Chateau Citran Cru Bourgeois Superieur 2003

An aroma of blackcurrant.  A palate with good length, softness and fruit.  A very pleasant wine from the hot 2003 vintage that is currently in its drinking prime.  88 points.

Trentham Estate The Family Nebbiolo 2004

An aroma of spices and light red fruits.  A pleasant, balanced palate with nice acidity and red fruit.  84 to 85 points.

Hardys Tintara Shiraz 1999

This wine presented very well.  A deeply coloured wine, with an aroma of spices and leather.  A palate with noticeable length, but perhaps some hot notes.  86 points.

Leeuwin Estate Art Series Cabernet Sauvignon 2005

This is the last of the Leeuwin Estate wines reviewed, and the most interesting of the set of cabernet sauvignons including the 2002, 2003 and 2004.  An aroma of red fruits and capsicum  A palate with good length and firm acidity.  A good wine.  88 points.

Leeuwin Estate Art Series Cabernet Sauvignon 2004

An aroma of oak and red fruits.  A similar palate, showing more length than the 2002 and the 2003.  86 points.

Leeuwin Estate Art Series Cabernet Sauvignon 2003

An aroma of capsicum, oak and cassis.  On the palate, some noticeable tannins and some length.  84 points.

Leeuwin Estate Art Series Cabernet Sauvignon 2002

I remember being disappointed by some of Leeuwin Estate's cabernet sauvignon wines in the past.  This vintage probably falls into that category, but some of the more recent vintages (reviews to be posted shortly) were more interesting.  An aroma of boot polish and capsicum.  The palate was better with some length, but I expected more from a producer of this calibre.  83 points.

Leeuwin Estate Art Series Shiraz 2007

An aroma of deep plums, pepper and oak.  A palate with good length, pepper notes, highish tannins and noticeable acidity.  Perhaps a bit ungainly.  87 points.

Leeuwin Estate Art Series Chardonnay 2007

This wine had an attractive aroma of smoke and minerals.  The palate however was the standout, with this young wine showing at least 30 seconds plus length, with citrus and mineral flavours.  It will be very interesting to see how it evolves with time.  95+ points.

Leeuwin Estate Art Series Chardonnay 2006

This wine had an evident aroma of smoke, flint and citrus.  A similar palate with firm acidity.  A very good, well made wine.  89 points.

Leeuwin Estate Art Series Chardonnay 2005

This wine exhibited less oak on the nose than the 2004, with an aroma of minerals, flint, peach and citrus.  The palate was minerally with good length.  An excellent wine.  92 points.

Leeuwin Estate Art Series Chardonnay 2004

This wine was superb.  It had an aroma of integrated oak and pleasant stone fruits.  The length was considerable (20 seconds plus), with multi-faceted notes of oak, flint, minerals and evident acidity.  This really is an outstanding chardonnay.  95 points.

Leeuwin Estate Art Series Sauvignon Blanc 2009

This wine had a distinctively grassy aroma.  The palate however was rather flat, with some light notes of passionfruit and a spritzy edge.  It appeared to lack a bit of acidity. Ok only.  79 points.

Leeuwin Estate Art Series Riesling 2009

I was lucky enough to try a series of Leeuwin Estate wines together.  The Art Series chardonnays were the stars of the show.  First, though, was this estate's riesling.  A classic Australian riesling aroma of citrus and lime.  The palate though had a softer citrus note that was pleasant, but lacked the "steel" seen in its Clare Valley competitors.  Pleasant, but there are probably better rieslings available from other regions for less.  82 points.

2003 Cru Bourgeois Classification

An initial list of "cru bourgeois" estates was drawn up in 1932 containing a classification of certain higher quality estates principally from the left-bank of Bordeaux. This classification was then revised in 2003. In a seemingly familiar story, the re-classification was then the subject of extensive litigation, and has since been annulled.

However, since I tend to find the first two levels of this classification a "better than nothing" guide to quality, set out below are the details of the former classification. For the purposes of reference, this classification will be accessible under the heading "Wine Classifications" on the right hand side of the website.

