Bob McDonald

9.5

Very deep crimson in colour. Savoury aromatic black plum notes. Medium to full bodied with medium plus intensity. The feature of this wine is the supple silky palate. There are some oaky nuances but altogether well integrated. As I have said in previous notes regarding Quilceda Creek it does not have particularly Cabernet descriptors and to be honest not sure I would pick it as a Cabernet in a blind tasting , but, as always, it remains a wonderful red wine. Next one in 2 to 3 years. — a day ago

Bob McDonald

8.9

Similar notes to 117 weeks ago although on this occasion it showed better than then. The impression of trying to over finesse wines from an area like Heathcote remains, however it did show meaty and spicy notes and presented as more Northern Rhone in style than Heathcote. This is Alain Graillots Australian venture. — 5 days ago

Bob McDonald

9.2

Mid Lemon in colour. Developing and putting on weight from 4 years ago and not as austere. Paraffin aromas on the way but not quite there yet - a touch of lanolin. Could cellar for at least another 5 years if desired. Fresh and clean from Frankland River and the Great Southland of Western Australia. Barb and I are heading that way over Christmas and New Year for our first visit taking in the towns of Albany and Denmark. Known for great Riesling, Shiraz and Cabernet. — 5 days ago

Bob McDonald

9.1

One of the QPR Australian wines of all time - see previous notes from 167 weeks ago. Winner of at least 10 trophies on the Australian Wine Show circuit and costing around $20. Made by French winemaker Celine Rousseau, in the cool climate Hilltops district of NSW. This is the last of an original 2 dozen. — 3 days ago

Bob McDonald

9.0

I am amazed that Delectable could identify this wine - well done! This is a Rose made in Clunes in far northern NSW inland from Byron Bay dining at Harvest at Newrybar. This Rose was a quite rich bronze in colour. Interesting mix of varieties with Tempranillo, Shiraz and Durif. Very aromatic with burnt toffee and ginger notes. On the light to medium weight palate more spicy and savoury than fruit driven - with dry cherry notes in searching for a fruit descriptor. Quite a find - I didn’t know wine was made in this district and will be seeking this out for purchase. — 3 days ago

Bob McDonald

9.0

Tasted 54 weeks ago and also in June 2019 with similar notes. Very new world in this warm 2015 vintage. Peach and pineapple with some creaminess. Good QPR from one of the top names in White Burgundy. — 8 days ago

Bob McDonald

9.3

Tasted at least twice before as recently as August 2019. Previous notes apply. This was quite delicious with the small oak component adding perfectly balanced texture. Made for earlier consumption. — 3 days ago

Bob McDonald

9.5

See previous notes from September 2017 and September 2018. Pale Ruby in colour with black cherry and a little toffee note. A medium weight delicious Pinot - this wine from the Geelong district won the Trophy for best wine at the Australian Pinot Challenge 2017. — 3 days ago

Bob McDonald

9.0

Pale to mid Ruby. Aromas of rose petals, menthol and liquorice. Low on fruit influences at this age - very savoury. An excellent rendition of a new world Nebbiolo - from Tingha on the New England tableland in northern NSW - most of the neighbours would be sheep and cattle graziers. This winery makes brilliant Gewurztraminer - one of the best in the country IMO. A very boutique winery with a small production. Sadly Toppers suffered from a devastating bushfire earlier this year which will take some recovery time. — 5 days ago

Bob McDonald

9.8

First whiff almost medicinal which blew off. I decanted half and kept half in the bottle to compare. Tasted from the bottle first. Aromas of quince, peach,grapefruit and a touch of honey. On the palate - WOW - mouthfilling of profound intensity - honey and toffee notes with a refreshing twist of grapefruit to finish off. A full bodied rich white made up of 50% Grenache Blanc and 50% Clairette. Unctuous yet with vibrant energy and enough acid to stop it being blowsy. Great winemaking. Equally as enjoyable as a mature Grand Cru White Burgundy - My first Rayas Blanc and it was a stunning experience. One of the whites of the year! Then I tried the half that had been decanted and it had a little of that vibrant energy decanted out of it. To compare scores: 98 straight out of the bottle and 96 for the decanted version. — 9 days ago