Which Top Rated wine would you buy with $500?

Andrew Jordan · Post by **Andrew Jordan** » Thu Nov 03, 2005 6:36 pm

With the release of Wine Advocate #161 this week, joining Jeremy Oliver's 2006 Annual and James Halliday's 2006 Wine Companion, the "big 3" publications by wine critics on Australian wine are now out. But as we expect, all three publications or critics have different views on what they think their top Aussie Red wine was for the year, based upon scores.

Now excluding fortified's, there were no perfect 100 point scores awarded to red wines produced this year in Australia. It could be argued that Halliday gave two perfect 97's (2003 Paringa Estate Reserve Special Barrel Selection Pinot Noir and 2002 Wirra Wirra RSW Shiraz) as he does score Aussie wine out of 97, but when considering a score out of 100 across all three publications, nothing rated this highly this time round.

So out of the 3 publications, a total of 7 wines were rated as the top red wines reviewed. As mentioned above JH gave 2 reds 97 points. JO rated the 2002 St Peters, and both Penfolds 2004 Special Bin releases 98 points. And finally RP rated both the 2003 Noon Reserve Shiraz and the 2002 Torbreck Run Rig 99 points.

Now arguably all these wines are great and wonderful examples of what wine producers can acheive in Australia. But if you had $500 to spend, which wine would you buy?

Assuming you could buy 1 wine only at "release" prices and availiablity wasn't an issue, this is what $500 would get you, either:

x11 bottles of the 2002 Wirra Wirra RSW Shiraz (assume $42/bottle), OR
x6 bottles of the 2003 Paringa Estate Reserve Special Barrel Selection Pinot Noir (assume $80/bottle), OR
x11 bottles of the 2002 St Peters Shiraz (assume $45/bottle), OR
x1 bottle of the 2004 Penfolds Block 42 Cabernet (assume $450/bottle), OR
x1 bottle of the 2004 Penfolds Bin 60a Cabernet/Shiraz (assume $450/bottle), OR
x20 bottles of the 2003 Noon Reserve Shiraz (assume $25/bottle), OR
x2 bottles of the 2002 Torbreck Run Rig (assume $220/bottle).

For me I think I would take the 11 bottles of 2002 St Peters. Good value for money and a seriously good wine, which is built for the long haul as well. One of those wines which can be drunk now over dinner with good friends, but will also be a great bottle to pull out for an anniversary in 15 years time. And with 11 bottles for $500 you have a good supply to see the wine evolve over the years, which is a big part of enjoying wine for me.

What about you? Which option would you choose and why?

bacchaebabe · Post by **bacchaebabe** » Thu Nov 03, 2005 7:25 pm

Very interesting poll. I went with the St Peters. Actually have managed to snaffle 13 in total so not far from reality there. I also got my full allocation of noons too. Not sure I would have bought more than what I did even if I could as I'd rather have the full range represented than have a heap of the high parker pointed one. As it is, I ordered more than 20 bottles of noons - just all different.

I could have bought the Penfolds duo and the RunRig but let them all go as I'm beginning to doubt the sense in spending that much on wine when I already have so much and so much of it is already so good.

TORB · Post by **TORB** » Thu Nov 03, 2005 7:34 pm

Bloody hard question! Just as well I spend more than $500 on good wine in a year. :shock:

I voted for the 02 Run Rig as it was the best new release wine I have tasted in the last two years. But I do have the St Peters, Wirra Wirra and Noons in the cellar as well.

I will pass on the two Pennies wines as IMO, as I have limited funds, I will have to pay too much of a premium for the lable.

Red Bigot · Post by **Red Bigot** » Thu Nov 03, 2005 7:36 pm

AJ, I voted for the RSW, just to add a balance, I have 6 of the RSW and 6 of the St Peters in my cellar, plus 4 of the Noons 2003 Res Shiraz, which was the full allocation of that vintage, so your price estimate on that should maybe allow for the secondary market, would cut the numbers back to about 7-8.

