Nice wines I have drunk recently - Red or White

[TheRealTMA]

Not sure why but they gave me a 60% discount when I paid...we have noticed that a glass of wine in the restaurants/cafes in Lisbon is cheaper than a bottle of water...makes sense now!

Portugal and Spain are wonderful for wine drinkers. The English disease of charging 300% markup in restaurants just hasn't filtered through yet. Fabulous!

 

[Whining&dining]

Reinforces my opinion that Aussie wines are overpriced cf to wines from other parts of the world. Enjoying another glass now as I type this!

Guess the cost of production here is way above that of southern Europe especially in terms of subsidies from government. Phillip White has an interesting piece on his blog regarding profitability of viniculture in Oz and makes this point "Take a look at the WFA's 2015 Production profitability analysis ... the information in its pie diagrams is indicting as much as devastating. Amalgamated, Australia's "cool climate" regions, which, in the WFA's estimation mysteriously include the warm Barossa and McLaren Vale, incurred a 43% loss in 2015. These figures compare the cost of growing the grapes to the prices achieved....Get to Murray-Darling-Swan Hill and it's 88% loss at 19.4 t/ha. The Riverina, home of the glorious YellowTail, scores a 97% loss at 14.9 t/ha." But I'm not disputing the fact that our wines do seem pricey hence my adherence to the Dan Murphy and Vinomofo threads - gotta love a bargain

EDIT: Even an imported wine such as this can be had for €7.75 in Europe https://vinomofo.com/wines/red-wine/bodegas-olarra-anares-rioja-reserva-2011? but is hiked to $30 (if VM aren't fibbing) in Oz, mind you it does sound pretty fetching!

 

[beefarmer]

Guess the cost of production here is way above that of southern Europe especially in terms of subsidies from government. Phillip White has an interesting piece on his blog regarding profitability of viniculture in Oz and makes this point "Take a look at the WFA's 2015 Production profitability analysis ... the information in its pie diagrams is indicting as much as devastating. Amalgamated, Australia's "cool climate" regions, which, in the WFA's estimation mysteriously include the warm Barossa and McLaren Vale, incurred a 43% loss in 2015. These figures compare the cost of growing the grapes to the prices achieved....Get to Murray-Darling-Swan Hill and it's 88% loss at 19.4 t/ha. The Riverina, home of the glorious YellowTail, scores a 97% loss at 14.9 t/ha." But I'm not disputing the fact that our wines do seem pricey hence my adherence to the Dan Murphy and Vinomofo threads - gotta love a bargain

EDIT: Even an imported wine such as this can be had for €7.75 in Europe https://vinomofo.com/wines/red-wine/bodegas-olarra-anares-rioja-reserva-2011? but is hiked to $30 (if VM aren't fibbing) in Oz, mind you it does sound pretty fetching!

Nicely put and the Fo tempy red on offer here may be quite nice. I was asking my broker yesterday about the recent Epsion temp and he said it was a hard grape to tempt punters into buying a 12 bot case. So true .

So this wine today, at three bucks more than their 11.90 deals would surely suit those who love rioja, and those who love bling. Also those who know the label, and those who buy labels. Does it matter really, nope. Just enjoy.

 

[beefarmer]

Haelgrove Cul Stor 2015.

I asked my daughter about this wine and she said TopShop.



I said no, it's not spelt that way, it's no cool store, it's a silly named wine I bought about 5 weeks ago from the Fo. It's been sitting but after a recent discussion with a fellow AFFer who I believe may have returned the case, well eleven bottles of it, this later afternoon was the perfect opportunity to test it out and see if the negative preconception bore fruit.

I am glad to say there is a lot of fruit to be had here and I liked the wine. For me, it's staying for the long haul. Admittedly, it's young but very drinkable and often with McLaren vale fruit, is better with food. In my case, pieces of bread. I am cooking tbone later so the remainder will be interesting to taste after a bit of airing. It's the dark serious fruit, not as in your face Barossan and I loved the body. The label says full flavoured and it is with a bit of acidity there and the cabernet franc giving it a nice end sweetness. it's a shiraz cab cab-franc blend and I liked it's difference.

Next I went to wozzas bible - by the way wozza, there is someone out there with a nick of wazza888. BUCUO with a dot on the first U and the O.

It seems the 2014 was a belter, and 2013 not far behind. At 3.7, I am thinking it's a reasonable score for this wine and I think it needs to be re-assessed in three years time.

Otherwise, a first trial at a Haselgrove wine for me. There is a Catkin lying around somewhere in a BM Mixed case.

 

[Whodoesthat]

The little tackers birthday and he wanted to pick the wine for Dad.....the gold foil of the Bannockburn Shiraz 2002 caught his eye (didn't know I had it) Nice bricking, great nose of perfumed aromatics (viognier in the mix?) Very smooth, strong violet overtone , the most subtle hint of white pepper and an undefined herbaceous bottom end..... an excellent, unusual and most interesting wine. A mate popped in for 10 and in making reference to the movie..it was "gone in 60 seconds"...... wish I had a few more.

