Right, what are we/you drinking now .. tonight

[Chuck]

Agree everything above re TWE. Caught in a vice like grip of falling demand and other emerging premium brands catching up on quality. Have heard world wide demand for wine is down 12% from its peak a few years ago.That's a lot of wine. Bin 389 @ $100 doesn't make sense and there is plenty of other wines that are as good at lower prices. I feel for the growers who will be raped and pillaged by TWE on volume and price.

I was out to dinner with an Asian friend who proudly displayed a bottle of Bin 28 in a shiny elaborate gold and red box. Wine was average. Box the winner. This love affair will likely recede over time. As Warren Buffett once said - It's only when the tide goes out do you see who is swimming naked.

[Alan Foo]

I was out to dinner with an Asian friend who proudly displayed a bottle of Bin 28 in a shiny elaborate gold and red box. Wine was average. Box the winner. This love affair will likely recede over time. As Warren Buffett once said - It's only when the tide goes out do you see who is swimming naked.

That's a good one Chuck

Merry Christmas to everyone

Thanks.
Alan

[Sean]

2018 Leeuwin Estate Chardonnay
thought I'd pop a TN here because, simply put, this is an absolute legend in the making.
drinking well despite its young age (well, very young for a LEAS CHARDONNAY), this now gets my vote as the best of this most prestigious line. (IMO only second to Grange for its long term excellence and consistency)
a powerful, complex and utterly majestic wine without peer for me in this vintage. Stunning, greeted by general "wows" around the table.
absurd length, myriad of flavours and, despite the luscious fruit, has a steely core giving it endless energy and drive.
I have seen this wine at least a dozen times since release, and while it has always been promising, I honestly didn't see it getting to this level.
Worth trying if you have ample stocks, but if you are low on numbers, it should peak in another five years and hold on for another decade after that.
Yep, best Aussie white ever for me
98 POINTS, drink: 2030-2040.

IMG_1374.jpeg

Just watched a recent Wine Animal video on YouTube with Lamont’s owner John Jens talking about Leeuwin Estate Chardonnay.
I won’t bother adding in the link (they don’t work). Just use the search bar on YouTube and enter Wine Animal + Leeuwin Estate.
The WA guys here will know JJ pretty well.
They run through 5 vintages of the Art Series Chardonnay - 2004, 2010, 2018, 2020 and current release 2022.
Also 2 vintages of the Prelude Chardonnay - 2023, 2024.
John Jens talks about the quality and pedigree of the Art Series Chardonnay over many years, incl his favourites.
Interesting he agrees that 2018 will be the expert’s pick.
Talks about the changes in the winery and barrels between the 2018 and 2020 vintages. He reckons the 2020 is even better.
Rates the 2021 vintage as a marvellous wine, in his top 5.
He rates the 2022 as better, but a touch behind the 2020.
Repeatedly said keep them 20 years if you want.
They are already saying keep an eye out for the 2023 when it is released.
You can also find another Art Series Chardonnay tasting he did with Erin Larkin that she posted 3 years ago on her YouTube channel - 6 wines from the 2001 to 2018 vintages.
Again just use the search bar on YouTube and enter Erin Larkin + Leeuwin Estate.
Ran through them from youngest to oldest.
Erin rates the 2018 as the best ever, only just released when they did the video. (She did another video with the winemaker just about this wine.)
At the time, John Jens also agreed the 2018 was their greatest wine.
The 2017 a cooler, wetter vintage. Minerally and a bit more phenolic.
The 2016 had improved since released. Juicy, silky and seamless.
The 2011 has warm, sun drenched fruit bolstered by the acidity. Erin thinks it is a wine of contrasts.
The 2002 starting to show its age. More complete and mellow. In “beautiful” condition and everything still perfect.
The 2001 much younger and minerally. Acid, heaps of fruit, exotic spices. An “exciting” wine.
They talk about ageing these wines. How they evolve and come into their own.
Also while you might pick best vintages, get a few different ones. They show the wet or warm vintages in the glass, the differences in a great Chardonnay year in, year out.
I have had the 2016 and 2017 vintages. Clearly I should have kept them rather than already drinking them.
Held onto them while I was waiting for the 2018 release. Just never saw it, maybe it disappeared because of all the plaudits it got from the critics.
Predicting the same will happen with the 2023 when it is released in April next year.

