Bob McDonald

9.2

An interesting history of the Greco di Tufo grape which I won’t detail here (has its own DOCG) - a late ripening Campanian white grape. This wine had a luscious full bodied mid palate - apricots - with a refreshing acid cut. Next night a fruit salad of flavours including mandarin and guava. A great white wine as the weather cools down. — a day ago

Bob McDonald

9.4

The 2nd wine in the Downs Club First Growth Lunch last Saturday. A beautiful perfume. I’ve always thought that Margaux is very feminine whereas Latour is very masculine. Medium weight, very savoury, a delight to drink - fluid resolved tannins. No sign of coming from the hot drought year of 2003. The 1982 Margaux is still one of the best reds I’ve ever had. — 3 days ago

Bob McDonald

9.6

The 3rd wine at the First Growth Bordeaux lunch at the Downs Club last Saturday. My contribution to the lunch. 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Franc, 2% Petit Verdot. Opulent and Powerful. The experts say this is a 50 year wine and tasting it now at 39 years currently it will definitely not have an issue reaching 50 years. Mint, spice and black fruits. The masses of dry tannins 20 years ago are starting to resolve. Jancis wondered in 2004 if they would ever soften. I have one left which I hope to drink on its 50th birthday in 2036 if I am still around. This was the oldest wine in the lineup and also the most robust. — 3 days ago

Bob McDonald

9.6

The final wine at the First Growth Bordeaux Lunch at the Downs Club last Saturday…. and what a great way to finish a wonderful lineup. I recall Apricot and Pear on a palate of profound intensity which delivers on the powerful nose. An obviously sweet palate with enough racy acid to keep things interesting and fresh. Will last until the late 2030s at least. Terrific! — 3 days ago

Bob McDonald

9.1

This was actually the first wine we had at the Bordeaux first growth lunch last Saturday (which wasn’t a First Growth). No notes taken but it did show the quality of the 1982 vintage particularly from Paulliac, and was still going strong. — 3 days ago

Bob McDonald

9.2

From the Downs Club First Growth Lunch last Saturday. Very brief notes. Mid crimson in colour - some bricking at the rim. A meaty note - a lovely red fruited perfume - unmistakably first growth. Just medium weight - a lesser vintage. — 3 days ago

Bob McDonald

9.0

I read an article recently where the author felt that this 1er cru probably deserved to be a Grand Cru. Whilst this was very good I think it is right at Premier Cru. Initial notes were salinity amongst the apple, citrus flavours and a touch of beeswax. The following night tasted more “new World “. This was very enjoyable but needs to develop more complexity. I will leave my remaining bottle for a couple of years. — 7 days ago

Bob McDonald

9.5

The 5th First Growth Bordeaux at the Downs Club last Saturday. Becoming difficult to take meaningful notes. Again, like the 2003 Latour that masculinity shows through. A little young to be drinking this to be honest. Probably after 30 years ie. 2036 would be ideal when the tannins are more resolved — 3 days ago

Bob McDonald

9.6

The 4th wine at the First Growth Bordeaux lunch at the Downs Club last Saturday. Another brilliant claret defying the vagaries of the 2003 drought vintage. Sketchy notes. The nose continues with the aristocratic notes on all of the 5 First Growths we had today. Classic Gentleman’s claret with wonderful fragrance from savoury red and black fruits with whiffs of pipe tobacco and leather armchair. Amazing length. Would last into the 2030s easily and continue on. Classic Latour. — 3 days ago

Bob McDonald

9.2

Penfolds reds like this age at glacial pace even from a not so great vintage like 2007. Not much change after 5 years. Red and black fruits- choc/mocha - good concentration - tannins starting to soften after 18 years. Could keep cellaring up to 2030 and beyond. — 5 days ago