The Auswine Forum

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Joseph Sparkling Red (digorged 2008)... A lucky bargain from auction for 1/3rd the RRP. This is an intensely sweet, rich bubbles with very ripe, stewed fruit flavours and a fine persistent bead. The blend is Shiraz, with a component of the Joseph Moda Cab Merlot (amarone style) going in. Interesting wine.

Valdamor Albarinho (Rias Braxis, Spain) 2005... Glowing yellow in the glass, this has a complex nose of apricot, oil with some cirtus characteristics. Surprisingly sweet through the palate, a slight hint of flavours resembling botyrtis. Tasty, and interesting.

Robertsons Well Coonawarra Cabernet 2000... Was only ever a cheapie, got lost in the cellar for the last 6 or so years. Opened well with a classic aged cabernet nose, some blackcurrant, leather, cigar box, and earth. Not sublime, but a curio probably 3 yrs past its peak.

2009 Katnook Estate Founders Block Sauvingon Blanc
Was good, but may have been better if I drank it sooner. Still nice though. 7/10

2009 Elefante Vino de la Tierra de Castilla (Tempranillo and Shiraz)
Bargain. Strawberries and cherries with some nice spice from the shiraz. Great quaffer!

Sean wrote:2009 Vasse Felix Cabernet Merlot This is purpley and promising, especially the rich fruity aromatics as I poured this into my glass. It was a last minute decision to open this, so it wasn’t decanted. I had it over a couple of hours, however, and it went through a transformation over that time changing in the glass, but not really ever hitting any height of delights. It is easy enough to enjoy drinking with some cedary French oak, mulberry, cassis, cherry and dark plums, a hint of leafiness every so often and a gravelly, dry mouthfeel which is the effect of the softest ever imaginable tannins you will ever find in a cabernet. It is a blend of cabernet and merlot, and while no doubt the merlot has filled out the mid-palate in this giving it fruit as well as some softness it does little more than that, so after a while I felt like I was simply finishing the bottle (Wendy lost interest and left me to finish the bottle off) and just drinking a wine because I felt like a wine rather than this one in particular, which is a shame really.

Vasse Felix really seems to struggle with the cab merlot. The Heytesbury cabernet and the 'standard' straight cab are generally, vintage permitting, extremely good but I've never known anyone to be especially impressed by the cab merlot - even in good years. In fact I'd say it's very possible to argue that the entry level red is often better value than the cab merlot.

Actually I might ask a wider question here: does anyone know any reliable mid-range Margaret River reds? I've not thought this through fully but it does occur to me that while there are some very serviceable quaffers and the high end is phenomenal, a lot of the $25-30ish reds aren't especially good value. For instance Voyager's Girt By Sea is a bit hit and miss, I've never been stunned by Cape Mentelle's mid range stuff (or, TBF, the high end stuff!) and I've not been blown away by Cullen below Mangan level either. Clairault does ok at that price level I think, though I haven't tried many.

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I tend to agree Loztralia. Brown Hill and Flametree wines are worth trying. Brown Hill's Fimiston Reserve Shiraz is very good for around $25.

Sean wrote:

Loztralia wrote:Actually I might ask a wider question here: does anyone know any reliable mid-range Margaret River reds? I've not thought this through fully but it does occur to me that while there are some very serviceable quaffers and the high end is phenomenal, a lot of the $25-30ish reds aren't especially good value. For instance Voyager's Girt By Sea is a bit hit and miss, I've never been stunned by Cape Mentelle's mid range stuff (or, TBF, the high end stuff!) and I've not been blown away by Cullen below Mangan level either. Clairault does ok at that price level I think, though I haven't tried many.

I have generally gone for straight cab savs from Margaret River and really enjoyed wines from the 2005 and 2007 vintages and which I thought were outstanding wines for less than $20 (or $25) showing the inherent quality of cabernets from there. More recently I have been drinking 2008 and 2009 vintages of the Evans & Tate Metricup Road cab sav and would pick it over a cab merlot simply because I like a straight cab sav.

I have really enjoyed cab merlots from Ashbrook (an older vintage), Fraser Gallop (though I still prefer the straight cab sav over their cab merlot), Watershed (another older vintage), Woodlands and Forester Estate. The 2007 vintage of the latter was really good and I have a bottle of the 2008 vintage I will be trying soon. But this is one of those things I would keep an eye out for recco’s on from the guys in WA.

