Bob McDonald

9.2

I wrote a comprehensive note on Delectable and submitted it. It waited 15 minutes “waiting to submit “ and then disappeared. I am not going to type it out again. An excellent Chardonnay from the King Valley in NE Victoria. Great value at $35 AUD. — a day ago

Bob McDonald

9.5

A single vintage unusually for Fraser. Obviously the product of old Vine fruit. Colour is a deep Ruby - call it black. Black and blue fruits. Such a rich, sumptuous sweet and full bodied robust wine - profound intensity of flavour with silky tannins. Definitely not hangover inducing and thoroughly enjoyable like every Sami Odi wine I’ve ever had. The first of 3. — 8 days ago

Bob McDonald

9.0

Mid crimson in colour. Dusty notes of dried cherries, balsamic notes. Well made with good balance from a very reputable producer. Medium plus bodied - fuller than the average Rosso. Ripe fruit from the excellent 2019 vintage finishing with fine powdery tannins. Overall excellent. I will enjoy the Brunello from Salvioni in many years to come. Expensive for a Rosso at $170AUD. — 16 days ago

Bob McDonald

9.1

A Barolo where you don’t have to wait 15 to 20 years to drink it at its best. Aromatics of dried cherry, liquorice and spice. A medium bodied palate showing dried cherry with powdery tannins. Good length with a firm finish. — a day ago

Bob McDonald

9.5

Pale lemon in colour. Flinty/struck match notes on the nose - initially citrus and with time more stone fruit. The palate is rich and opulent with grapefruit and white peach sharing the spoils. I have had limited experience with Coddington but this was flat out delicious. The winemaker suggests a short window of 2-4 years (hard to see it being better than it is right now ), whereas pros like JR take it through to 2031. An exceptional new world Chardonnay. — 6 days ago

Bob McDonald

9.2

Aromas of lemon, lime, mineral and white flowers ( the white flowers from an orange tree) - with a touch of paraffin (TDN). The light to medium bodied palate has intensity. Grown organically in the Polish Hill district of the Clare Valley. Definitely in the top 3 Rieslings in Australia - such purity. — 8 days ago

Bob McDonald

9.5

Probably the best example of a new world Nebbiolo from the Australian master of alternative varieties as in Steve Pannell. See previous more detailed notes on Delectable - 182 weeks ago. — 15 days ago

Bob McDonald

9.0

Lovely perfume of red fruits, spice and earthy gravelly notes. The same characters come through on the light to medium weight palate with spicy top notes. Fine tannins. Not for cellaring, great to drink right now. First time with this small family owned producer and it won’t be the last. I also bought 2 bottles each of their Gigondas and Vacqueyras Cuvées when I bought 2 bottles of this Cuvée. Great value at only $40 AUD. — 3 days ago

Bob McDonald

9.2

Light crimson in colour - transparent. Delicate in body but has palate intensity - excellent tension. Red fruits. Rose petals perfume. Santenay is at the southern end of the Cote de Beaune. Les Gravieres is probably the best known Santenay vineyard in both size and quality according to Jasper Morris MW. A very enjoyable wine even though Burgundy purists regard Santenay as a lesser commune. — 7 days ago

Bob McDonald

9.2

Dense Ruby with hints of purple. This wine is well named - very spicy on the nose with nutmeg, pepper and lavender in the aromatics. A medium bodied Syrah with fruit sourced from McLaren Vale, Adelaide Hills and Langhorne Creek. Only 90 dozen made. 30% new and 70% used French Barriques. Excellent balance. I’ve not had much experience with this producer but very impressed with this wine and good value at only $35 AUD. — 14 days ago