[phillisc]

Lucky I don't like Chardonnay
2025 Leonay Riesling...in a couple of words classy and fabulous.
This week also had a 2025 Drumborg.... simply brilliant and splitting hairs. Pikes Merle arrives next week. Might have to dig out a Crawford River.
1997 Lindemans Pyrus. Deep red purple in colour... wonderful nose, blue fruits and an amazing enduring palate. Have four left... another 5 years in the tank. For $30 magnificent.
1994 Peter Lehmann Stonewell dark chocolate notes, palate like a cuddly blanket. Still has primary notes, very well made. No rush.
Cheers Craig

[Rossco]

Rossco, average is back up...just in time for my attendance at the Test tomorrow....you might be a good omen!
Only wines 1, 2 and 3 not in the cellar.

Thanks so much for the all the notes on the Quintet, Seppelts and the Coonawarra's

I have had long discussions with Emma Bowen Re the Ampelon...purchased a dozen on release, have had 2-3 I think.
It was just a case of the planets aligning after tasting a few barrels, the unicorn arrived.
Funnily enough there has been rejuvenation of the Shiraz vineyards and all recent vines are from the Ampelon Clone, so I guess there's a little bit in each bottle now. If there was ever a time to make another one, 2021 or 2022 would fit the bill. I tried the 2024s from the barrel, they are and will be superb. Emma just smiles, Ampelon was a one off.

Thanks for the notes and have a good Christmas. Having an 2008 SSSS next week, will need to dig out the sixer of 1994s...I've not tried one...yet!

Cheers Craig

I have the 08 SSSS for Xmas, can't wait.

2012 is a different wine to all the other vintages. Some of my wine group prefer it (more elegant), some prefer the 08. The 04 is in a good spot at the moment and is my pick.

When I was with Emma and Doug a few years ago, both were quite firm that the Ampelon was a once off which is a real shame. I have one bottle left. I really enjoy their Chardonnay each year.

Hope your 08 was good

[Sean]

Run Free by Singlefile Pinot Grigio 23 - Great Southern, WA. Free-run juice, tank fermented and early bottled to retain fruit character and freshness. You see this in the glass. A pale straw colour and lifted aromatics. Nashi pear, green apple and wild herbs. Loads of pristine fruit and natural acidity, with a dry finish. - 10/12/25

Sidewood Pinot Noir 23 - Drunk a few of these. Wild yeast, some whole bunch and 10 months in larger French oak barrels. Ruby red coloured. Red fruits, cherry, rhubarb and herbs. Feels medium-bodied with fruit intensity and fresh acidity on the palate. Nice forest floor aftertaste and soft tannins. - 11/12/25

Katnook Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 16 - An early, warm vintage. Got 17 months in mostly older French oak barrels. A dense red-purple colour and lovely aromatics. Cassis, dark berries, cherry, bay leaf and subtle spice. Slowly builds and fills out with each glass. Feels medium to full-bodied and starting to mature. A little earthy/smoky when you get into it, and slightly firm tannins. - 13/12/25

Leeuwin Estate Classic Dry White 25 - Usually a blend of varietals, not just SSB. A clean, fresh aromatic style. Light straw colour and nice florals. Getting more citrus and grassy/nettles character rather than tropical fruits. Let it warm up in the glass. Racy acidity on the palate with some texture and a dry finish. - 14/12/25

Peter Lehmann H&V Barossa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 21 - Won a trophy at the 2022 Barossa Wine Show. A strong red-purple colour. This is rich and full-bodied, also sweet fruited with a nice balance of oak and fruit. Blackberry, blue fruits, choc-mint, cedar and spice. Good intensity and soft, grainy tannins. - 18/12/25

