Aussie vs. French

Dinner at Brown.

1988 Bollinger R.D., dégorgée le 11 Septembre 2000 - pretty good, but not that impressed. It was pretty soft and yeasty, but not as "fresh" as one would think from an "R.D."

1997 Leasingham Classic Clare Shiraz - voted the "Wine of the Year" by Winestate, this was definitely overrated. The nose was nice and fruity, typical Aussie shiraz, but it died very quickly and became flat. I think Jeremy Oliver is absolutely right about this wine by giving it a 15.7.

1991 Margaux - predictably light, a drinking wine. It had been open too long by the time we got to it. Not very enjoyable.

1995 Henschke Cyril Henschke - this was much better, of course. Very sweet and fruity. Definitely would try more of this wine again. Tannins are still present and fuller-bodied and concentrated.

1982 Ducru-Beaucaillou - the bottle was in pristine condition, just like the one I drank earlier. Very nice and smooth, but not as good as the one from last week.

1999 De Bortoli Noble One - this was a bit light, both in color and in body. Kind of disappointing but maybe because it's still young.

1998 Miranda Golden Botrytis - this, by contrast, was much better. In fact it was very rich with walnut, honey, caramel notes. Perhaps even better than the d'Arenberg.