Cru Bourgeois Exceptionnel

Chateau Chasse-Spleen
Chateau Haut-Marbuzet
Chateau Labégorce-Zédé
Chateau Les Ormes de Pez
Chateau de Pez
Chateau Phélan-Ségur
Chateau Potensac
Chateau Poujeaux
Chateau Siran

Cru Bourgeois Supérieur

Chateau d'Agassac
Chateau d'Angludet
Chateau Anthonic
Chateau d'Arche
Chateau Arnauld
Chateau d'Arsac
Chateau Beaumont
Chateau Beau-Site
Chateau Biston-Brillette
Chateau Le Boscq
Chateau Bournac
Chateau Brillette
Chateau Cambon La Pelouse
Chateau Cap Léon Veyrin
Chateau La Cardonne
Chateau Caronne Ste-Gemme
Chateau Castera
Chateau Chambert-Marbuzet
Chateau Charmail
Chateau Cissac
Chateau Citran
Chateau Clarke
Chateau Clauzet
Chateau Clément Pichon
Chateau Colombier-Monpelou
Chateau Coufran
Chateau Le Crock
Chateau Dutruch Grand Poujeaux
Chateau d'Escurac
Chateau Fonbadet
Chateau Fonréaud
Chateau Fourcas Dupré
Chateau Fourcas Hosten
Chateau Fourcas Loubaney
Chateau du Glana
Chateau Les Grands Chênes
Chateau Gressier Grand Poujeaux
Chateau Greysac
Chateau La Gurgue
Chateau Hanteillanc
Chateau Haut-Bages Monpelou
Chateau La Haye
Chateau Labégorce
Chateau Lachesnaye
Chateau de Lamarque
Chateau Lamothe Bergeron
Chateau Lanessan
Chateau Larose Trintaudon
Chateau Lestage
Chateau Lestage Simon
Chateau Lilian Ladouys
Chateau Liversan
Chateau Loudenne
Chateau Malescasse
Chateau de Malleret
Chateau Maucaillou
Chateau Maucamps
Chateau Mayne Lalande
Chateau Meyney
Chateau Monbrison
Chateau Moulin à Vent
Chateau Moulin de la Rose
Chateau Les Ormes Sorbet
Chateau Paloumey
Chateau Patache d’Aux
Chateau Paveil de Luze
Chateau Petit Bocq
Chateau Pibran
Chateau Ramage La Batisse
Chateau Reysson
Chateau Rollan de By
Chateau Saransot-Dupré
Chateau Ségur
Chateau Sénéjac
Chateau Soudars
Chateau du Taillan
Chateau Terrey Gros Cailloux
Chateau La Tour de By
Chateau Tour de Marbuzet
Chateau La Tour de Mons
Chateau Tour de Pez
Chateau Tour du Haut Moulin
Chateau Tour Haut Caussan
Chateau Tronquoy-Lalande
Chateau Verdignan
Chateau Vieux Robin
Chateau de Villegeorge

