The Auswine Forum

Hello All,

I too read the Mount Mary 2004 Newsletter but seemed to find it more interesting than others whose opinions have been expressed.

I thought it worthwhile posting two points I felt to be of general interest to those who may not have received the newsletter.

One of the very pracrical pieces of information was Dr. Middleton's broad vintage assessments of his Pinot Noir and Quintet from 1991 to 2002:
* There have only been 4 "very good" to "excellent" vintages of the Pinot Noir. They are: 1992, 1996, 1999 and 2000.
* There have been 9 "very good" to "excellent" vintages of the Quintet and 3 "indifferent" vintages. The "indifferent" vintages are: 1993, 1994 and 1997.

With regard to cork closures and their problems with Trichloroanisole, Dr. Middleton was positive about the future of the Zork closure and looks forward to its further testing, while he summed up all other possible closures, presumably screwcaps fits within this generalisation, that "Alternative synthetic closures have been employed for some years now, but not without indifferent results with regard to other taints being introduced, oxidation and loss of free sulphur dioxide in the wine that is put in there to preserve it."

Kind regards,
Adair

He is talking about synthetic closures - i.e. plastic corks

Anonymous wrote:He is talking about synthetic closures - i.e. plastic corks

At first I suspected this to be the case but then thought it too unusual to comment on cork, Zork and "alternative synthetic closures" without the screwcap closure being part of the generalisation. Given Mount Mary's lack of screwcap use, I did not think it a long bow to draw.

Thanks,
Adair

Adair wrote: Given Mount Mary's lack of screwcap use, I did not think it a long bow to draw.

Thanks,
Adair

I always assumed "alternate synthetic closure" to be synonym for 'artificial cork'. Once you see the phrase a..s...c... you normally see screwcaps defined as 'ROTE'.

Anyway, I can't imagine Dr M accusing screwcaps of "other taints being introduced, oxidation and loss of free sulphur dioxide in the wine that is put in there to preserve it.". I thought I read him paraphrased as claiming wine development is retarded, if it occurs at all.

Must give MM a ring - I've changed address since last year and I think they're the last one I ahven't told!

cheers,
Graeme