The Auswine Forum

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Thanks for the write up on this

Some similarities with tastings I've been to and I have some sympathy for both tasters & wineries (and likewise a little irritation with both).

The recurring theme of prestige bottles disappearing from the lists very quickly is indeed irritating. Whether this is down to drinkers looking to get their money's worth, whilst then moaning about how expensive it is (when they go back to Koonunga Hill at home) - or wineries knowingly short changing wine enthusiasts seeking a rare opportunity of 'try before you buy' - it's difficult to say. I reckon there's a mix in the market with both angles being true some of the time. Surprised at the lack of Torbreck prestige wines, as in my experience they're one company that often has the big hitters out for all to taste.

I recall at a show in London where one of the Barry brothers (of Jim Barry) made quite a scene with us over tasting the Armagh but not the rest of his range. Deeply unimpressive behaviour. Thankfully there were plenty of other producers there with the right attitude, especially Merv Lange of Alkoomi who was a true gentleman.

Maybe we'll end up with nominal tasting charges for the $$$'y bottles, but this seems out of keeping with the idea of the shows (especially where there can be some pricey entrance fees over here). Trade days / public days are the normal way round this, though it does tend to lead to a viewing of the public as a plebian rabble (when in reality there is a broad cross-section).

Ramble over!

regards

Ian

"I gazed dreamily at the First Growths and not for the first time noticed the disparity in prices for different vintages of Mouton Rothschild. Is it because of the vintage or how good the artist's label is??"

Love your off-comments. Good notes as well. Surely there was something wrong with the 2002 Print. I hope!

For what it is worth, a Hungarian who went to a similar tasting, like yourself, had good things to say about the 2004 Cape Mentelle and 2003 St. Hallet Old Block. He had the 2004 RWT, which you did not taste, above these two, while the 2002 Grange did not make the "A" list dispite having a privileged taste of it.

Adair

"The nice Torbreck guy was pouring the 2000 St Peters, so I tried that. Lots of barnyard aroma and tasted liked an aged wine alright. I asked him what he thought of it and he replied bluntly, "Bretty." Well knock me over with a feather. "But good brett," he qualified. You can take that any way you like, but it seems if a wine is barnyardy it's good brett and if it's got bandaids it's bad brett?? "

Ah, Sean, you have opened my favourite can of worms with your call this one !

Nice notes too, a fun read.

Cheers

Ian S wrote: I recall at a show in London where one of the Barry brothers (of Jim Barry) made quite a scene with us over tasting the Armagh but not the rest of his range. Deeply unimpressive behaviour.
Ian

What do you expect, when there is probably not much of that specific wine made and then you don't bother to look at the pedigree of the stable before jumping straight at the thoroughbred

PS Merv Lange is a fantastic bloke

steeley wrote:

Ian S wrote: I recall at a show in London where one of the Barry brothers (of Jim Barry) made quite a scene with us over tasting the Armagh but not the rest of his range. Deeply unimpressive behaviour.
Ian

What do you expect, when there is probably not much of that specific wine made and then you don't bother to look at the pedigree of the stable before jumping straight at the thoroughbred

PS Merv Lange is a fantastic bloke

Steeley
Ah but I had previously tasted a number of the other wines in the range and had been disappointed, especially the McCrae wood which is the label below the Armagh in the hierarchy. If he'd have asked why, I would have explained the Armagh was the only wine of his on my buying radar.

How many bottles did I have before the tasting? 2. A Watervale Riesling and a 99 Armagh. I now just have the Armagh. It would be the only wine I'd buy from them based on wines of theirs I've tasted, but that ain't gonna happen now.

regards

Ian