Bob McDonald

9.6

From the Yarra Valley a Bordeaux blend of 48% Cabernet Sauvignon, 26% Merlot, 18% Cabernet Franc, 5% Malbec and 3% Petit Verdot. 20 months in new French oak. Mid Ruby to garnet in colour. Classic aromas of cedar and cigar box with fading Cassis. A medium bodied palate with those smooth ultra silky flowing tannins. This is drinking well at 20 years of age. My last bottle. This producer has probably flown under the radar for many North American wine lovers as Robert Parker was never a fan with some of his Tasting Notes being quite hostile. The Middletons probably stopped exporting to the USA after that as they had no trouble selling their production locally and in the UK. The just released 2023 vintage was honoured with Australian Wine of the Year by The Australian newspaper and given 99 points by Wine editor Nick Ryan. Quintet is always one of Australia’s best Cabernet blends. — 9 days ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.7

This wine is in a perfect place. 2008 is not as regarded as 2007, but this 2008 made by Charles Hendricks is saying differently & absolutely one of his very best. I would say, James & Coleen made a mistake in letting him get away.

It is sort of a Mother Mary of God wine. Not to be religious, just the phrase fits.

Our eyes & ears perk up when we hear Napa names like; Harlan, Scarecrow, Hundred Acre, Bond & Colgin. I’d like to put this in blind and watch the shock & awe in everyone eyes when the wines were revealed.

The palate entry is perfect in every way. It is rich, lush, extremely balanced with well rounded, velvety M+ tannins. The core is dark currants, blackberries, black raspberries, both plums, black cherries, baked strawberries framed in raspberry edges. Some of the most amazing, dark spices with palate heat, melted, dark chocolate to pudding, black licorice to anise, mocha, malt balls, caramel, mid baking spices; clove, nutmeg, cinnamon stick, vanillin, fresh & used tobacco, leathery, graphite, crushed rocks & limestone, sage brush, slightly, candied, dark & withering flowers set in understated violet’s & lavender, warm, summer, rainfall acidity, balance for days, excellent structure/tension with elegance and smart polish that lasts minutes and settles on beautiful spices.

This wine is at its precipice and will hold a few more years with good drinking for 8-10 years. — 2 months ago

Cody Meincke

9.1

Fantastic and funky. — a month ago

Pat A

8.9

Huge bouquet, and smooth finish. — a month ago

Michelle Sakowicz

8.9

Light, bubbly and refreshing. Good stuff me option with more melon, lightly sweetened and smooth bubbly — 3 months ago

Pat A

9.8

I liked it, a thicker white, Steph doesn't like it. First retirement wine Wednesday of 2025. $14 a bottle, nice deal! — 4 months ago

Abel Rebelo

8.9

Good balance of semi-ripe dark berries and spice. Great value. Windfall Market in Falmouth MA has a great selection of Portuguese wines. — a month ago

Ashley Michelsen

9.1

I usually don’t like French reds but this drank like a Napa red. Very nice — 2 months ago

Dheilan Williams

9.0

Beautifully balanced chenin blanc with very mild sugar and acidity. — 4 months ago

Kristen Grimes

10

Strawberry and mineral aromas, rich on the palate with some soft acidity, strawberry, and minerals. Yum!! — 6 months ago