Bob McDonald

9.3

At Andrew McConnell’s latest restaurant in Melbourne, Gimlet, which has some wow factor and a NewYork 1920’s like vibe. This Pinot is the new kid on the quality block in Australia. From the Macedon Ranges. Sweet black cherry fruit. Sous Bois. A long life ahead. — 3 days ago

Stu

9.5

Friday night after kings. With pasta superb aromatics and palate — 2 months ago

Bob McDonald

9.5

At a good French restaurant in Sydney - Franca Brasserie. Place of Changing Winds is the brainchild of Robert Walters, one of the leading importers of Fine Wine into Australia - IFW. This is his local venture based in the Macedon Ranges, to the immediate north of Melbourne. Specialising in Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. 2020 as a vintage is well described on the label as “Annus Horribilis”. Terrible weather including a freak frost meant only 100 dozen bottles were produced. As often happens in these difficult vintages the resulting wine was very good - pretty and perfumed yet structured and fine boned at the same time. Looking forward to trying more bottles from this ultra boutique winery. — 4 months ago

Bob McDonald

9.2

Sunday lunch with the annual boys trip away for the Rugby where the Wallabies had a win over Wales last weekend. Lunch at top notch Sydney restaurant Icebergs at Bondi Beach. I picked this one from the extensive Wine List from young gun Joshua Cooper who has some famous neighbours in the Macedon Ranges like Bindi and Curly Flat. This was more full bodied than I was expecting but got the thumbs up from all the Rugby fans who ordered a 2nd bottle. A generous Pinot showing ripe red fruits and plenty of whole bunch character. — 20 days ago

Ross Bathgate

9.4

Never disappoints. Gorgeous. — 4 months ago

Travis W

9.2

A beautiful wine. Full of life, energy and flavour. Not cloying, but refreshing. Delicate across the palate for a wine displaying aged Chardonnay characteristics and so full of flavour. Drink now or hold for another few years. — 9 months ago

Big Wave Dave

9.2

Whole bunch/green component coming through strongly. Old world weight and taste - peppery and spicy. Good pure fruit, but needs time to blend with the tannin and herbaceous notes. — 3 years ago

Johnno Harris

9.4

2021 JC Dash Farms Chardonnay here. Forward deep yellow straw. Toasted nuts, honey joy and yellow peach nose. Open, quite oxidatively handled, but with real energy and verve. Restrained fruit, but great flesh and drive with precise acidity laying the tracks. Delicious. Nice work Josh. 👍🏽🥂 — 2 months ago

Bob McDonald

9.1

See previous note in June 2023 where I questioned the ripeness of the fruit. This has the trademark spice and pepper. Very little fruit, more savoury characters. From one of Australia’s leading cool climate wineries. As Jancis said, “a real sense of place “ - in this case the Macedon Ranges just north of Tullamarine Airport. Very different to SA Shiraz. Just medium bodied - a leathery note with balanced tannins. As in previous note a touch of astringency at the finish. — 3 months ago

Jeremy Pollard

9.3

It’s been a while between Curly pinots. Always a joy to open one, with fond memories attached along with the pleasure of the wine itself. Despite five years from vintage, this is still young and stern but elegant. Clear lines and structure, a spicy, cedary top note amongst red fruit and firm but soft tannins. Clean, I’d call it, plus whole bunch characters. Quality pinot undoubtedly, that should improve even more. — 2 years ago

with Sam