Bob McDonald

9.5

The 2014 Jimmy Watson Trophy winner. 30% whole bunch ferment; 2-3% Viognier co-fermented. The winemaker, Steve Pannell is highly awarded in Australia and made the following comment, “Wonderful now but I’ll be keeping a few bottles for a celebration in 2026 and suggest you do the same. “ Written on 17/11/23. This wine was intense in flavour without being too big. Black plum, spice and liquorice. Have the last one in 2030+ if I have the willpower. — a day ago

Bob McDonald

9.1

Sweet red fruits - red cherry and spice. Excellent for a Village Wine. Oak influence is handled expertly by Grivot. The commune and producer show through as well as the vintage. Have the last bottle in 12 months plus. — 20 days ago

Bob McDonald

9.0

See previous note in January this year. This grape offers a lot and I’m glad it’s being grown in Australia - particularly in Ballandean Qld - the closest major wine growing district to me about 2+ hours away. The spiritual home of this varietal is Montefalco in Umbria. Often very tannic and great wine making here from Nick and Caitlin Roberts to keep those often aggressive tannins under control. At this tasting there were aromas of red florals (Geranium) and herbs - very savoury. The palate shows black currant and raspberry with a dash of chocolate. A great effort from Ravenscroft. — a month ago

Bob McDonald

9.1

Brief notes. Black Cherries, herbs , the warmer vintage reflected. A ripe palate. Easy to like. Last one in a year or two. — 5 days ago

Bob McDonald

9.5

A gorgeous red fruited perfumed nose which transfers to the rich totally integrated palate. Definitely one of Australia’s best Pinots and IMO as good as its Reserve in many years (the latter being significantly more expensive than the Premium). The new owner Jacques Fourrier now charges round $1500 for the Reserve so I have stopped buying it. I recently served the 2017 Premium blind to my wine tasting group and they all picked it as a Burgundy. — 7 days ago

Bob McDonald

9.1

Better known for his outstanding array of white burgundies, Vincent Dancer has made an excellent Village classification Red Burgundy from Pommard here. This shows aromas of red cherry, strawberry and roses. A medium bodied palate follows reflecting those aromatics. A well made Village Pommard more like a Chambolle Musigny than the often robust Pommard style. The next night a slight whiff of cowyard. I buy much of my wine from Roscoe at Prince Wine Store in Melbourne who can be quite irreverent and funny and writes an excellent wine note…. For Elton John fans,…..”Hold me closer Vincent Dancer”. — a month ago

Bob McDonald

9.0

From vines planted in 1927. Sweet and red fruited - still lively at 11 years of age. Very good but not better than its “Village “ classification. Shows the excellence of Vosne Romanee as an appellation. — a month ago

Bob McDonald

9.1

Good minerality - wet stone, like many PYCM wines particularly from Saint Aubin, yellow fruits and citrus. 60 year old vines. Warmer site than Champlots. Looking at previous Delectable Notes for 2017 and 2015 for this Cuvée, the tasting notes are similar. — 6 days ago

Bob McDonald

9.3

See previous note for this wine tasted in early May 2026. This note still applies. I will leave the 3rd bottle for a couple of years to see if it delivers more tertiary characteristics. A great label. — 9 days ago

Bob McDonald

9.2

Great to have an Etna wine from time to time. I have read in the past that this is like an Italian Burgundy and I agree in many respects. Medium weight, earthy with bags of minerality, ultra savoury with a lovely red fruited perfume. 100% Nerello Mascalese. We have fond memories of visiting Sicily (including Etna) approx 7 or 8 years ago with Peter Scudamore-Smith MW. — 21 days ago