Spot the Riedel

Can you spot the Riedel? That on the left is the Riedel ($50), and that on the right is a Wheel & Barrow ($12.50). In the shop it struck me as bearing a striking resemblance to the Riedel Bordeaux glass I have at home, but what surprised me even more was when I took them home and stood them next to each other - the dimensions are almost identical. The glass makes the same noise, the lip is just as thin, the only difference is a slightly thicker stem, which is probably a good thing anyway. Well these new glasses shall be put into action on Wednesday, and I shall post my opinions about them.

How to Fix a Riedel

Here is an update on the recently broken Riedel. Mike has gone to great lengths to revive the glass, of which are two methods in particular: that which you see on the left is the 'Cup Method', where you can lift the glass off the cup when drinking, or alternatively use it in conjunction with the handle - creating a Riedel Bordeaux mug. That on the right is the 'Rubber Method': what is left of the stem is pinned into a rubber. One may likewise choose to remove the glass from the rubber when drinking, and pin it back into the rubber when idle, or let the rubber serve as a semi-permanent base. Anybody have any fun ideas for the glass? (Other than it being a candle snuffer? Preferably something that will see its continued use as a drinking apparatus.

Article: ‘Does a 50-buck wine glass buy you better-tasting wine?’

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...

Riedel Madness

Riedel stemware, without a doubt, are the finest instruments for fine wine appreciation. They are also, at times, a real pain in the ass. They are incredibly fragile, and whenever an occasion warrants opening a set of Riedel's, it comes with a great deal of anxiety. First, you can't help but be concerned when your friend's have had a few drinks, and you start to hear your delicate, precious Riedel stemware being clashed into other objects. "Oooops!" - indeed. Then, the greatest of all tests is cleaning them, and trying not to break one.