Two extremely good wines this week.
The 1999 Tyrrell's HVD Semillon Reserve was absolutely superb, surprising with its remarkable freshness and vivacity, nigh-on perfect weight and structure and a finish to die for. Loaded with grassy-, soapy- and lanolin-tinged melon and citrus fruit with only the merest hint of toast and honey, this outstanding wine has perfectly-integrated, cutting G&T-like acidity that augurs well for a considerably bright future in the cellar. A wonderful example. Drink now-2019+. 94 points.
The De Toren (Stellenbosch, South Africa) Directors Reserve Fusion V from vintage 2000 also impressed with its gorgeous youthful garnet colour and stunning aromatics feauturing deep-set small dark-berried fruit and a sizeable, but well-judged, input from cedary/vanillin oak. The palate offers an identical blast of primary fruit, quality oak accompanied by attractive chocolate-coated licorice and sweet earthy flavours, lively acidity, all supported by a very fine but still to fully resolve firmish tannin regime. This excellent/outstanding example possesses room for development and improvement, although after 72 hours after opening, suffered from such a degree of oxidation to render the remnants suitable only to be tipped down the kitchen sink. Drink 2010-2015+. 91 points