This wine is made by Rolf Binder and grown by Jim Hahn. I visited this vineyard on our Australian trip in 2003. As a grape grower, this is the best manicured vineyard I have been in - that care speaks to the quality of the wine. I opened the wine about 2 hours before we drank it and decanted it.

The 1928 refers to the year the vines were planted. This is a big wine wine that carries 14.5 % alcohol beautifully. Pure fruit aromas and flavors of cherries, plums accomapnied by chocolate and mocha. Complex and supple with great mouthfeel this wine is too easy to drink. I paid about $20 when it was released.

Glad I have more in the cellar.

Pete,

You are obviously good friends with Herr Rolf as that price was real "mates rates." The 1999 cost me $40 but I agree, its a good wine; as is the stable mate, the 1914 Block.

Ric:

I have nothing but repect for Rolf's wine making and, we enjoyed our visit with him and Christa. I got the wine from Garagiste Wine in Seattle. I looked again - the price was $20.

Pete

We had a Syrah/Shiraz offline in NJ a few years ago and the JJ Hahn (don't remember the vintage) came in forst, followed closely by the the 1999 Truchard.

Pete,

Agreed, Rolf is not only a talanted winemaker but an all round good bloke too. You got a real deal, I just did a seach on Winesearcher and on your side of the pond, the average price is A$50-60 a pop, thats about US$37-45. Buy more!!

I still have 6 bottles of the 1998 1914 Block. Am I correct in thinking that this is one that will repay extended cellaring?

Dave,

I have not tried the 98 but there is no hurry on the 99; its just enetered its peak drinking window.

Over a year later and this wine has improved. The wine is richer, and the dark cherry aromas and flavors are more intense. A great match for rack of lamb. I decnated for about 1/2 hour. Easy drinking. Drink or hold.

This wine continues to improve. It was fine match for BBQ ribs we had last night. Drink or hold - this is great wine.

In doing an inventory of the offsite cellar, I found this bottle - our last. It was better than the previous bottle. Rolf Binder makes some wonderful balanced shiraz.