Clear pale lemon colour with youthful aromas of crushed chalk, limestone and lime rind. This has rich, fresh steely lime flavours with streaks of passionfruit and sweet grassy lemon candy. At 11.5% alc this is very much the younger sister of the more serious Watervale and Polish Hill rieslings but still reflects the excellent vintage conditions of the 2010 vintage in SA. A thoroughly enjoyable semi-sweet wine that is rather unlike similar German offerings.

Paringa Estate Peninsula Pinot Noir 2007, Mornington Peninsula
Medium ruby colour with a watery rim. Developed nose whereby the fruit has obviously waned a fair bit but there is still an initial waft of red berry fruit and some heavier cherry fruit hidden in the background. Silky texture, med+ bodied wine with a nice, even spread of red berry and cherry flavours. The tannins aren't obvious and provide a well-balanced weight to the wine. The finish is reasonably long.

Quilceda Creek Cabernet Sauvignon Palengat Vineyard 2006, Horse Heaven Hills, Columbia Valley, Washington, USA
Purchased from Langton's auctions. Intense purple ruby colour, initially (despite 4 hours of in-bottle breathing) very closed nose and I thought this might have been a compromised bottle. At times, I would be teased by hints of exciting florals but what resided in the glass was a dull and uninspiring spirit. However, overnight, youthful aromas of blackberries, violets and bramble started emerging. Silky texture, dry, full-bodied with high acidity. The forward, even tannins provide robust structure to this powerful fruit-driven wine. rich blackberry flavours with dark cherry and bitter earthy chocolate linger in the mouth. Long finish. 15.2% alc.

2006 Paringa Estate Peninsula Pinot Noir- Probably drinking at its peak now. Great drinking for the cost.
2009 Jim Barry Watervale Riesling - Has lost some of that initial racyness and crispness across the palate. Not bad but not really doing much. Won't touch the others now for another couple / few years.

With a cellar mostly full of reds, most recent stuff has been for immediate drinking in the heat. On a quest to find a favourite good value summer quaffer... So over the past few weeks ones that come to mind have been...

Leo Buring Leonay Riesling DW117 / DW118 - 2005 (Eden Valley and Watervale respectively) - preferred the 117 with a bit more balanced mid palate FWIW. Both quality wines though.
Leo Buring Eden Valley Riesling 2005 - ties with Tim Adams as my current favourite summer quaffer, under $20, touch of aged character and all round riesling goodness.
Leo Buring Dry Riesling 2010 - Also a nice drop at a good price. #summerofriesling rocks.
Tim Adams Riesling 2010 - as mentioned, tied for current favourite - juicy limes and wonderful clean finish. Yummo.
Seppelt Jaluka Chardonnay 2009 - liked this, can't remember details, but one more in the fridge so will report more in due course.
Brookland Valley Verse 1 Chardonnay 2009 - cheap and cheerful, liked one bottle, not so much the second. Time of day, mood, food etc..
Kumeu River Estate Chardonnay 2007 - 'village' one all sold out so went more high-end and this was fabulous. Lean, clean but still weighty on day 1, then more buttery and rich on day 2. Delicious.
Lanson Champagne 1996 - corked - replaced by vendor and back in the cellar for another day when I feel like taking another risk.
Taltarni Brut Tache NV - friendly cheap pink bubbles which I've liked in the past but not so much this time around. Must try more cheaper bubblies and see what's what actually. But hard when I like Champagne though...
Ata Rangi Crimson Pinot Noir 2008 - Good $30 Pinot, quality of fruit is evident, big NZ style but nicer tannins than many CO versions.
Teusner The Dog Strangler Mataro 2009 - Rich and decadent, my late night big steak accompaniment - goes well for days too.
De Iulius Hunter Semillon 2010 - Well made and very well priced. Recommend.
McWilliams Lovedale Semillon 2005 - Bit too much lanolin and viscosity for me at the time, but it's a very tasty wine nonetheless. Best to wait I think.
Penfolds Bin 389 2005 - way too young, lots of everything, but not yet showing what it will become with time, so opening it was a bit of waste really. Penfolds loving guests raved about it though!

