Oz vs. California reds

[winoweenie]

WOW seems like everyone has an agenda. As expressed here numerous other times, TOP Calif cabs like TOP Bordeaux wines need time.Anytime you want to really see the difference in wines, as IK asked, are they the same grape varietal, same vintage, and in the same price point. It's silly to compare Aussie Shirazs' with just released Calif Cabs. Tho Silver Oaks are not my favorites,but I've had some 10-15 year old SOs' that were beautiful bottles. You could probably take a 2000 Blackstone Merlot that would outscore the current release of Duckhorn " 3 Palms Vineyard" (1999) with a majority of the tasters, but it sure 'haint in the same class over the long haul. Accessability isn't a criterion of quality. Annie Green Springs drinks pretty good and will probably get some votes against Lafite...Analyize what you're being offered. WW