Cru Bourgeois

Chateau Andron Blanquet
Chateau Aney
Chateau d'Arcins
Chateau L'Argenteyre
Chateau d'Aurilhac
Chateau Balac
Chateau Barateau
Chateau Bardis
Chateau Barreyres
Chateau Baudan
Chateau Beau-Site Haut-Vignoble
Chateau Bégadanet
Chateau Bel Air
Chateau Bel Air
Chateau Bel Orme Tronquoy de Lalande
Chateau Bel-Air Lagrave
Chateau des Belles Graves
Chateau Bessan Ségur
Chateau Bibian
Chateau Blaignan
Chateau Le Boscq
Chateau Le Bourdieu
Chateau Le Bourdieu Vertheuil
Chateau de Braude
Chateau du Breuil
Chateau La Bridane
Chateau des Brousteras
Chateau des Cabans
Chateau Cap de Haut
Chateau Capbern Gasqueton
Chateau Chantelys
Chateau La Clare
Chateau La Commanderie
Chateau Le Coteau
Chateau Coutelin Merville
Chateau de la Croix
Chateau Dasvin-Bel-Air
Chateau David
Chateau Devise d’Ardilley
Chateau Deyrem Valentin
Chateau Dillon
Chateau Domeyne
Chateau Donissan
Chateau Ducluzeau
Chateau Duplessis
Chateau Duplessis Fabre
Chateau Duthil
Chateau L'Ermitage
Chateau d'Escot
Chateau La Fleur Milon
Chateau La Fleur Peyrabon
Chateau La Fon du Berger
Chateau Fontesteau
Chateau Fontis
Chateau La Galiane
Chateau de Gironville
Chateau La Gorce
Chateau La Gorre
Chateau Grand Clapeau Olivier
Chateau Grandis
Chateau Granins Grand Poujeaux
Chateau Grivière
Chateau Haut-Beauséjour
Chateau Haut-Bellevue
Chateau Haut Breton Larigaudière
Chateau Haut-Canteloup
Chateau Haut-Madrac
Chateau Haut-Maurac
Chateau Houissant
Chateau Hourbanon
Chateau Hourtin-Ducasse
Chateau Labadie
Chateau Ladouys
Chateau Laffitte Carcasset
Chateau Laffitte Laujac
Chateau Lafon
Chateau Lalande
Chateau Lalande
Chateau Lamothe-Cissac
Chateau Larose Perganson
Chateau Larrivaux
Chateau Larruau
Chateau Laujac
Chateau La Lauzette-Declercq
Chateau Leyssac
Chateau Lieujean
Chateau Liouner
Chateau Lousteauneuf
Chateau Magnol
Chateau de Marbuzet
Chateau Marsac Séguineau
Chateau Martinens
Chateau Maurac
Chateau Mazails
Chateau Le Meynieu
Chateau Meyre
Chateau Les Moines
Chateau Mongravey
Chateau Le Monteil d’Arsac
Chateau Morin
Chateau du Moulin Rouge
Chateau La Mouline
Chateau Muret
Chateau Noaillac
Chateau du Perier
Chateau Le Pey
Chateau Peyrabon
Chateau Peyredon Lagravette
Chateau Peyre-Lebade
Chateau Picard
Chateau Plantey
Chateau Poitevin
Chateau Pomys
Chateau Pontac Lynch
Chateau Pontey
Chateau Pontoise Cabarrus
Chateau Puy Castéra
Chateau Ramafort
Chateau du Raux
Chateau La Raze Beauvallet
Chateau du Retout
Chateau Reverdi
Chateau Roquegrave
Chateau Rousseau de Sipian
Chateau St Ahon
Chateau St Aubin
Chateau St-Christophe
Chateau St Estèphe
Chateau St-Hilaire
Chateau St-Paul
Chateau Segue Longue
Chateau Ségur de Cabanac
Chateau Semeillan Mazeau
Chateau Senilhac
Chateau Tayac
Chateau Le Temple
Chateau Teynac
Chateau La Tonnelle
Chateau Tour Blanche
Chateau La Tour de Bessan
Chateau Tour des Termes
Chateau Tour-du-Roc
Chateau Tour Prignac
Chateau Tour St Bonnet
Chateau Tour St-Fort
Chateau Tour St Joseph
Chateau Trois Moulins
Chateau Les Tuileries
Chateau Vernous
Vieux Chateau Landon
Chateau de Villambis

De Bortoli Willowglen Shiraz Cabernet 2008

This fairly low priced wine had an aroma of red fruits, and a simple palate reminiscent of a basic Vin de Pays D'Oc.  80 points.

Parker Coonawarra Estate Favourite Son Cabernet Merlot 2005

Deeply coloured, this wine had a good solid aroma of cassis.  The palate was similar, showing around 5 seconds of length, and drinking well now.  Perhaps a little simple, but very pleasant.  82 points.

2006 St Emilion Classification

Unlike the 1855 classification of Medoc wines, the St Emilion classification is updated approximately every 10 years. The most recent version is the 2006 classification.  However, this classification was subsequently declared invalid and became the subject of protacted litigation in the French courts. The current position seems to be that the 1996 classification has been re-instated, with the addition of those promoted by the 2006 classification, while those demoted by the 2006 classification remain included in the classification.  Moderately confusing.

