This wine has unmistakeable Aussie character, though not in a good way. It has some reasonable fruit in the blackberry range that is smothered by a thick blanket of vanilla. Smooth and sweetish feel. Kelly and I had it with a couple of friends and the consensus score was 87, but I think we were being polite.
Price: $24.79
Score: 85
Value: 2/5
Region: Australia
Grape: Shiraz 80%, Mourvèdre 20%
Tasted: Jan 2009
UPC: 012354071995
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I have liked this Bin in the past, maybe 18 months ago or more was the last time I had tried it. Where would you place Bin 2 comparing to Bin 28, Koonunga, or d'Arrys Original.
ReplyDeleteI would say the Bin 2 is better than the Koonunga. It's been a while since we had the Bin 28, but we liked it quite a lot - definitely better than the Bin 2. Haven't had the Original recently enough to say.
ReplyDeleteKelly also points out that we had the Bin 2 with a the Bocca di Lupo and the styles clashed - the vanilla of the Bin 2 really stood out. On its own that probably wouldn't have been so overwhelming.
Its all about perspective- Bin 2 besides the Lupo- a Rose by any other Name...
ReplyDeleteYes, I meant to say just that about tasting the Bin 2 with the Bocca di Lupo - the comparison really exaggerated the fruit forward, oaky character of the Bin 2, which didn't do the Bin 2 any favours. But I think it's probably a solid, characteristic Aussie shiraz. I'd stick with the 87.
ReplyDeleteWe've haven't been keen on Australian shiraz lately, but this evening we had a 2003 Dead Arm and I was very impressed. I found it much more complex and balanced than most, one of the best Aussie shirazes I've had. I think this is what the Bin 2 and the Koonunga and the Original are trying for, and they're not doing badly at the price.
When will see a review of the Dead Arm- I have been nervous to open mine too early.
ReplyDeletethe 2003 dead arm was interesting. a very complex layered nose that gave different notes at each sniff. but the palate was more challenging. i found it a bit hot and earthy, and i thought that it was almost sour on the finish, which might have been the 'green' taste that WS talked about. RP loved this wine, WS not so much. BUT...i think it demonstrated that australian shiraz doesn't have to be one big fruit forward note. i have another bottle in the cellar and it will be interesting to see how it does with a few more years.
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean about the sour finish, but it didn't bother me. I really liked the Dead Arm's complexity and earthiness, as I find that even very nice Australian Shiraz (e.g. the Amon Ra) can be mostly fruit and vanilla.
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