at 13:30, “Chateauhautbrion [steak]“, i’m certain that’s not the first time i’ve heard that slip, but we love it!

QOTD: I had a Castello di Romitorio 2004 Brunello di Montalcino about a week ago. It is still early for drinking as well, just like the 03 Grange. (not nearly as expensive) I think that the release price on the 04 Romitorio was about 75-80. Anyways, it ROCKED. Incredible, it had the scent of Meatloaf with ketchup smeared all over it on the sniffy sniff, followed by great bright cherries, silky tannins and a long finish on the palate.
Got to try this wine!

QOTD ~ Best wine over $100 – hands down, a 1994 Robert Mondavi Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve, $125 at the time, now about $170. We had a private tasting on the patio, overlooking the vineyards, surrounded by the vineyards where the grapes were big and full on the vines (late August), flowers around the patio looked incredible. Our table… white linen, 10 -12 beautiful ‘big ass glasses’ awaiting the pouring of fantastic wines, beautiful cheese and meat platters. And, finally, the wines – awesome – that cab was so gorgeous, so big and smooth. Ahhh, definitely a day that almost tops my “Best Day” list (aside from the birth of my beautiful daughter). I have the picture of that tasting patio as my screensaver – fantastic wine, fantastic experience.

QOTD: I think I’ve only ever had 1 or 2 $100 bottles and they were many years ago with my parents, and I don’t remember what they were, so I’m a blank slate for now!

As far as wines to lust after… some Clos Ste Hune would be high up my list, as well as L’Extravagant de Doisy-Daëne, but I don’t think I’ll ever buy it!

Interesting to hear your comments on Grange. A few things that maybe worth noting
1. 2003 was a pretty average year in Australia and the 2003 Grange has never been seen as anything, but a good attempt from a bad vintage – from what I hear 2004 and 2005 are much better.
2. How much does it retail for in the US? $264? In Australia it’s realise price is A$550, which is more than US$500 .. now that’s a ripoff and a disgrace.
3. Grange is a certain style and many Australian drinkers prefer the Penfolds St Henri less of a fruit bomb. Grange is something that’d I’d never buy and think there are so many more Australian wines out there that would suit your palate. Heathcote and Margraet River; why aren’t you drinking Gippsland, Tasmania and Beechworth??????

Cheeers
Andrew

QOTD: Never had a $100 bottle of wine that I paid for, but did have a tasting of Mondavi Cab Reserve 1998 in Napa Valley one time that was pretty good. I just can’t get over the bottle of wine that my wife and I had for our 9th wedding anniversary this past weekend: Andrew Will Sheridan Vineyard 2004…What an amazingly elegant wine!!! Only $40 bones!