The Auswine Forum

(Australia, South Australia, Limestone Coast, Coonawarra)

I'll admit my expectations were not high for this bottle I've had ticked away for quite a few years, but I am pleased to report, it surprised me.

The cork was in fantastic condition and showed no signs of leaking. I decanted the bottle and left it sitting for a good 30 minutes before giving it a final decant back into its bottle. It threw a lot of sediment so I quickly rinsed the bottle with cold water before the refill.

The colour was a dark red, looked really quite healthy and aged gracefully. Nose was instant blueberry and very pleasant. I'm not a Merlot fan, but I was pleased with this result. Soft, easing tanins with a good length. Smooth flavours of berry and chocolate complimented nicely.

I had a few glasses the next day but it did flatten out a bit, but I still enjoyed the rest. 88/100. Drinking well now.

Paullie
Yup I've generally been impressed with this wine (the 98 was I recall excellent). Always seems to have good balance and hence no surprise it's held for this time.
Oddly I've never taken to their basic Shiraz, but admittedly with no experience of older bottles which I understand had a bit more class.
regards
Ian

I have the 2004 Shiraz tucked away, I should prolly bring one out and try it soon.

This tasting has inspired me to try more of the CSM.

Paullie wrote:I have the 2004 Shiraz tucked away, I should prolly bring one out and try it soon.

This tasting has inspired me to try more of the CSM.

I've been pretty disappointed in the last 3-4 vintages of the red-stripe, it used to be a staple many years ago, up until about 96 vintage anyway, but fails to generate any interest in it's current form.

Red Bigot wrote: I've been pretty disappointed in the last 3-4 vintages of the red-stripe, it used to be a staple many years ago, up until about 96 vintage anyway, but fails to generate any interest in it's current form.

I have to agree with you there but hasn't Wynns generally been off form across the range for a number of years until their recent resurgence that I believe is mainly related to vineyard renovations?

I've had some stunning Red Stripes from the 80's and early 90's, drank way above their station as mature wines

Grand Cru wrote:

Red Bigot wrote: I've been pretty disappointed in the last 3-4 vintages of the red-stripe, it used to be a staple many years ago, up until about 96 vintage anyway, but fails to generate any interest in it's current form.

I have to agree with you there but hasn't Wynns generally been off form across the range for a number of years until their recent resurgence that I believe is mainly related to vineyard renovations?

True, and the 2004 Black label is back in enough form to be a probable buy, especially @ around $16.99-$17.99, but the 2004 and 2005 red-stripe at not much less than that seem unbalanced and unrefined in comparison to the old days.

Had the 2005 Red Stripe on easter weekend. I though it was really oaky and overly fruit forward. Stewed plums and vanilla. Better value wines at the price around.

Just picked up the 1994 red stripe today, I'll let you know how it does.