The third in the series of six (Pinot, Shiraz & Cabernets yet to come). Matched with some great entrees & desserts, but three of the biggest wild Barramundi flown in from N.T. I've ever seen - sensational fish!
Shaw & Smith Sauv Blanc '04.
Ah, the perrenial Oz favourite. Tropical fruit nose, no particular fruit dominating, so quite complex in that way. Full flavour, excellent acid balance with mineral tones, very good length, great wine! Much better than the '03.
Dog Point Sauv Blanc '04.
A complete cahnge from the previous wine. Pure asparagus on the nose, which whilst took some adjusting to, was not unpleasant. If anything, added to the interest. Luckily it didn't taste of asparagus tho! Slightly green with strong grapefruit, good acid, good mid palate mouthfeel, but with a flat mineral finish (if that makes sense). Entree was served with this wine, and the food softened the wine out beautifully. Quite good!
Sorrenberg Sem/Sauv '04.
Grassy asparagus with subdued tropical fruit on the nose, with some barrel ferment evident on the nose. Smooth wine, but lacking a little on the palate. Dry.
Cloudy Bay Te Koko '02.
Tropical fruit with intensity and roundness woth what seems barrel feerment characteristics on nose. A bit of funk there too.
Powerfull, yet elegant, this is a chardonnay lovers sauv blanc. Great acid balance, the first of the wines to show structure, great length, complex, drinking beautifully now, but will defintately get better over the next 3-5 years as it softens out. Great wine - universally a favourite!
Pascal Jolivet Exception Sancerre Blanc '01.
A pong on the nose that took some time to blow off to reveal strikingly brilliant pure tropical fruit that seemd to immeadiately herald a step up in quality.
Powerfull fruit, but backed up with mineral tones that made that power attractive. Beautifully balanced abundant acids, this wine has years to go before it really hits its straps and shows its best. Excellent length & persistance, a wine of real class, it will be brilliant in time!
Pascal Jolivet Puilly Fume Grande Cuvee '00.
Both bottles horribly oxidised, sent back to wholesaler today for comment. Pity!
Tyrells Vat 1 Semillon '96.
The third time I have opened one of these in four years, and I'm begining to wonder when this beast will shed it's youth!!! Everything is there in spades, a power packed lemon/honey bomb backed up by loads of acids. Awsome length and persisitance, a 25 year wine! Needs to be drunk with a hearty Morrocan chicken dish!
Tyrells HVD Reserve Semillon '95.
Still one of the smoothest, classiest Hunter semillons i've ever drunk. Ageing slowly and gracefully, it is more elegant and refined than the Vat 1, and in a different class. World class definately. Remarkable wine for its age, still loads of quality primary fruit with evident acids, great mouthfeell, incredibly round & textured for an unoaked wine. Love it!
Then someone produced a bottle of '85 Pirramimma Chardonnay that blew everyone away by it's freshness and quality. Did someone forget to tell Pirramimma that McLaren Vale chardonnay is not supposed to be elegant, look cool climate and age well??Astounding!
Rory
Sauvignon Blanc/Semillon Masterclass.
Good notes Rory. The Vat 1 would have to consistently be the best example of Hunter Semillon, and doesn't it age so well.
Te Koko I've had a couple of times and it's been fabulous on both occasions.
Pirramimma produce better wines than most people realise but a 20yo Chardy? what a surprise packet.
Don't forget to pm me with your restaurant opening times, expect a visit!
Te Koko I've had a couple of times and it's been fabulous on both occasions.
Pirramimma produce better wines than most people realise but a 20yo Chardy? what a surprise packet.
Don't forget to pm me with your restaurant opening times, expect a visit!
Cheers - Steve
If you can see through it, it's not worth drinking!
If you can see through it, it's not worth drinking!
707 wrote:Good notes Rory. The Vat 1 would have to consistently be the best example of Hunter Semillon, and doesn't it age so well.
Te Koko I've had a couple of times and it's been fabulous on both occasions.
Pirramimma produce better wines than most people realise but a 20yo Chardy? what a surprise packet.
Don't forget to pm me with your restaurant opening times, expect a visit!
Dear Gavin,
someone has clearly hijacked Steve's login. I'm sure Steve doesnt know what Vat 1 is, and Te Koko is surely toddler gibberish. Chardy is a swiss vegetable.
AB
Well picked up Wizz. I did of course only put them in the mouth for research purposes at Blacktongues dinners where a few of the fringe members bring them along to rinse our glasses early in the evening before the big'nchunky reds appear.
I not that kinda person so I didn't swallow of course!!
I not that kinda person so I didn't swallow of course!!
Cheers - Steve
If you can see through it, it's not worth drinking!
If you can see through it, it's not worth drinking!