The regular mamoth tasting held yesterday was just fantastic with lots of very good wines. Just tried the reds because of so many wines. If only these reps appreciated how much good reds improve with some early decanting, they would probably do it. My highlights were:
Favourite of the tasting - Houghton Gladstones shiraz 2000 - hard to believe how smooth this was considering the considerable intensity and tannins. A super wine and worth paying that bit extra for.
Other favourites for the day:
Petaluma Coonawarra 2001
Petaluma merlot 1999
Saltram No.1 2001
Seppelt St Peters 1999 - tasted very closed up and had only been open for 20 minutes. We returned to the dregs of the bottle after another hour and a bit and the bouquet and palate flavours had opened up beautifully.
Seppelt Chalambar 2001 - as good as I remember it from another recent tasting. A better wine than the standard Seppelt Victorian shiraz 2002 (which has above average intensity for the price).
Joseph River - very good wines from Harvey WA. Owned by Harvey Fresh more famous for their orange juice than winemaking. Harvey Fresh bring together local growers I believe. The 02 shiraz and 02 cabernet were very smooth and very good value at around $15-20 each.
Alkoomi shiraz viogner 2002 - great value. The 02 cabernet also very good.
Taylors St Andrews - 99 cabernet was very good with excellent mouthfeel. 00 shiraz also very good. 01 merlot - pass.
O'Leary shiraz 2003 - lots of sweet fruit here and A.oak to match. A surprise.
VC Tasting in Perth
VC Tasting in Perth
Justin B.