The Auswine Forum

Only rules are that you must spend it all and must buy wine that is readily available in Australia.

If buying from Langtons, you can use most recent prices paid, but must also include the 15% mark-up.

What would you buy?

nealm wrote:Only rules are that you must spend it all and must buy wine that is readily available in Australia.

If buying from Langtons, you can use most recent prices paid, but must also include the 15% mark-up.

What would you buy?

Haven't we done this before? Some will tell you 3 bottles of grange, others will tell you a dozen St Henri, Daz will tell you 100 bottles of Tahbilk red , Yet others will tell you to buy a bottle of Leroy Musigny.

Kind of pointless really.

Wizz wrote:

nealm wrote:Only rules are that you must spend it all and must buy wine that is readily available in Australia.

If buying from Langtons, you can use most recent prices paid, but must also include the 15% mark-up.

What would you buy?

Haven't we done this before? Some will tell you 3 bottles of grange, others will tell you a dozen St Henri, Daz will tell you 100 bottles of Tahbilk red , Yet others will tell you to buy a bottle of Leroy Musigny.

Kind of pointless really.

I'd be tempted to whack it into the plastic to cover some I've already bought and drunk. But yeah, wizz, I'd probably go long on the Tahbilk 02 premiums (incidentally, the current Chairman's Selection is extremely tempting), maybe look for some more Cullen cab merl, 99, 01, 04 to add to the couple of bottles of those I already have, maybe some 05. St Henri 96 and 02 would be my next choices but some of the above mean I'd need to get into the auction scene and that doesn't appeal much to me with sometimes iffy provenance.

Enjoy your pointless Musigny

Cheers

daz

I've found everyone on this forum to be really friendly until now.

How about giving a new guy a break, Wizz?

I'm sure you've probably covered heaps of topics on this forum and if this question bores you, then perhaps don't answer. I thought someone might find it interesting. It was fun for me to read the picks of various wine buffs in the most recent Wine Traveler mag, when asked what they would buy with budgets ranging from $1,000 to $50,000.

I'm relatively new to wines and, while I'll not likely be in the same position again for some time, I've been given the green light to spend $1500 on some nice wine.

I was thinking that I could get some ideas from some of the choices of some people on this forum.

When are you sending out the $1500?

Seriously, I would probably go long on 2005 Barossa cabs from the likes of Turkey Flat, Rockford and Melton. Oh, too late, I've already done that.

Actually I pretty much have everything I really want to buy from the current vintages so it would be just a bit of tinkering around the edges.

My selection:
6 x Lanson Champagne 1996 $390
6 x Radford Dale Shiraz 2005 $198
6 x Petaluma Coonawara 2005 $240
6 x Majella Sparkling Shiraz 2005 $180
6 x Yalumba Signature Cabernet Shiraz 2004 $228
3 x Isole e Olena Cepparello 2004 $300

Total $1536, but you may be able to get slightly better prices on some of the above.

Ask me again tomorrow and I would probably come up with a different list.

Davo wrote:When are you sending out the $1500?

Seriously, I would probably go long on 2005 Barossa cabs from the likes of Turkey Flat, Rockford and Melton. Oh, too late, I've already done that.

Actually I pretty much have everything I really want to buy from the current vintages so it would be just a bit of tinkering around the edges.

Rockford is not as accessible as Turkey Flat as I understand it, especially the much-lauded Basket Press that even the Rockwaller club members are reputedly only able to buy in limited quantity, a bit like Wendouree it seems, but you may be an exception Davo. $1000000 a year income is persuasive. Turkey Flat is a no-brainer, have no idea about Charlie's (Melton) wines.

I'd start with a current Chairman's Selection from Tahbilk for $285, perhaps two - not sure about the 04 case-filler reds, they're OK and will age for 10 years. If Rory still has some of The Story Grampian's (Orphan) Shiraz 06 available for $20/btl, I'd jump on a case or two of that too.

Nealm, welcome to the wonderful world of wines and egos

Cheers

daz

Thanks guys - these are some good ideas.

I was thinking of having a crack at one of the 'non-mint' Granges they sell on Langtons - say an '83 or perhaps even a '71 if available. It looks like you can find a high shoulder or damaged label for not too dear. I know there is some risk in these, though.

I'm also thinking of a few Clonakilla SV, Cullen Cab Merlots. I'd like to keep them for a while and don't have a massive cellar (just a 40 bottle wine fridge and a few racks) so I'll probably go a few high quality instead of a bunch of good quality.

nealm wrote:I've found everyone on this forum to be really friendly until now.

How about giving a new guy a break, Wizz?

I'm sure you've probably covered heaps of topics on this forum and if this question bores you, then perhaps don't answer. I thought someone might find it interesting. It was fun for me to read the picks of various wine buffs in the most recent Wine Traveler mag, when asked what they would buy with budgets ranging from $1,000 to $50,000.

I'm relatively new to wines and, while I'll not likely be in the same position again for some time, I've been given the green light to spend $1500 on some nice wine.

I was thinking that I could get some ideas from some of the choices of some people on this forum.