Cheers
Tim

A few odds and sods
1993 Redman Cabernet (magnum), just browning round the edges, medium bodied good varietal character, nice structure, good fruit and tannin integration, at its peak i think
1998 Galah Clare Shiraz Stephen George's "Wendouree Homebrand". A lovely wine with years left in it, bright clour really big earthy meaty nose and long on the palate. Cork stained 1mm, 98 Wendourees should go 25+ years if this is anything to go by.
2010 Jim Barry Riesling. really lovely drop, could drink this for breakfast!
1997 Seppelts Chalambar deep red clour, nose of spicy (perhaps slightly hot aroma) mixed herbs with pronounced tannins but not aggressive on the palate. Not sure if this will get any better but will hang on to a few.
2008 Brokenwood Cricket Pitch CSM. Not sure if this is Hunter or MV but a really nice drop, went down way too easily, very mellow, well balanced.

Craig.

deleted

Crawford River Young Vines Riesling 2010, VIC
$26. Pale yellow-gold colour with clean young floral aromas of concentrated lime juice, crushed lime leaf and a smattering of minerality. High acidity, 13.5% alc, rich lively lemon and lime flavours dart about the mouth with a hint of lemon pith on the end. Long fruity finish. Drink now.

Monsters Attack by Some Young Punks Riesling 2010, Clare Valley
$24. Pale colour with clean fresh aromas of lemon fruit. Lovely ripe fruity flavours with a hint of pineapple juice even. A somewhat short but clean finish. Great accompaniment for a picnic of cucumber, egg and tuna sandwiches.

Robert Weil Rheingau Riesling Spatlese 2007
Clear pale yellow lemon colour. Subtle aromas of waxy lemon rind with developing naphthalene overtones and hint of fresh coriander. A bright wine with ripe citrus acidity and pineapple notes. Drink now if you like young fruit, or sit on it for 7+ years if you're after the distinct aged riesling characters.

Pettavel Evening Star Late Harvest Riesling 2008, VIC
A simple, easy to drink luscious sweet wine that exudes flavours of peach, pink guava and pineapple flavours with a hint of extremely ripe mango.

2010 Frankland Estate SmithCullam Riesling: Kabinett style wine, 20g/rs but it’s shrouded in good acid levels and light minerality. Proved to be very balanced overall, plenty of juicy fruit and a very faint spritz. Very sexy wine.

2008 Penfolds Reserve Bin 08A Chardonnay:
When I opened it, light pale colour and super smooth mouthfeel ,some peaches and nuttiness. Showed a lot more complexity in terms of body and flavour (creamy fruit salad, faint toffee) over time. Imagine this will age into a real doosie.

TiggerK wrote

Penfolds Bin 389 2005 - way too young, ...... Penfolds loving guests raved about it though!

Hey Tigger….i’m one of those too!
Really really love this wine and think its ready to go with a decent decant…..i’m sure I’ll look foolish when someone brings it to a grape mates session in 10-15 years and we see how well it develops , but I’ve probably nudged a 6-pack of this already in the last 12 months!
Btw; Fingers crossed for you & Michelle’s relations, and any others affected by the earthquake.

TiggerK wrote

Penfolds Bin 389 2005 - way too young, ...... Penfolds loving guests raved about it though!

Hey Tigger….i’m one of those too!
Really really love this wine and think its ready to go with a decent decant…..i’m sure I’ll look foolish when someone brings it to a grape mates session in 10-15 years and we see how well it develops , but I’ve probably nudged a 6-pack of this already in the last 12 months!
Btw; Fingers crossed for you & Michelle’s relations, and any others affected by the earthquake.[/quote]


I had the 2005 389 about 3 months ago and thought it was super as is. Wonderfull deep rich nose and good length. I've had a good run of 05's lately and 389 just never fails for me.

Speaking of young Bin 389s, I had the 2006 which is probably my favourite since the 1996. Paradoxically sweet and savoury, long, developing complexity. It reminded me a tad of the 1991 at the same stage of its life. This will be fantastic circa 2021.

2002 Dom Perignon (yellow Warhol label for the fashion junkies). Drunk over 3 nights and still going strong on the last one. Just lacked the wow factor of the best bottles from this vintage. I've had 3 awesome bottles, 2 pretty good and 1 ordinary, so either I've got no idea (highly probable) or there remains significant bottle variation that also plagued the 1996 and 1999 vintages.

2002 Moet et Chandon - doesn't live up to the reputation for mine. Very citrusy - like smelling a bottle of lemon juice. A little too tart on the palate for my tastes, albeit this will soften with age.

