The Auswine Forum

Hi everyone,

I hope all is well with everyone - I've had a bit of a hiatus but am now back, and I have a question for the wise people of the Auswine Forum:

I got married in 2013, and I would like to start a tradition of opening a 2013 vintage each year on our anniversary (inspired by Monghead's monthly 1996 tradition, although not quite as frequent).

To ensure a good selection, I thought I'd buy the first dozen or so now, and wondered if anyone here has some suggestions of wines that will drink well each year. Also, whilst I would love to go for exclusively Grange or Hill of Grace, my budget is probably somewhat lower than that.

I also assume I might be a bit early in looking to purchase some of these wines as they might not be released yet, but any suggestions for what to look for in the future!

Thanks so much,

Paul

It's interesting, the Wine Front guys rate 2013 at least as good as 2012, and perhaps better. A big call from what I have read of others, but they have seen the the results thru tastings. I went pretty long on '12 so no room for the '13's I'm afraid.

The 2013 Kalleske Greenock Shiraz is out and got high endorsement, so that could be a great start. The early/mid 2000's versions are drinking beautifully now - should last 15 or so years.

Not sure if you are only looking for reds, but if not it is definitely time to start looking at 2013 Riesling and also some Chardonnay is out.

I really enjoyed the 2013 Brokenwood Indigo Chardonnay at a tasting and bought a few. Also Tyrell's Vat 47 2013 is available to their club members. 2013 was a good vintage in Margaret River, Mornington. So Leeuwin Estate Art Series when it is released might be worth buying, or Pierro. I am a big fan of the Dalwhinnie wines and their Chardonnay can be quite good. Yabby lake 2013 chardonnay has been released and I think they just released their single block wines. Giaconda 2013 is sold out via the winery but you might be able to pick some up elsewhere.

I have some 2013 Grosset Polish Hill and Jim Barry Florita in the cellar. They both need time, and I feel the Florita J's currently a bit disjointed, but I beliece they will both be excellent in the mid to long term. There are plenty of other riesling options obviously but those two sprang to mind as I have a few tucked away.

In terms of reds...the 2013 Clonakilla Shiraz Viognier is getting big raps. 2013 pinot from Vic should be good. Maybe look at something like one of the higher level Bass Phillips? I also think the 2013 Felton Rd Bannockburn is going to be very nice but maybe look at their single block wines if you want something a bit more special. I also bought several of the 2013 Tyrrell's hunter reds which look the foods so maybe some hunter shiraz?

So, depending on what you are after there is some stuff there you could be looking at to drink and cellar in at least the short and medium term, with a view to getting some bigger Reds to go the distance when they are released.

I'd probably be looking to go riesling or chardonnay the first few years, then maybe pinot, then you could be back to riesling or semillon, then after 10-15 years the bigger reds will really start hitting their straps, as will some premium pinot and whites.

+1 2013 Kalleske Greenock Shiraz

Also may want to consider Seppelt Chalambar and possibly the St Peter's when released.

Hacker wrote:It's interesting, the Wine Front guys rate 2013 at least as good as 2012, and perhaps better. A big call from what I have read of others, but they have seen the the results thru tastings. I went pretty long on '12 so no room for the '13's I'm afraid.

The 2013 Kalleske Greenock Shiraz is out and got high endorsement, so that could be a great start. The early/mid 2000's versions are drinking beautifully now - should last 15 or so years.

+1.

Tried my first 2003 Kalleske Greenock Shiraz out of my cellar last month after touching base with Troy Kalleske. it was just sensational and still had plenty of life in it.
I decanted it about 6 hours prior to the tasting. Left it in the decanter for about 1-2 hours with some periodic swirling. Then double-decanted back into the bottle. It is a very big wine but opened up beautifully. Who says big Aussie reds don't age well?

ufo wrote:Tried my first 2003 Kalleske Greenock Shiraz out of my cellar last month after touching base with Troy Kalleske. it was just sensational and still had plenty of life in it.
I decanted it about 6 hours prior to the tasting. Left it in the decanter for about 1-2 hours with some periodic swirling. Then double-decanted back into the bottle. It is a very big wine but opened up beautifully. Who says big Aussie reds don't age well?

Yes had this last month as well and it is in a very good place right now but still has +10 years in it I feel. And if you have this in magnum (the first release under magnum) then it will go even longer! The 2002 is an even better wine, as Troy released no Johann Georg in 2002 and all the grapes from these vines went into the normal Greenock I believe.

The 2013 Best's Bin 1 is pretty damn good at the price point, which I am guessing bodes well for the Thompson Family Shiraz when it is released.

With all things you are more likely to get better results if you pay more.

Most of Europe had a challenging year but the wines designed to age should give you many decades of drinking pleasure.

I've tried 2013 Burgundy and Barsac in barrel and these will last a very long time. GC burgundy is in short supply and as a consequence will be expensive. The Barsac (and sauterne) in full bottle and larger format will give decades of drinking pleasure.
Barolo will not be out for three years but if you're planning on having a 50 year marriage will likely see you through. They had a pretty good year and the GR will last.
A difficult year but the few German GG rieslings I have tried in the bottle appear outstanding.
Northern Rhones, eg Cote Rotie will see out your lifetime.

2013 Hawkes Bay reds are outstanding, many people are saying best ever. The top wines are yet to be released but from what I have seen from barrel and pre release samples etc, they are keepers. I have a preference for the Syrahs from what I have tried, but have no doubt there wiil be some great Bdx style wines as well. Consider Craggy Range Prestige collection, Te Mata Coleraine, Trinity Hill Homage for the long haul ... I will be buying as much as I can afford.

Hunter Valley semillon had a blinder of a year, and they will keep.

I'd back Curt in if the Hawkes Bay reds are what the grapevine (hah) is communicating.
A great Coleraine is as good a wine as you'll taste.
Mind you, HB is becoming a bit Margaret River in terms of great vintages. I've gone long on 07 and 08, taken a breather, and hope to leap back in with 13 .