It’s that time again. Time to inspire me to spend more money on drinks, even though the WineArk cabinet can’t be closed properly and the Amex is maxed out.
So, what have you been buying and drinking this November 2023?
I had to make space in said WineArk cabinet this month for a six-pack of the new 2023 disgorgement of Primo Joseph Sparkling Red, and let me tell you, those ridiculously large bottles are a challenge in themselves. Given how essential The Primo is to a Graham Christmas, I just had to take a few wines out (St Henri, Mt Edelstone and some older Margs Cab) to make room.
There’s at least space for another six-pack in there, by my reckoning, which feels like an opportunity.
What do you think I should fill the hole with it?
In other drinking news, I nearly finished a whole bottle of the super fresh and ridiculously well-priced First Foot Forward Chardonnay 2022 on my own (because it’s delicious), and I could have easily emptied a bottle of the gentle and fun lo-fi Minim Rosé 2023 or the bright and lively Carlos Raposo Impecável Touriga 2021.
I bloody loved this archetypal Range Brewing Rush Hour West Coast IPA, too. I’ve enjoyed the new Eclipse IPA & G is For Goodness Black IPA from Noodledoof, too (and I think Noodledoof is the best name for a brewery ever).
What about you? What did you enjoy drinking this November 2023?
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14 Comments
Waiting on a delivery of the 2023 Helm Tumbarumba Riesling.
I didn’t know Ken had a Tumby Riesling. I bet it’s v. pure.
Some tasting highlights. First try of “serious” Bordeaux via 2020 Langtons tasting last Friday. Pretty good experience and snapshot. I think the quality of their Merlot vs Australian gear was one of the more striking aspects, that and generally lower alcohol. A good showing by Beechworth at the Halliday Sydney event on Thursday with both Domenica and Savaterre in good form. Tapanappa Tiers was a gem as usual though I think Savaterre’s flagship edged it out imo.
Bought ’22 Sorrenberg Chardonnay and ’21 By Farr Shiraz. Both too good to pass up.
Did you try the Domenica Neb? I really like everything Domenica tbh. Smart winemaker (with a great last name).
Haha yes your namesake. The domenica nebbiolo was delicious as usual. I’ve really liked the 19 and 21 vs some prior vintages. I still think traviarti pips it slightly. Castagna’s is the most beautiful but much, much finer tannins.
Back to domenica, his gamay from sorrenberg cuttings was quite delicious, one to watch. Next long term red project might be nerello mascalese which would be fascinating imo. Lot of winemakers in the queue for that one apparently
All faithful staples, I just realised😂 Just received my annual Bindi Original Vineyard Pinot Noir.
Also:
Deep Woods Cabernet
Turkey Flat Shiraz (plus Sparkling Shiraz for Christmas).
Seville Estate Chardonnay and Reserve Pinot.
Best drunk in past month or so:
Stefano Lubiana 2014 Pinot Noir
Deep Woods Reserve Chardonnay 2017
Elephant Hill Syrah 2013
Disappointment:
Mac Forbes Coldstream Villages 2019 Pinot (really enjoyed when I first tasted)
Was the Mac Forbes a bit light? That’s my criticism sometimes.
Yes, I wrote “thin” on the note in my spreadsheet
Standout for me this month was Wes Pearson’s Juxtaposed grenache. Quite simply the best grenache I’ve ever had – and a bit of a bargain too. Thanks for the heads up Andrew.
It’s a bargain, glad you liked Paul. So often I review things wondering if anyone actually agrees with what I like (especially Semillon).
Also just purchased 2022 Sorrenberg Chardonnay from the mailer.
Best drank in the past month a Tyrells Vat 47 Chardonnay 2018, so good.. followed closely by a Giaconda 2021 Pinot Noir, both were very young. And a 2016 Bannockburn SRH Chardonnay which was in a very good place
Hi Andrew,
Bought:-
(You have successfully brainwashed me)
2017 Tyrrells Single Vineyard HVD Semillon
2017 Tyrrells Vat 1 Semillon
Saumaize-Michelin Vire-Cleese 2020
Goisot Saint-Bris Corps de Garde Blanc 2019
Christophe et Fils Chablis 2022
Oakridge Hazeldene Chardonnay 2021
Hewitson Gun Metal Eden Valley Riesling 2022
Jean-Baptiste Souillard Saint Joseph Rouge 2020
Scorpo Eocene Original Vineyard Pinot Noir 2020
Oakridge Hazeldene Pinot Noir 2021
And three mystery wines that I correctly deduced were:-
Heirloom Vineyards Alcala Grenache 2022
de bortoli lusatia pinot noir 2018
Ulithorne Paternus Shiraz 2020
Drank:- (not so much of interest this month, but a couple of special wines)
Dalwhinnie Moonambel Shiraz 2014
Tonic Chardonnay 2021
Mes Eden Valley Riesling 2022
Hugel Classic Riesling 2021
Ch Rauzan-Segla 2015
Les Forts de Latour 2011
How was the Dalwhinnie looking? Interested to see if the estate gets back to a good place now it’s under Fogarty control
Slightly underwhelming experience. Admittedly my first look at the winery and expectations were high, but I couldn’t quite reconcile with its reputation. Elegant yes, but I was looking for more depth and length. Past its best for me. I have a ’13 as well, so we’ll see if a different vintage and a different mindset sees things in a different light.