Bob McDonald

9.5

A Mother’s Day treat last Sunday with Roast Lamb. An initial aroma of H2S which I sometimes get with Henschke reds. Took a while to blow off. Some Animale and vegetal notes amongst the raspberry, earth and spice. After a few hours aromas of ground coffee. However the wonderful supple palate overwhelmed any negativity from the nose. Sweet and earthy with those liquid velvet tannins - a product of ancient vines, the oldest of which are 160 years old. An inner core which will carry this through to the 2030s. I decided to open this as the exceptional 2016 has just been released for sale at the princely sum of $890AUD. I won’t be buying at that price but I’m sure they will sell the lot with or without the Chinese market. — 12 hours ago

Bob McDonald

9.2

As mentioned in previous notes The Steading is my favourite Torbreck Cuvée. A moreish blend of 64% Grenache, 18% Shiraz and 18% Mataro. Raspberry sweet notes from the Grenache and a tarry note from the Mataro, Spice from the Shiraz. Still fresh after 11 years with resolved tannins. Bottom line delicious! Need to buy the latest vintage. — 2 days ago

Bob McDonald

9.6

Really nothing much more to add from my (and other Delectable users) previous notes about this incredible Chardonnay. Notes of pear, pineapple and cashew. Creamy on the palate. Simply put - a top shelf new world Chardonnay - now drinking at its peak. — 8 days ago

Bob McDonald

9.2

Pale Lemon in colour. More in the lean style for Margaret River as compared to the richer “peaches and cream “ style of Cuvées like Leeuwin Art Series and Pierro. The oak has been judiciously dialled back not to overwhelm the more delicate fruit profile of citrus and grapefruit. Finished off with crisp acid. Would have liked a riper fruit profile from this good vintage. Perhaps picking a little later? — 12 hours ago

Bob McDonald

9.3

See previous notes. They still apply. All the hallmarks of modern Australian Chardonnay. Nutty leesy aromas with rock melon notes - from the cool climate district near the city of Orange. A light to medium weight palate. Proving that the Orange/Tumbaramba district is a great area for cool climate Chardonnay with Penfolds sourcing fruit from here for their top Chardonnays like Yattarna. Also Phillip Shaw (former winemaker for Rosemount when they were famous) has set up a winery here under his own name. — 2 days ago

Bob McDonald

9.5

Home Hill has become a rising star on the Australian Wine Show scene for the quality of their cool climate Pinot Noir. This wine had aromas of cherry and a little stemmy character. The palate was sweet with plums and black cherry. Very fluid and supple tannins - seamless. Medium weight palate and drinking well now. HH has a drinking window of 2017 to 2029. Cannot see it myself. My remaining 2 bottles will be gone in the next few years - just too delicious. Winner of the 2015 Jimmy Watson Trophy for the Best One Year old Dry Red at the Royal Melbourne Wine Show. From the most southerly vineyard in Australia. — 4 days ago

Bob McDonald

9.5

As the name suggests this is sourced from 5 different terroirs in Gevrey Chambertin. Red fruits with a rhubarb note, decayed plant matter, forest floor a lovely perfume with a touch of rose petals. A mellow palate showing red fruits with resolved tannins. A great mouthfeel with more substance than you would expect - with depth of flavour and medium plus intensity. One of the best Village red burgundies I’ve ever had. A great vintage from a wonderful wine maker who sadly isn’t with us any longer. — 9 days ago

Bob McDonald

9.1

Mother’s Day tipple - something a little different with an English Rose sparkling. Pale salmon in colour with a very fine bead. Strawberry notes on nose and palate. Very fresh, restrained and elegant. Well made and thoroughly enjoyable. A blend of 60% Pinot Noir, 38% Pinot Meunière and 2% Pinot Precoce - the latter variety I had never heard of. — 2 days ago

Bob McDonald

9.6

Deep Ruby in colour - very dark for a 15 year old red with no bricking at this stage. Blackberry and chocolate with ripe black fruits on nose and palate - not as pruney as previous Stonewell notes. Lush and full bodied from selected old vine Shiraz vineyards in the Barossa - in the Greenock district amongst others. This is Barossa Shiraz at its best from a good vintage. Hard not to like - warm and comforting - perfect for a cooler night with pork chops. — 4 days ago

Bob McDonald

9.5

Very dark Ruby - amazingly dark for the age - maybe because of the hot 2003 vintage. Gorgeous nose, red and black currant, dusty, cedar - like an antique shop Barb said. Medium tannins. Medium plus length and persistence. Really enjoyed this, particularly considering the vintage. You could leave this for a few more years if you wish but I was more than happy to drink this now. — 8 days ago