Oh, I have 2 of the Run Rig too... :oops:

manning · Post by **manning** » Thu Nov 03, 2005 7:41 pm

I went for the Wirra as it is a wine that I personally think is the best thing I've ever tasted, and I went to a lot of effort to find every bottle I could. I've discovered that the big, fat, chewy "parkerised" shiraz style which is getting bemoaned by many local writers is, in fact, a style I quite like.

The Paringa PN left me highly unimpressed, in fact I preferred the ColdStream Hills 03 PN. The Pennies were perfectly decent wines, but not worth extra effort.

Craig(NZ) · Post by **Craig(NZ)** » Thu Nov 03, 2005 7:45 pm

Are there no whites in the world? other countries?

Oh God slit my throat now!! ;-)

Lincoln · Post by **Lincoln** » Thu Nov 03, 2005 7:46 pm

I would go for the Penfolds special bin wines, but if I could go overseas I'd buy 2 bottles of Rousseau Chambertin, or 1 bottle of Comte de Vogue Musigny..... ahhhhh.......

cuttlefish · Post by **cuttlefish** » Thu Nov 03, 2005 7:50 pm

I'm plumbing for the St Pete's as well. I'm happy to have two bottles of this, and I'd chop off my (OK think about this...!) LEFT arm (non-drinking arm) for 9 more. I come from down that way, so it's a wine dear to my heart.
You're looking at WAY more bang for your buck with the St Pete's, in my opinion.

Tom.

Red Bigot · Post by **Red Bigot** » Thu Nov 03, 2005 8:12 pm

Craig(NZ) wrote:Are there no whites in the world? other countries?

There are, and you can have most of them...

I did see a post somewhere indicating RP liked some Oz riesling and unoaked chardonnay, does that help?

Craig(NZ) · Post by **Craig(NZ)** » Thu Nov 03, 2005 8:33 pm

I did see a post somewhere indicating RP liked some Oz riesling and unoaked chardonnay, does that help?

yummy. do the come in bag n box too?? :wink:

There are, and you can have most of them...

I am concerned you are weakening your resolve. The word "most" in your sentance should see you seeking counselling from Dr Black tounge at the the Red Bigot Centre.

Adam · Post by **Adam** » Thu Nov 03, 2005 8:39 pm

Id buy the Noons Shiraz, flick it for $100 each and buy $2000 worth of stuff I actually wanted to drink...

Red Bigot · Post by **Red Bigot** » Thu Nov 03, 2005 8:45 pm

Craig(NZ) wrote:
There are, and you can have most of them...

I am concerned you are weakening your resolve. The word "most" in your sentance should see you seeking counselling from Dr Black tounge at the the Red Bigot Centre.

Craig, I'll let you into a big secret, if you promise not to tell anyone. If I was very, very rich I probably wouldn't be a real red bigot as I would be able to afford the few whites and Pinots that are good enough to occasionally tempt me away from the good red that I can currently afford.
.
.
.
.

Then again, I'd probably just drink more reds that I could then afford... ;-)

platinum · Post by **platinum** » Thu Nov 03, 2005 8:54 pm

Noon Reserve is fantastic value but I wouldnt want 20 of any one wine. Its only ever 6 the most for me.

I have four St Peters left after consuming one and passing one to my brother. It is a great wine destined to get even better I might search for a couple more to replace the missing two

I bought the Descendant 2003 over the Run Rig as I honestly found it better regardless of price though, I dont know how long the bottles had being opened. I saw atleast one reviewer thought the same which made me feel a bit better

I only bought 1 though

I have the Bin 90A and Block 42 1996 already but just dont think I will spend $450-$475 on the new versions. I just cannot see myself going much over $300 per bottle even as a rare treat. I just question the value considering I got my Block 42 and 90A under $300 and they are both about as good as a Penfolds wine can be. Will the 04's be $200 better? If I bought I would be one of the few to get cork but hey thats another story...The 90A has 15 years under its belt and still not at its peak, if the bin 60A takes the same time how old will I be? Will I be alive? If I had a child born in 2004 I would certainly get 1 of each.

Wirra Wirra I havent had and dont like my chances of finding it by the single to try now.

Just cannot see myself buying that many Pinot. They are a bottle here and there for me.

