The Auswine Forum

Ok dont kill me for this thread so long out for Christmas. I just have so much on at work and I am in an airport lounge dreaming of my break. Just thinking of a break from all the turkeys I deal with brings a smile to my face.

So, have people started turning their minds to Christmas drinking at all? I need to do a bit of prep as I need to find all the bottles I need from the offsite and we have a 10hr drive to our hideaway we are sharing with 10x family.

What I am thinking about putting in my pack for the family week
White
- A Vat 47 for Dad, might have a 2013
- Some 2013-14 Hunter Semillon, Mcleish, Keith Tulloch, Vat 1 perhaps
-Champagne need advice on what to buy. No doubt some specials coming up. I tend to buy Piper Hiedsik as the house volume champers.
- Lakes Folly 2013 Chardy

Red
- Rockford Sparkling. Probably a 2016 disgorged
- Yarra Yering Malbec think its 2016. Picked it up from a Malbe day a few years ago
- Penfolds 389 from 2009.
- Wendouree, whatever I can find with a bit of age. Maybe mid 2000s.
- Coldstream Hills Reserve Pinot 2012
- A random Burgandy I can scrounge
- A Pegasus Bay Pinot, prob 2014
- Rockford Rifle Range 2012. Love this wine, been trying not to drink them all early

Aftershocks
- Sis will bring some home barrel aged port
- will try to bring some stickies that I seem to buy but dont drink
- Ardbeg 10. Just always need in reserve

That's my target. But no doubt doing a storage locker scrounge may see this list materially different.

G'day

My only advice would be to grab / buy older Hunter Semillons. The vintages you mentioned would be babies, and the wines fill out and blossom with a few more years on them.

Cheers
Allan

Thanks Allan. Have heard Sems are great aged. I have quite a few. But I also like them young and fresh too. They go great with the prawns

Not sure yet, but probably something with decent (but not excessive) age, to go with the likely roast guinea-fowl after a bracing walk.

Sommerlad old breed chicken
Ruinart bdb 2006
With many mystery wines

Arras has just released their 2004 EJ Carr Late Disgorged, so maybe that could be an option (it certainly is on my table this year)
for the sparkling red, im going Primo Joseph.

Great choice on Lakes Folly & The Vat 1's. I have a few 2003 1927 Vine Tahbilk Marsanne's (1st release under screwcap) im going to
crack as well and see how its traveling. If its no good, I have a 05,06 or 07 Vat 1 I can choose from.
Havent decided yet between Yabby Lake Single Vineyard, Holyman or Salo Chardonnay yet.....but Petaluma 2010 Hanlin Hill for the Riesling.

I have just picked up some 2006 Barolo which I may add to my Xmas drinking list as well.
Trying to source some Felton Rd Block 5, but its clearly a in demand wine. Failing that, two tonne dog and wolf or Dawson & James will
be the Pinot.

Bit over most shiraz now (bought way too much and now my tastes are changing), but I have a 2010 The Story Grampians that may get a run. LOVE Rockford Cab Sav. I think its their best wine (maybe apart from the black sparkling) tbh. 2011 Voyager Estate Cab Merlot is my replacement while my 2010 & 2012 Rifle Ranges get a bit more age on them.

Have some 2009 chateau rieussec sauternes that may get opened.... really depends on the day/people ect
but my after dinner is Romate Cardenal Cisneros Pedro Ximenez. Love this wine. By then hopefully everyone is done!

Rossco wrote:Arras has just released their 2004 EJ Carr Late Disgorged, so maybe that could be an option (it certainly is on my table this year)

IMHO this is Australia's best sparkling, bar none. 13 years on lees! I'm tempted to buy some, but in my mind I question if it's worth the entry price? I can buy vintage Champagne from great producers at the same price-point. Sure, they won't be 13 years on lees, but that's not the only important variable. I've still much to learn about Champagne but that's my dilemma.

Ozzie W wrote:

Rossco wrote:Arras has just released their 2004 EJ Carr Late Disgorged, so maybe that could be an option (it certainly is on my table this year)

IMHO this is Australia's best sparkling, bar none. 13 years on lees! I'm tempted to buy some, but in my mind I question if it's worth the entry price? I can buy vintage Champagne from great producers at the same price-point. Sure, they won't be 13 years on lees, but that's not the only important variable. I've still much to learn about Champagne but that's my dilemma.

I had the same questions, but then thought.

1. I can get similarly priced Champagnes from multiple producers and pretty much at any time/anywhere. BUT will they be as good... all subjective I guess.

2. I don't believe there is an equivalent Australian producer

3. This sells out most years

4. Unless its grower champagnes, the big houses dont need my money. (Yes i know Accolade owns Arras and they are a multi national corporation, and yes I see the double standards in my thoughts, but Arras still are 'Australian' in my eyes).

Christmas Eve - Danish Style Christmas with Roast Duck, Caramalised Potatoes and Steamed red cabbage. Danish Vanilla Rice Pudding and Cherry Sauce for dessert 8 people in attendance from my family - wine and beer drinkers.

