Heard good things about the Waipara.
Vin - I had the '06 Coopers Creek and it was slightly hot with a short, tannic finish. The heat didn't bother me so much as the hollow mid-palette. Have you tasted the '07 (or '08 - new release!) yet? I'm hoping these knock the socks off the '06.
It was, in fact, the '06; I have some left, and am pleased to have stashed it away. As for the "heat" and the "hollow mid-palate," these seem to be excellent validations of the "De Gustibus Non Disputandum Est" Law Of Wine Enjoyment - my favorite. I found clove, ginger and an enjoyable range of kitchen spices on the nose, sufficient body to be a fine partner to ham (I usually prefer an Israeli Reisling), and a finish long and smooth enough to inspire me to forego my VacuVin and assist the bottle in fulfilling its destiny before the sandman arrived. Our palates are quite similar, yours and mine, and even better, our tastes diverge just often enough to keep the discussion lively and interesting. I always learn from our exchanges. Be Well; Carpe Vinum!
