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 wine, beer, and other refreshing liquids have you been buying and drinking this month?
The Amex will be taking a hit shortly with some Produttori Barbaresco 2021 on the way (how can you say no – it’s super), some ‘23 Dr Loosen GGs, my yearly drop of Primo Joseph Sparkling Red NV (Christmas is coming), along with a bottle of Argyros Vin Santo (because Christmas needs sweet wines).
What about you? What are you spending $$ on?
Speaking of sweet things, I took a bottle of Morris Old Premium Muscat to a school family weekend up the coast and created a monster. Time stopped, as glasses of Rutherglen deliciousness created a stir that rippled through a Central Coast caravan park like a cutting Betoota meme. Every time I crack out a great Australian fortified in those situations, I’m reminded of how timeless end-of-night drinks like that deserve to be more than afterthoughts.
Otherwise, it was another lean month of wines actually drunk this month, as I keep filling the calendar with trail races (when will I learn?). I did enjoy a beautifully detailed Gant & Co Karridale Chardonnay 2023 and a poised, lightly minty, and very cool-feeling Cobaw Ridge Pinot Noir 2021, though.
There was also a very bound, moody and slightly challenging Frankland Estate Alteg Weg Riesling 2024, which has undeniable concentration but is a bit of a mish-mash of green fruit, grapefruit/lemon acidity and sulphur elements right now. The ’23 is in a much better place FWIW.
I couldn’t quite warm to a Julien Cecillon Babylone Saint-Joseph 2022 either, as although it has a lovely spice-framed and pithy northern Rhone fragrance, it’s a slightly drawn and lean wine that needs years to get properly drinkable.
What about you? What have you enjoyed emptying a glass of this month?
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14 Comments
Shared a bottle of `19 Craiglee shiraz from a restaurant wine list. V impressive so bought more from an online website. Also shared a 21 Curly Flat pinot and a 2012 Balgownie Cab Sav – just love these Victorian wines, even though I’m from SA!
Aren’t they good. And both in a good place right now too.
Bought – Grace Koshu Reserve, La Fenetre from Windows estate amongst others
Drinking highlights- Cobaw Lagrein (so mineral and complex), LVDO Rose (up there with Aussie greats imo) and Mouzon Champagne rose (wild ride but great fun).
I was eyeing off some Grace Koshu the other day too. Always fascinated by those wines.
Last nights Wine Group catch up:
1998 Petaluma in staggeringly good condition, obviously well cellared.
2018 La Sierra Nuove drinking very well.
2018 Wendourie Malbec, waaaayy too young! Excellent quality.
2024 Gaffy & MacNeil The Peninsula Chardonnay. Wow, excellent top tier Peninsula Chardonnay
99 Petaluma Coonawarra? Not surprised. Peak years for that wine (though I remember it being very oaky)?
Hi Andrew, drank the following in the last month or two. Plenty of chardonnay as always. The Jadot I bought in France a few years given the silly price here. regards Glyn
Mumm Brut Millesme, 2016
Fourny & Fils Vertus Brut Premier cru
Clonakilla riesling, 2025
Iggy rebula, 2023
Jean Marc Brocard Chablis Premier Cru Vaillons, 2022
Laroche Domaine des Hautes Chablis, 2022
Yering Station chardonnay, 2020
Joseph Chromy chardonnay, 2023
Hutton Reserve Chardonnay, 2022
Kooyong Faultline chardonnay, 2022
Louis Jadot Clos Vougeot Grand Cru, 2013
Jean Noel Gagnard L’Estimee Chassagne Montrachet, 2021
Mount Difficulty Bannockburn Pinot noir, 2023
Travis Earth 909 shiraz, 2019
Travis Earth Barossa shiraz, 2020
Savaterre shiraz, 2017
Voyager Estate Cabernet, 2017
Ch de Beaucastel CDP, 2021
Isole e Olena Ceparello, 2020
Orlando Abrigo Riserva Barbaresco Rongalio, 2016
What looked good? What did you think of the Fourny?
Loved the Fourny. Bought it and their blanc de blancs after reading your article on the vineyard visit. My friend preferred the Mumm but it was too closed and not giving enough for me.
Grand cru was lovely but red burgundy just isn’t worth the asking price. Ceparello not to the level of previous vintages. Voyager was elegant Marg cab.
Wine of the list was Savaterre Shiraz. Day 1 it was reductive to the point of undrinkable. Day 2 had metamorphosed into an astonishing wine. Tasted blind I would have called it serious high end northern Rhone.
Had high expectations of yering station, but it didn’t really work for us. Trying too hard to be a serious wine.
Hutton was also too reductive day 1. Calmed down to lovely struck match by day 2. I’m increasingly finding this in wines: reductive on the day open. Do you find this much?
I haven’t had a Savaterre Shiraz in years! Interesting. I had a small taste of a Domenica Shiraz in that vein recently and loved it.
Meanwhile, I see reduction in so many wines (especially young reds) too, but I know that it’s something I’m sensitive too (compared to like VA which I’m probably less sensitive too).
Hi Andrew. I really enjoyed the Two Tonne Tasmania EST Pinot Noir 2024 – I’ve not seen this winery in your reviews. Also enjoyed Domaine de Chevalier L’Esprit de Chavalier Blanc, 2015 & Finca Martello 2019 (reported by the winemaker as their best vintage yet).
Looking forward to trying the 2020 Houghton CW Ferguson which was recently awarded the James Halliday Cabernet of the year. I’m expecting a old school big wine but we shall see.
I’ve tasted some of Ricky’s Two Tonne wines but never in a formal setting, just in passing. He’s talented though. Meanwhile, those CW Ferguson wines can be real sleepers. I haven’t had one in years (minimal contact with those Accolade brands). Report back!
The Koshu is quite unusual and understated in its way but compelling too. Had some great dining experiences with them and Japanese cuisine (no surprises there) so something I like to have a few of handy. Feel like you have to be careful what you match it with though as the subtleties will get overwhelmed by the wrong dish.
That delicacy piece is so important. I love the sense of lightness, but they’re wines that are easily overwhelmed as you say.