Bob McDonald

9.4

There are several previous Delectable notes for this wine. Very rich Ruby in colour. Wonderful aromatics - Plum, spice, mint, garden herbs and coffee grounds - the remnants of a fair bit of oak in its youth. Full bodied and solid even at 20 years. A big Barossa Shiraz from a good cool vintage where there was long hang time for the grapes. Tannins are still M+ but resolving. Still life in this old girl yet! — 2 days ago

Bob McDonald

9.5

My last bottle of 4 and I was lucky to get 4 bottles when it was released. Only 1800 made due to frost destroying 92% of the crop. That apricot note from the Viognier, in its youth has integrated. Lovely savoury spicy aromas - like an Arabian Spice Bazaar as Halliday once described this Cuvée from Clonakilla. Amazing intensity with spice and dried sweet herb. Long considered the benchmark for Shiraz Viognier in this country. Perhaps challenged by Yarra Yering Dry Red No. 2 on occasions. — 7 days ago

Bob McDonald

9.5

See several previous Delectable Notes. This bottle was the last of 6 and absolutely outstanding. Light Ruby and tawny - semi transparent. Red and black cherry with rose petals and Sous Bois. Intoxicating perfume with dried rose petals and red florals generally - a slight gamey note. Very judicious use of oak - in perfect balance with the fruit. Phillip Jones, the winemaker and owner back then, before the sale to Jacques Fourrier said the difference between good Pinot Noir and great Pinot Noir is texture. In summary a great Pinot Noir by any measure and high Premier Cru in my experience. — 13 days ago

Bob McDonald

9.8

Only pale to mid crimson in colour with a tawny edge at 26 years of age. Black and blue fruits with game and a coffee bean note. The medium bodied yet rich palate is savoury and earthy with blackberry and just so so silky with resolved tannins and low acid. Not sure that I agree totally with Bob Campbell MW’s description - “like getting into an old Jag on a hot day”, but I love the imagery and can see where he’s coming from. Jancis said “pure hedonism “ and gave it 19/20. The latest iteration of H of G (2017) is selling for around $950 a bottle in Brisbane. No doubt brilliant but too expensive for me. I remember paying $12.50 for the 1982 vintage on release. There is a certain H of G character that is recognisable over many vintages over the years. Must be one of the most unique Shiraz vineyards in the world with vines up to a 150 years old. A privilege to drink this wine and close to perfection with 98 points. — 6 days ago

Bob McDonald

9.0

Lemon, lime, grapefruit with a mealy note. More full bodied and lush than I was expecting. Good to see it’s not a sulphidic, thin and restrained style which we see all too often these days. Pretty good - I enjoyed this from one of the up and coming young winemakers in the Yarra. — 8 days ago

Bob McDonald

9.3

This is the Pascale Matrot not the Pierre Matrot Charmes Meursault. I have previous notes here on both Cuvées. A strange charcoal note initially which wasn’t there on the 2nd day. Pale to mid yellow in colour Flint and citrus with yellow orchard fruits developing. River stones. Very mineral together with pear on the medium weight palate. An excellent Premier Cru Meursault from a great vintage for White Burgundy. — 13 days ago

Bob McDonald

9.1

Even at 8 years of age still a very pale yellow. Grapefruit aromas predominant amongst the citrus together with white and yellow flowers. Still tight with citric acid and a good future of say 3 to 5 years. A very minor petro chemical influence (TDN). Refreshing! — 13 days ago

Bob McDonald

9.3

Similar notes to 48 weeks ago with a little more fullness. Still pale lemon in colour. More stone fruit than citrus with white peach, nectarine. I was expecting a more cool climate style coming from the Mornington Peninsula. As previous note - some creaminess on the palate but very fruit driven. Oak is well integrated. The first producer on the Mornington Peninsula in 1975. — 6 days ago

Bob McDonald

9.2

No formal notes. See previous notes for other vintages. Pretty consistent from year to year. Just designed to be smashable. The red fruits, strawberry and raspberry from the Pinot combined with the pepper, spice and herbs from the Syrah. Can’t see that further cellaring will improve it in any way. — 7 days ago

Bob McDonald

9.3

See previous notes. Meaty aromas together with blueberry, red currant and raspberry - a hint of bay leaf. A wonderful wine from old vine Mataro (Mourvèdre). Medium to full bodied with stacks of savoury flavour. Sadly my last one. I should seek out more recent vintages. — 13 days ago