The lottery of buying at auction.
6 February 2016
Backing up after Tuesday night’s Gevrey-Chambertin dinner. Who would have thought.
What started with a quiet drink ended in three bottles.
A great night.
I have previously mentioned I am a fan of Keith Tulloch. His attention to detail is almost obsessive. His wines have class, balance and restraint.
Wines from his old vineyards in the Hunter produce some of the regions best examples of Shiraz.
The fruit he sources from outside the area, like the Forres Blend, always deliver.
The Forres Blend is Keith’s expression of a Bordeaux. I have little exposure to the classic French style but have plenty of Australian Cabernet in the cellar.
The 2013 was structured and Cabernet dominate. Classic blackberries and fresh herbs. A classy wine with solid cellaring potential.
Shell spotted this at auction. We probably paid a little ‘overs’ considering this wine has no tertiary market reputation but we have a few in the cellar it this would give us a snapshot of what we can expect.
Of course that theory hinges on how well the wine was cellared. You just never know.
2003 Keith Tulloch ‘Forres Blend’
Dominated by cabernet fruit on the nose. Blackberries and liquorice. Some tertiary qualities coming through. Savoury earth and dried herbs.
The palate was well structured with good length. Fading acidity and fine tannins.
The longer it sat in the glass the more it began to fade.
A classy wine but on its decline.
I have no idea how it was cellared but if this is any indication I would think the Forres Blend is a 7-15 year cellaring proposition.
Still thirsty…..