Of caution, there are also a number of properties in St Emilion that carry the name "Grand Cru", which are not technically classified properties in the sense of the St Emilion classification referred to above. Instead, this designation is given under the basic appellation rules.

For the purposes of reference, this classification will be accessible under the heading "Wine Classifications" on the right hand side of the website.

The St Emilion classification appears currently to be as follows:

Premiers Grands Crus Classés - A

Chateau Ausone
Chateau Cheval-Blanc

Premiers Grands Crus Classés - B

Chateau Angélus
Chateau Beau-Séjour Bécot
Chateau Beauséjour (Duffau-Lagarrosse)
Chateau Bélair-Monange
Chateau Canon
Chateau Figeac
Clos Fourtet
Chateau La Gaffelière
Chateau Magdelaine
Chateau Pavie
Chateau Pavie-Macquin
Chateau Troplong-Mondot
Chateau Trottevieille

Grands Crus Classés

Chateau L'Arrosée
Chateau Balestard-La-Tonnelle
Chateau Bellefont-Belcier
Chateau Bellevue
Chateau Bergat
Chateau Berliquet
Chateau Cadet-Bon
Chateau Cadet-Piola
Chateau Canon-la-Gaffelière
Chateau Cap-de-Mourlin
Chateau Chauvin
Chateau La Clotte
Chateau Corbin
Chateau Corbin-Michotte
Chateau La Couspaude
Couvent des Jacobins
Chateau Dassault
Chateau Destieux
Chateau La Dominique
Chateau Faurie-de-Souchard
Chateau Fleur-Cardinale
Chateau Fonplégade
Chateau Fonroque
Chateau Franc-Mayne
Chateau Grand-Corbin
Chateau Grand-Corbin-Despagne
Chateau Grand-Mayne
Chateau Grand-Pontet
Chateau Les Grandes-Murailles
Chateau Guadet St-Julien
Chateau Haut-Corbin
Chateau Haut Sarpe
Clos des Jacobins
Chateau Laniote
Chateau Larcis-Ducasse
Chateau Larmande
Chateau Laroque
Chateau Laroze
Chateau La Marzelle
Chateau Matras
Chateau Monbousquet
Chateau Moulin-du-Cadet
Clos de l'Oratoire
Chateau Pavie-Decesse
Chateau Petit-Faurie-de-Soutard
Chateau Le Prieuré
Chateau Ripeau
Chateau St-Georges-Côte-Pavie
Clos St-Martin
Chateau La Serre
Chateau Soutard
Chateau Tertre-Daugay
Chateau La Tour-du-Pin
Chateau La Tour-du-Pin-Figeac (Moueix)
Chateau La Tour Figeac
Chateau Villemaurine
Chateau Yon-Figeac

Killara Park Estate Merlot 2005

This wine is sourced from the southern reaches of the Yarra Valley, an area that seems to produce some high quality fruit.  A very fruit forward, rich and evocative aroma of plums, which promised much.  The palate however was quite soft, with only a little length.  Pleasant, but I was hoping for more.  82 points.

1959 Graves Classification

The 1959 Graves classification is not referred to particularly extensively in my experience, but it is nonetheless a useful reference point for the wines of this good value region.  The wines of Graves, with the exception of first growth Chateau Haut-Brion, were unrepresented in the 1855 classification.

For the purposes of reference, this classification will be accessible under the heading "Wine Classifications" on the right hand side of the website.

Classified Red Wines (followed by commune)

Chateau Bouscaut, Cadaujac
Chateau Haut-Bailly, Leognan
Chateau Carbonnieux, Leognan
Chateau de Chevalier, Leognan
Domaine de Chevalier, Leognan
Chateau de Fieuzal, Leognan
Chateau d'Olivier, Leognan
Chateau Malartic-Lagraviere, Leognan
Chateau La Tour-Martillac, Martillac
Chateau Smith-Haut-Lafite, Martillac
Chateau Haut-Brion, Pessac
Chateau La Mission-Haut-Brion, Talence
Chateau Pape-Clement, Pessac
Chateau Latour-Haut-Brion, Talence