Ingoldby Shiraz 16 - McLaren Vale. Not had one of these for a long time. Nice with a bit of age on it. A crimson red colour and a little bricking. Showing both fruit and some maturity. Rich and warm, but comfy. Blackberry, plums, red fruits, red licorice, spice, earth/leather and soft tannins. - 20/12/25

Stonier Pinot Gris 25 - Not had a PG from Stonier before. The fruit comes off a higher vineyard with red volcanic soil. Straw colour. A fuller style with silky texture as well as clean fruit and vibrant acidity. Stonefruit, pear, spice and savoury influences. A pleasant saline or sea spray note as it warms up in the glass and a dry finish. - 21/12/25

[Ian S]

1996 Produttori del Barbaresco Riserva Montestefano, is in a nice spot for me, where sweet and savoury meet, and the tannins are subdued enough (though still a much better wine with food, as acidity and residual tannins give it decent grip, even at almost 30 years old). IIRC I picked this up in Alba, maybe 2-3 years after release. Under €20.

[Sean]

Peter Lehmann Black Queen Sparkling Shiraz 20 - Trophy winner at the Great Australian Shiraz Challenge. Got one year in old hogsheads and aged over 3 years in the bottle on lees. A slow, steady bead. Nice mature Shiraz feel to this. Plums, blackberry, dark chocolate and mixed spices. Lush and vibrant with subtle moreish notes and long. - 24/12/25

Peter Lehmann Futures Shiraz 23 - A deep red-purple colour. Dark plums, cherry, red fruits and spice. Dense and a little warm, with some vanilla oak and fine tannins. Softer and plush fruits when you get into it more, I drank most of the bottle and obviously enjoyed it. A good cellaring option, tuck it away for 5 to 10 years to get the best of it. - 25/12/25

Peter Lehmann Eternal Optimist Shiraz 23 - A trophy winner at the 2024 Barossa Wine Show. Dense red-purple colour. Pepper, plums, dark fruits and spice. Supple with abundant fruit and chocolatey oak. Feels lush and medium-bodied on the palate. Ripping through this, so easy to drink. A slightly earthy/savoury finish and velvety smooth tannins. - 26/12/25

Xanadu Chardonnay 23 - A barrel-fermented style, with 25% new French oak and 9 months maturation. No malo. Green straw colour. Loads of citrus, stonefruit, spice and a lick of wild honey. Some leesy influences, but this is still pretty tight and intense. Comes up better as it warms up in the glass. - 28/12/25

[felixp21]

christmas Aussie pinots:
2020 Tolpuddle
ridiculously astringent, 40 percent stems, awful wine and nobody could manage even a glass. Screwcap. NR
2022 Stargazer
not a lot better, but nice fruit hidden under the battery acis and brett NR
2018 Pooley
the winery's basic offering, simple but perfectly quaffable 85
2018 Mount Mary
just lovely, clearly New World but interesting complex and long 93
2014 Bass Phillip Premuim
past it now, muddy and disjointed. Disappointing, as they usually are. NR

[phillisc]

2017 Basket Press
Unfortunately a reflection of the dreadful vintage.
Bright colour, plenty happening in the nostrils but falls away really quickly on the palate. Fruit from what was there was like water. Unfortunately nothing much nice could be said
2006 Basket Press
Magnificent wine, bright reflective virtually no browning on the edges. Dark brooding with a plush rich palate continuing through to a long finish. Firm tannins, absolutely delicious.
1996 Basket Press
This was stunning. Cork stained 3mm still had some primary notes. Excellent mouth feel, with lots going on, lovely silky tannins. First bottle from a sixer, will certainly enjoy the rest over the next 5 years or so.
Old BP when on song is an absolute delight.
Cheers Craig

[Mike Hawkins]