So after this tough debating I am going to vote St Peters as its one of a very very few that I would buy more than 6 of.

n4sir · Post by **n4sir** » Thu Nov 03, 2005 9:02 pm

I went with the 2002 St Peters as (most importantly) I've actually tried it and think it's fantastic QPR.

There are other variable factors that could influence my decision:

I haven't tried any Run Rigs before, and given TORB's glowing comments it's more than a little tempting to use the funds on a great vintage just to see what the wine's about.

In regard to the Penfolds Special Bins one big factor is what exactly the wine lover at the end of the gravy train has to part with to get a bottle. With quoted prices varying from $350-$600, say one for for $500 absolutely no way. Now if the price was $350 and I could use the change on something else (like 3 bottles of St Peters and a corkscrew) ...

Cheers,
Ian

Davo · Post by **Davo** » Thu Nov 03, 2005 9:49 pm

St Peters for me, despite how very good the RR is.

Mind you I am really looking forward to the Peel Shiraz Challenge in 2008 when this vintage is tasted, should be a corker (maybe not the best of terms to use in this context) of a tasting.

KMP · Post by **KMP** » Fri Nov 04, 2005 7:45 am

Parker's other 99 point wine was the 2003 Clarendon Hills Astralis. From memory I've only tasted the Astralis once and that was a long time ago. No way I would fork over $375USD to try it now.

If we have to pick from the list provided I'd go with the 2002 Run Rig. Its certainly a wine I'd like to be able to sit down with and have a long intimate conversation. But among the Torbreck wines I still prefer the 2003 Descendent.

If we can make our own choice then I'd go for a few bottles of the Two Hands 2004 Aphrodite (Cabernet Sauvignon).

Mike

Chow Chow · Post by **Chow Chow** » Fri Nov 04, 2005 5:37 pm

20 btls of NOONS Shiraz is oxymoron. Even if u r Drew's buddy, u won't get tat kind of allocation!

Lincoln · Post by **Lincoln** » Fri Nov 04, 2005 6:59 pm

rooview wrote:
Adam wrote:Id buy the Noons Shiraz, flick it for $100 each and buy $2000 worth of stuff I actually wanted to drink...

Sweet!

sounds thinking indeed

Lincoln · Post by **Lincoln** » Fri Nov 04, 2005 6:59 pm

Chow Chow wrote:20 btls of NOONS Shiraz is oxymoron. Even if u r Drew's buddy, u won't get tat kind of allocation!

you are a party-pooper :twisted:

Red Bigot · Post by **Red Bigot** » Sat Nov 05, 2005 10:03 am

Adam wrote:Id buy the Noons Shiraz, flick it for $100 each and buy $2000 worth of stuff I actually wanted to drink...

You and Linc make a nice pair... :-(

Lucky there is an allocation system, I'll ask Drew to keep an eye out for you two trying to join his list.

Lincoln · Post by **Lincoln** » Sat Nov 05, 2005 10:46 am

Red Bigot wrote:
Adam wrote:Id buy the Noons Shiraz, flick it for $100 each and buy $2000 worth of stuff I actually wanted to drink...

You and Linc make a nice pair...

Lucky there is an allocation system, I'll ask Drew to keep an eye out for you two trying to join his list.

Ha ha ha - Drew can save his time - there's no chance of me trying to get on his mailing list

wiggum · Post by **wiggum** » Sat Jul 21, 2007 3:13 pm

Just looking through some old threads relevent to today. I have just purchased one 60a which I now call my retirement celebration wine which is likely to be about 20 odd years away. Not a bad price at $400 thanks Anthony. I also have 18 X 02 St Peters which I am hanging onto for dear life. So in answer to the question, at the time of publication of the question, St Peters for me. But now I am having a bit each way and if I was forced to decide between the two I would go St P.

JamieBahrain · Post by **JamieBahrain** » Tue Jul 24, 2007 1:03 am

I just took a heap of Hill of Grace and Mt Edelstone 02 out of the country.

For $500 AUD I get two bottles of Hill of Grace 02 and one bottle of Mt Ed 02. Unbelievable!