Classified White Wines (followed by commune)

Chateau Bouscaut, Cadaujac
Chateau Carbonnieux, Leognan
Domaine de Chevalier, Leognan
Chateau d'Olivier, Leognan
Chateau Malartic-Lagraviere, Leognan
Chateau La Tour-Martillac, Martillac
Chateau Laville-Haut-Brion, Talence
Chateau Couhins-Lurton, Villenave d'Oron
Chateau Couhins, Villenave d'Oron
Chateau Haut-Brion, Pessac

Amulet Barbera 2002

An aroma of hazelnut chocolate, mint and (though less pronounced) aged leaves.  A similar palate.  Pleasant but drink now.  82 points.

Yarra Track Pinot Noir 2003

An aroma of mint and herbs.  An ok palate, with highish somewhat drying tannins.  79 points.

1855 Sauternes and Barsac Classification

The 1855 Sauternes and Barsac Classification is perhaps best known for its classifcation of Chateau d'Yquem as standing alone above all others.

For the purposes of reference, this classification will be accessible under the heading "Wine Classifications" on the right hand side of the website.

Premier Cru Supérieur
Château d'Yquem, Sauternes

Premiers Crus
Château La Tour Blanche, Sauternes
Château Lafaurie-Peyraguey, Sauternes
Château Clos Haut-Peyraguey, Sauternes
Château de Rayne-Vigneau, Sauternes
Château Suduiraut, Preignac Sauternes
Château Coutet, Barsac
Château Climens, Barsac
Château Guiraud, Sauternes
Château Rieussec, Sauternes
Château Rabaud-Promis, Sauternes
Château Sigalas-Rabaud, Sauternes

Deuxièmes Crus
Château de Myrat, Barsac
Château Doisy Daëne, Barsac
Château Doisy-Dubroca, Barsac
Château Doisy-Védrines, Barsac
Château d'Arche, Sauternes
Château Filhot, Sauternes
Château Broustet Barsac
Château Nairac, Barsac
Château Caillou, Barsac
Château Suau, Barsac
Château de Malle, Sauternes
Château Romer, Sauternes
Château Romer du Hayot, Sauternes
Château Lamothe, Sauternes
Château Lamothe-Guignard, Sauternes

St Michael's Vineyard Limited Release Shiraz 2006

An aroma of pepper and spices.  The palate initially showed quite pronounced acidity and tannins, but settled with time to show some nice length and plums on the palate.  It generally remained though a big, challenging wine and would have benefited from decanting - as the label pointed out.  Note: a sobriety tipping 16%av.  85 points.

1855 Bordeaux Medoc Classification

The 1855 classification of Bordeaux wines is perhaps the most famous wine classification of its kind.

For the purposes of reference (the classification will be accessible under the heading "Wine Classifications" on the right hand side of the website), here it is:

First Growths

Chateau Lafite-Rothschild, Pauillac
Chateau Margaux, Margaux
Chateau Latour, Pauillac
Chateau Haut-Brion, Graves
Chateau Mouton-Rothschild, Pauillac

Second Growths

Chateau Rausan-Segla , Margaux
Chateau Rauzan-Gassies, Margaux
Chateau Leoville-Las-Cases, St-Julien
Chateau Leoville-Poyferre, St-Julien
Chateau Leoville-Barton, St-Julien
Chateau Durfort-Vivens, Margaux
Chateau Gruard-Larose, St-Julien
Chateau Lascombes, Margaux
Chateau Brane-Cantenac, Margaux
Chateau Pichon-Longueville (Baron), Pauillac
Chateau Pichon-Longueville Comtesse de Lalande, Pauillac
Chateau Ducru-Beaucaillou, St-Julien
Chateau Montrose, St-Estephe
Chateau Cos d'Estournel, St-Estephe