A by Arras Sparkling
Hoddles Creek Pinot Gris
Montalto Estate Pinot Noir 2017
Henshke Keyneton Euphonium 2010

Christmas lunch - Ham, Leftover Duck, Prawns + Salad with my wife's family (mostly tea totalers) and the drunks from my family - wine and beer drinkers.

Montalto Pennon Hill Rose
Henschke Peggy's Hill Reisling
Hoddles Creek Pinot Noir

2 cases of assorted Hoddles Creek and Deep Woods Estate as back-up.

Rossco wrote:

Ozzie W wrote:

Rossco wrote:Arras has just released their 2004 EJ Carr Late Disgorged, so maybe that could be an option (it certainly is on my table this year)

IMHO this is Australia's best sparkling, bar none. 13 years on lees! I'm tempted to buy some, but in my mind I question if it's worth the entry price? I can buy vintage Champagne from great producers at the same price-point. Sure, they won't be 13 years on lees, but that's not the only important variable. I've still much to learn about Champagne but that's my dilemma.

I had the same questions, but then thought.

1. I can get similarly priced Champagnes from multiple producers and pretty much at any time/anywhere. BUT will they be as good... all subjective I guess.

2. I don't believe there is an equivalent Australian producer

3. This sells out most years

4. Unless its grower champagnes, the big houses don't need my money. (Yes i know Accolade owns Arras and they are a multi national corporation, and yes I see the double standards in my thoughts, but Arras still are 'Australian' in my eyes).

Like where the two of you are going here, but might be controversial...oh really
We are informed punters here at Auswine and yes Arras is a fine drop, but
In the eyes of Mr and Mrs Joe Public, Arras doesn't rate but it should, the great unwashed particularly at this time of the year; one wouldn't know and two, have to be seen with a 'known lesser mass produced marque" which has been sitting on the docks for months but hey its French and I wouldn't be seen dead actually drinking a much better wine from Tassie Cue all the dickheads next Tuesday in Melbourne... see you in the Arras tent, err.

If I wish to shoot myself in the foot, OK well just a graze, if I was looking at a wine like Arras, I would actually look at Bolly GA or RD, certainly from the point of view of extended lees contact. Whilst I have a few RDs and a few GAs and would love to have many many more...stunning Champagne, this is where I would be heading.

As for VFM and I've said it before pound for pound Sepplets Salinger spanks many others, time on lees, time in the bottle and $22 for a vintage sparkler

My 2c and happy to be beaten to a pulp

cheers craig

So far the only certain thing is a 2002 Anderson's Sparkling Shiraz from Rutherglen.
Possibly also an Aussie from the 90's if I'm not the only one drinking.
The rest of the crowd usually drink cheap Moscato and beer.

Cheers Con.

For 100 bucks give or take, the 2008 Pol Roger is hard to beat. Drinks fantastically now and will last 2 decades.

Mike Hawkins wrote:For 100 bucks give or take, the 2008 Pol Roger is hard to beat. Drinks fantastically now and will last 2 decades.

Mike, was at the Great Australian Red tasting last month here in Adelaide with Tyson Stelzer and he spoke fondly of many of the 08s including Pol. He also suggested 08 Verve was a very good proposition, have seen it for $75 recently.

cheers craig

It looks the goods as a vintage... better than 2002 and possibly 1996. There will be exceptions of course. I’m at Dom Perignon in a few weeks among other houses and am hoping to get a taste of the 2008

phillisc wrote:

Mike Hawkins wrote:For 100 bucks give or take, the 2008 Pol Roger is hard to beat. Drinks fantastically now and will last 2 decades.

Mike, was at the Great Australian Red tasting last month here in Adelaide with Tyson Stelzer and he spoke fondly of many of the 08s including Pol. He also suggested 08 Verve was a very good proposition, have seen it for $75 recently.

cheers craig

2008 Vintage Veuve Clicquot is exceptional. Had it on a few occasions now and for me it was better than the 09 Dom.
Wasnt really taken with the 2008 Vintage Veuve Clicquot Rose` though, and thought the Brut a better wine.

I heard discussion around me at lunch that the 2008 Cristal kicks ass ..

2008 Cristal is the best-ever release of that wine, absolutely fantastic.
But it cost me $240 AUD at pre-release up in HK, goodness only knows what it will cost in Au$tralia!!!

Mike Hawkins wrote:For 100 bucks give or take, the 2008 Pol Roger is hard to beat. Drinks fantastically now and will last 2 decades.

interesting Mike, I reckon it is too young, as are all the 08's right now. Looking like 1996 IMO.

felixp21 wrote:2008 Cristal is the best-ever release of that wine, absolutely fantastic.
But it cost me $240 AUD at pre-release up in HK, goodness only knows what it will cost in Au$tralia!!!

