The Auswine Forum

1984 Mamre Brook Cabernet(80%) Shiraz (20%) Good friend who's not a wine geek opened his last one while visiting - much appreciated. Has lived a gypsy life in about 7 homes - none with a cellar - but must have at least been cellared on its side as the fill level was excellent. Very wet and gooey under the lead capsule and pulling the cork out was a nightmare - super soft and saturated - broke in two. Wasn't expecting much - you know only great bottles not wines at 20 years.

Turned out to be a stunner - no mustiness, straight into licorice, chocolate and leather. 80% cab , you.ve got to be kidding - a bit like what a lot of Hunters do with age where the terroir totally overrides the variety. On the palete soft and cuddly , mid to full bodied with a lovely long and velvet finish. A very honest and maybe a bit old fashioned ozzie red. A privilege to drink - just goes to show you don't have to have a cellar at 15C and 65% humidity to guarantee a good drink.

2001 Leasingham Bastion Shiraz Cabernet. As a $9 quaffer I was most impressed. Good rich colour and nose - the oak doesn't stick out. Nice soft but good weighted palate , decent finish and not sweet!! Worth buying.

1999 Cleanskin Cabernet Merlot This is the one off the Hillstowe vineyard available ata national retail outlet. Red with some bricking , indistinct nose slightly earthy and rustic not bad though. Soft midweight palate with good but uncomplicated friut - again not overoaked but didn't really sing - seemed to be in transition from a fruit to a savory structured palate. Not bad but for drinking now would take the Bastion. $9.99 by the dozen

Paul

Isn't it great when you don't have high expectations and a gem is poured. The Mamre's are great wines both in terms of quality and value. I recall having a few 86's a few years back which were excellent.

I've often wondered if the source of the premium Saltram wines today went into the Mamre's of old?