Bob McDonald

9.0

I read an article recently where the author felt that this 1er cru probably deserved to be a Grand Cru. Whilst this was very good I think it is right at Premier Cru. Initial notes were salinity amongst the apple, citrus flavours and a touch of beeswax. The following night tasted more “new World “. This was very enjoyable but needs to develop more complexity. I will leave my remaining bottle for a couple of years. — 3 days ago

Bob McDonald

8.9

Trophy Best Red Blend Qantas Wine Show of WA 2014 Trophy Best Older Red. 89% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Merlot; 4% Petit Verdot. Leafy and savoury more than fruit driven. The second night - didn’t age well overnight. More astringent and bitter than the previous night. Lacks mid palate fruit ripeness. — 6 days ago

Bob McDonald

9.3

A lovely tarry note initially amongst the red fruits. On the medium weight palate sweet and savoury red fruits. Love CdP from a good year like this one. 70% Grenache, 15% Mourvèdre, 10% Cinsault and the remaining 5% split between Muscardin, Counoise and Vaccarese. Completely destemmed and fruit driven. Soft pliant tannins. — 9 days ago

Bob McDonald

9.5

Excellent quality for the price ($37). Ripe peach, grilled nuts and a touch of guava. Oak has been absorbed. Ticks all the boxes of a quality Australian Chardonnay. This is a lesser Cuvée to their top notch Chardonnay, “Chloe”. Congratulations to Stuart Watson and the Woodlands winemaking team. — 4 days ago

Bob McDonald

9.6

Margaret River herbaceousness and mint but richer in this excellent vintage with plum and mulberry. This wine is 20 years young and will cellar for another 10 years without a problem. 14% ABV. First planted in 1969. Un-irrigated, Scott Henry trellis. One of the great Moss Woods - up there with 2001. If the Barolo I had yesterday was one of the best reds so far in 2025 this was only a point behind it. — 4 days ago

Bob McDonald

9.4

I ended up editing my previous note of 68 weeks ago in drinking my last bottle on 4th May 2025. Blackberry currant and chocolate with a pruney note. A blend of 6 different vintages. — 11 days ago

Bob McDonald

9.7

Savoury yet ripe cherry notes. Great depth of flavour coming out after 18 years. A medium bodied palate with medium plus intensity. A trace of that elusive iron amongst the earthy notes. A brilliant wine - thoroughly enjoyed it. A pity that we have to wait 15 to 20 years for Barolos like this to be at their peak, but it is worth the wait. Runcot is only bottled in the best years. This is one of the 1001 Wines and one of the best reds I’ve had this year. — 4 days ago

Bob McDonald

9.1

My last bottle in the cellar but first Delectable note for this vintage. A good balance of quality ripe grapes with the savoury peppery tannins from use of whole bunch in the ferment. — 5 days ago

Bob McDonald

9.2

I have previous Delectable notes. Crimson, becoming tawny, garnet on the edges. A medium + weight palate and medium + intensity. Sweet red fruits (strawberry). The next night quite a full bodied Pinot. Tannins are a little coarse. 99 points from James Halliday and his Pinot Noir of the year in 2017. I have 2 bottles left - next in a year. — 7 days ago

Bob McDonald

9.5

A pale lemon yellow in colour - quite youthful looking for a 12 year old Chardonnay. Aromatics of white peach - mealy and nutty notes, still with a nice acid cut at the finish. Drinking at its peak. Fuller than some Marg River Chardonnays I’ve had lately like Xanadu and Fraser Gallop. I have had richer Art Series Chardonnays but personally I love the balance in this. — 11 days ago