230 dollars
Just ran back and grabbed more
Breathless now
Bargain

felixp21 wrote:

Mike Hawkins wrote:For 100 bucks give or take, the 2008 Pol Roger is hard to beat. Drinks fantastically now and will last 2 decades.

interesting Mike, I reckon it is too young, as are all the 08's right now. Looking like 1996 IMO.

I actually said the same thing re 1996 Pol Roger ... for me the Pinot gives it enough lushness to drink now but it will improve for decades

Likely some of that bog average Rockford BP (97 and 01 most probably), some 98 Penfolds (have to drink up the Bin 128s I bought forever ago), some 99 Wynns Black Label and a D'Arenberg 73 Vintage Port. Whites will be some riesling most likely, some 06 and 07 Petaluma to see how that's travelling. Between Xmas and New Years visiting friends, will be old world I reckon. New Years will be a magnum of some description - likely 96 St Hugo. Oh and plenty of Peroni Red.

michel wrote:

felixp21 wrote:2008 Cristal is the best-ever release of that wine, absolutely fantastic.
But it cost me $240 AUD at pre-release up in HK, goodness only knows what it will cost in Au$tralia!!!

230 dollars
Just ran back and grabbed more
Breathless now
Bargain

wow, that is a GREAT price for Australia!!!
hope you cleaned the place out!!!!

phillisc wrote:[
As for VFM and I've said it before pound for pound Sepplets Salinger spanks many others, time on lees, time in the bottle and $22 for a vintage sparkler

My 2c and happy to be beaten to a pulp

cheers craig

Tell me more about the Salinger. I like the dryer style so would it suit?

Carl

Family Christmas is actually early December this year, as it's an "off" year and my (grown-up) sons will be with their better halves in Boston, Montreal, and Barcelona respectively with their in-laws or soon to be in-laws hehe
So, the big do, that starts around noon and finishes around midnight, will include my usual vinous input:
for 20 people:
Beer: Tsing Tao... what else!!!
Champagne, all sorts, x6 bottles (Selosse, Cristal, Winston, et al)
Entree: (whole fish, shell fish etc) 2015 Olivier Pithon Cuvee Lais Blanc (x4 bottles)
Main: (lamb) 2003 Leoville Barton (x4 bottles)
Sweet: (trifle et al) 2001 Rieussec (x2 bottles)
Cheese: (always too big and too many hehe) Fonseca 77, Warre's 94, Rockford 97

Tasting:
Horizontal of Clos de la Roche 2011, (average year in Burgundy, but Cdl R absolutely shone)
Ponsot
Arlaud
Faiveley
Raphet
Lignier-Michelot

Annual Christmas Wine Challenge: five bottles to identify blind.. YTBD

Small number of bottles to accompany lunch, as experience has shown people are too busy gas-bagging at that stage to drink much

Having Christmas with some red lovers so:

2008 Poonawatta The Cuttings Shiraz
2008 Dalwhinnie Shiraz
2008 Raymond Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley
2017 Rockford Alicante Bouchet
Rockford BS Disgorgement tbd
2004 Chateau Reiusec

Hopefully in some nice aircon for those reds.

The rest of the crowd usually drink cheap Moscato and beer.

That's a pretty brilliant mental image Con. And given the quality level you like to drink at, it has even more resonance

via collins wrote:The rest of the crowd usually drink cheap Moscato and beer.

That's a pretty brilliant mental image Con. And given the quality level you like to drink at, it has even more resonance

Sounds like a table for one, whilst the rest drink swill....reminds me of a relative that sometimes attends, plonks down a bottle of bundy and a two litre diet coke...thankfully its just once a year

Cheers craig

Chuck wrote:

phillisc wrote:[
As for VFM and I've said it before pound for pound Sepplets Salinger spanks many others, time on lees, time in the bottle and $22 for a vintage sparkler

My 2c and happy to be beaten to a pulp

cheers craig

Tell me more about the Salinger. I like the dryer style so would it suit?

Carl

Yes certainty a fuller style, my wife (who has a much better palate) finds it not dissimilar to NV Bollinger, rich, yeasty, biscuty, however, she actually prefers cleaner styles like Piper or Mumm.
I think for the coin, there is still a little bit of love shown, and its hasn't gone down the path of tank fermented gunk of so many lesser styles.
Will crack one shortly, think the '13 is the current release, the dozen or so 12's that I have consumed have been very enjoyable.

Cheers craig

Thanks Craig. Tried one last night and I liked it with some sashimi. Nice dryer style however SWMBO wasn't keen. She didn't like the yeasty flavours which may have been due to the 13 vintage. I've found these flavours in more mature aussie bubbles. Will try the 14 when it comes out. The search for a house bubbles continues.

Carl

As per every year - Rockford Black Shiraz. I have a couple of 2012 disgorge set aside for this year.

As it is so hot and humid here on the Gold Coast, we normally stick to whites during the day and crank up the AC at night for a late evening red.

Cheers
Ian