Another vote for the Fraser Gallop Cab Sav. I now have the last 3 vintages (07,08 &09) all great little wines that will see 10-15 years no problems.

Sean wrote:A few from me. What has everyone else been drinking this weekend or lately?

2011 Pizzini Pinot Grigio

2006 David Traeger Shiraz Until not too long ago I had been enjoying the 2003 vintage of this, which has mellowed and softened up nicely and will still be drinking beautifully by the way. This is the vintage on the shelves now or at least where I have been buying it, so I am getting it with a few years age on it. David Traeger Wines is owned by Dromana Estate so the address on the back label is the one belonging to Dromana Estate, but the fruit comes from vineyards in Goulburn Valley, which could be the original vineyards used for this shiraz. A bold, dark red-purple colour suggesting this will be intense and it is, showing obvious charry/vanilla oak (though it got both American and French oak) and distinctly spicy aromatics becoming quite perfumed and even more interesting on the palate as it opens up with brambly fruit, dark plums, dried herbs and a subtle, savoury earthiness as well as deep seated tannins.

I've only sampled one DT and that was his Verdhelo but I've never given the Shiraz a shake of the sauce bottle, even though I drive past his Cellar Door at least once a month. Had an interesting chat with him regarding the Dromana Estate ownership and he wasn't thrilled about the entire arrangement

07 Fromm Spatlese. Nectar!
10 Jacobs Creek Sauvignon Blanc. Having a giraffe here. Rubbish as expected. Who brought this?? you aint coming back!!
08 Doctors Riesling. Another real good off dry riesling kabinett in style. Lasting very well with a nice citris peel edge now
94 Orlando Lawsons Shiraz. A bit stewed and muddy disappointing
06 Puriri Hills Estate. Not the best vintage of this wine, in fact one of the worst. An ok drink but no wow factor. Not in the league of the 05 or 08 its feels a bit forced

Loztralia wrote:Actually I might ask a wider question here: does anyone know any reliable mid-range Margaret River reds?

Second the Brown Hill reserves at $25 a pop. Also, Happs Shiraz, Sangiovese and Cab-Merlot around the $20-25 level are quite tidy and last well too. I'm on the 04 shiraz at the moment and it's nowhere near ready for my tastes. Good stuffing though. Many of the big names are way over priced - comes from having to pay for those large gates and elaborate entry ways!!!

Cheers

Dave

Running With Bulls 2009 Vermentino - sparky, limey, medium length, and perfect for cooking with mussels, then drinking with mussels.

Woodlands 2007 "Margaret" CS/M/M/PV blend - Two of my favourite wines this year are named Margaret. This one is as fine & graceful as I've enjoyed in a while. Dark purple colour, presenting a broad range of dark fruits and a strong leathery/savoury character on the palate. Satiny mouthfeel, a really persuasive wine without being a bully at all. Nice bay leaf element as it grows, character increases throughout. Magnificent wine. IMHO.

Jean-Marc Burgaud 2009 Ch de Thulon beaujolais - strong earth and mulch notes, topped by a crop of violets. More like gardening than drinking wine at times, though the character moved around throughout the bottle. Every bit as enjoyable as what I was hoping for from this much-lauded vintage, super value at $22 for entry level.

rens wrote:

Sean wrote:

Loztralia wrote:Actually I might ask a wider question here: does anyone know any reliable mid-range Margaret River reds? I've not thought this through fully but it does occur to me that while there are some very serviceable quaffers and the high end is phenomenal, a lot of the $25-30ish reds aren't especially good value. For instance Voyager's Girt By Sea is a bit hit and miss, I've never been stunned by Cape Mentelle's mid range stuff (or, TBF, the high end stuff!) and I've not been blown away by Cullen below Mangan level either. Clairault does ok at that price level I think, though I haven't tried many.

I have generally gone for straight cab savs from Margaret River and really enjoyed wines from the 2005 and 2007 vintages and which I thought were outstanding wines for less than $20 (or $25) showing the inherent quality of cabernets from there. More recently I have been drinking 2008 and 2009 vintages of the Evans & Tate Metricup Road cab sav and would pick it over a cab merlot simply because I like a straight cab sav.

I have really enjoyed cab merlots from Ashbrook (an older vintage), Fraser Gallop (though I still prefer the straight cab sav over their cab merlot), Watershed (another older vintage), Woodlands and Forester Estate. The 2007 vintage of the latter was really good and I have a bottle of the 2008 vintage I will be trying soon. But this is one of those things I would keep an eye out for recco’s on from the guys in WA.

