In the beginning there was just Australian wine, then the great man discovered Clarendon Hills and Astralis was its star and he was most pleased at what he saw. We have a fine offering of back vintages from 1994 through 1999 of this most impressive and at times awesome wine that some have argued lit the fuse of the Aussie wine explosion in America .
As the weather finally cools down and as vintage comes to a close, the appeal of richly flavoured, bold reds comes to the fore. How about Barossa Valley Estates E&E Black Pepper, or the shiraz of Charles Cimicky or maybe Elderton, Coriole’s flagship Lloyd Reserve or maybe Orlando’s super Centenary Hill. Then again there is always the richness and warmth from Western Victoria with excellent offerings from Mt Langi, Seppelt Great Western and Dalwhinnie.
Extensive offerings are available from Cape Mentelle , Leeuwin Estate, Cullen and Pierro from the west, as well as Mount Mary , Bannockburn , Kay Bros, Greenock Creek, Noons and the classics of Torbreck. And spare a thought for the little seen magnum of Three Rivers. And while we are at it, the standout performer at the Barossa Vintage Festival’s Foundation Dinner: the beautifully poised Henschke Mt Edelstone 1994 plus a veritable mountain of classic Bordeaux First Growths.
We may call it imperfect Grange, but slight nicks and tears and the odd low neck level can lead to an absolute bargain, even with the great vintages. And if you are looking for budget red and whites, the catalogue is full of great drinking, current vintage mixed lots, including lots under screw caps. And while we are on the look out for great drinking reds, take a peek at the two carefully cellared offerings from d’Arenberg, a ’93 d’Arry’s Original and a 1992 Ironstone Pressings. Classic wines and fully matured.
And while we are thinking of cooler nights and richer desserts, this catalogue is also full of excellent fortified offerings including the rarely seen Seppelt 1880 Para Liqueur, their GR113 Rare Muscat, Stanton & Killeen ’s 25yo Grand Muscat or maybe Morris of Rutherglen’s Old Premium Liqueur Muscats and Tokays. And don’t forget there is always a myriad of classic tawny’s from Hardy’s, Chateau Reynella, Yalumba and St Hallett.
For the collectors we have on offer a classic 1961 Macallan in all it’s sherried glory as well as offerings from Aberlour, Glen Blair, Glenfiddich Lammerlaw and Glenlivet. And if you are into a bit of Aussie spiritous history, take a look at the blended whisky section, there’s lots on offer from the bygone era of blended whisky. And for the devotees of Jim Beam Bourbon, we have a complete Train set on offer.
Enjoy!
The ever reliable & excitable team at Oddbins.
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