The Standish Shiraz Barossa Valley 2001

Opaque purple/red.

Old-school nose shows no overt sign of new oak. Deep aromas of spicy fig/date, steak and earth.

Deep and packed in the mouth, similar to the Alban, but this shows no extraneous sweetness (Alban listed at 15.9% alcohol, Standish listed at 14.5%). This, though, has a difficult time delivering in the mouth, at least at this point. Grainy tannin, earth and fig/date flavors.

This was also opened yesterday.

If I remember correctly, 2001 was a very hot vintage in South Australia.


$65

Alban "Tithings" Edna Valley 2002

Saturated purple/black.

Extremely deep black olive, spicy fig, earth, blood orange and toasty oak aromas.

Creamy and packed in the mouth, but doesn't have the clarity of flavor, complexity or length of his best stuff. Splitting hairs. This was opened last night, and has really benefited from the air time. Layered, with acidity, ultimately, intruding to kill flavor.

I'm not sure what this is - but it must have a substantial Syrah component.

$50?

Ogier Cote Rotie 2001

Red.

Sumptuous, mouth-watering nose of woodsmoke, sausage, grilled herbs and 5 spice powder. Killer.

Utterly round in the mouth, with no immediately obvious structure, but you don't miss it either. "Internally" structured, as this slowly shows its backbone. Very much a middle-weight, ultimately, with absolutely no excess weight. In the end, this is acid-dominant. Beautifully rendered wine, and a great example of (modern) Cote Rotie. Long, subtle stuff. No need to drink this soon.


$75

Capafons-Osso, Mas de Masos, Priorat 2000

Red/purple.

Deep, vibrant nose that seems to be a calling card for Priorat. Shoe polish, leather, earth, meat and deep black fruit.

Sweet entry that is lightly buffered by acidity and mild tannin that, believe it or not, hit the bottom of the tongue. Really good textural depth/concentration, round and mouth-filling, with mineral thrust in the finish.

This makes me want to re-think everything I thought I "knew" about Priorat. This was incredibly bound up structurally a few years ago. I couldn't believe it would ever "shake the fun stuff", so to speak. But it is indeed shaking booty, maybe other "stuff" too.

$36

Turley, Dragon Vyd. Howell Mtn. Zinfandel 2005

Red.

Spicy, red fruit nose dominated by balsa wood character. Hint of celery, ketchup and alcohol.

Remarkably similar in the mouth. Plush entry, with edgy acidity framing flavors. Ketchup aspect reminds me of some Spanish Garnachas. Intensely flavored, but, ultimately, a bit lean. I'd drain this soon, with some real food (protein and fat, both from an unlucky animal).


$35?

Juan Gil, Monastrell, Jumilla 2005

Deep red/purple.

Earth/loam, blackberry, spice and a hint of cream on the deep, attractive nose.

Creamy, lush entry immediately buffered by acid/tannin synergy that is in keeping with the depth of fruit. This is ridiculously refined and deep for a wine that is so inexpensive. Credit old (paid off/cheap) vineyards, and a hospitable climate. Or just enjoy a stupid value, particularly in view of the weak dollar.

100% Monastrell (Mourvedre)

$15

Mas Romani, La Basseta, Priorat 2004

Deep, pure red.

Pure and vibrant on the nose too. Hint of shoe polish and creamy red cherry.

Really nice breadth in the mouth, atypical for Priorat, particularly one based on Carignan. A pool of red cherry jam that is very much in line with the Pegau '03, although this is not as packed. It is interesting that this is made with the "guidance" of Michel Tardieu of Tardieu-Laurent. Like Mogador, made by a French guy, this wine has a natural feel and textural "give" that is often lacking in Priorat.

50% old Carignan, 40% Grenache, 5% Merlot, 5% Syrah


$55