Red Wine – Shiraz Blend
Tasted: February 2005
In 2005, this wine has been aged in cellar conditions for about 10 years
This vintage (1994) was made when John Duval was still Penfold’s Chief Winemaker. Duval left in 2002 and has since made wines under his own namesake label.
Allowed alcohol vapourisation and remnants dissipation.
Rested and breathed for 1 hour.
Medium to deep crimson-purple.
Plum and Cherries with hints of eucalyptus on the nose
Tast of rich Plum interspersed with sour cherries and hints of aniseed-eucalyptus. Underpinned by some earthiness.
Strong but balanced tannins and oak. Still young and evolving at date of tasting. Would achieve more complexity and mellowed tannins in years to come
Other bottles of the same vintage will be tasted at various intervals years to enjoy the maturation of this superb wine.
Scoring: 92.5/100
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1998
Parker Terra Rossa First Growth – Coonawarra Region, South Australia
Red Blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot
Tasted: May 2005
In 2005, the wine has been aged in cellar conditions for about 7 years.
Intense purplish red;
Waft of woodiness with a base of rich black berries and tinges of licorice on the nose;
Moderately pronounced oakiness mixed with robust flavours of berries of blackcurrant, plum and cherries, underpinned by hints of smokiness akin to lightly toasted green bean, lemon and aniseed.
Reasonably complex flavours added with a rich deliciousness, medium tannins and good acidity.
The Oakiness is somewhat balanced by the complexity and richness of the blend of flavours and tastes. Perhaps another 5 years could tame the oak and allow other complex flavours to develop;
Medium-Long finish. Still rather young. Other bottles will be tasted at intervals of 5 years
Scoring: 87.5/100
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Penfolds Bin 707 Cabernet Sauvignon
South Australia
Tasted: July 2005
The wine is a mix of Cabernet Sauvignon grapes from Coonawarra, Barossa and Eden Valley. This vintage was produced while John Duvall was still Penfolds Chief Winemaker.
Rested and breathed for 1 hour.
Deep Dense Purplish Blackish Garnet.
Black berries and Spices of menthol and licorice on the nose
Hints of smoky earthiness wrapped up in mint circumference by anise edges;
Powerful finish characteristic only of a premium Australian cabernet
Strong tannins and moderately balanced. With further years of aging, the tannins will mellow to a perfect balance.
Still young to be fully appreciated by the average drinking populance; clearly not easy drinking at this stage. Perhaps another 5 years – 10 years
Scoring: 90/100
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WILD DUCK CREEK – Springflat Shiraz,
Heathcote, Victoria, Australia
Tasted: November 2005
Maker of the other cult wine “Duck Muck”
Dark dense dark crimson;
Young vibrant fruit of cherries with strong spicy earthy hints of menthol and tobacco on the nose;
On the palate – rich, full bodied, red currants and sour cherries, eucalyptus with earthy hints of smokiness and spices of pepper and cinnamon on the edges
Long finish with strong tannins. Further aging will tamper tannins to achieve perfect balance.
Reflective of a typical cooler climate shiraz from Heathcote, a viticulturally complex and varied region in terms of climate & geology
Reasonably balanced acidity and oak but still young and evolving.
Flavours are still tight and breathing an hour did not coax it out
Scoring: 85/100
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