Thanks Craig, I’ve always liked the 96 BP. And as good as it is, I’d only rank it number four for the decade

[phillisc]

Thanks Mike... good to hear. I have 4-6 bottles of every other 90s vintage. I'll have to open a few more
Cheers Craig

[Sean]

Oakridge Willowlake Pinot Noir 23 - A north-facing red volcanic soil vineyard in Yarra Valley. This was a cooler, low cropping vintage. Some similarities to the previous vintage, which turned out to be a very nice wine. Whole berry/bunch and 11 months in French oak. Ruby colour and fragrant. Sour cherry, plums, rhubarb, spice and earthy. Noticing the savoury oak a bit, also lots of fresh acidity with moderate tannin. Give it a year or two I think. - 30/12/25

So that’s just about it for 2025.
A sparkling Rose and homemade pizzas for NYE.
Maybe walk down to the beach and watch the fireworks around the bay.
Usually a good crowd if the weather is OK.

[Mike Hawkins]

Thanks Mike... good to hear. I have 4-6 bottles of every other 90s vintage. I'll have to open a few more
Cheers Craig

I’ve consumed / sold / gifted all bar the 90,91,96 and 98. Last bottles of the 92,93,94 were a few years ago and they were starting to look tired.

[phillisc]

Thanks Mike, I remember that the 1990/91 came in dozen size cartons with no purchase limits. Recall getting 12 of each plus a few more. These two vintages put Rockford on the map...about $15 a bottle on release.
Have a HNY...NYC at the time of this post still in 2025?
Cheers Craig

[JamieAdelaide]

Had a 99 Rockford Basket Press magnum on Xmas Day which was a perfect expression of old fashioned Barossa Shiraz. No hurry to drink up in good bottles.

Lots of grand Italians too. Giacosa red labels.

Last night Cristal 09 was very nice. Bruised apple oxidative note on the palate and odd contrast to
Fresh brioche & Green Apple. 07 better but hey, it’s wonderful champers.

1993 Langi was excellent. Warm vintage. Showed a wonderful marriage of mature Shiraz scents and flavours minus the usual peppery sprinkles.

[Chuck]

Reichsrat Von Burl 2020 Riesling Troken. A random bottle gifted by a friend a few years ago. Really nice stuff. Well balance and acidity cut through the fattiness of BBQ Bonito. Not much floral though which I love in OZ rieslings. German precision on display

[WineRick]

Ordered it on Sunday before Christmas, rang Monday saying I don't mind if it comes after New Year, to be told my order had been packed and on its way!
Arrived Adelaide, Wed, Christmas Eve.
2025 Bests Great Western Riesling; Probably the best example of this label - expressive varietal fruit contained by a crisp, perfectly balanced acidity, and easy to get completely sucked in by its drinkability. 5 bottles already gone! Will order more at $22/bot (club member price).

[phillisc]

Yes WR, have been buying Bests Bin O since the mid 90s, however have only brought recent vintages of their Rieslings. I agree, very well made and in 2022 there were 4 releases, one from clay. Excellent wines and good VFM.
Cheers Craig

[Chuck]

Howard Park 2014 Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon. In a great place. Still some primary fruit and secondary flavours coming through. A more fuller bodied MR cab. They can be one dimensional IMO. No rush to drink.

[Chuck]

Stonehaven 2021 Reserve Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon. First of a 6 pack. Stupid heavy bottle. Good quality cork seal. Opened 3hrs before. Initially tight as a drum but by end of bottle the potential showed. Black fruits plus all the other usual Coonawarra flavours. Superb balance and will only get better. Patience required. Cut through the fat of a grade 8/9 Wagyu chuck eye roll steak.

[phillisc]

Stonehaven 2021 Reserve Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon. First of a 6 pack. Stupid heavy bottle. Good quality cork seal. Opened 3hrs before. Initially tight as a drum but by end of bottle the potential showed. Black fruits plus all the other usual Coonawarra flavours. Superb balance and will only get better. Patience required. Cut through the fat of a grade 8/9 Wagyu chuck eye roll steak.

