2004 Seppelt Chalambar Shiraz

[Sean]

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[ticklenow1]

2004 Seppelt Chalambar Shiraz This was released about this time of the year 5 years ago. The fruit comes from the Grampians and Bendigo and it was a very good vintage in Victoria. Like most vintages of this wine, it needed to be tucked away for a few years to wait for the tannins to soften up and the wine to show its best. It is in the drinking window now and those who have bottles of this should be drinking it soon. The trick is not to hang on to these Chalambars forever, because I think that when they hit their prime that’s when they should be drunk. It is still purpley and the spicy/clove character it has always had has not gone away, with blackberry, dark plum and licorice coming up on the palate as well as more of a savoury/moreish than earthy aged character, which suggests to me it is going to dry out rather than develop any more. The signature tannins are more integrated now, but they are not going anywhere and while it has a mellow feel to it the finish is astringent because of the tannins. Not as good as the pace-setting 2000 (or the ones after it) and if this is a typical bottle those who went long on this might be disappointed.

We had one a while back at a dinner party and the consensus was that it still had plenty of life left. Your notes are spot on though. I buy a 6 pack every vintage and have never been disappointed in this wine. Especially when it is heavily discounted at the chains. We had our last bottle of '99 early last year and it was simply amazing. I think value for money, it is hard to beat. St Peters is also exceptional VFM even at $60 or so. When cellared for about 10 years it is simply stunning. I am a big fan of Seppelt's table wines and even their budget drops are good for the money.

[TiggerK]

2004 Seppelt Chalambar Shiraz It is in the drinking window now and those who have bottles of this should be drinking it soon.

In the window yes, but just barely judging by last night's one, and even then needs air time. When you say soon, I would hope you mean now or within the next 5-10 years. I doubt it will fade rapidly.....

Cheers
TiggerK

[tos]

Agree with TiggerK - just into the drinking window. Has integrated but still primary. The cool climate spice that Sean describes is very appealing and can understand why you'd want to drink a few of them now. I've only got 2 left from an initial 6 so will keep them for a couple of years.

[Waiters Friend]

I still have a couple of 2004s (and 2003-2007), and from previous experience with last century's Chalambars, I'm happy to hold for a couple of yars yet

[Sean]

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[Waiters Friend]

Great notes, Sean, and thanks for the effort of tracking them all down.

Like you, I reckon the Chalamabar is a safe 5 year bet, and then vintage variation takes care of the rest.

Cheers

Allan

[Mahmoud Ali]

The only Seppelt Chalambar I have in the cellar is the 1998, and indeed it has a small, colourful, gold edged label. Judging by the vintage and the reviews it received I had bet on it being a medium to long term wine. Obviously the posters here have had more experience with the Chalambar than I have so I just might make it one of the first '98s that I open.

Cheers...........................Mahmoud