Bob McDonald

9.2

When in Rome do as the Romans. Currently on Bruny Island south of Hobart and enjoying the local bounty like Oysters and Fish and this lovely Pinot Noir from Pooley who are in the Coal River district. Lovely aromatics of dried red and black cherry with a whole bunch influence. A light to medium weight palate. — 3 years ago

Bob McDonald

9.1

Tuesday the 26th of January was Australia Day and a public holiday. What better way to celebrate than Australia’s best fizz Arras Grand Vintage from Tasmania. Quite light lemon in colour. Very citrussy and mineral on the nose. 7 years on Lees showing in the complexity of the palate which still shows tension and refreshment. See previous notes for the 2007 which was slightly better and Champion Wine of the Royal Brisbane Show. — 4 years ago

Scott Rowe

9.2

Coal River Valley neighbours.
A very good Chardonnay. — 5 years ago

Bob McDonald

9.0

Herbal aromas (typically Margaret River) with Geranium Capsicum and a touch of menthol. Some green notes - medium weight. Savoury wins out over Cassis and black fruits. Not in the upper echelon of Margaret River Cabernet. Just a silver medal. We went to the Cellar Door some years ago and the story goes that the Reserve Cab was served at the wedding of Prince Frederick of Denmark to Sydney Real Estate agent Mary Donaldson originally from Tasmania now Crown Princess Mary and one day will become the Queen of Denmark. Fred is a keen sailor who was representing Denmark at the Sydney Olympics in 2000 and they met at Sydney hotspot The Slip Inn where Fred was flashing his Black AMEX so the story goes and was captivated by Mary and the rest is history. — 5 years ago

David Partlett

8.9

Beautifully. Elegant — 6 years ago

with Garrett

Christian Gray

9.1

Compelling. First Tasmanian wine I’ve ever had. Super fresh fruit. Would love some tuna steak with this. — 7 years ago

Bob McDonald

9.1

Toffee caramel notes showing the oak influence along with bright red cherries and other red fruits. On the palate a nice savoury earthiness - very Tassie. From the Coal River and only 5 klms from the high profile Tolpuddle Vineyard. Tasted again 9 weeks later on 19th February with consistent notes. Aromatic Bright and Fresh. A lot of these Tasmanian producers are boutique small operations who do not distribute overseas and can sell the lot in Australia. — 7 years ago

Bob McDonald

9.0

A buttery style but not overdone. From the over performing Coal River in Tasmania. Currently fruit flavours are subdued but it is very young and will develop. Went well with 6 “delectable “ Cape Bruny oysters grown nearby for an average of 18 months in some of the cleanest waters on the planet. The glass of the Frogmore Chardonnay was too young and was dominated by the fabulous oysters. — 3 years ago

Bob McDonald

9.2

Consistent notes as 3 previous tastings over 66 weeks. Mid to dark Ruby in colour. Lovely perfume of mature Cabernet with Geranium, mint and berries. Just a medium weight palate (but good intensity) from a cooler climate in the Coal River Tasmania. Beautifully made and drinking at its peak. My last one of 6. It’s a struggle sometimes in Tasmania to ripen Cabernet grapes sufficiently but Domaine A nearly always shows well. — 5 years ago

Andrew Kirwan

9.6

A delicious Tassie Pinot that makes an impression from the outset.
Balanced acidity with flavours of sour cherry and raspberry.
A touch of spice giving it a long finish full of complexity.
Close to perfection. — 5 years ago

Kate Bleasel

9.5

Drank 2009 - still so fresh, lime in colour and zesty in the mouth, but with an undertone of oily aged delight. Fantastic. — 6 years ago

Bob McDonald

9.1

Very pale lemon in colour. Tasted after the Premier Cru Hubert Lamy and similar in many ways - the texture, the acid, the citrus the subdued oak influence, but not as much minerality or salinity. Made by Sue Bell at her Bellwether winery in Coonawarra from Chardonnay grapes from the Tamar River in Tasmania. A good wine in the leaner style - showing the quality of Tasmanian Chardonnay. Consistent notes 88 weeks later on 9th December 2020. Chablisesque. Grapefruit notes. Still bracing acidity. — 6 years ago

Elisabeth Malestein

9.5

Butter and brioche on nose.
Granny Smith apple, lime and lime pith on palate.
— 7 years ago

Bob McDonald

8.9

Medium crimson in colour. Notes of savoury oak - a trifle overdone but not unpleasant. A blend of fruit from several of Tassies Pinot regions including Derwent River, Coal River and the East Coast. A well blended Pinot showing why Tasmania is the go to area for Aussie winemakers to grow Pinot Noir. — 7 years ago

Rod Burrows

9.2

We had a Chardonnay taste of. Chardonnay from Chablis, Margaret River, Marlborough and Tassie. The Bay of Fires was the clear favourite. Beautiful smooth wine. — 4 years ago

Bob McDonald

9.5

Pale to mid Ruby in colour with great clarity. Aromatic red and black Cherry notes with rose petals. A stalky whole bunch note with a little spice. Those fresh cherry notes of medium weight but medium plus intensity transfer through to the palate. Very fresh, young with great potential for future complexity. I can see why it won the Trophy for Best Pinot Noir at both Royal Adelaide and Royal Hobart - both shows with extensive and high quality Pinot entries. Too young but I had to try the first of 6. Next in a year plus. Technical background: (whole berry ferments with 20% whole bunches. Aged in 25% new puncheons and Barriques). Ended up having the 2nd bottle 195 weeks later on 25th October 2024. Just a stunning Pinot Noir and even improving on that 2 Trophies standard. — 4 years ago

Sarah Oettel

8.9

At Margaret River, Australia. — 5 years ago

Ross Bathgate

9.0

Very interesting nose, difficult to pick it is a cab merlot. Sour cherry and rich plum on the front the Cabernet is evident in the middle back palate with some velvety tannins. lovely accompaniment to chicken schnitzel dinner. — 6 years ago

Andy Hock

8.9

Baked pear and hazelnut. Honey and lean acidity on the finish. Wonderful with cheese plate and flatbread snacks. Yay Tasmania -- neat expression of cool climate PG. — 6 years ago

Bob McDonald

9.3

A very funky alluring glass of Chardonnay. It could be a high quality Village or Premier Cru Burgundy . Evidence of lees stirring. It is worked but in a good way and not overdone. Down in Launceston at the Annual Pinot and Truffle Festival. When in Rome......... — 7 years ago