Third Growths

Chateau Kirwan, Margaux
Chateau d'Issan, Margaux
Chateau Lagrange, St-Julien
Chateau Langoa-Barton, St-Julien
Chateau Giscours, Margaux
Chateau Malescot St-Exupery, Margaux
Chateau Boyd-Cantenac, Margaux
Chateau Cantenac-Brown, Margaux
Chateau Palmer, Margaux
Chateau La Lagune, Haut-Medoc
Chateau Desmirail, Margaux
Chateau Calon-Segur, St-Estephe
Chateau Ferriere, Margaux
Chateau Marquis d'Alesme Becker, Margaux

Fourth Growths

Chateau St-Pierre, St-Julien
Chateau Talbot, St-Julien
Chateau Branaire-Ducru, St-Julien
Chateau Duhart-Milon-Rothschild, Pauillac
Chateau Pouget, Margaux
Chateau La Tour-Carnet, Haut-Medoc
Chateau Lafon-Rochet, St-Estephe
Chateau Beychevelle, St-Julien
Chateau Prieure-Lichine, Margaux
Chateau Marquis-de-Terme, Margaux

Fifth Growths

Chateau Pontet Canet, Pauillac
Chateau Batailley, Pauillac
Chateau Haut-Batailley, Pauillac
Chateau Grand Puy Lacoste, Pauillac
Chateau Grand Puy Ducasse, Pauillac
Chateau Lynch-Bages, Pauillac
Chateau Lynch-Moussas, Pauillac
Chateau Dauzac, Margaux
Chateau d'Armailhac, Pauillac
Chateau du Tertre, Margaux
Chateau Haut-Bages-Liberal, Pauillac
Chateau Pedesclaux, Pauillac
Chateau Belgrave, Haut-Medoc
Chateau de Camensac, Haut-Medoc
Chateau Cos-Labory, St-Estephe
Chateau Clerc-Milon, Pauillac
Chateau Croizet-Bages, Pauillac

Downing Estate Shiraz 2004

An aroma of eucalyptus and grass.  A palate with plums and some length.  Pretty good.  84 to 85 points.

Duas Quintas 2006

This wine was really quite good, and well priced.  An aroma of rich spiced dark fruits with good length on the palate.  Very good.  87 points.

Quinta Vallado 2007

I am rather partial to touriga nacional based wines, and often find that the Portugese Douro versions are both good value and good wines.  An aroma of spiced plums and dark cherries, with a light licorice note.  Ok length and similar palate.  83 points.

Allinda Cabernets 2004

I like this small producer from the Yarra Valley and think their cabernet can be a good Bordeaux cru bourgeois substitute.  I've previously tasted this vintage of their cabernet and thought it was marred by a "spritziness" that I found rather detracted from the wine.  This problem persisted with more than a couple of bottles, and so I wondered whether it was a fault - perhaps re-fermentation in the bottle.  For the non-spritzy bottles, expect an aroma of black fruits and quite appealing oak, and a pleasant palate and 84 points.  The spritzy ones, I'm afraid, score in the 70s.

Dan Murphy's Private Bin Soft Merlot 2008

I'm afraid this wine has put me off experimenting with cleanskins for a bit ... An aroma of spicy red berries.  A similar palate initially, but then an almost off dry flavour emerged.  Too sweet.  73 points.

Vidal-Fleury Cotes du Ventoux 2007

An aroma of lavender, and a neutral palate.  81 points.

Vidal-Fleury Muscat de Beaumes de Venise 2006

This is a rather classy effort and is recommended.  Made from 100% muscat a petit grains.  An aroma of apricot, musk and raisins.  A palate of stewed apricots.  87+ points.

Chateau de Saint Cosme Gigondas 2006

67% grenache, 20% syrah, 12% mourvedre and 1% cinsault.  A rather Australian style wine with an overt aroma of licorice.  Some length, but the tannins were a little rough with a slight heat on the palate.  14.5%av.  Ok.  83 points.

Vidal-Fleury La Chatillonne Cote Rotie 2004

This was the best wine of my recent set of Rhone Valley wine reviews, though it would have been ever better with a more sympathetic use of oak.  At $170 retail in Australia, there are probably better choices available.
88% syrah and 12% viognier.  An aroma of lavender, herbs, oak and apricot kernels.  A palate with an evident oak taste, butter and apricots.  89 points.