NobleRottersSydney - Penfolds v Henschke
de Burgh's, Sydney
Tasted Monday, August 2, 1999 by graemeg with 515 views
Introduction
A selection of top wines form Australia's two most respected makers of red wine.
A great evening thanks to the generousity of the Rotters...
1996 Henschke Shiraz Mount Edelstone
Australia, South Australia, Barossa, Eden Valley
Massively deep red. Concentrated and youthful plum and coconut nose; sophisticated and quite elegant palate with soft fruits, fine tannins, and actually a rather lightweight feel overall for this label. Perhaps a medium-ager only?
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1993 Penfolds Cabernet Sauvignon Bin 707
Australia, South Australia
Purple-black colour. Massive coconut nose sits over blackcurrant fruit. Big palate, sort-of sweet-fruited, but dominated by oaky tannins. Will need time, and luck.
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1992 Henschke Shiraz Mount Edelstone
Australia, South Australia, Barossa, Eden Valley
Some aged cedary characters on the nose here, laced with ripe eucalypt, although in a stylish, Henschke way. Palate still has plenty of jammy fruit, strong tannins, good balance and length of finish. More mainstream Edelstone drinking well now.
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1992 Penfolds Cabernet Sauvignon Bin 707
Australia, South Australia
Still a deep black colour. Very typical 707 nose, although rather more developed than the 93, and probably nearer its peak. A bit lighter-bodied than average, in keeping with the vintage; drinking nicely now, in the context of a pretty bruising, oaky wine. Impressive but not great in any way.
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1983 Henschke Shiraz Mount Edelstone
Australia, South Australia, Barossa, Eden Valley
Some bricking around the garnet rim here. Cedary, earthy aromas and flavours. Softly textured, seductive; quite well balanced initially although with repeating sips becomes rather more astringent on the finish. A hot vintage; clearly at, or a little past, its peak.
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1991 Penfolds Bin 389
Australia, South Australia
Deep brick red. Lovely Penfolds nose of sweet red fruits and vanillan oak. Balanced and classy. Sweetly developing on the palate, with great depth of fruit flavour and strong fine tannins. A mouthfilling texture and long even finish – terrific advertisement for the regional blend.
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1989 Penfolds Grange
Australia, South Australia
Deep red. Flamboyant nose of liquorice, so intense it puts the vanillan oak in the shade. Plenty of tannin on the palate to carry these exotic flavours. Unusual Grange.
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1988 Henschke Shiraz Hill of Grace
Australia, South Australia, Barossa, Eden Valley
Bright red. Polished nose of, well, old HoG, really. Soft red berry fruits on the palate. Mirror-smooth palate. Tannin, acid and fruit – silky blackberries – have all melded into a harmonious whole. Medium weight (lighter than the 89 Grange), but still with a lingering finish. Class wine approaching its peak.
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1982 Penfolds Grange
Australia, South Australia
Still a deep red. Intense nose of leather and liquorice and very black berry fruits. Full-bodied, intense and strongly focussed. Tannic and powerful. Still developing – another ten years should see a peak reached.
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1975 Penfolds Grange
Australia, South Australia
Garnet red with a touch of orange around the rim. Leathery old nose with a touch of cedar. Palate is powerful, port-like in its intensity. Fine tannins still motor through the palate. Long, powerful – a beautiful drinking experience. Near peak and ought to hold on this tasting.
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1964 Château de la Guimonière Coteaux du Layon Chaume
France, Loire Valley, Anjou-Saumur, Coteaux du Layon Chaume
Rich gold. Very developed nose of honey and burnt citrus. Palate is medium-weight, aged, somewhat delicate; despite the sweet crème brulee / pear flavours the finish is relatively dry. Good coverage of the palate, and a long gently lingering palate. In fine condition and drinking well.
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1980 Chateau Reynella Vintage Port
Australia, South Australia, Fleurieu, McLaren Vale
Brick red. Sharply alcoholic nose which cuts through the tobacco-like aromas. The palate is intense and concentrated with brandy-like flavours, but the alcoholic heat still dominates everything too much for me.
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