Bob McDonald

9.6

Often the Grosset Polish Hill doesn’t live up to its billing as perhaps Australia’s finest dry Riesling but with this 2017 it probably exceeds expectations. It is simply fabulous. Some ripe lusciousness to the mid palate amid lime and lemon notes, but finishes bone dry. My first of 4 bottles so I will enjoy the journey over the next 5+ years if I can keep my hands off it. HH said it is shaping up as one of the greatest Polish Hill Rieslings. — 16 hours ago

Bob McDonald

9.2

I didn’t make any notes but I have always enjoyed the Mencia grape from Ribeira Sacra. 80% Mencia and 20% other Spanish varietals including Brancellao, Garnacha and 4 others. Mineral, liquorice and black fruits. I will have the last one later in 2026. — 3 days ago

Bob McDonald

9.5

Quite a light to mid lemon in colour for its 11 years of age. Nutty (almond and cashew) aromas. Oak has integrated. The palate shows those same nutty notes together with that trademark pear character with white nectarine. Overall still youthful. My remaining 3 bottles will easily see out this decade. — 4 days ago

Bob McDonald

9.5

Last bottle of a dozen - served on Christmas Day. Holding up perfectly after 35 years and would carry on for another 10 years plus although Penfolds say to 2060. If I had more left I would be drinking before 2040 personally. Plum, chocolate, blackberry and mocha. A beautiful textured palate and a joy to drink. Everyone of the past dozen bottles was a pleasure. Thankfully I have 3 bottles of the 1991 left which is also excellent and maybe better. — 20 days ago

Bob McDonald

9.5

This was rich and delicious. It was fair enough for Suckling to pose the question “Is this the best NZ Pinot so far”? Ticks all the requisite boxes - ripe red and black fruits, a creamy texture, a nice garrigue herbal note. This Pinot lives up to the gorgeous site - one of the most awesome views you will see from the top of the vineyard over Lake Wanaka. Most impressive. — 16 hours ago

Bob McDonald

9.1

Very good but for a palate used to top quality Australian Chardonnay, not worth the value of $304 on Wine Searcher. A savoury lemony note - general citric notes. The palate was mid weight but with good intensity. Overall a delicate feel to the wine. Probably shows the class of the Les Pucelles Premier Cru vineyard. Have the last bottle in a year or two. Expected more from the 2014 vintage. — 3 days ago

Bob McDonald

9.0

From half bottle. Generally regarded as Australia’s best “sticky “ (dessert style). Colour getting darker (burnished copper). Drank some with plum pudding on Christmas Day and finished it yesterday with Duck Pate and crackers, having returned from a week in Mossman and the Daintree in FNQ. Aromas of Apricot and over ripe pear. A generous mid palate with diminished acid. Time to drink this. Only 10.5% ABV. — 12 days ago

Bob McDonald

9.1

A small holding of ancient vines within old stone walls and near Faiveley’s Clos des Cortons. Reasonably light for a Grand Cru. A light to medium weight palate but with Medium + intensity. Spice, Plum and earthy notes. I disagree with Burghound’s assessment of being a big wine. I found it to be light. It did have silky tannins but overall somewhat disappointing. Certainly from a prestigious producer. I have had better experiences with Faiveley’s Clos des Cortons (see notes on Delectable). — 3 days ago

Bob McDonald

9.1

Limited notes but this was made by one of Australia’s best winemakers in Jim Chatto who used to be Chief Winemaker at Mount Pleasant before establishing his own winery in Tasmania. This shows cranberry and raspberry. From the excellent 2021 vintage. Delectable: this is the Franklinii cuvee - not in your database. — 4 days ago

Bob McDonald

9.0

I’m in a non purchase mode at present but following a brief visit to the Stanthorpe/Ballandean wine growing district in the Granite Belt we caught up with young couple who bought Ravenscroft winery - Caitlin and Nick Roberts. Caitlin is an old school friend of my daughter Georgie and I had to support them. This Sagratino is one of several Italian and other varietals grown in their vineyards. This is highly savoury and food friendly - juicy, red fruited and tannic. A very good effort and comparable in quality with the Umbrian based Sagrantinos I have had. — 7 days ago