Bob McDonald

9.1

Generally one of the best Cabernets in Margaret River and therefore Australia. Very dark Ruby in colour. Cassis and blackberry, ripe and rich. I would never pick this as Margaret River in a blind tasting. Where are the herbal notes? But still recognisable as a quality Cabernet. The 2009 Moss Wood was given a poor score of only 84 points by Huon Hooke who is one of Australia’s leading wine scribes. He said “over ripe fruit is the problem “. I have always rated Huon’s reviews and have been a long time subscriber to his website and always will be but I don’t believe he got this right. On 4th July 2012 he said “I can’t see this ageing well” and gave a drinking window of 2012 to 2018. Well tonight at 15 years of age it is drinking very well. James Halliday gave the wine 95 points. — 21 days ago

Steve Mitchell

9.3

Deep color, subtle nose, nice blend of Cab and Syrah, depth, smooth velvety finish. — 4 months ago

Tobin Spratte

9.5

Tropical fruit, white grapefruit, flowers, sea spray, baking spices, Chantilly cream, green peppercorns, and hints of chalky minerals. Lengthy, smooth finish. Perhaps more aromatic with less concentrated fruit than the 2017. Australia once again showing its strength for super complex, outstanding Chardonnay without the Napa or Burgundy prices.

Worth noting critics rating this 94-98 pts. With the increased aromatics, I prefer it ever slightly to the 2017. — 7 months ago

Jay Kline

9.5

Unscrewed and poured; no formal notes. These friggen Chardonnays from Margaret River. I’ve been blinded on them too many times to count and I never call it right. Instead, I always seem to call a high acid grape like Riesling of Sauvignon Blanc. The fruit is sometimes tropical, always with citrus and sometimes is shows green apple and always with awesome minerals. Acid is squarely in the high category. They are lovely wines that just seem to throw me for a loop. If Chablis, the Mosel and Sancerre had a love child. Drink now and through 2036 easy. A fabulous pairing with lamb massaman, larb and papaya salad. How can they hide the 100% new French oak so well?! — 21 days ago

Byron Hewett

9.2

Really nice. Needed some air for the hint of wood char to blow off. Enjoyed at the Australian Club in Sydney. — 3 months ago

William Douglas

9.8

3/6.75/9.75 = 19.5 out of 100 say 98
Eight year Kevin John - lovely with pear on the nose and pear with perfectly balanced acid on the palate. Sets a high benchmark for all premium Chardonnay. — 5 months ago

Tobin Spratte

9.6

The QPR of these Aussie chards has been off the charts lately, even in their youth. This killer follows up some outstanding wines from last year, with notes of grapefruit, dried mango, lemongrass, fresh cream, and vanilla. Amazing mouth feel with a long finish that keeps begging me to identify new flavors and smells. — a month ago

Jeremiah Diaz

8.9

Pale ruby in color; cherries, raspberries, and baking spices on the nose; medium plus acidity; low tannins; tastes like strawberries, black cherries, crushed gravel, and a hint of vanilla with a long finish. Nellie says it's ok. I like it. Better after decanting for 30 minutes. Tastes a little sweet. I think there's some residual sugar, but it may just be the fruit flavors. It's definitely a fruit bomb. — 2 months ago

with Nellie

Steve Goore

9.0

Well balanced with a touch of lemon and lime and a bit of oak. Much more familiar with CA Chards but will definitely revisit Australia again. — 5 months ago

Bob McDonald

9.5

My last 2007 Mentelle Cabernet - last of the old white label. Very dense in colour - a dark Ruby. Cassis and blackcurrant. See previous Delectable notes. Not overly herbal like most Margaret Cabernets. Cedar and black olive notes as well. Amazing vitality and concentration for 16 years - in hindsight could have left it for longer. A ripe powerful Cabernet - more like a South Australian Cabernet in structure and fruit ripeness. An excellent vintage in Marg River which hardly ever has a bad one…..2006 comes to mind. Wish I had consumed this when 20 years of age. PS. Nick Stock said one of the greatest Cape Mentelles of all time. Only 800 cases made. — 7 months ago