Bob McDonald

9.3

Rich and supple but not as rich as this Cuvée often is. Earthy red fruits with herbs. As Bob Campbell said, good vinosity. Always one of the top Pinots from the North Island. See previous Delectable notes on this Cuvée and vintage. — 16 days ago

Bob McDonald

9.3

One of my favourite Italian whites - this is made from the Falanghina grape which is the main grape of Campania. Harvested at full ripeness. Fermentation takes place as 70% in stainless steel and 30% in Barrique. See previous note here in April 2025. Not designed for long cellaring. Previous notes still apply. An ideal winter white wine. White flowers, herbal notes with unctuous ripe fruits on the palate. Impossible not to enjoy this. Sadly my last bottle. — 3 months ago

Bob McDonald

9.0

See previous notes for the 2006 Stonewell. Supple and smooth showing masses of plum and blackberry from old vine Barossa Shiraz. Aniseed/liquorice notes. A certain astringency to finish off. A good but not great Stonewell. I could have left drinking this until its 20th year next year but I don’t think it would be any different. — 6 months ago

Bob McDonald

9.6

See several previous Delectable notes for this Cuvée. I have 2 bottles left after this one. Penfolds have a whopping drink window up to 2045. The colour is a pale mid crimson with a tawny rim. Mocha, dark chocolate and blackberry notes on the nose. From a low yielding cool vintage which is made for long cellaring. Absolutely superb at the moment. Great palate intensity (mulberry, black berry and dark chocolate) with mellow resolved tannins and a very long persistent finish. No wonder Penfolds tasting book is called The Rewards of Patience. — 2 months ago

Ira Schwartz

9.5

Keeps going from strength to strength.
One can easily be fooled by this champagne’s light texture but make no mistake about it, this packs a punch! Similar to my previous bottle in 2023 but with more power, .Almost too easy to drink. — 4 months ago

Chris MacLean

8.9

More dark fruit and oak in evidence than I remember from previous years — 7 months ago

with Sarah

Jay Kline

9.3

Popped and poured; enjoyed over the course of an hour. No formal notes due to the setting however, looking back on my previous notes, that assessment still applies. The 2017 Amador County continues to be an absolutely delicious expression of the variety. Drink now through 2032.  — 2 months ago

Pooneet K

9.1

Wasn’t planning to open this tonight but after the first wine I tried was corked, this was up next. Paired with some very tasty chicken thighs off the grill. This is good but not at the same level as some of the previous bottlings I’ve had - including both the same and different vintages. 13.6%, much appreciated, and a nice more refined take on a left bank Bordeaux style blend from Napa. Good acid, but the palate is a bit leathery and isn’t giving much fruit. — 2 months 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. — 5 months ago

Bob McDonald

9.5

This was my last 2008. See several previous Delectable notes. Typically reliable Moss Wood Cabernet. — 10 months ago