OK - see where you're coming from now, and apologies for being gruff, there was another newbie post that really gave me the sh!ts this morning.

$1,500 gift...If it were readily available at Australian domiciled retail, it would be a stockpile of 3 each of:

William Downie Pinot Noir @$40
Seppelt St Peters @$75
Clonakilla Shiraz Viognier @$75
Cullen Diana Madeline @$90
Joseph Sparkling Red @$55
Leeuwin Art Series Chardonnay @$90
Felton Road Riesling (the one labelled exactly this way) @$30ish
Fromm LaStrada Spatlese Riesling (harder to get) @$30ish
and some Hoddles Creek Chardonnay @$20ish to make it up to $1500

Witha freer hand I'd go for 3 each of:
some 06 Fourrier Burgundies at about $100 each
06 Donnhoff Oberhauser Leistenberg Kabinett at about $40
Still get the Clonakilla @75
Still get the Fromm @$30ish
Still get the Joseph
A nice NV Champagne, perhaps Ruinart, at around $80
some 04 Alion or Roda at around $100

There you go!

Daryl Douglas wrote: [
Rockford is not as accessible as Turkey Flat as I understand it, especially the much-lauded Basket Press that even the Rockwaller club members are reputedly only able to buy in limited quantity, a bit like Wendouree it seems, but you may be an exception Davo. $1000000 a year income is persuasive. Turkey Flat is a no-brainer, have no idea about Charlie's (Melton) wines.

Ummm, I did say cabernet Daz. I believe the Rifle Range is still readily available in any quantity you might want, even to folk who only earn 2/6 a year

[quote="nealm"]I was thinking of having a crack at one of the 'non-mint' Granges they sell on Langtons - say an '83 or perhaps even a '71 if available. It looks like you can find a high shoulder or damaged label for not too dear. I know there is some risk in these, though.[/quote]

The risk isn't as high as you'd think.. most people who have bought higher end Penfold's wines (who are now selling via Langton's) usually cellar them really well.. I've never had an issue.. yet. Don't forget you can ask for photos via Langtons etc.

Davo wrote:

Daryl Douglas wrote: [
Rockford is not as accessible as Turkey Flat as I understand it, especially the much-lauded Basket Press that even the Rockwaller club members are reputedly only able to buy in limited quantity, a bit like Wendouree it seems, but you may be an exception Davo. $1000000 a year income is persuasive. Turkey Flat is a no-brainer, have no idea about Charlie's (Melton) wines.

Ummm, I did say cabernet Daz. I believe the Rifle Range is still readily available in any quantity you might want, even to folk who only earn 2/6 a year

From the variable comments I've seen on various vintages of Rifle Range, I think I'll stay with Shotfire Ridge Quartage for vfm. Boom boom

Daryl Douglas wrote:
From the variable comments I've seen on various vintages of Rifle Range, I think I'll stay with Shotfire Ridge Quartage for vfm. Boom boom

05 Rifle Range is a cracker, trust me

Davo wrote:

Daryl Douglas wrote:
From the variable comments I've seen on various vintages of Rifle Range, I think I'll stay with Shotfire Ridge Quartage for vfm. Boom boom

05 Rifle Range is a cracker, trust me

Not based on the bottles that TORB and I tried at the winery in May.

Davo wrote:

Daryl Douglas wrote:
From the variable comments I've seen on various vintages of Rifle Range, I think I'll stay with Shotfire Ridge Quartage for vfm. Boom boom

05 Rifle Range is a cracker, trust me

Given your commendation of Kilikanoon Oracle 02, Davo, I'll trust you on the Rifle Range 05, sounds like it explodes in the gob! I'm not a Stonewaller, except when playing cricket, so will have to search out an etail outlet that can supply it at reasonable bottle and freight cost as I don't think it's available locally.

Thanks for the recco. The Quartage 06 still rocks for vfm though . I just put a bottle in the fridge to get it down to drinking temp - 29-30C here today - and I need another wine cooler!

Cheers

daz

Sorry guys,

I think I'll have to be the single bottle kind of guy...

- DRC La Tache, Richebourg
- Leroy Musigny
- Krug CdM
- Petrus, Le Pin, Latour, Lafite, Margaux...

Cheers,

Monghead

71' Grange is a pretty 'mint' year it's one of the better years. You'd be better off going for a '72 from that period but the risk is high but if it's 'Cliniced' then it should be fine. Or some of the mid to late 90's.

Red Bigot wrote:

Davo wrote:

Daryl Douglas wrote:
From the variable comments I've seen on various vintages of Rifle Range, I think I'll stay with Shotfire Ridge Quartage for vfm. Boom boom

05 Rifle Range is a cracker, trust me

Not based on the bottles that TORB and I tried at the winery in May.

When I get over this cold I will open another and see what gives, but I did very much like it at CD in March. Quite atypical for a Barossa Cab from memory, more violets and herbs than syrupy creme de cassis.

Red Bigot wrote:

Davo wrote:

Daryl Douglas wrote:
From the variable comments I've seen on various vintages of Rifle Range, I think I'll stay with Shotfire Ridge Quartage for vfm. Boom boom

05 Rifle Range is a cracker, trust me

Not based on the bottles that TORB and I tried at the winery in May.

