Bob McDonald

9.7

Mid Lemon to pale gold in colour. Aromas of dried herbs, daisies, lime, and quince. On the palate Citrus, grapefruit and quince. Off dry with only 10.2 % ABV. Amazing quality - superb. Contrary to prior notes no kerosene. This is the Tasmanian project of Melbourne barrister, Greg Melick, hence the name and illustration. Must source more of this. — 2 days ago

Bob McDonald

8.9

Lime and citrus on nose with nutty aromatics and a modern western twang of pineapple juice on nose and palate - a light oak touch. Ready to drink now. Great producer in an excellent year for white burgundy. This is a good Village White Bourgogne. — 3 days ago

Bob McDonald

9.5

See many previous notes. Just a brilliant Cabernet Shiraz blend and proof of the ultra longevity of Bin 389. The good news is that there are still 7 bottles left in the cellar. Difficult to see them lasting past 2025, meaning I won’t be able to keep my hands off them. — 5 days ago

Bob McDonald

8.9

Deep crimson in colour. Noticeable oak and spice on nose. Medium to full bodied. Red and black fruits on palate- plum and blueberry notes sadly dominated by the Oak. As mentioned in other posts I believe Margaret River is much better suited to Cabernet and blends rather than Shiraz - no better exemplified than the 2 offerings from this well performed winery - Cape Mentelle. — 9 days ago

Bob McDonald

9.5

Aromas of mint, camphor, plums - some red florals. On the palate vibrant and powerful at 19 years of age - just hitting its straps! Full bodied brilliance from Cabernet Sauvignon vines which are relatively young on Wendouree standards planted in 1971 and 2002. Wonderful depth and persistence with that marvellous tannin structure. — 2 days ago

Bob McDonald

8.8

Mac Forbes is a young up and coming producer from the Yarra Valley. The wine is pale to mid Ruby in colour. The nose shows sweet soft red fruits of strawberry and cherry with some stemminess. Light weight on the palate but well made. One punter compared it to a fine Savigny les Beaune. Overall a little light for my palate. My first Mac Forbes Pinot Noir - I hope future bottles live up to the hype. Mac makes other Pinots from Yarra Valley microclimates. — 4 days ago

Bob McDonald

9.5

Pale Lemon in colour. White peach notes on nose and palate along with herbal and Lime notes - a little grapefruit. Overall the impression of ripe grapes in a really good season gives one the impression of almost off dry but it is dry. Not as much tension as a few years ago - this being my last bottle. At its peak if you like mature Riesling with a swipe of cleansing acidity to finish off. Again, little or no kerosene or petrol notes which I am starting to believe is a wine fault and the subject of sunburnt grapes as Canberra Riesling producer Ken Helm once told me. 3 Trophies and many Gold Medals on the Show Circuit. — 7 days ago

Bob McDonald

9.5

Blackberry, Earth, red and black fruits, Tarry, Mineral, touch of barnyard - dead animal. Aged Bandol from a good site is something special and this hits the spot. Not experienced enough with the individual vineyard Cuvées but I believe Cabassaou is considered the superior over this and La Migoua. After a while Liquorice notes with heavy spices. An enjoyable experience. Love these ultra savoury reds. — 3 days ago

Bob McDonald

9.1

Impenetrable Colour - dense deep Ruby - opaque. Black fruits of blackberry and plums verging on pruney on the nose. A full bodied palate - rich and fleshy needing more complexity which will come with bottle age. Winery says drink to 2030. Try the next one in a few years. This winery on Kangaroo Island is owned by Jacques Lurton (Cheval Blanc and other wineries in South America). The winemaker is Yale Norris who is from Colorado. I think I incorrectly said Canadian in a previous note. Barb and I had a private tour of The Islander with Yale back in 2016. These grapes are fermented in upright square concrete vats where he does several pump overs of the skins - then matured for almost 2 years in French Oak in the next size up from a Barrique. At $35 great value for the time and effort that goes into this boutique production. Sadly ravaged in the bush fires earlier this year. — 4 days ago

Bob McDonald

9.5

See 2 previous notes. This has shown progressively better at each tasting. An interesting series, the VSV Series (Very Special Vineyard) from Peter Lehmann. In this case the 1885 is planted on its own roots by the Schrapel family in the Ebenezer district since...1885. The 6th generation Ralph Schrapel tends the vines - his signature on the label. A tradition in the Barossa that many are purely grape growers, many of German descent, and not necessarily vignerons. This vineyard is a low yielding 4 acre block. I made brief notes in any event - deep dark Ruby in colour. A classic Barossa palate - black cherry, earthy, dark chocolate flavours with a touch of liquorice. Luscious and mouth filling with softening tannins. Very easy to like and drinking at its peak. A good example of the saying that good wine is made in the vineyard. — 6 days ago