How? Obviously good buying but the Tourist Refund Scheme at the airport refunds about 25% of wine purchases greater than $300!

Take 25% of Grange etc. Nice!!!!!

KMP · Post by **KMP** » Tue Jul 24, 2007 9:15 am

JamieBahrain wrote:I just took a heap of Hill of Grace and Mt Edelstone 02 out of the country.

For $500 AUD I get two bottles of Hill of Grace 02 and one bottle of Mt Ed 02. Unbelievable!

How? Obviously good buying but the Tourist Refund Scheme at the airport refunds about 25% of wine purchases greater than $300!

Take 25% of Grange etc. Nice!!!!!

Tourist Refund Scheme
You can claim a refund of the goods and services tax (GST) and wine equalisation tax (WET) that you pay on goods you buy in Australia. The refund only applies to goods you take with you as hand luggage or wear on to the aircraft or ship when you leave the country.

The biggest problem with this scheme is that, not only do you need to have the items with you to claim the refund, but you also need plenty of time to lineup with all the rest of the hopefuls trying to get their money back. And taking wine on board for a flight to the US is just not going to work. Last time we tried this (in Dec 05) we ended up calling it the Tourist Ripoff Scheme!

Mike

JamieBahrain · Post by **JamieBahrain** » Tue Jul 24, 2007 5:26 pm

KMP

It can be difficult I concede but there is a very important way around the no wine on board aircraft problem.

But...........

Last week I presented my Henschke wines at 530am in the morning at Customs. They saw my ticket, stamped goods as sighted.

I caught a domestic flight with my bag internationally connected to go abroad. At Sydney airport, I presented my receipt at departures and was refunded via CC a week later.

I get about 2 to 3 grand a year back from TRS. I loveit!!!!

seanwines · Post by **seanwines** » Tue Jul 24, 2007 6:27 pm

I did buy around 12 bottles of the wirra wirra RSW and came under the $500.

KMP · Post by **KMP** » Wed Jul 25, 2007 3:23 am

JamieBahrain wrote:KMP

It can be difficult I concede but there is a very important way around the no wine on board aircraft problem.

But...........

Last week I presented my Henschke wines at 530am in the morning at Customs. They saw my ticket, stamped goods as sighted.

I caught a domestic flight with my bag internationally connected to go abroad. At Sydney airport, I presented my receipt at departures and was refunded via CC a week later.

I get about 2 to 3 grand a year back from TRS. I loveit!!!!

Jamie,

Yes, people get money back using the TRS scheme but as you say its not easy. If you travel out of Oz several times a year (as IÃ¢â‚¬â„¢m guessing you do) it could be well worth it. Our problem with the TRS is that we only go to Australia about once a year and weÃ¢â‚¬â„¢ve decided that its not worth the time and effort to chase down the few hundred dollars we would get.

We made an attempt last time (in 2005) by getting through security with over an hour before our flight, but the lineup at TRS was well over 50 people. You can make a claim up to 30 minutes prior to the departure of your flight, but because flights to the US have to go through an additional security check before the gate, you really need to be in the TRS line a good 90-120 minutes before departure. That means you need to get through check-in and security two hours before you depart. If you are coming from elsewhere in the country to a major airport, like we normally do, then you need to book an early flight to allow the time necessary to get to the TRS facility. To do everything and give ourselves 30-60 minutes for coffee or a cool beer before flying the Pacific we figured weÃ¢â‚¬â„¢d need to allow an extra 3-4 hours to our departure plans. ThatÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s time we could be spending saying goodbye to relatives and friends.

I donÃ¢â‚¬â„¢t see why they donÃ¢â‚¬â„¢t let people claim using receipts and proof of travel mailed from their home country? After all the system is open to abuse whatever way its set up.

Mike

JamieBahrain · Post by **JamieBahrain** » Wed Jul 25, 2007 12:45 pm

KMP

The problem with TRS is a labour shortage. Everytime I go through, there is a shortage of occupied counters. In Sydney recently, only half were occupied and many people at the back of the long line gave up.

Brisbane airport seems OK. Melbourne so-so.