Thanks Brian - I'll have a look at the tour diary.

Cheers

daz

"Rockford 2005 Rifle Range Cabernet Sauvignon sells for $35 and is sealed under cork. The bouquet had a very distinctive, and unusual, "stinky” character. It didn't seem like a fault, but it wasn't particularly pleasant. The palate was better than the bouquet. It showed chocolate, cherry, and black cherry with a slight bitterness on the finish but it also tasted a bit like vomit. It's ample-weight with a supple consistency and a solid structure. Frankly I don't know how to rate this wine, but based on the sample, I would not be buying it. (More on this wine later.)"

From Ric's and Brian's tour diary. Hope the above doesn't breech copyright.

Cheers

daz

monghead wrote:Sorry guys,

I think I'll have to be the single bottle kind of guy...

- DRC La Tache, Richebourg
- Leroy Musigny
- Krug CdM
- Petrus, Le Pin, Latour, Lafite, Margaux...

Cheers,

Monghead

agree.. cellar is full, so am starting to focus on higer end stuff. would love some DRC 05 (ie, 1x btl) or 2x Rousseau le chambertin 05.
c

c

Daryl Douglas wrote:"Rockford 2005 Rifle Range Cabernet Sauvignon... ...The palate was better than the bouquet. It showed chocolate, cherry, and black cherry with a slight bitterness on the finish but it also tasted a bit like vomit.

Harsh!

Wayno wrote:

Daryl Douglas wrote:"Rockford 2005 Rifle Range Cabernet Sauvignon... ...The palate was better than the bouquet. It showed chocolate, cherry, and black cherry with a slight bitterness on the finish but it also tasted a bit like vomit.

Harsh!

Hey, I've never tasted any Rockford wine - you're quoting a quote.

daz

Sounds like a completely different wine to the one I tasted in March.

My brief scribble from the day, now that I have dug it out, says:-

Leafy violet nose
Cassis and violets on the palate with silky drying tannins
Lovely wine, atypical Barossa.

As I said, definitely need to try again after Brians comments. Sometime this week hopefully.

Daryl Douglas wrote:

Wayno wrote:

Daryl Douglas wrote:"Rockford 2005 Rifle Range Cabernet Sauvignon... ...The palate was better than the bouquet. It showed chocolate, cherry, and black cherry with a slight bitterness on the finish but it also tasted a bit like vomit.

Harsh!

Hey, I've never tasted any Rockford wine - you're quoting a quote.

daz

I know, sorry Daryl... poor quote etiquette
I don't recall any vomit. Still, one man's vomit is another man's lush, silken fruit with a hint of tobacco (or some such).

I try to source a new liver

cheers
Seddo

At our recent visit to Rockford ( 2 weeks ago) the 05 Rifle Range Cabernet was drinking beautifully.

Back to the original intent of the post and I too read the article with various industry heavyweights suggesting what to buy if you were starting a cellar with $x.

To be honest, I was quite surprised with the suggested buys. Halliday had a huge sum to start a cellar with and went straight for a heap of almost impossible to get french heavyweights. The most sensible answer came from the person with the smallest budget. What surprised me the most that of all the people asked, not one person suggested buying any Wynns black label cab sav or any Penfolds Bin 389 which are the mainstays of most australian cellars and pretty well always a good buy although the bin 389 is pushing it a little these days. I still bought some 06 black label and 05 389 this year though.

I'd have to think when I have more time what I might recommend for $1500 or even what I'd buy myslef with a spare $1500. Although a quick think, if I was given $1500 I'd probably try to get some of the NZ Wines to try before you die from a previous thread but only because most are lacking from my personal cellar and I would like to try them - before I die. (I've got a bit of time though I think)

If you’re looking to start a collection, the below (along with a multitude of other combinations) is a decent start for a red collection of recent vintages.

If you buy well, you may be able to pick up the below for around the prices quoted.

12 x 2005 Mt Pleasant Philip Shiraz = $130
6 x 2006 St Hallett Blackwell Shiraz = $170
6 x 2005 Vasse Felix Cab Sav = $140
6 x 2006 Gemtree Uncut Shiraz = $120
6 x 2005 Petaluma Coonawarra = $270
5 x 2006 Wynns Black Label = $110
6 x 2005 Penfolds Bin 389 = $270
4 x 2005 Majella Cab Sav = $100
3 x 2004 Penfolds St Henri = $220

Good luck and let us know what you decided upon

Thanks everyone for all of your suggestions. Here's my current strategy:

3 Rockford Basket Press 2005
6 Digger's Bluff Museum Release Watchdog (98,99,00) (I just love the 01 so wanted to try some further developed wine)
1 Penfolds Grange 1986
1 Penfolds Grange (Lessor vintage TBD)
1 Clonakilla Shiraz Viognier (Yr TBD)
2 Wendouree Shiraz (Yr TBD) (partially makes up for not getting an allocation this year!)
3 Penfolds Bin 399 (96 or 98)

Have already sourced the 86 Grange, Digger's Bluff and Basket Press.

What do you think about the remaining choices?