2004 Taittinger - this is not for the wine intelligensia, just for those who want to kick back with highly enjoyable, albeit tricked up champers. I say tricked up, as it seems either the fruit is overly ripe or there's a pretty decent whack of dosage. Thankfully there's some balancing acidity. I don't think this is a long term proposition, but can recommend it for a warm Aussie autumn evening.

2001 Limestone Ridge x 3. 1 corked. This is a nice place right now. Probably not going to improve.

My List of Wines Tasted in 2011 (Chapter 3):

Chapter 2 is at: http://forum.auswine.com.au/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=11778&p=93543#p93543

My favourite wines, my memorable wines, that I would be happy to drink again are highlighted in bold and underline (these do not necessarily correlate with the rating):

2011 Jan 24 - Feb 27:

2010 Howard Park "Great Southern" Riesling - 12%:
Harmonious flavours with adequate richness. Juicy, steely, piercing acidity. 95/100

2010 Howard Park "Porongurup" Riesling - 11.5%:
Very mineral, powerful structure. Nettles. Lacking fruit, richness and charm. Subtle lime skin. 91/100

2010 Frankland Estate "Netley Road Vineyard" Riesling - 12.5%:
Some richness on the front but wanes. Nettles. Lime skin. Steely. 90/100

2010 Frankland Estate "Isolation Ridge Vineyard" Riesling - 12.5% - Organic:
Lovely harmonious richness with citrus, bath salts and other white minerals. Consistent palate. 94/100

2010 Frankland Estate "Poison Hill Vineyard" Riesling - 12%:
Rich, even with pineapple hints. Slightly chalky, slightly stately texture. Complex and harmonious. Long, with slatey, steely finish. 95/100.

2010 Castelli Estate Porongurup Riesling - 12.1%:
Nice chalky texture but flavours not greatly harmonious or defined. 88/100

2004 McWilliam's Mount Pleasant "Elizabeth" Semillon:
90-/100

2009 Mike Press Pinot Noir:
Really drinkable. Ripe with some poise. 90/100

2009 Domaine Saint Andrieu Coteaux Variosen Provence (rosé):
Dry styled, which is admirable, but not enough carry of its red berry flavour. Food wine. 86/100

2003 Three Hills "Charles Andreas" Cabernet:
91/100

2009 Meerea Park Cabernet Merlot:
Briary. Some berry. But savoury dominant with some eucalypt. Surely some Malbec in here. Quite drying. Complex but not in harmony with the tannin. 88/100

2008 Three Hills "Eva Maria" Semillon Sauvignon Blanc:
Great quality but too much green pea for me, as is the Margaret river way. 90/100.

2000 Tyrrell's Vat 1 Semillon:
Good but not great vintage. Really fresh but not as powerful on the back as hoped. A little herby/basil unusually as opposed to the deeper lemon butter on toast aspects. 90/100, other bottles have been better but no more than 92/100

2002 Ballast Stone "Currency Creek" Petit Verdot:
Rich. Ripe dark cherries and blood! Time has resulted in its big structure becoming a little awkward, not really in harmony with the fruit. 86/100

2009 St. Hubert "The Stag" Pinot Noir:
Really lovely. Medium bodied. Pure cherry line with gentle forest and savoury flavours. 92/100

2009 Wynns "Green Label" Cabernet Sauvignon:
Varietal in the traditional, medium ripeness style. Medium body. Good length. Serious quaffing Cabernet. 91/100

2005 Bloodwood Cabernet Sauvignon:
Needs air for the rich and savoury fruit to open, which it does impressively. Complex with dry spice, herb and even some pepper on opening. 92/100

2010 Moss Wood Semillon:
Rich but over the top for a second glass. Gets worse with air. 88-/100

2009 Mac Forbes "Woori Yallock" Chardonnay:
Harmonious matchstick and refined citrus. Oatmeal. Powerful but so smooth, creamy structure. 93/100

2009 Cirillo "1850" Semillon:
Unusual soapy and savoury characters on top of typically yummy Barossa flavours. Dilute. 84/100

2010 Cirillo "1850" Semillon:
Full, complex, long, focussed although still a hint dilute like its ugly sister. 92/100

2010 Andrew Thomas "Braemore" Semillon:
Ripe, floral, rich and limey with a hint of sweatiness from its ripeness. Beautiful harmony in a drink now style. 93/100