 

[boomy]

Decanting this interesting drop for dinner tonight.





First time to try the Padthaway, hope it will deliver

 

[Whining&dining]

Decanting this interesting drop for dinner tonight.


First time to try the Padthaway, hope it will deliver

Fascinated to hear what you make of it boomy (like many others on here I'm sure!)

 

[Wozza]

Some Sydney AFFs turned out in good form today for Katy's birthday. We had a few icon Cabs to celebrate in fine style, but alas no real notes, as the fine Sydney weather warmed them up too much, masking their true potential:


They were nonetheless great wines, with the Shadrach 06 drinking nicely now. And the Coppermine 05 probably needing some more bottle age over the next 3-5 years.

Tonight, I opened:

the Penfolds Bin 128 Coonawarra Shiraz 2013


It's a wine with a great future ahead of it, as you'll see from my Vivino and Cellar Tracker note:

http://www.vivino.com/wines/2050748

2013 Penfolds Shiraz Bin 128, Australia, South Australia, Limestone Coast, Coonawarra - CellarTracker

"There's a smooth intensity and richness and an early approachability that just exudes Penfolds quality. Even at this Penfolds mass produced level.

The cool climate Coonawarra characteristics are there. As are the quality French oak notes. There's a consistent line from the lifted nose to the fine finish as meaty plums, bright red cherries, smoked charcuterie, bitter dark chocolate, some graphite and saline and a lift of cracked black pepper showcase a really promising wine.

Huge potential for 3/4 yrs time, with great cellaring potential for many years past that point. It's why it gets a Wozza 94/100 (4.0/5.0) from me."

 

[Steady]

I picked this up from the cellar door yesterday on an end of vintage clearance sale. I am a fan of their Pinots, the '13 is their standout (thanks Miss Bick)

 

[blackcat20]

Feels like the perfect evening to try the Serrat Pinot Noir. It's delicious.

 

[Steady]

Feels like the perfect evening to try the Serrat Pinot Noir. It's delicious.

Is it a fruit forward Pinot? Or more of an earthy style?

 

[blackcat20]

Is it a fruit forward Pinot? Or more of an earthy style?

Ummmm...its yum?

 

[AnonymousCoward]

A few more tasted over the past week and a bit:

Domaine Vincent Paris Cornas Granit 30 2013:
Sour cherries and blueberries with minty notes on the nose. The palate is medium bodied with fruits dominant, herbaceous notes and slightly grippy tannins. This is still young but it's nice drinking now - a light Syrah that could be mistaken for a heavy bodied Pinot. Will be better with more time. CT89

Katnook Estate Shiraz Prodigy 2002:
Bottle 4273. Slightly Bretty nose, but not too bad. The palate similar to previous '02 bottles, with plums and dark fruits, oak and smooth tannins all well integrated. CT90

Voyager Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot 2008:
Plums, cassis and dark fruits. Plenty of vanillin oak and a touch of spice. Light tannins. Really easy drinking right now. CT90

Crawford River Riesling 2014:
Citrus and floral notes on the nose, with a great fruity palate of lime, grapefruit, apples, orange and a mineral undertone. Great acidity throughtout. Superb on the second day. CT92 from me.

Parker Coonawarra Estate Terra Rossa First Growth 2006
Big cassis nose. A fruity palate with plenty of dark fruits - blackberries, currants, plums. The tannins are still grippy, and there is also an undertone of subtle oak. Long finish. Acidity is noticeable but not bad. CT91

Castelli Estate Il Liris 2012
Nose is a full, complex blend of dark fruit and savoury spice: it really hits you. The palate is smooth, with that great Australian combination of Cabernet and Shiraz (56%/37%) with the addition of 7% Malbec giving it some additional complexity. Tannins are still firm, but not overpowering. Long savoury finish. This is a big 14.9% alcohol after the other two WA wines tonight, but no heat detected. At $25, this was an amazing bargain. CT90

Cape Mentelle Wilyabrup 2012
Opened a bottle to taste, not remembering I'd done so a month ago! Still, great drinking with cassis, some red fruits and mint. Palate is smooth, with nice tannins and some savoury spice. Cape Mentelle are usually a class act and the second bottle didn't disappoint either. CT91

Clarendon Hills Syrah Bakers Gully 2006
Nose has plenty of flavour: leather, savoury spice, smoke and dark fruit. The body is full, with the same notes, but with cherries and plums as well. Tannins are smooth. Long, long finish. CT91

Clarendon Hills Syrah Hickinbotham 2006
A much more perfumed nose compared to the '06 Baker's Gully earlier in the night. The palate is also more restrained, though at the same time more complex. The fruit core is bigger, with lots of dark fruits, whilst there is also savoury spice, pepper, smoke and vanillin oak. Great drinking - a real shame it's my last bottle. CT92

 

[AnonymousCoward]

For tonight:
2004 Hardys Shiraz Eileen Hardy
This is class all the way. Made from 3 McLaren Vale vineyards, the nose is a sumptuous assault of savoury spices and lush fruit. The palate of blueberries and plums with rosemary, pepper and dark chocolate. The tannins are silky smooth, and the finish lingers and lingers.

