The Auswine Forum

Noticed they had some cleanskin VP's going at rediculous prices on their web site - 98, 05, 06 etc. Are these the same wines as reviewed here a couple of years ago. Also does anyone know what bottle size they come in and any recent reviews?

Carl

I got a case of the '98 about 12 months ago. They're 375mL. Not too bad either. Pretty much in the slot for Aussie VP. You wouldn't go past them for $5-10 a bottle. Drinking well now, and at least another 5 years. Not perfect, but not too bad.

The 2006 VP's are 750ml. I bought a case for Christmas pressies the other day. They are screwcap and are the gold Seppelts caps. I read a review somewhere that they are OK. Seppeltsfield claim they will go for 15 years. Not being a port drinker, I'm really taking a punt I guess.

Ian

Hi all

I have bought a fair few of these over the last couple of years. The 1998 (375ml) are a little spirity but have the fruit to cope. The 2006 (750ml) are better balanced, but obviously younger. They will be better in the long run. Nothing fantastic but very good value for money.

Cheers

Michael

I've enjoyed a fair whack of the '98 and '99.

I'm in disagreement with Michael though - I found the spirit sticks out a little too much on the '99, but the '98 has been a much better balanced performer. Really stupendous value for the buck. Must get a few '06 away.

I have 98 and 06, the 98 is drinking well now and will go longer, the 2006 isn't ready really but I think I'd agree with those above saying it will be better.
Haven't tried the 05 and dont see the need to now I still have 11 06's in storage

Thanks for the update. A case of the 06 looks the goods.

Carl

I can vouch for the 06- pretty classy. Oddly enough, would do ok with a big steak or similar... Has some youthful table wine-ish characters at this stage of it's life.

At the risk of inciting a riot, am I the only person who has purchased these vintages and been underwhelmed? I find each one of them very simple ports, nothing but primary fruit and spirits.

i thought they were pretty average, but for the price you cant complain.

I have bought the '98 and '05 and had a bottle of each... the '98 is pleasant enough, drink now to a couple of years. I found the '05 to be pretty darn good - open over a week without a dip in flavour - although obviously quite primary/spirity at this point I think will develop well. For $6/bttl - brilliant.

orpheus wrote:At the risk of inciting a riot, am I the only person who has purchased these vintages and been underwhelmed? I find each one of them very simple ports, nothing but primary fruit and spirits.

Hi Orpheus

When I look at the comments in the thread, no one seems to me to be really raving about them. Just a reasonable VP for $6 pb delivered.

Still, you never know what might cause a riot these days........

Cheers

Michael

Yes, Michael, I suppose a riot is unlikely given that most of our members are not in London.

I haven't loved each of these little fortifieds - some taste like the oak was a bit wet when they made them and some aren't all that great. Funnily the small ones with labels I like are the ones with all the medals and one's I don't are the ones without!! The cleanskins I liked are the 98's and 2006's but the latter need about 10 years to mature.

For me the 06 is head and shoulders about the rest. Can't complain about the price with the others in the slightest but the 06 was worth going back for seconds.

cheers

Carl