Carl, have about 10 of these left. Cracker of a wine...VM or someone were flogging it at $20 a bottle.
2 bottles of 2012 Wynns Shiraz. At the price $100/12 nothing comes close. Purple colour so primary blackberry, savoury chocolate notes, a little warmth leading to a generous palate. Wonderful with aged porterhouse.
Think there's another half a dozen six packs sitting in the cellar.
Happy days
Cheers Craig

[Sean]

Barking Frog Sauvignon Blanc 25 - Adelaide zone. Drunk a couple of bottles of this. Good varietal character and fruit intensity. Clean with pristine tropical fruits, some grassy/herbal notes and a moderately dry finish. - 2/1/26

Knappstein Clare Valley Riesling 24 - I will knock through a number of Rieslings in January. Expect most of them will be 2025 vintage. This has an extra year on it however. Filling out nicely. Straw coloured. Still very fresh and vibrant. Lime, talcum, herbs and loads of clean acidity. - 3/1/26

Pizzini Sangiovese Shiraz 23 - I have drunk a few bottles of this since last year. Nice BBQ red. Showing a pleasant mix of fruit and savoury influences. A 60/40 blend and harmonious. Feels medium-bodied with subtle acidity keeping it fresh. Cherry, plums, dried herbs and soft tannins. - 4/1/26

Taylors Estate Label Riesling 25 - Clare Valley. Green straw colour and florals. Leaping out of the glass. Lemon, lime and some tropical fruit. Good fruit intensity, but not too sweet fruited. This is fresh and grapey with natural punchy acidity and a moderately dry finish. - 5/1/26

d’Arenberg The Dead Arm Shiraz 19 - Old style McLaren Vale red. Small batch winemaking until the final blend, open fermenter, basket-pressed and 18 months in new and older French oak. A deep red-purple colour. Plums, blackberry, mocha, fennel and spice. A hot vintage, the website says it is 15% a/v. Feels rich and warm on the palate with strong tannins. A bit earthy when you get into it. All that fruit and tannin will last ages I think. - 6/1/26

Penfolds Bin 389 Cabernet Shiraz 21 - A 53/47 blend matured in American oak for 12 months, 37% new barriques. A dense red-purple colour with legs in the glass. OK loads of rich dark fruit and tannin. But lots on offer as a young wine, well a 5yo wine. Blackberry, cassis, cherry, vanilla/mocha and spice. You can taste the oak, which is obvious rather than dominating. A little warm. Velvety smooth and a surprising earthy feel to it. - 8/1/26

Sidewood Pinot Gris 25 - Whole bunch, wild yeast and some oak/barrel influences. Light straw colour and very aromatic. Pears, stonefruit and spice. Strong fruit character with leesy texture as a counterpoint to the baseline acidity and a dry finish. - 10/1/26

Krondorf Eden Valley Riesling 25 - Light straw colour and florals. Loads of pristine fruit and natural punchy acidity. Fills out the palate with citrus/lime, herbs, talcum and a slatey dry finish. - 11/1/26

Rieslingfreak No.34 Riesling 25 - Clare and Eden Valley fruit. Green straw colour with citrus blossom and florals. This is very fruit driven. Limes, lemon squash, pear and herbs. Feels sweet fruited on the mid-palate. Zippy, refreshing acidity and slightly off-dry finish. 12/1/26

Xanadu Stevens Road Cabernet Sauvignon 21 - Sourced from Block 3 on the Stevens Rd vineyard. A cooler vintage. Possibly some Malbec and PV in it. Matured in French oak (40% new) for 14 months. A rich red colour with deeper hues. Cassis, mixed berry fruits, plums, bay leaf, aniseed, dried herbs and mocha. A hint of green (the vintage). This is 13.5% a/v and feels medium-bodied and elegant. Nice balance and moderate, svelte tannins. - 14/1/26