 

[beefarmer]

For tonight:
2004 Hardys Shiraz Eileen Hardy
This is class all the way. Made from 3 McLaren Vale vineyards, the nose is a sumptuous assault of savoury spices and lush fruit. The palate of blueberries and plums with rosemary, pepper and dark chocolate. The tannins are silky smooth, and the finish lingers and lingers.

View attachment 80952

AC, about time you knocked off one of your cheapie house reds for a change.

All jokes aside, are you a two to three hour decanter on your wines, or straight from stelvin direct to glass kinda imbiber?

Reason I ask is whether you notice a little in situ transformation of the wine over a few hours with it gaining complexity, body, and roundedness ?

And I know some AFFers don't quite get your scoring system, but I have a strange feeling the score you left off for this one may just have cracked a 3 point five? I could be wrong and you may still have 'alf a bottle left for the Sunday night Mae goreng appraisal, but how did you rate it?

 

[AnonymousCoward]

All jokes aside, are you a two to three hour decanter on your wines, or straight from stelvin direct to glass kinda imbiber?

Most mid-week stuff I'll open around 5:30/6pm, and then we'll drink it over the course of several hours, finishing around 10-11pm.

Reason I ask is whether you notice a little in situ transformation of the wine over a few hours with it gaining complexity, body, and roundedness ?

A lot of wine seems to change over time, especially after the first 30 minutes or so.

I could be wrong and you may still have 'alf a bottle left for the Sunday night

I opened this bottle on Friday and had a glass, but didn't have opportunity to drink more. So it sent into the fridge to be finished on Saturday night. So, it was tasted over two nights I guess.

 

[ste667]

Had a 2015 Innocent Bystander Syrah last night.

I'm still not that experienced with cool climate Shiraz/Syrah but I really enjoyed this. Definite steal at the $12.50 new-member-$20-off-in-a-6-pack price from Lion's Den.

Medium bodied, slight sour cherry tang, decent length, easy drinking. Yum!

 

[Alzoam]

Had a 2015 Innocent Bystander Syrah last night.

I'm still not that experienced with cool climate Shiraz/Syrah but I really enjoyed this. Definite steal at the $12.50 new-member-$20-off-in-a-6-pack price from Lion's Den.

Medium bodied, slight sour cherry tang, decent length, easy drinking. Yum!

I have a couple of invites left for the Den if anyone is interested. Need you to PM your name and email address. First in best dressed though.

 

[magoo76]

Had a 2015 Innocent Bystander Syrah last night.

I'm still not that experienced with cool climate Shiraz/Syrah but I really enjoyed this. Definite steal at the $12.50 new-member-$20-off-in-a-6-pack price from Lion's Den.

Medium bodied, slight sour cherry tang, decent length, easy drinking. Yum!

Agree with this.

I have a couple of invites left, if anyone is interested, please PM me.

 

[Wozza]

Trying the:

Wynns Coonawarra Estate V&A Selected Vineyards Shiraz 2012


14 months after I last tried it. This Coonawarra Shiraz from 2012 is developing nicely. And it's showing all the smooth, balanced, easy drinking characteristics I remember from my first bottle. My latest tasting note says:

http://www.vivino.com/users/warren-dav/reviews/54251089

2012 Wynns Coonawarra Estate Shiraz V & A Lane, Australia, South Australia, Limestone Coast, Coonawarra - CellarTracker

"Parcels of premium Wynns Shiraz are selected from along the V&A Lane that divides the famous Aussie Terra Rossa of the North and South of Coonawarra. Ray Jordan bestowed 96 for this fine 2012 vintage, saying it was 'smooth and seamless throughout, with silky tannins and beautiful oak'.

It's the same 14 mths on. And it's developing nicely with a seamless delicate blend of sweet berry fruits and savoury oaked and peppery flavours. I could drink this all night! It's simply pristine.

Still WIP, but it's drinking so well now. It's why it gets a Wozza 95/100 (4.2/5.0) from me."

It reminds me of the halcyon days when VinoMofo used to snag great wines at great prices. I think I'm almost a year into my mof_ abstinence (following 3 returns in a row), hoping the great wines at great prices will return. Sadly, I think mof_ have moved on to a more mass market model, and I've moved on with more demanding expectations. So I can't imagine I'll be buying regularly from them like I did last year. Such a shame. As they were a great company and still have two visionary, industry pioneering leaders at the helm. But I can't be bothered to sort the marketing BS from the marketing BS to work out what's okay from the good. I want better than good. I want wines like this V&A Shiraz.

Here's hoping ...