WCC Australian Shiraz Blind

Home of Chef Andrew Plummer, East Greenbush, NY
Tasted Thursday, May 25, 2017 by kenv with 411 views

Introduction

My regular Albany group met to taste Australian Shiraz blind in the home of the great local chef Andrew Plummer.

For notes, photos, and a ranking of the wines by the group, see my website:

http://www.finewinegeek.com/tn/2017-05-25_WCC_Shiraz_Andys/

Flight 1 - Flight 1: Torbreck Plus One (4 Notes)

Norwegian Salmon in Marcona Almond & Chicory Coffee Crust, with Roasted Tomato Coulis, Lime Yogurt, and Veal Glaze.

Flight 2 - Flight 2: d'Arenberg The Dead Arm (3 Notes)

Duck Confit with Arugula & Fennel Stick Salad, Bing Cherry Reduction, and Lotus Chips.

  • 1998 d'Arenberg Shiraz The Dead Arm 92 Points

    Australia, South Australia, Fleurieu, McLaren Vale

    [Double-decanted for a half hour around 4pm.] I was disappointed when I found out that this was the bottle I brought. It was backward and tannic and not showing enough fruit for the tannin. But it had more fruit when I decanted it. I recommend pop and pour unless my bottle was just an advanced bottle. Still appealing, but not like when I opened it.

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  • 2002 d'Arenberg Shiraz The Dead Arm 93 Points

    Australia, South Australia, Fleurieu, McLaren Vale

    More complexity with lots of red and black fruit in the nose and mouth. Still bracing tannins, but more fruit than the 1998.

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  • 2004 d'Arenberg Shiraz The Dead Arm 94 Points

    Australia, South Australia, Fleurieu, McLaren Vale

    Silky, sweet and elegant. More mature, but with just the right balance of fruit. Surprised to see this was the youngest in the flight.

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Flight 3 - Flight 3: Penfolds Grange (3 Notes)

Pistachio Encrusted Rack of Lamb with Braised Brussel Sprout Leaves, Mashed Parsnips, and Minted Demi-Glace.

  • 1991 Penfolds Grange 94 Points

    Australia, South Australia

    [Double-decanted around 11am.] Smoky red fruit nose. Long, complex, and soft. Ripe and delicious.

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  • 1994 Penfolds Grange 94 Points

    Australia, South Australia

    Very similar to the first wine (1991 Grange). Smoky, sweet, and delicious with a long complex finish. Impressive wine!

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  • 2001 Penfolds Grange 93 Points

    Australia, South Australia

    Another terrific wine, quite similar to the first two, but more backward and tight. Maybe the same wine only younger? Still delicious now with really upside potential. 93-96

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Flight 4 - Flight 4: Glaetzer Amon-Ra Barossa Valley (3 Notes)

Chicken Galantine with Truffle Duxelle, Semonlina & Sweet Corn Cake, and Morel Crème.

Closing

A lot of good, rich, ripe wines, but nothing that really wowed me. The food was terrific as usual.

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