Leeuwin Estate Art Series Riesling 25 - Sourced from their 70s plantings. Green straw colour and musky florals. Citrus blossom, lemon/lime, apple and spice. Feels a little wound up with robust, fresh acidity and a slightly chalky mouthfeel. Right in the groove of really good WA riesling and a minerally, dry finish. - 15/1/26

[phillisc]

Sean, thanks for the note on the Dead Arm...having one tonight
Cheers Craig

[mjs]

I have had long discussions with Emma Bowen Re the Ampelon...purchased a dozen on release, have had 2-3 I think.
It was just a case of the planets aligning after tasting a few barrels, the unicorn arrived.
Funnily enough there has been rejuvenation of the Shiraz vineyards and all recent vines are from the Ampelon Clone, so I guess there's a little bit in each bottle now. If there was ever a time to make another one, 2021 or 2022 would fit the bill. I tried the 2024s from the barrel, they are and will be superb. Emma just smiles, Ampelon was a one off.

When I was with Emma and Doug a few years ago, both were quite firm that the Ampelon was a once off which is a real shame. I have one bottle left.

Alas I have drunk a dozen or more and have no more Ampelon, it was arguably my stand out Bowen wine, and the same, have discussed with Doug and Emma that the Ampelon was a one off. They really have done a power of work in the vineyard over the years. It shows in the yet to be released 24's.

[Rossco]

Alas I have drunk a dozen or more and have no more Ampelon, it was arguably my stand out Bowen wine, and the same, have discussed with Doug and Emma that the Ampelon was a one off. They really have done a power of work in the vineyard over the years. It shows in the yet to be released 24's.

If you are ever in Melbourne (or the Sunshine coast) again and our calenders align Malcolm, I will gladly open my remaining bottle of Ampelon with you.

[Sean]

Sean, thanks for the note on the Dead Arm...having one tonight
Cheers Craig

Same vintage?
The back label says 14.5% a/v, the website says 15% a/v. Feels a bit warm, so probably the latter.
Threw some chunky sediment in the bottle.
Give it a long decant and big glasses.
I drank it over a couple of nights, second night it was really good.

[mjs]

Alas I have drunk a dozen or more and have no more Ampelon, it was arguably my stand out Bowen wine, and the same, have discussed with Doug and Emma that the Ampelon was a one off. They really have done a power of work in the vineyard over the years. It shows in the yet to be released 24's.

If you are ever in Melbourne (or the Sunshine coast) again and our calenders align Malcolm, I will gladly open my remaining bottle of Ampelon with you.

^^

[Chuck]

Last night dinner with friends. Nice Atlantic Salmon Nicoise salad with Moet NV (nice bubbles) and a Bannockburg 2021 Geelong Pinot Noir. Nice pinot but a bit sweet for me. I'm a novice with PN. Later a De Bortoli NV Black Noble. A fortified sticky. Interesting style.

[JDSJDS]

2014 Wynns Black Label Cabernet Sauvignon - A classic black label, concentrated, medium to full bodied black fruits with a hint of mint and leather; nice balance and texture. Still rather primary but still very tasty now. I will try to save my last bottle for 5-10 years to see where it goes (A-).

2012 Majella The Malleea - Interesting cab/shiraz blend. Dark in colour with some bricking. Youthful tasting, with healthy but ripe tannins and a mix of black and red fruits. Medium to full bodied: nice structure, balance and texture here. No obvious oak. Ready now but there's no rush (A-).

N.V. De Bortoli Old Boys Barrel Aged Tawny 21 Years - Bottled in 2023, pulled from the fridge over 7-10 days. Ruby in colour, the nose explodes with sweet dates, coffee and molasses. Sweet red fruits and nuts on the front palate, but there's a healthy dose of acidity that let's it finish much drier than you'd think. The alcohol is well integrated. An intense wine, sweet but not extremely sweet. An interesting wine, but a little goes a long way (B+).