The Auswine Forum

The other night a few of us Australo-oeno-fans at dinner started comparing notes about some less expensive wines that we have found improve with age, and many that don't.

A number of us have had varying experiences Rosemount Diamond Shiraz. From 1994 to 1996, it appeared to benefit from up to 5 years aging, whereas later years appear to fall apart after a couple of years.

Another example was the Penfolds Koonunga Hill Shiraz-Cab. Two of us had recently uncorked 1997 and 1998 examples of this wine, and were more than pleasantly surprised by the development and persistency. I described the 1998 as a 389 Jr.

More recently, a Toronto reviewer was singing the praises of the 2000 Wynns Black Label as a candidate for a cellar for up to 10 years. Is that the case?

I have read many comments about the declining quality of some of the wines that use to fall in this category. Suggestions for widely available less expensive wines that would benefit from time would be appreciated by those of us who have more space than cash!

Thanks[/b]

Hi Tim,

Agree that the 94 and 96 Diamonds were terrific wines for the price and did improve. Now they are made to be consumed the day after bottling!

As to the 2000 Black Label, 10 years may be a bit of a stretch.

Just a bunch of ideas, although I don't know what they sell for in Canada.

Taylors reds, including the budget Promised Land range.

Stepping Stone Cab Sav.

Rockbare Shiraz.

Saltram Mamre Brook Shiraz and Cab Sav.

Barwang Cab Sav and Shiraz.

Tahbilk Cab Sav and Shiraz...get onto their mailing list at www.tahbilk.com.au for frequent specials and offers including aged wines, sometimes seriously aged.

Leasingham reds - Bin 61 Shiraz, Bin 56 Cab Malbec and Bastion Shiraz Cab.

Seppelt Chalambar Shiraz.

Seppelt Victorian Premium Reserve Cab Sav and Shiraz have the potential for ten years.

Water Wheel Shiraz and Cab Sav.

Seppelt Original Sparkling Shiraz.


Kieran

Tim,
You're pretty right about the Rosemount diamonds. They've changed in price very little over the last 5-6 years - which ought to tell you that the quality of the wine in the bottle has been slowly declining with each passing vintage. Even Koonunga Hill, despite the introduction of a lower-level entry wine (Rawson's Retreat) has been sliding somewhat, probably driven by larger production volumes.

Bear in mind the Wynns wine you mention sells for twice (+) the price of the other wines here in Oz. I think it's one of the best value-for-money cabernets in the world, and usually sees out 10 years with no trouble. That said, 200 was a pretty lousy vintage for this wine - probably the worst since 1989. Wait for 2001, or better, 2002.

cheers,
Graeme

I agree with Keiran on the Bin 56 and Bin 61. I've just started drinking the 1994 vintage Bin 61 Shiraz and its a fantastic drink. Also, Elizabeth's (McWilliams) from the early 90s are right at their peaks.

Kieran wrote:Saltram Mamre Brook Shiraz and Cab Sav.

Barwang Cab Sav and Shiraz.

Tahbilk Cab Sav and Shiraz...get onto their mailing list at www.tahbilk.com.au for frequent specials and offers including aged wines, sometimes seriously aged.

Leasingham reds - Bin 61 Shiraz, Bin 56 Cab Malbec and Bastion Shiraz Cab.

Seppelt Chalambar Shiraz.

Seppelt Victorian Premium Reserve Cab Sav and Shiraz have the potential for ten years.

Kieran

I agree with you here Kieran, especially the Barwang, Mamre Brook. Of course I have raved about the surprise the Seppelt Victorian is.

Tim, IMO The Tahbilk range are more on the old world side of flavours and could be a bit dense and hard by comparison to these others you mention and do need the time to cellar. Tahbilk do have a special place in my heart, something I can't quite put my finger on...

Ric, My impression is that the 2000 Black Label from Wynns may go the ten years but I can't see it improving for that long. It's not an particularly special vintage. The 1999 is more suited to this kind of longeveity. You may not have the same opportunity with 2001, 2002 as far as price range goes.

regards,

Tim,

The Koonunga Hill's up until about 1998 were generally worth keeping a few aside from my experiences. I hope this is the case again in the future.

The Wynns Black Label Cabernet, as everybody else has agreed, is a great value for money keeper too.

Another I would suggest is the Orlando Russett Ridge (Cabernet/Shiraz blend). Approachable early on and also rewards you with a few years in the cellar.