Suckfizzle Cabernet Sauvignon 2005, Margaret River ($50)

Since we'd had the Pierro 2001 Cab Merlot the previous night this was an interesting comparison - same major grape, same region, and a big reputation. There was cigar box the nose and so I again the has old world thing in my my, however given its relative youth there was more fruit on the palate than the 2001 Pierro. Still a bit of tannin there, though not at such high levels to stop our enjoyment. I'd have been tempted to store this wine had it not been for the fact that my parents had bought it, and were eager to taste what this expensive wine tasted like. And on reflection I'm not sure how much better the wine would have got for the effort. Cheese only slightly dealt with the astringency from the tannin. While a reasonable wine there was consensus that we could not taste $50 worth of wine here. There are more enjoyable cabernets for cheaper.

Pierro, Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot 2001, Margaret River (circa $60)

Needed well over 1 hour of air before consumption. A powerful nose remiscent of old world wines. Strong aromas of cassis. Excellent length and a complex taste with different flavours popping up left right and centre. You could let this stay in your mouth forever. However, it is not an easy quaffing drink. You need to sit down and think about what you are drinking to get the most out of it

Tuck's Ridge Riesling 1996, Mornington Peninsula ($15)

It isw not often you can buy a 12 year old riesling, let alone for $15, so when I saw a rack of them at the winery I had to buy one (and also a '98). Its age means it has turned a lovely pale orange colour and the flavours intense, highlighting toasted nuts, and a hint a mandarin. The flavours reminded me of one of my Seppelt DP38 fortified wine - they were that strong. At $15 this is great value, but you'd have to think carefully about which food to match against...or drinking by itself. An interesting and worthwhile buy.