Wine thread

[Bazal]

Exactly, I'd say it's a good starting point.

This Hannah's Swing is a belter as well...it's opened up into a lot of black olive, cardamom, licorice...not at all typical of a Barossa, it's actually very black and savoury.

 

[Scott Gourley's Lovechild]

It's good to know those Shiraz's still exist. The majority of premium Shiraz growers seem to be trying to emulate the French "Rhone" Syrah style, which our climate + soil isn't particularly compatible with. There are companies that do it well (Torbreck comes immediately to mind), but they are few and far between.

 

[Bazal]

I do hate when a Barossa tries to be something it isn't...but I do also think we do the Rhone style very well in the right areas. Cool climate regions like Canberra do fantastic Rhone-esque syrah...but a Barossa needs to be a Barossa. That said, this reminds me more of an Eden shiraz

 

[Scott Gourley's Lovechild]

Putting it a bit more eloquently than I can. Also, Queensland has a distinct lack of Canberra region wines. Up here they think Philip Shaw solely represents the Central West wine community for example.

My personal opinion on Rhone style reds here in Oz tends to be a GSM blend, as very few straight Shiraz's can make the mark. Esprit Spinifex is from where I judge the style here in Australia, and for it's price it is a very hard wine to beat.

 

[Bazal]

That's a shame, but not a surprise. The smaller regions tend to struggle to get coverage. Suprised and kinda sad Clonakilla doesn't find it's way up there though, Tim Kirk is a genius and a worshipper of the northern Rhone. I think I've said before that I regard his Shiraz Viognier as the best wine in Australia.

I also am a huge fan of GSM blends, Rhone or otherwise. If you like the Spinifex, try the Massena Moonlight Run GSM...one of my personal faves along with Grant Burge Holy Trinity and John Duval Plexus. I am with you on that, we do Rhone style GSM much better than Rhone style syrah

 

[Scott Gourley's Lovechild]

I do love the Grant Burge Holy Trinity. Really a fantastic GSM.

Gave the Tempranillo mentioned above a lot of air to get the full bouquet, and I'm not sure it helped. Somewhat oily + tart on the palate, perhaps corked as the cork fell away during opening. There is some good dark berry depth there, and the tannins do come across on the finish. So my main issue is with the initial mouth contact.

 

[Bob Brown]

red, red wiiiiiine

 

[_Johnsy]

I tried the Teunser Reibke Northern Barossa Shiraz, excellent value. Geez those boys @ Teusner can make a wine.

 

[Misanthrope]

I like boxed Fruity Lexia >_>

 

[Bazal]

Moselle>>>> Lexia :sarcasm:

Tonight being my Friday in effect, have been supping a Tyrells Stevens Shiraz, 2009. Delicious, delicious nectar

 

[Scott Gourley's Lovechild]

Just got back from the NZ Wine Show in Brisvegas. YUM!!! Some highlights:

- Huia Gewürztraminer
- Spy Valley Gewürztraminer
- Spy Valley Pinot Noir
- Muddy Water Dry Riesling
- Muddy Water Unplugged Riesling
- Muddy Water Slowhand Pinot Noir
- Envoy Riesling
- Envoy Pinot Gris
- Envoy Pinot Noir
- Ostler Lakeside Riesling
- Bridge Ra Reserve Syrah
- Bridge Ra Louis Syrah '06 + '07

 

[Bazal]

Hosting a Penfolds Bin range and Pinot Noir/International tasting tomorrow. Should be good fun

To prepare and combat the cold and wet, Larry Cherubino The Yard Cabernet

 

[Scott Gourley's Lovechild]

Penfolds Bin's I am always interested in, purely because the regular layman will ask about them. With the international/Pinot tasting, is there a regional focus (Burgundy, Central Otago, etc) or just the lot in general.

 

[Bazal]

I am going for (I think)

Stonier Estate Pinot
Peregrine Central Otago Pinot
Tamar Ridge Devils Corner Pinot (not a fan, but the rep is coming in)
Cono Sur Reserve Pinot (Chile)
Josef Chromy Pepik Pinot
Kooyong Massale Pinot

Casillero Del Diablo Privada Cab Shiraz (Chile)
Wente Vineyards Southern Hills Cabernet (California)
Borie de Maurel Cuvee Maxime Mourverdre (Minervois France)
Henry Fessy Beaujolais
Damana 5 Rioja
Castello Romitorio Chianti

And I'll throw a Peregrine Pinot Gris on too, because it's on special and I think it's a f**king cracker

 

[Scott Gourley's Lovechild]

So basically it's the 1st Choice staff party ;-)

Sounds interesting. Let me know about the Boujelais, Tassie, and the Otago wines, they sound the most interesting.

 

[Bazal]

Haha....Nah, our staff party is even classier Deadset, we had a Moss Wood Cab 08, a grand cru burgundy, Bolly Grand Annee....sorry, I'll stop now

 

[Scott Gourley's Lovechild]

I hope they were all corked...

 

[Bazal]

In fairness, we all pay for them ourselves. We generally have the party post Christmas...you know how it is. Steam needs to blown off in a big way

 

[Scott Gourley's Lovechild]

Having the new 2011 vintage of Cork Cutters Benign Neglect Pinot Noir. Visually, when they say it's unfiltered, they aren't kidding. Extremely cloudy in appearance. But as a drink, excellent! Really recommend this to everyone, Adelaide Hills seems to be able to pump out something else other than Sauv Blanc.

 

[Scott Gourley's Lovechild]

Torbreck Cuvee Juveniles GSM, still tastes like sex in a glass. Haven't had it in about a year (same vintage, 2009), the summer berry notes are really starting to come on strong now. FANTASTIC!