'97 Rosemount GSM and '98 ADW Alliance shiraz

[Jorog]

Rosemount GSM - WS rated this 94pts way back when. Never really thought it was near classic but needed some time to come around. I last tried it in '01 and it was a bit harsh then.

Now, great from the get-go. Muted nose and good garnet color. Smooth with deep currant and berry flavors, hints of vanilla and spice. Still holding fine after an hour in the glass (went to the gym). A long finish with excellent depth. Peaking now and will hold for 1-2 more. A good deal at the $15 it used to be.

'98 ADW Alliance - Last tried in '01 or early '02, it hadn't really filled out yet. Now it is drinking very nicely and has a couple more years of life. Muted odors (I get that a lot in these less costly but good shiraz). Copious, well balanced dark fruit flavors of currant and blackberry which have nice depth and structure to them. Smooth, well integrated tanins which don't make a dent on the medium length finish. Great buy at the $15 I paid in 2000. I tried the '99 a couple of years ago (on release) and it didn't measure up.

[Drew]

The Rosemount GSM used to be a great bottling but after '98 slid downhill fast, imho. '97 was a good vintage in Oz.

Drew