Penfolds 'RWT' Shiraz 2004

Glaetzer 'Annaperenna' Shiraz Cabernet 2006

Barossa Valley, 14.5%, $50, cork, 97 pts, Drink 2009-2019.

A big nose, blackberry and dark plum fruits, aniseed, smoke and clove spice.

Equally huge on the palate with deep brooding dark berry fruits, liquorice, tar, espresso and it finishes with an array of exotic lingering spices and finely grained tannins. The palate is dominated by French oak but there is some creamy vanillins coming through as well. Luscious and mouthfilling, excellent fruit concentration without heading into jammy territory, and with magnificent length. The wine can be drunk now with much pleasure, but in my opinion will really start singing with about 24 more months of bottle age and then for ten years from thereafter.

Tasting notes by Mike.

Peter Lehmann 'Eight Songs' Shiraz 2002

Barossa Valley, 14.5%, $40, cork, 93 pts, Drink 2007-2012.

"Deep plum and blackberries, dark chocolate, red earth, dusty pepper and cinnamon and seasoned French oak. A full bodied, very Barossan shiraz which is starting come of age and show real ripeness. Would easily last another 7 years, but I like it how it is now."

Tasting notes by Mike.

Lake Breeze 'Bernoota' Shiraz Cabernet 2003

Langhorne Creek, 14.5%, $20, cork, 91 pts, Drink 2007-2010.

60% Shiraz, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon.

"60% shiraz and 40% cabernet from Langhorne Creek. Full bodied, sumptuous and creamy this wine really fills the mouth. Loads of blackberry fruit, mocha, vanilla and some cabernet eucalypt spice to finish. Another wine that could be drunk over the next 3-5 years but for my tastes it is drinking now."

Tasting notes by Mike.

Elderton Cabernet Sauvignon 2004

Barossa, 14.5%, $28, screw-cap, 92 pts, Drink Now-2014.

The nose is wonderfully light and refreshing, revealing subtle herbaceousness, as well as hints of menthol, eucalyptus, and dark cherries.

The medium-bodied palate is packed with tannins and spice. I’m not sure if it’s Elderton, or me being sick, but the wine is quite unusual, though very pleasing. Considering it is still in its youth, the wine is showing remarkable finesse with its velvet smooth finish.

Despite the criticisms I have heard of Elderton, and this being my first Elderton experience, I think they have done a pretty good job in this instance. It is an A-grade Barossa Cab Sauv, with many years ahead of it, though it is drinking beautifully now.

Peel Estate Shiraz 2000

Mandurah, 14%, cork, $38, 91 pts, Drink Now-2010+.

Quite a complex nose, with aromas of dark red berries, leather, spicy clove, cinnamon and nutmeg. Similar on the palate, medium to full fruit density complemented by lots of dusty cigar box, tobacco and cinnamon oak. There is a lot going on with this wine, but somehow this bottle wasn’t quite as good as other Peels I’ve had.

Tasting notes by Mike.

Voyager Estate Cabernet Merlot 2003

Margaret River, 14%, $45, screw-cap, 95 pts, Drink 2007-2017+.

Strong blackcurrant and cassis fruit up front, with tobacco, cedar and olive notes filling out the mid palate nicely before finely grained tannins kick in for a long and dry finish. All componenets superbly integrated and in fine balance, a wine that drinks beautifully now but will improve for another decade or more. (The kind of wine I like!)

Tasting notes by Mike.

Phil's Comments: This is my first Voyager red experience, and it was definitely a good one! I could not agree more with Mike; all components are beautifully integreted to perfection, a wonderful wine to enjoy now, and an excellent option to put away in the cellar for many years.

Peter Lehmann Mudflat Shiraz Muscadelle 2002

Barossa, 15%, cork, $25, 92 pts, Drink 2007-2012.

Rich black fruit, dark plum and spicy raisin. A delicious wine with a rounded mouthfeel and rich texture, finishing slightly sour sweet. 15% ABV not noticeable at all, a testament to the fruit density present in this wine.

Tasting notes by Mike.

De Bortoli 'Estate Grown' Shiraz Viognier 2005

Yarra Valley, 14.0%, screw cap, $35, 92 pts, Drink 2008-2012.

Aromas of dark plum, sweet red berries and black pepper.

On the palate it shows up a bit darker, with blackberry, liquorice, roast meats and quite peppery but fine finish.

This wine is excellently structured, with oak, tannins, and acidity in balance.

Tasting notes by Mike.

Riparossa 'Montepulciano d'Abruzzo' 2005

No notes for this wine.