2010 Andrew Thomas "The O.C." Semillon:
Quality wine without the structural harmony for greatness. 91/100

2010 Tower Estate Semillon:
Excellent. Will age as well. 92+/100

2010 Tulloch Semillon:
Acid everywhere but true to style at least. 86/100

2010 Tulloch "Julia" Semillon:
Long, rich, smooth, complex. Great drive and size through the palate. Wonderful now. 95/100

2010 Krinklewood "Biodynamic Vineyard" Semillon:
Fantastic fresh lemony and textured drive through the palate that was very light on its feet. 94/100

2010 Tulloch "JYT" Semillon:
Good depth and drive but lacks focus and a bit of flab. 90/100

2006 GRÓF BUTTLER Egri Syrah, Nagy-Eged-Hungary:
Ripe but slightly coarse, nutty oak. Good pure berry slightly confected fruit. Pleasant earthy line. 90/100

2009 Brokenwood Shiraz - 13.5%:
Really varietal and regional. Harmonious. Nothing exceptional but still surprisingly good. 91/100.

2009 Meerea Park Shiraz - 13.5%:
Deep and layered but raisined and brandied. 87/100

2009 Tulloch Dry Red Shiraz - 13.5%:
Beautiful wine. 92+/100

2009 Tulloch Private Bin Shiraz - 13%:
Big framework needing time to fill out. A little bitter at the moment. 90++/100

2009 Meerea Park "The Aunts" Shiraz - 13.5%:
Did not find the American oak and Hunter Shiraz fruit a pleasant combination, and I tried over 5 days! 86/100

2009 Andrew Thomas "Kiss" Shiraz - 13.5%:
Oaking sticking out here, although all quality French. Time should do wonders. 89++/100

2009 Brokenwood "Verona" Shiraz - 13.5%:
Very good now with the potential to be much better in 5+ years. 92+/100.

2009 De Iuliss "Limited" Shiraz - 13.5%:
Obvious long term time with great harmony already. 93+/100

2009 Andrew Thomas "DJV" Shiraz - 13.2%:
Nothing special here. 88/100

2009 Andrew Thomas "Motel Block" Shiraz - 14.5%:
Slutty but very nice. 93/100

2009 De Iullis "Show Reserve" Shiraz:
Harmonious and long. Beautiful Hunter Shiraz that continued to build weight with air. 20 year wine. 94/100

2008 Domaine Belle "Les Pierrelles" Crozes-Hermitage:
Smooth and harmonious with a little grip. Savoury with nice core fruit juicy dark cherries. Wide appeal. 90/100

2008 Domaine Vincent Paris Saint Joseph:
Too funky, dead rat like on the nose. The palate upon opening is very pleasant, controlled and mouth-filling but the savouriness gets worse over time. 87/100

2008 Domaine Vincent Paris "Granit 30" Cornas:
Liquefied peppered steak with some dark cherry sauce and smoked meats in the background. Clean, restrained, smooth, complex, harmonious and with good depth. Very interesting drinking. 92-3/100

2004 Climbing Chardonnay:
Ripe but holding its form excellently. 90/100.

2005 Champsaur "Homedale" Shiraz - Mudgee:
"Drink now to enjoy well-developed strong flavours, although non-discerning tasters might scoff that the big fruity hit lacks nuance. Stick around! Mudgee is more than just great honey. Each sip unearths subtleties and when you’ve drained your glass the afterglow is unexpectedly strong from the dry, earthly and gritty experience. A real creeper."- written by Geoff Greenwood. I agree. 90/100

2006 Warrabilla Reserve Shiraz - 16%:
“A deep crimson tide of brute strength tonks the tastebuds. This drop pulls no punches and even amongst the big strong fruity flavours lurk tannins determined not to be sidelined. It all comes together nicely. If you prefer shock and awe to delicate subtlety this is the drink for you.”- Geoff Greenwood. I found the nose to be too overripe and jammy, but the tannins on the palate control the ripe flavours admirably, without an sharp or flabby edges. Big but harmonious. A great wine for a rare steak. 92/100

2009 Bird in Hand Riesling:
91/100

2009 Mike Press Shiraz:
Very enjoyable. 91/100

2007 Tahbilk Shiraz:
Hard work. Don’t bother drinking now and only cellar if you are an optimist. Its presentation on the third evening provides this optimism though. 87++/100

2006 Rockford Local Growers Semillon - 13.5%:
Rich, buttery mouthfeel, particularly on the front. Weighty Semillon. Creamy/glycerine. Vanilla, pear, peach. Flavours linger, particularly the vanilla, although it is this vanilla with nuances of caramel that cloy a little. There is more controlled on the second day, and it is more varietal with more grass, although still full bodied but with more earthiness/dirt, minerals and sprinkling of nuts. Smooth integrated acid. Complete through the palate. Really authentic. 91+/100.

