The Auswine Forum

Just read R.Parkers score on the 04 Amon Ra..........
Wait for it.......93, yes 93 pts.Most other people who have tasted this wine seem to think the 04 is better than the 03 rated 96-100.I have the utmost respect for R.P but I'd like some opinions on the 93 score.I'm awaiting a 6 pack of the 04 and I know I should taste and value the wine myself but.....

Cheers
Enzo...

Enzot,

Even though 2004 is generally regarded as a superior Barossa vintage, it seems fairly consistent in RP's ratings that he likes the affectations that the drought effected 2003 vintage has imposed upon many of the Barossa wines. 2004, as a rule, will produce wines that are slightly more elegant than 2003. Perhaps this is the reason for the difference.

On another note though, the quality of the 2004 Mc Laren Vale reds that I have seen so far has been outstanding, and far superior to the correspoding offerings from 2003. In particular, the Mitolo Savitar and G.A.M. 2004 Shiraz's tasted this week were just superb. Stunningly good wines. Looking forward to seeing more.

Cheers

Grant wrote:Enzot,

Even though 2004 is generally regarded as a superior Barossa vintage, it seems fairly consistent in RP's ratings that he likes the affectations that the drought effected 2003 vintage has imposed upon many of the Barossa wines. 2004, as a rule, will produce wines that are slightly more elegant than 2003. Perhaps this is the reason for the difference.

On another note though, the quality of the 2004 Mc Laren Vale reds that I have seen so far has been outstanding, and far superior to the correspoding offerings from 2003. In particular, the Mitolo Savitar and G.A.M. 2004 Shiraz's tasted this week were just superb. Stunningly good wines. Looking forward to seeing more.

Cheers

Isn't that 2004 Savitar just something!

Gav,

One of the best Shiraz I have seen this year. Right up there with the Wolf Blass Platinum 2002, it's that good. My note.


Wow. This is quite stunning, despite the fact that it is backward, undeveloped and wound up like a ball of string. The density and raw power of this wine is a treat to behold, with deep set plum , dark chocolate and fruit cake flavours mingling with spice ,pepper and profoundly fine, classy tannins. Put simply, this is an awesome wine, not merely by sheer force of character and muscle ( which it has in abundance), but because it manages to repress its bully boy tendencies and present a brooding but dignified and mannered exterior. Give it time. An outstanding wine.

Price $73
Points 96
Drink 2011-2025

Grant wrote:,

Even though 2004 is generally regarded as a superior Barossa vintage, it seems fairly consistent in RP's ratings that he likes the affectations that the drought effected 2003 vintage has imposed upon many of the Barossa wines. 2004, as a rule, will produce wines that are slightly more elegant than 2003. Perhaps this is the reason for the difference.

Interesting quote, I too started describing the better 2004's as elegant, but am changing my mind. A better description I think is very long and pure fruited. They can seem elegant as they are linear and pure, but actually have loads of flavour, just build and build in the glass. I REALLY like this style of wines and am a big fan of the better 2004's so far.

Just one view!

The Savitar is tucked away in the cellar, will be interesting in 3-5 years.

BTW fwiw it was the only 2003 Mitolo I personally bought as well, and have the wonderful 2002 also.

Whats your source for this?? its not online as far as I can see and not on his forum?

Adam wrote:Whats your source for this?? its not online as far as I can see and not on his forum?

Adam

It is online, I found it on the site, its accurate.

Yip, just found it...not in the tasting notes section though...just for clarity, the score is a straight 93/100 not 93-100 as in the title...

Grant & Gavin,

I've to respectfully disagreed. The Wolfie Platinum 2002 was mind-blowing. It's like a precoucious Grange 1998, more accessible in its youth. Power, bottomless depth with everything in abundant and a trialaton lenght. I drank it next to their stable mate, 8thMaker 2001. It left the 8thMaker bitting dust.

2mths ago, I'd a preview of the Mitolos 2004 with Frank Mitolo. Since its inugral 2001 vintage, the Mitolos has been on an ascending curve but sadly the 2004 downperformed the stellar 2004 vintage in general. The Savitar was the wne of their portfolio, followed by GAM, Reiver and the Serpico being the least of the lot. Never in the mould of their blockbuster 2003, which IMO the pinacle Mitolos ever aspired to... I asked (very )Frank, "Has there been an increased in production?" He replied, "Previously we used only part of the vinyard, for 2004 we used the entire vinyard" sums it all.

Hi Adam in Seoul..

My apologies about the title.93/100 not 93-100.

Cheers
Enzo...

Hi Enzo,

I guess one have to keep in mind that Ben Glaetzer increased production by over 300 percent from around 300 cases in 2003 to over 1100 cases. Maybe even he did not have the fruit to produce so much with a consistant quality...

Cheers,

Joern

--------------------
Joern Meissner
http://www.meiss.com

Joern wrote:Hi Enzo,

I guess one have to keep in mind that Ben Glaetzer increased production by over 300 percent from around 300 cases in 2003 to over 1100 cases. Maybe even he did not have the fruit to produce so much with a consistant quality...

Cheers,

Joern

--------------------
Joern Meissner
http://www.meiss.com

First, make a name. Second make "PROFITS"

What I found interesting about the Amon-Ra review is this:

The Godolphin, which is a shiraz and cab blend, was scored 96-98. Most people who have tasted it have commented that they did not perceive the influence of the cabernet in the wine. Rather, that it was dominated by the shiraz component. But then you have the Amon-Ra, which is 100% shiraz, and it is less favorably reviewed.

I find it interesting that Parker would favor the wine with less shiraz, as Parker has not historically been as impressed with the cabs from Australia as the shiraz. Does anyone know if in fact both wines used the same shiraz fruit?

Sean,

Not sure of the fruit source, but the Godolphin is from memory 70/30 shiraz/cab. Hence this might explain his highness' ratings.

Mike

I see there is plenty of the 2004 Amon Ra and Godolphin being flogged off at the latest Langton's Melbourne auction. However, there maybe a few punters who might be a tad disappointed on the return they will get, especially on the Amon Ra, due to Mr Parker's score being below 95.

Another good example to show all those investment types that wine is meant for drinking, and not for making money off of!