~85 pts.

Wednesday 26th Sept Dinner Party

Last night I hosted a small dinner party at home to celebrate a friend's birthday. Click on the above photo to have a closer look at the menu.

We made a few last minute additions to the night: Courvoisier VSOP, Grant Burge 20-yr old Tawny Port, and a Penfolds Grange 1980. Unfortunately we were having too much fun to concern ourselves with being too analytical about the wine, so unfortunately there are no notes for last night's wines. However, I'll provide some brief comments based on what I can remember:

Voyager Estate Sauvignon Blanc Semillon 2006 ($25) - third time I have tried this wine, and on all three occasions I did not think highly of it. It's not bad at all, but it definitely doesn't have "oomph". If you like citrus whites, then this is probably the white for you. (88 pts).

Grant Burge 'Meshach' Shiraz 1995 ($150) - This label is my favourite wine of all time. I have tried several vintages of the Meshach: 1990, 1995, 1996, 1998, and I think it was 2000 and/or 2002. Consensus has it that the '98 is the superior vintage (though two occasions of having this wine I did not enjoy it immensely for some strange reason, though my company certainly did). My favourite is the '96, then '90, then the '95. An excellent wine, and definitely better than the Grange 1980!!! (95 pts).

Cape Mentelle 'Trinders' Cabernet Merlot 2004 ($30) - This wine had at least 2 hrs to decant, it finally opened up and softened up a little, but it proved not to be overly exciting. Upon opening the wine, it displayed a considerable amount of green/leafy characteristics, which settled a bit once the fruit had come out of the woodwork as a result of breathing the wine.

Jardim Do Bomfim Shiraz 2005 ($10/RR$30) - One of Mike's popular cheapies. I think he got it from Get Wines Direct? $10, otherwise $30 retail. It is definitely good value for money at 10 dollars, most definitely capable of giving the 'Trinders' a good run for its money. A very sound wine with good structure. The next day it was holding up better than the Grange. Yes, I'll be getting to the Grange shortly; you can probably predict that I don't have very nice things to say about it!! (92 pts for the Jardim).

Grant Burge 20-yr Old Tawny Port ($30) - can't remember too much at this point, but it was quite nice. Mike will post more detailed notes for it later. (93 pts).

Courvoisier VSOP ($65) - as always, bloody fantastic! I have had some of the World's best Cognac's, this VSOP may not be as "refined" as some of the World's best (eg. Remy Martin Louis XIII), but I have had both right next to each other, and I must say I enjoyed the Courvoisier more. If I had a billion dollars, yeah, I would probably drink Louis XIII every day, but for the difference in price, I would rather drink Courvoisier VSOP any day! I find that a lot of the very expensive alcoholic beverages tend to be so "refined" that you lose the essence of what that drink is all about. Cognac is supposed to be intense! (93-94 pts).

Penfolds Grange Hermitage 1980 ($290/RR$450) - So much for waiting for Wine Clinic to visit mid next year! Drunkenness got the best of me. We opened it, and the corkscrew went in, and came all the way back out again leaving the cork in the bottle. Michael immediately operated on the cork. The wine immediately had an unappealing bouquet (I must also mention that this wine showed no signs of being tainted). This wine was a big disappointment, and I take back everything I said about Grange being legend, and an experience. But I am at least content in knowing what all the fuss is about now, and finally suppressing my desire for such wines, when I know other wonderful wines are available at much more affordable prices. The wine was extremely rich, reminded me immensely of the Chateau Reynella Vintage Port 1982 - it just tasted of vintage port!! Yes, it was holding up very well for a 27-yr old wine, but who gives a crap when it does not bring you pleasure!! The wine displayed notes of mocha, liquorice and vintage port. It was a difficult wine to drink, and I did not enjoy it much at all. It's now no surprise that Jeremy Oliver gave this vintage only 90 pts, and others even less. It is very surprising that Penfolds regards it as an outstanding vintage. Grange is definitely an example of opulence, but you have to enjoy that to begin with. (89 pts).

Wednesday Sept 19

Moondah Brook Verdelho 2006 - $17
Excellent, 91 pts.

Saltram 'Mamre Brook' Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 - $26
Excellent, 93 pts.

Whislter 'The Black Piper' G.S.M. 2005 - $20 ish
Average, 85 pts.

Rocland Estate 'Lot 147' Shiraz 2005 - $25 ish
Average, 87 pts.

Wednesday Sept 5

Marius 'Simpatico' Shiraz 2004

&

Torzi Matthews 'Frost Dodger' Shiraz 2004

Will The Patience Reward?

