The Auswine Forum

First TN - so please be kind to me when responding. In case you wonder about my palate and ability, may I say that during a number of commercial tastings I detected minimal flaws/faults that, after bringing them to the attention (or overheard) by tasters of renown, were acknowledged by them and the vintners, some of whom are Icons in the game (some are contributors to this and the other site). To clarify things, I am extremely sensative to brett, tca and detest absolutely the presence of the slightest amount of Kero in Rieslings.

Casual gathering at E'CCO, more business than pleasure which may be reflective of general opinions:-
97 LEAS - not up to expectation, I encountered had huge varition with that vintage (acknowledged by them via email in 2003) and not best example. Don't mind having 7 of 24 left, not looking forward to the rest which are destined for early consumption.
02 LEAS - wow, what a difference, everything you expect of a LEAS with acidity suggesting longevity.
98 Mt Langi Ghiran Shiraz - expected to be over the hill (IAW JO' drinking window ) but what a surprise, delivered best of what one would expect of such regional shiraz, red berries/cherries/plum (NOT stewed/compot!), spicy/mild peppery - a lovely drop. Sorry JO, this will last well beyond your predicted d/wdw of 2006!!. All the same, my last 3 bottles are earmarked "Drink 08/10".
95 Noble One - sumptious and viscous - as one would expect given the age. Deep amber. Not cloying at all despite minimal acidity remaining. I'll give my last 6 a longish run to see what they are capable of.
98 Bin 707 - disappointment of the day (for me). Bottle not representative of previous ones; what fruit, what oak, or whatever? - I'll chalk that one down to bottle variation. Stored under ideal conditions since purchase, so that's not an issue. Development phase/vinfanticide??

Don't mind having 7 of 24 left

wow you must have liked it at some stage!!! I think the most ive ever bought of one wine ever was 15 bottles, never have bought 2 straight doz of anything

yes, extreme capacity of purchase power also perhaps

Thanks Old Salt for the tasting note. I hope it is the first of many

For others that have yet to post a tasting note you don't need a great palate or even great prose. Even a simple I liked it enough to buy and it was fruity/savoury can be enough

As for the wines the 98 707 may have been corked. If in the dreaded hole you should still pick up some oak.

I think the 98 Mt Langhi is the one that JO said was brett affected? If so your cellar may be cool enough for it not to develop too far and the wine remains sound.

cheers

Carl

... by the way, that's a fair 'midweek lunch'! If only...

Had my first Bin 707 about 18 months ago. It had plenty of both fruit and oak, the latter obviously of the sweet American variety.

daz