Another vote for the Fraser Gallop Cab Sav. I now have the last 3 vintages (07,08 &09) all great little wines that will see 10-15 years no problems.

Hay Shed Hill is pretty good. Picardy's Merlot blend can be very interesting. And of course the Blue Poles stuff.

Took a very nice trip up to my favourite winery in Nagambie on Sunday; Tahbilk.

I really only went for one reason, in that they were having a 'warehouse sale' on some of their older stock.
In their advertisement they didn't say what was for sale, or how much they were selling it for....so like a sucker i HAD to find out.

Started tasting their current list as unfortunately none of the warehouse sale stock was available for tasting. It didn't really bother me, as i have previously tasted pretty much every vintage since 1991 during the glorious years when they had their 'museum' tastings on....although sadly that seems to have finished

Picked up some fabulous 1992 Cab Sav's and Shiraz, 1997 Reserve Shiraz and 2001 Reserve Shiraz at pretty amazing prices. Cannot wait to crack the 1992's as
they are ready for drinking now!

Stumbled on a CRACKING wine called the 1997 'Old Block' Cab Sav....WOW this wine was tops. From the first sniff this impressed me. Lashings of earth, oak, tannins and tobacco. Real Nagambie flavours & great colour for a 14 year old wine. Quality fruit in there and a little mint/capsicum although it takes a back seat to the oak. Completely different to the Leconfield i had the night before. Although both were medium bodied (everything is medium bodied compared to the 08 Turkey Flat shiraz from friday)

Bought 2 of these, and had another one with lunch. At $26.95 this is a complete bargain, and i rate this MUCH better than the Leconfield that is around the same money.

Loztralia wrote:Actually I might ask a wider question here: does anyone know any reliable mid-range Margaret River reds?

The 2007 Ringbolt Cab Sav was a cracking wine for around the $18 - $20. Seeing as the 2008 & 2009 vintage's in Margaret River were sensational, hopefully
that flowed through to ringbolt (but i havent tried the 08 or 09)

As I see it Australian wineries use cabs that didn't maker the grade and a blend it with merlot to soften into early drinking fruity wines. Put good cab with good merlot and add a dram of cab franc and/or petit verdot and you get the great bordeaux blend. Blend good cab with good merlot from a good vintage and you can get heaven in a glass. Very few can do it but Voyager is just about the best Aussie cab merlot IMO. A recent '01 was magnificent.

Carl

Sorry to put it like this, but if you can't find decent Margaret River reds in all price categories, you're not trying hard enough. I tried the Flying Fish Cove one at the recent Halliday book launch, and that was awesome. It's less than $30 I think.
The usual major producers have been trotted out here. Do yourself a favour and grab a copy of Ray Jordan's WA Wine Guide. He releases them yearly, much like Halliday, and they're usually fairly extensive.
Look for wines made by Palmer, Brygon Reserve, Churchview, Brown Hill, and then look further south to producers like Sinclair Wines, Castelli, Forest Hill. There is an absolute ocean of good wine out of WA at the moment, and so much from relatively unknown producers.

Rossco wrote:Took a very nice trip up to my favourite winery in Nagambie on Sunday; Tahbilk.

Stumbled on a CRACKING wine called the 1997 'Old Block' Cab Sav....WOW this wine was tops. From the first sniff this impressed me. Lashings of earth, oak, tannins and tobacco. Real Nagambie flavours & great colour for a 14 year old wine. Quality fruit in there and a little mint/capsicum although it takes a back seat to the oak. Completely different to the Leconfield i had the night before. Although both were medium bodied (everything is medium bodied compared to the 08 Turkey Flat shiraz from friday)

Bought 2 of these, and had another one with lunch. At $26.95 this is a complete bargain, and i rate this MUCH better than the Leconfield that is around the same money.

Great to hear Rossco. Bought 2 last year as 1997 is our wedding year. Looking forward to cracking first one on our anniversary in a couple of months.

Cheers
Scott

cuttlefish wrote:Sorry to put it like this, but if you can't find decent Margaret River reds in all price categories, you're not trying hard enough. I tried the Flying Fish Cove one at the recent Halliday book launch, and that was awesome. It's less than $30 I think.
The usual major producers have been trotted out here. Do yourself a favour and grab a copy of Ray Jordan's WA Wine Guide. He releases them yearly, much like Halliday, and they're usually fairly extensive.
Look for wines made by Palmer, Brygon Reserve, Churchview, Brown Hill, and then look further south to producers like Sinclair Wines, Castelli, Forest Hill. There is an absolute ocean of good wine out of WA at the moment, and so much from relatively unknown producers.

