Wine Tasting: Wine Fair - Australian Reds (13th Sep 1998)
Assorted Australian red wines tasted at a wine fair in Edinburgh. Notes are not presented in tasting order.
1997 Hardys Banrock Station Shiraz
13th Sep 1998 GBP5 Australia Table Red
Even, purple/red.
Juicy black fruit and some peppery oak on the nose.
Medium to full bodied with spicy, warm, mulberry fruit; crisp acidity; plenty of alcohol and ripe tannins. Nicely rounded with a touch of vanilla.
Very good value.
1995 Mount Horrocks Cabernet Merlot
13th Sep 1998 GBP10 Australia Table Red
Very deep, red/purple - pinking slightly at rim.
Rich, stewed, dense nose of plums and cassis.
Full bodied with flavours of cassis, mint, green leaves and oak, ripe tannins, good acidity and a long finish.
Very good but will be better in two to three years.
1995 Penfolds Bin 389 Cabernet Shiraz
13th Sep 1998 Australia Table Red
Deep purple.
Dense nose of black berry fruits and oak.
Medium to full bodied and dry with frim, ripe tannins, some acidity and spicy blackcurrant fruit. Long finish.
Needs another 2 to 3 years but should be very good.
1996 Peter Lehmann 7 Surveys Grenache/Shiraz/Mourvedre
13th Sep 1998 GBP7 Australia Table Red
Very pale, even, purple.
Spicy mulberry fruit and chocolate on the nose.
Medium bodied with flavours of pepper and cinnamon, mulberry fruit, nutmeg and alcohol. Warm, dry finish.
Excellent.
1996 Peter Lehmann The Barossa Cabernet Sauvignon
13th Sep 1998 GBP8 Australia Table Red
Even, red/purple.
Restrained nose with soft red berry fruit, alcohol and some vanilla.
Full bodied and dry with dark berry fruit and oak flavours. Good acidity, very soft tannins and warm alcohol - nicely balanced.
Elegant style. Very good now with roasted meats.
1994 Reynella, Ch Ch Reynella Basket Pressed Cabernet Merlot
13th Sep 1998 GBP12 Australia Table Red
Deep garnet to red at rim.
Subtle but deep and complex nose of plums and cassis.
Full bodied with ripe, sweet plum, cassis and cigar box flavours. Spicy oak, firm tannins and excellent balance.
Big and outstanding, it will last for another 5 or more years.
1995 Wirra Wirra Church Block Cabernet/Shiraz/Merlot
13th Sep 1998 GBP9 Australia Table Red
Deep, even, red.
Stewed, red berry fruit on the nose.
Full and chewy with flavours of mulberries, red berries and coffee. Dry, peppery finish.
Very good now but will really repay 3 to 4 years.
Match with rich tomato sauces or a roast.
1996 Wynns Coonawarra Shiraz
13th Sep 1998 Australia Table Red
Deep purple.
Rich meat and black fruit nose.
Full and firm with flavours of spicy oak and rich mulberry fruit. Fresh acidity and firm tannins on a decent, dry finish.
Good, but needs a few years.