NV Pommery Rosé:
Duck fat and rich berries. Meaty complexity. Aspartame taste. Smooth with gentle focus. 88/100

NV Mumm Rosé:
Nice berry. Mineral water. 91/100

NV Joseph Perrier:
Berry and savoury complexity. Nice focus. 91/100

NV Moet et Chandon Rosé:
Good mid palate weight. Nice finish. 93/100

2003 Pipers Brook Vineyard "The Lyre" Pinot Noir:
Powerful core of dark fruits. Spice, even peppery complexity. Past its peak but still lovely. 93/100

2004 Schubert "Block B" Pinot Noir - Wairarapa:
Excellent fruit but alcohol sticking out. 89/100

2008 Mac Forbes "Woori Yallock" Pinot Noir:
Light-medium. Long and harmonious. 94/100.

2009 Domaine Attila Halasz "Oliver Zalan Reserve" Pinot Noir - Coal River - 13.5%:
92/100

1996 Sally's Paddock:
Powerful, long and tight. Dark fruit, spice, pepper. Superb. 95/100

2003 Duque de Montebello "Monasterio de la Cruz" Valdepenas:
Medium body. Smooth. Easy to understand but complex. 90/100

2008 Printhie Shiraz:
Cheap, confected flavour. 86/100

2002 The Willow Lane "Timothy Block" Shiraz:
Savoury. Bacon fat. Nice after a bit of air, but it has seen better days. 86/100

2009 Quilty "Running Stitch" Cabernet Sauvignon:
Savoury. Earthy, brambly fruit. Some elegance and good line through the palate but always gives the impression of being a little charmless and flat. 88/100

2009 Quilty "Black Thimble" Shiraz:
“Not the usual Mudgee mash of big fruit flavours. Although the nose gets hit for six, a dryness settles on the palate right from the word go. Sit back, drink, and allow yourself to zone out to peppery heaven and ever so subtle infusions of fruit. It’s full of class though hard to classify. Discovering the wine’s essence is a challenge, and I think I’m still searching, but as T.S. Eliot said, ‘The journey not the arrival matters’. Bon voyage!”- Geoff Greenwood. Me... Ripe plums then a little too much alcohol on the first day, which thins the middle and gives a slightly bitter end. To its credit, the dark and scented flavours arise from the wine on the second day to overshadow the structure (the day Geoff write his note), but fall apart again on the third day. On average, 86/100.

2010 Vintage Cellars "Chalkboard" Frankland River Riesling:
Displays region and variety. Solid with some flavour and textured highlights. 87/100.

2009 Grove Mill "Grand Reserve" Riesling - Marlborough, NZ:
Caught between Old and New World, but nothing ethereal or "light on its feet" of the Old and nothing of clarity and substance of the New. Quality fruit but the resulting wine is a miss. 85/100

2009 Dopff "Reserve" Pinot Gris:
Pear, custard apple and cinnamon spice. Quite fill and textured middle. Really varietal but a little too much alcohol (13%) takes away the mineral, crystalline purity that this wine could have had. But a taste of Alsace is always enjoyable. 88/100

2004 Tarrawarra "Reserve" Chardonnay - 14%:
Oatmeal, matchstick and spice complexities on a melon and nectarine palate with a mineral water line-especially on the finish. Smooth palate. Need a little more power and freshness on the back palate to lift the wine to greatness, and more complexity as it is as if age has resulted in simplicity as opposed to complexity, but it is a very enjoyable wine to think over nonetheless. 91/100.

2008 Penfolds Bin 407 Cabernet Sauvignon - 14.5%:
A perfectly contrived wine, whose true identity will be seen over the next 10-15 years. I find no story in the wine, soulless.
Big flavour... check. Big line of tannin... check. Complete palate with drive... check. Will look great on its first day when opened next to other Cabernet... check.
Will fall apart over the next 10-15 years... I bet it will and tasting it on its third day makes me more confident... that tight brambly fruit is getting dilute, jammy and unstructured!!! 93---/100.

Adair