South Australia, 12.5%, cork, RRP$450.

Rewards of Patience:
"Deep crimson brick red. Intense plum / blackberry / menthol / mocha / liquorice aromas. The tannins are pronounced but offset by stylish, rich, concentrated dark cherry/chocolaty fruit. A powerful and generously proportioned wine".

The purchase has already been made, and now the waiting game begins. I have been itching over the Grange legend for quite some time now, constantly reminding myself that it is only a label, and little else. But my urges have gotten the best of me, and I finally decided to take the plunge, and see what all the fuss is about. One must question the integrity of a bottle that is 27-years old, and as such, I am feeling a great deal of anxiety. The bottle has a very high shoulder, which is supposedly very good (and normal) for a bottle that is over 20-years of age. There is also no damage to the label.

Got in touch with Penfolds today to see when the next wine clinic will be in Perth, am advised that it will be mid-next year, and I should wait till then to both taste, and have my bottle inspected. They advise that other than the physical signs (ullage, and cork position), there is no real way to tell of the wine is in good shape without pulling the cork and tasting. I watched a video clip about the wine clinic's on the Penfolds site last night, and was rather impressed to say the least. Hopefully all shall be rewarded!

One thing that has baffled me, however, is the reviews that it has received. Penfolds Rewards of Patience notes it as being an 'outstanding vintage', yet, Jeremy Oliver gave it only 90 points, whilst various others (amateurs), have given it even less! I read on an unofficial site that Robert Parker gave it 95 points, which leads me to think that perhaps it is bigger, more "rich, and concentrated" than Oliver prefers. Though I must say, I am probably more partial towards Oliver's tastes, not thinking highly of overly-concentrated, jammy wines. If anybody has any comments to make on the 1980 Grange - it would be much appreciated.

In the same purchase, I also picked up a bottle of Grant Burge Meshach 1995 (JO 96pts). The Meshach is without a doubt, my favourite wine to date. It also seems to consistently receive higher ratings than Grange, and it would not surprise me if it delivers more than the Grange. Though, Grange is more than a bottle of wine, it's legend, and it's the experience that comes with it. All shall be revealed soon...

Jardim Do Bomfim Merlot 2004

Adelaide Hills, 13.8%, screw cap, $9.95 (GWD), 91 pts, Drink Now-2010.

Quite a deep purple colour. Concentrated black plum and morello cherries on the nose, quite piercing which suggests this merlot isn't your typical barstardised corporate 50% H20 Merlot.

Strikes the palate with aforementioned fruit flavours and a lick of spice. Medium bodied with soft tannins and some fresh acidity. The fruit bounces around in your mouth, interchanging with a subtle spicyness and just a slight nuance of French oak. Balanced. Lovely stuff.

Though not exceptionally big, I would say this merlot has some guts to it and all the better for it. Wish the other big guns would listen to what real wine lovers want.

No words need to be the said about the value of this wine.

Tasting notes by Mike.

Penfold's BIN 28 Kalimna Shiraz 2004

South Australia, 14.5%, screw cap, $30, 91-92 pts, Drink 2009/(2008-2012+).

Aromas of blackberries,dark cherry, plums and vanilla oak.

Quite similar on the palate, showing up thick with blackberries and dark chocolate, a touch of liquorice spice and finishing with a fair grip of tannin and a whiff of vanilla oak. Quite "blocky" at the moment and patience will reward the palate on this Kalimna.

Note: Didn't give this one the appropriate time to breathe when reviewing, may post a later review.

Tasting notes by Mike.

Hardy's 'Eileen Hardy' Shiraz 1998

South Australia, 14%, cork, $100, N/R.

I was expecting big things from this wine but unfortunately the promise did not deliver.

While decanting I noticed it was very viscous and had huge blackberry aromas, but also a strange fungus/oyster whiff coming across (possibly a fault? Or too much toasted American oak perhaps?)

It smacked the palate with flavours of blackberries, tarry liquorice and clove/nutmeg spice which was stopped short with a huge hard wall of bitumen and slightly bitter oak. This bottle was sourced from Sterling auctions and may not be representative of the wine, especially considering the rave reviews it recieved.

I wish I had better things to say about this wine but unfortunately this is all I could come up with.. would appreciate the comments of others who have tasted it, and whether or not they think this bottle was not quite right.

- Tasting notes by Mike.

Peter Lehmann "The Barossa" Shiraz 1998

Penfolds BIN 28 Kalimna Shiraz 1991

Metala White Label Shiraz Cabernet 2002