WTN: Coonawarra masterpiece

[Jenise]

I harbor the belief that if more Coonawarra reds had ended up in the U.S. in place of the lactic wines of the Maclaren Vale and alcoholic fruit bombs of the Barossa, American afficionados wouldn't have given up on them. Witness this:

2004 Parker Coonawarra Estate Terra Rossa First Growth Red Bordeaux Blend
For a few years I've avoided this wine, carrying the memory of what we'd call a duff bottle around. Checked CT on Saturday to confirm the details of that only to realize I'd confused two wines--and this one was actually fine, so we opened a bottle last night. Wow. It showed bright blackberry and cassis fruit, aged balsamic vinegar, espresso, old cigar, forest floor, beef consomme, subtle oak, good minerality and a touch of Coonawarra's signature menthol. Full bodied, elegantly powerful, no oxidation in sight. Still youthful enough to demand rare beef or lamb. Will drink beautifully for years to come--no decanting required.

[David M. Bueker]

I remember having a few bottles of perhaps the 1998. Shame these sorts of Australian wines don’t come around anymore.

Indeed. Someone brought a bottle of the 99 to an offline in Tokyo in 2005. I liked enough to pounce on some 2000 when I saw in NY. All gone, but last bottle was going strong at 15. It's too bad most of us think of Mollydooker/Marquis Phillips rather than Parker, Mt Langhi, Wendouree, Yarra Yering winery, etc when Aussie reds are discussed.

You reminded me that I have a bottle of 1985 Mt Langi Ghiran Shiraz and a syrah tasting next week.....oops, Jenise is listening!

Hey Jenise - should I open this no doubt defunct Aussie just for fun before going on to my regular wine?

[Jenise]

Bill, why not. You'll never have a better audience.

[Jenise]

Indeed. Someone brought a bottle of the 99 to an offline in Tokyo in 2005. I liked enough to pounce on some 2000 when I saw in NY. All gone, but last bottle was going strong at 15. It's too bad most of us think of Mollydooker/Marquis Phillips rather than Parker, Mt Langhi, Wendouree, Yarra Yering winery, etc when Aussie reds are discussed.

Wow a Tokyo offline. There used to be a Japanese fellow who opened a lot of wine at a place he called something like Rapongi Garden. I don't recall his name but wonder if he wasn't part of that.

But you're right. The Grateful Palate brought on the downfall of Australian wine in America.