by David Lole » Mon Oct 08, 2007 1:13 pm
Forgot to mention that 1984 wasn't half bad in Coonawarra ..... I recently tried a bottle of Hollicks Cabernet Sauvignon from a very good passive cellar and didn't hesitate to give it 95 points (I don't hand scores like that very often). There are a number of Coonawarra producer's who produced some terrific juice from this vintage. I'd keep a look out on Langtons, Oddbins or Sterlings Wine Auctions. Worth a punt, I reckon, the prices will be most reasonable, compared to what you'd pay for a 1959 1st growth left bank Bordeaux.
I've tried many a good bottle of Grange from this year but the wine seems to be getting some indifferent tasting notes of late. Not the greatest year for Grange but most of the bottles I've tried over the years have delivered an incredibly good bang for the meagre (relative to the "sprooked" vintages) bucks I've had to fork out most recently.
There were some fantastic Rieslings produced by Leo Buring, Seppelt et al from both the Eden and Clare Valley's, too.
I agree with David M. Bueker in recommending some great Chenin's in 1959. Huet's individual late-picked offerings can be quite spectacular. I'd contact the winery direct to ascertain if they would source a reconditioned bottle from their incredible museum stock. The last bottle of '59 Huet I tried (about 10 years ago) still had amazing acidity and didn't look very sweet at all. I paid $187 for it, sourced from Huet direct.
If my memory serves me correctly, 1959 was a top year for German Riesling, too, but I'd be surprised if many have survived today. David might be able to add/correct on this point.
Cheers,
David