Bob McDonald

9.6

Typical Sami Odi from those old Dallwitz vineyards. Luscious and almost thick on the full bodied palate (ripe plum and chocolate). Hard to go past Bill Benders description of “dense and delicious “. Slinky supple black fruits. Unlike many releases of Sami Odi this is not the usual multi vintage approach. This wine was solely from the 2016 vintage which was excellent in the Barossa. Also, of all of Fraser’s quirky labels this is one of the best. — 2 days ago

Bob McDonald

9.5

One of the best Chardonnays I’ve had this year. My last bottle of 2017. Will have to try and remember my notes. On the nose a good combination of citrus and Stone fruit aromas with stone fruit having the slight ascendancy. A rich delicious palate showing increased complexity at nearly 10 years. See previous Delectable notes. Probably at its peak. — 6 days ago

Bob McDonald

9.1

From half bottle. An excellent Dessert wine from Hollick in the Coonawarra. Made from Riesling affected by Noble Rot (Botrytis comers). Aromas and palate of orange marmalade with a refreshing acid cut to finish. Only 10% alcohol. — 14 days ago

Bob McDonald

8.9

Light to medium weight Notes of red fruits (strawberry and raspberry). The fruit for this wine is sourced from Gevrey Chambertin in a vintage ( 2018) which was warm giving ripe, generous wines. Very easy to drink and great value at $55AUD. Touch of oak influence the following night. — 2 days ago

Bob McDonald

9.6

First sentence is a tester. Now the full note. We don’t often have Grand Cru Burgundy but we had roast duck legs on Mother’s Day. An intensity to the nose - Sous Bois/Compost heap with savoury red fruits - smoky with a hint of pepper. Many of the experts are saying a high influence of stems in the ferment is apparent and I totally agree. Interestingly Richard Hemming MW gave the wine 19.5/20 and said “This is what all the Burgundy fuss is all about.” Continuing to evaluate - this wine has a beautiful nose (very Morey one taster said). In summary a magnificent wine with great persistence. One of the 1001 Wines. Clos des Lambrays can trace its history back to the 14th century. — 6 days ago

Bob McDonald

9.5

Another waiting to submit. — 12 days ago

Bob McDonald

9.2

Just a tester to see if Waiting to Submit. Success! This was Crimson in colour. A lovely red fruited perfume. 100% whole bunch and 25% new oak. Lovely to drink, particularly for a Village wine, but it is Vosne-Romanee from a good vintage. — 19 days ago

Bob McDonald

9.5

First sentence is a tester. Now full note. Pale to mid gold in colour - such clarity. Aromatics of pear and white peach - Barb thought a sandalwood note. Musky. So clean - not a hint of TDN (petrol/kerosene). A great texture and mouthfeel verging on luscious. Light to medium weight palate. Low acid. Thoroughly delicious. — 6 days ago

Bob McDonald

9.3

My last bottle of 2002 Bin 28 Kalimna. More notes to come. First vintage of Bin 28 was 1959. Very much the Penfolds house style. Herbs, dark plums and Choc/mocha aromatics with red and black fruits. Certainly the Penfolds DNA. On the 2nd night initially a whiff of coconut oak. A reliable mid tier well priced Penfolds red which can be drunk young or cellared for many years. Has been a regular purchase for me over the years. — 9 days ago

Bob McDonald

9.2

Initial aromatics of lychee and white peach. Initial comment to see if note is accepted. A Grand Cru Riesling from Alsace which is unique because of its soil type which is volcanic rather than sandstone - the latter in the minority. Dry Riesling with a certain spiciness. Deserves to be a Grand Cru. The vineyard was first planted in the 12th Century by the Cistercian Monks hence the name Muenchberg (Mountain of the Monks). — 15 days ago