Bob McDonald

9.6

The first of 2 Australian Icons from late last Century - 1999 ;) Crystal clear mid Lemon verging on pale Gold. Aromas of Lemon Bees Wax and Lanolin with a hint of honey - all the hallmarks of aged Hunter Valley Semillon. Better than the 2000 vintage of the same wine had recently. I have one left from a dozen bought on release. Will leave for at least 3 to 5 years - into its 3rd decade. — 21 hours ago

Bob McDonald

9.3

Bought in Niseko Hokkaido in late January 2018. My first purchase of a Japanese Malt Whisky and I was mightily impressed. No small claim from a McDonald who loves Talisker Laphroig and Lagavulin!!! Compared with the Hibiki I bought duty free this Ichiros Malt was more sooty and tarry but ever so smooth. Reminiscent of Drambuie. Orange Peel and damp straw. Big price difference unfortunately. About $100 in Niseko and about $200 to $250 in Australia. — 8 days ago

Bob McDonald

9.5

Selected to celebrate the wedding of Prince Harry to Meghan Markle. Pale to mid Gold. Complex yet fresh which must be the aim of every Champagne maker hence RD and P2 etc. The Gosset has spent 12 years on Lees and no malolactic fermentation which gives it a charge of malic acid providing longevity for years to come. Lemon and Apple notes. As Tyson Stelzer said “Children of 2002 meet your 30th Birthday Present “ Finishes with a Saline minerality. 48% Pinot Noir; 52% Chardonnay. A wonderful Champagne. — 8 days ago

Bob McDonald

9.6

The 2nd of 2 Australian Icons from 1999. Jasper Hill is Heathcote Royalty and their Emily’s Paddock is an unusual blend of Shiraz with a small percentage of Cabernet Franc. Beautiful aromas of pipe Tobacco Earth and Cocoa. The palate is defined by an all pervading Earthy sweetness with Cocoa notes and great length, concentration and persistence. Cannot detect the high 15.5 % Alcohol just giving this beautiful full bodied Wine stacks of flavour. Like the Semillon this has a way to go. Next in at least 5 years. — 21 hours ago

Bob McDonald

9.5

Black as the night in colour. Aromas of menthol and eucalypt but not as much as in its youth. Another wine where this is the last of 6 originally bought, and the best. Rich and full bodied. Tannins have softened but still with a good future. The message is that Wendouree Reds from these ancient vines in the Clare Valley need to be cellared for at least 10 years before opening the first one. Hard to get hold of even in Australia. People spend years waiting to get on the Mailing List and then bottles appear on the Auction market at much higher prices than Release. Sort of like the situation at Screaming Eagle but nothing like that expense. This is richer than usual with good concentration. — 4 days ago

Bob McDonald

9.6

My final bottle of 6 I bought on release and the best. Deep crimson in colour - quite dark for 19 years of age. Notes of violets and all the classic Cabernet descriptors of Bay leaf and cassis. On the palate a beautiful mature Cabernet blend at the peak of its powers. Really enjoyed this. Jancis Robinson MW compared this to Margaux. A tradition of female Wine making with Di Cullen as Winemaker from 1971 until 1989 when daughter Vanya took over and continues to this day. Consistently one of Margaret River’s better Cabernets. — 9 days ago

Bob McDonald

8.9

Pale lemon in colour. A funky leesy nose. Too acidic (citrus and grapefruit) and lean for my palate. This Wine won the Trophy for Best WA White Wine at the 2012 Perth Royal Wine Show. The judges must have been looking at the newer lean style back then - now going back to the fleshier Peach styles these days. Will the acid ever diminish with this wine? — a day ago

Bob McDonald

9.0

Mid crimson in colour. Nose of cherry and other red fruits. On the palate barely medium weight. More red fruits on the palate with a savoury twist. Fresh and juicy texture with supple fine Tannins. No need for further cellaring. 60% Nero d’Avola, 40% Frappato. Made for food. — a day ago

Bob McDonald

9.3

Initial notes of soot and caramel. A lovely cool palate with Dry powdery tannins to finish off. If not 100% Mourvèdre it must be close to it. From the warm Mediterranean coast in Bandol. After nearly 3 hours in the decanter the Wine elicited aromas of Lavender and Thyme with hints of raisin. Loved it. — 8 days ago

Bob McDonald

9.1

Pale Ruby in colour. Notes of earth Iron filings menthol and cherry. Medium minus in palate weight finishing with fine but persistent Tannins. Showing its cooler climate origins in Roero north of Alba. Like the vast majority of Italian Wine shows best when accompanied by food. — 9 days ago