Gippsland, Victoria

Mount Langi Ghiran

Langi Shiraz 2009

Meaty aromatics with spice, liquorice and a little pepper. An excellent medium plus bodied Shiraz which has always been one of my favourite Australian Reds. Medium plus intensity of flavour. Oak has been totally integrated. The next day comparing with a Te Mata Bullnose Shiraz from Hawkes Bay NZ. This is definitely more full bodied and less peppery than the Bullnose. Still an inner core of strength to the Langi which will see it last for another 5 + years. It’s fair to say the style of the Langi has changed over the past 20 years but it remains an Icon. — a month ago

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Ron R

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I agree that this is also an Aussie icon. I recall in the days past that this was more of a softer, less punchy Shiraz. No idea how it presents now. It is available in the U.S., but it’s kinda steeply priced these days.
Bob McDonald

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@Ron R It’s crazy how the price has increased in the past 4 or 5 years Ron. Now around $200AUD a bottle.

19 Crimes

Victoria Shiraz

Smells oaky. A little hint of new car leather and some dark cherry. Taste ashy dark chocolate and cherry. More ashy tho. — 2 months ago

Sinèad Feeney O’Connor
with Sinèad

Bass Phillip

The Estate Pinot Noir 2018

Brief notes. Great Pinot from the Giant Steps Applejack Vineyard are an annual event these days. The 2023 vintage has just been awarded Halliday’s Pinot Noir of the year. This wine was pale to mid crimson. Red cherry. Essence of Pinot Noir and one of Australia’s best. The reputation set up by Steve Flamsteed and carried on by Melanie Chester and the new ownership in the USA. Sweet sappy red fruits. Medium weight. Very good. — 3 months ago

Anthony, Ming and 14 others liked this

Yarra Yering

Underhill Shiraz 2016

Ron R
9.4

It’s been years since I tasted this wine. Indeed, I was drinking the stuff made by Dr Bailey Carrodus before he passed. I’m pleased to note that the current winemaker hasn’t stepped off the reservation.
Nose is brambly and dense. Notes of figs, dates and cedar waft from the glass. Not as dense on the mid-palate as i recall, but well balanced, with no overbearing oak. Texture on the palate invokes a crunchy mouthfeel. This will benefit from more cellaring, but drinking very well right now.
Thanks to @Bob McDonald for reminding me how much I have missed this wine.
— a month ago

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Norman Gennaro

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Been years since I’ve tried one of these. Nice to see.
Ron R

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I forgot to mention that it comes with a screw cap. I used my Coravin screw cap closure for the first time and it’s great. That Coravin innovation has revolutionized my wine tasting.
Bob McDonald

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@Ron R Thanks for the reference Ron. I can say again that Sarah Crowe is a more than worthy successor to the legendary Dr Bailey Carrodus as winemaker. It was a privilege to sit next to her at the recent Yarra Yering dinner in Brisbane. It’s great you can source YY in the USA.

19 Crimes

Cabernet Sauvignon

Letty’s 50th Bday — 2 months ago

Yarra Yering

Dry Red Wine No°2 Shiraz Blend 2022

At the Yarra Yering dinner in Brisbane last Thursday 3rd October 2024 with winemaker Sarah Crowe. A blend of Shiraz, Viognier, Mataro and Marsanne. The original vineyards of Shiraz and Marsanne were established in 1969 with additional vineyards of Mataro and Viognier planted from 1984 to 1995. A lovely red berried perfume (raspberry) with some stalks added back in. Interestingly some fermenters have added frozen Viognier skins to the bottom, some have Marsanne skins. Sarah is always wanting to push the envelope with her winemaking. A classic Rhone style, blended with perfume in mind. Red wine of the year from the Halliday Wine Companion and awarded 99 points from Philip Rich from that publication. — 2 months ago

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Mount Langi Ghiran

Cliff Edge Shiraz 2020

Big step up from the Heathcote 2020 Shiraz, tight, somewhat structured, and needs some time, but very nice depth of flavors, and nice length, very good!! — 2 months ago

Jim Powers
with Jim
Ira, John and 3 others liked this

Bindi

Original Vineyard Pinot Noir 2008

Classic Bindi. Absolutely delightful and at its peak — 2 months ago

19 Crimes

Victoria Red Blend

Dark, full bodied, fruit and a dry finish. Highly recommended! — 2 months ago

Yarra Yering

Dry Red N°1 Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2022

The final wine at the Yarra Yering dinner in Brisbane last Thursday night 3rd October 2024 with winemaker Sarah Crowe. Fitting that Dry Red No. 1 should be the final wine - arguably the Jewel in the Crown. Initial aromatic impressions are gorgeous. This is the 50th vintage of Dry Red No. 1. A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec and Petit Verdot. Brief notes - blackberry, aniseed and bay leaf. A medium bodied Cabernet with M+ intensity and finishing with fine boned tannin structure. Power with poise, concentration with finesse. Will live for 20 years plus. I have been buying on an irregular basis for many years. The 1990 was a highlight. I asked Sarah, who was Chairman of the Royal Sydney Wine Show this year to compare 3 of the main Cabernet producing areas in Australia - Yarra Valley leafy fragrance, Coonawarra Mint, and Margaret River herbaceousness. At Restaurant Dan Arnold. — 2 months ago

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Helen Arvanitopoulos

Helen Arvanitopoulos

I want to know where this dinner was. Beyond jealous. Just saw all the wines. Amazing
Bob McDonald

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@Helen Arvanitopoulos The dinner was at Restaurant Dan Arnold in Brisbane, Helen. Dan is an Australian who spent many years working at Michelin starred restaurants in France before returning home and opening his own restaurant.
Helen Arvanitopoulos

Helen Arvanitopoulos

Love it. Well hopefully when I'm back in Sydney I can check out a few similar events