Bob McDonald

9.4

Amazingly a rich ruby red for the age of the wine and the wet vintage. 14 years is young for a Wendouree Shiraz but 2011 was a difficult wet vintage in South Australia saved here by the deep rooted ancient vines. Aromatics of iodine, camphor, eucalypt, liquorice and medicinal notes - touches of menthol and tar. Very satisfying and easy for us to drink the whole bottle! Postscript: I had to mention a great descriptor from Gary Walsh “I love its mineral character and aniseed vapour trail.” — a day ago

Bob McDonald

9.7

As I’ve said previously it’s always a highlight to drink a Bass Phillip Reserve - Australia’s Best Pinot Noir. Nose of Asian spices, decayed plant matter/compost heap, mushroom and Sous Bois in general - a gorgeous nose. The palate is also gorgeous and of profound intensity with medium minus acid - great length and persistence. Treads the line of intensity and elegance. An amazingly good Pinot of Premier Cru but more of Grand Cru standard. I haven’t been buying recent vintages because the French owners have jacked up the price significantly / now approaching $1000, whereas I paid $495 for this 2013. — 8 days ago

Bob McDonald

9.6

I bought this bottle in Florence around 2019. I later found out the shop was owned by Antinori - the producer of the wine. An excellent Super Tuscan from Bolgheri. 57% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc, 3% Petit Verdot. Dark Ruby with a tawny rim starting to develop. Classic Bordeaux descriptors of Cassis, herbs, tobacco and hints of cocoa with oak totally integrated. A rich and mouth filling palate such that it could have been from a new world vineyard in a good vintage. This is comparable in quality to a good Super Second. Interestingly the 2007 had the major change of Syrah being eliminated from the blend in favour of Cabernet Franc. An outstanding Bordeaux blend which exceeded expectations. I should keep an eye out for more bottles. — 14 days ago

Bob McDonald

9.3

Grenache is a real chameleon. It can be light and detailed like this or full bodied like some blood and thunder examples from McLaren Vale. HH said this wine was “Pinotesque”. Light tawny red in colour. On the light to medium bodied palate raspberry and earthy notes. A strange descriptor I know but Barb and I detected a note of mouldy apple. Light to medium in body but medium plus intensity of flavour. From 130 year old bush vines in the Barossa Valley. We thoroughly enjoyed this. Looking forward to the remaining 2 bottles. — a day ago

Bob McDonald

9.1

I bought this at the winery at a tasting prior to lunch in 2019. Never seen this wine before or since - somewhat of a unicorn. An excellent yet unlikely blend of Malbec, Cabernet Franc and Shiraz - unsure of the percentages but it works a treat. Aromas of black fruits, plum, pomegranate and dried tobacco. An experimental wine which is not produced annually. Grown on the Gimblett Gravels of Hawkes Bay. Finishes with chocolatey tannins. — 8 days ago

Bob McDonald

9.3

Ripe peach and grapefruit with a hint of apricot. On the first night the sweetness dominated (we mainly drink dry Riesling). This was 8.5% ABV with plenty of residual sugar, but on the 2nd night not tasting as sweet. Purity verging on crystalline. Medium plus palate intensity. A class act typical of JJ PRUM. I’m not sure if I have chosen the right title here. There was nothing “Trocken” (Dry) about this Riesling. — 11 days ago

Bob McDonald

9.3

Aromatics of black fruits with a touch of menthol (eucalyptus in these parts). Not as herbaceous as the northern part of Margaret River up In Wilyabrup. Oak is noticeable on the palate initially (even at 16 years). One of the few Cab Merlot blends as their top Cuvée (Cullen is another) in preference to straight Cabernet Sauvignon. On the palate ripe black fruits and mulberry. Finishes with fine tannins. HH has a long drinking window on this, up to 2039 which I don’t think many will have the willpower to follow- including me. — 19 days ago

Bob McDonald

9.4

As you can see from my previous Delectable notes I normally drink Mollydooker reds, particularly Carnival of Love, on cold nights in Winter. This certainly worked. Aromatics of black plum and other black fruits. The palate is ripe, sweet and full bodied - quite thick and textured. Has come together somewhat after 15 years but still a very powerful McLaren Vale Shiraz. Jeb Dunnuck’s comment of “full bore and hedonistic “ sums it up. This was the #2 wine in Wine Spectators Top 100 of 2012. — 6 days ago

Bob McDonald

First time trying this producer from the Adelaide Hills which I always thought was a “natural “ wines producer. Aromas of nougat and nectarine. A full bodied flavoursome Chardonnay - very easy to drink - low acid - short term cellaring. Would buy again. Adelaide Hills is a great terroir for Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Shiraz. — 7 days ago

Bob McDonald

9.6

See 3 previous notes for the 2008 vintage (and one for the 2009). This was my final 2008 sadly. Without mincing words, this is one of my favourite Australian reds, and has been for a long time. Trademark white pepper, spice and liquorice. The plums and blackberry of its youth are now more savoury in style. Just a stunning wine which could compete with any top grade Cote Rotie. Unfortunately the price now reflects the high quality. In the Good Wine Guide of 2011 this was voted Best Shiraz and Wine of the Year. Nick Stock - 98 points. — 17 days ago