Fair enough: I don't live there and I was probably generalising based on the better known producers. I've heard good things about Brown Hill, and I'll make efforts to try some of the other recommendations on this thread.

My 40th birthday drinks....

2001 Mt Mary Quintet Couldn't really figure this out. Hello where is the fruit? Easy to drink but not overly satisfying. Left me cold. Perhaps needs more development time. Maybe just not my thing.

1996 Orlando Jacaranda Ridge Cabernet Sauvignon Probably past it's best, a little disjointed. Still pretty good though. Lacked the ultra fine dusty characteristics that I expect in a top notch cabernet. Luck of the draw perhaps. My last bottle of this and happy to have no more.

1999 Seppelt St Peters Shiraz Yes, this is the business. Simply stunning. Delicate cool climate shiraz at it's best. Understated power.

2008 Waterwheel 'Memsie', Bendigo

This is very good value at $9! Drinking very well now, nice integrated fruit, with a savoury long finish. Perhaps one of the best value wines that I have tasted.

Cardenal Cisneros, Pedro Ximenez

Yummo, dense, sweet, raisin flavours with a long smooth velvety finish! very very good. It is a shame that bottles are only 750ml!

Chard Farm, 2007 Finla Mor, Pinot Noir, Central Otago, NZ

A beautiful, fragrant well balanced wine. This did not last long with a roast leg of lamb.

I seem to have problems staying logged in on this site. Annoying when you type out notes only to lose them. Nevertheless, here are a couple:

2006 Martin Schaetzel Kaefferkopf Cuvée Catherine Gewürztraminer
Limpid yellow gold. Nose of honeysuckle and apricots. A lush palate with spiced apricots, caramel with perhaps a little bitterness. Lovely wine with spicy food. Excellent/Outstanding.

Dow's Crusted Port (bottled 2003)
Opaque red. Rich, dense fruit in this one with savoury anise. The acidity provides lovely balance and leaves you ready for the next glass. Excellent.

2007 Domaine Road Vineyard Pinot Noir
Red with a brownish hue. Some forest floor with cinnamon and oak. Tangy cherry palate finishing shorter than it should. A little reduced at first but comes around after a day yet the short finish remains. Good.

cheers

Carl

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Loztralia wrote:Actually I might ask a wider question here: does anyone know any reliable mid-range Margaret River reds?

G'day Loz

I don't have much Cabernet in my cellar but one I have bought each year for the last 4 or so is the Wine By Brad. At (just) sub-$20 it is great, authentic cabernet. And the fabulous labels are a bonus.

Cheers

Michael

It was a big week of wine for me.

First, my wife and I spent three days in the Barossa to celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary. Tried (and bought) some pretty good wine at Torbreck, Grant Burge, Seppeltsfield, Bethany and Schild Estate. The best tasting was at Small Fry in Angaston. Wayne, the owner, sat down and tasted and chatted with us for an hour or so.

We stayed at the Novotel and on the Saturday night they had a degustation dinner with Langmeil wines. The food was pretty good and I liked the Orphan Bank Shiraz. On Sunday night we again ate in the hotel restaurant and had a bottle of 2008 Rockford Basket Press with dinner. Even though it was too young it was supurb. So the next day we went to Rockford and, as expected, they had no Basket Press for tasting but they did have 2006 Magnums for sale so we bought one of those.

Back home on Thursday and our local restaurant had their monthly winemaker degustation dinner. This month was Irvine Wines from Eden Valley with Jim Irvine himself coming to present the wines. The 8 courses of food were all sensational and the 7 wines were all very good. The Pinot Gris was the pick of the whites. In the reds I think most people loved the Grand Merlot (2004) but everyone on our table preferred the Zinfandel (2006).

On Friday night we had friends and family around for a casual celebration for our anniversary. We stoked up the wood fired oven and started with some crispy pork belly before getting into a variety of pizzas. Quite a bit of wine was opened, the highlights were:

1986 Wolf Blass Grey Label Magnum – from our wedding year and still good.
1996 Seppelts Victoria Shiraz Magnum
1994 Redbank Sallys Paddock

This week I am having a few wine free days.

Wow the birthday drinks and 40th sound like good occassions celebrated with good wine.

Makes me think, I need to source some good 03 magnums before they become hard to get.