Hi

Gavin Trott here, new member.

A short caveat, I am a wine retailer.

That said, this thread is to offer myself to try to answer your questions regarding Australian wines here in the Wine Learning center.

Happy to help, ask away.

Hi Gavin,

Thanks very much for volunteering to answer questions about Oz wines.

My question pertains to Orlando's Lawson Padthaway Shiraz. I picked up three bottles of the '96 in Sydney last January and it was fantastic. Good price, too (around US $30). Has the '97 been released? Assuming you've tried both, how does it compare to the '96? Do they plan to export any of this to the US?

Cheers!

Otis

Hello

Both wines are excellent, with the 97 being as good as the 96 I think.

BTW the eraly vibes about the upcoming 1998 vintage is that it will be better than both, but until its released and tasted its hard to say for sure ... won medals and prizes here already however.

I'm not sure if Orlando will export it to the USA, but its feely here now.

I was talking to a local retailer with ojeffso today. Not sure where this rumor started, but word has it that Marquis Philips next vintage is even better than 2001.... Parker may have put himself in a hole with how he over rated the 2001, and will have to rate 2002 even higher.

Any word down under?

Hi

Not sure about the Marquis Phillips range, tried most of them and judgement reserved (thought the Shiraz 9 had too much alcohol and not enough balance, just my 2 c worth).

In general the feeling here in South Australia is the 2002 reds will be better than 2001, particularly in McLaren Vale and probably the Barossa, so the comment above may prove to be correct.

That said, until the wines are released and I can taste a range of them, its all just opinion, you know, vintage of the century and that sort of thing.

2002 Rieslings ARE the best for many years however.

Thanks Gavin!

I'll look for the latest release when I'm in Sydney in early '03.

Cheers,

Otis

Gavin -

Thanks again for joining us at Vinocellar.

Can you recommend other Australian bottlings that would be similar in flavor profile as the 2001 D'Arenberg Laughing Magpie. I absolutely love this wine's lush personality, elegance, balance and it's price (~$30). Of course, I am willing to blow the bank on mindblower wines (1998 Fox Creek Reserve?).

One caveat - I'm not a huge fan of the over-the-top extraction wines like the Marquis Philips Shiraz 9 or the Three Hills Shiraz. I like them extracted, but not to the point that they taste bitter (at least to me).

In my cellar right now (purchased primarily due to RP's scores and TN):

1999 Three Hills Shiraz
1998 D'Arenberg Dead Arm Shiraz
2001 D'Arenberg Laughing Magpie
2000 Henry's Drive Reserve Shiraz
2001 Marquis Philips Shiraz 9
2001 Marquis Philips Shiraz (and cab as well)

Any other ideas for me? TIA.

Any #9 you want to unload, I will gladly take.

jb

Sorry for the double-post folks, but I have to try my luck here & ask an Expert.

Can you offer any opinion(s) on the following Wine? I believe I finally stomped these guys (for the 1st time):

Have 6 bottles of1998 Penfolds Bin 407 . Have No experience with these. 2 questions:

1. When to start drinking?
2. Can you provide some Tasting Notes (TNs)?

No one seems to know or heard of this Wine. Thank You.

i cannot offer opinions on this wine, but i would not be too worried about opening " most" aussies too early.

I have heard of it and seen it, but never tasted it. I would echo ojeffso's comments by saying -- pop one open now and see what it is like -- you have 6.

>>1999 Three Hills Shiraz
1998 D'Arenberg Dead Arm Shiraz
2001 D'Arenberg Laughing Magpie
2000 Henry's Drive Reserve Shiraz
2001 Marquis Philips Shiraz 9
2001 Marquis Philips Shiraz (and cab as well)
>>

The Laughing Magpie is most interesting with the Viognier influence. More and more of these blends are being made by people like

Castagna, Yalumba

I personally really enjoy Henrys Drive, MP less so.

Other ideas

1998 Saltrams #1 (RP scores too low IMO)
1998 Mitchelton Print Shiraz
1996 Orlando Centenary Shiraz
1998 or 1999 Voyager Estate Cabernet Merlot (Margaret River)
2000 Dead Arm very good (but not as good as 1998)

Hope this helps.

Gavin

Hello

I know the wine well, its Penfolds Cabernet in the Bin series, and usually a very good wine indeed.

1998 was a very good year, but also ripe and balanced, I think drink slightly earlier rather than later. The wine is now 4 years old, I'd try one now and see how it looks, I don't think these improve for a decade like say Coonawarra Cabernets.

Try one and let us know what you thought?

Great. Thank You. Will do. My 1st try with this Wine.

Request: I know that you listed some in the earlier post, BUT:

Can you list/recommend some Australian Wines (that are good for the $$$-QPR) & are available in the USA. A mixture of Reds & Whites in the range of $12.00-$30.00 (Vintage, Name, Price). Thank You. Looking to expand my horizons.

LCC,

Why don't you send a PM to Gavin, to learn how to get wines HERE that aren't available HERE. He'll know how to help you.

OK. Thank You.