Bob McDonald

9.2

Pale to mid Lemon in colour. Aromas of citrus, almond and hints of nougat. On the palate citrus verging on stone fruit. Absolutely delicious. Tasting more new world in this warm vintage. When they are as good as this for only $39AUD I cannot see the point in cellaring. On the 2nd night a little oyster shell and mineral on the nose. — 3 days ago

Bob McDonald

9.2

Valentines Day tipple on Thursday. Pale Gold with fine bead. Yeasty notes with aromas of Lemon, Apple skin and mineral. On the palate - Powerful, not sweet, acid, reflecting a low dosage of 3g/L. Finishing with a dry chalkiness. A good future assured. — 6 days ago

Bob McDonald

8.8

Lemon in colour. Appley funky (beginning of sherry) aromas. Some creaminess on the palate amongst the delicate lemon flavours and oxidative notes creeping in at 15 years of age. Certainly at the end of its drinking window From a 30 acre vineyard in Margaux planted exclusively with Sauvignon Blanc. It spends a further 7 to 8 months in barrels. Paul Pontallier felt this was the best vintage of this Cuvée to that point. In summary I wish I had consumed this wine a few years ago when it would have been a little fresher. — 10 days ago

Bob McDonald

8.7

Somewhat of a story attached to this old Tyrrells Semillon based White. My mother in law Fiona, passed away unexpectedly 3 weeks ago, a month short of her 90th birthday. My wife has been cleaning out the house with her sisters and found this old bottle standing up in a kitchen cupboard. Fiona and her deceased husband David were tee-totallers. Barb brought the wine home and looking at the colour of mid gold I thought this would go straight down the sink. After a night in the fridge I opened it up and gave it some air. After 15 minutes I poured a glass and received surprisingly good aromas of Hazelnuts Honey and mouldy Apple. Fleshy palate with some oxidative notes as expected. Amazing how Semillon fills out and puts on weight with age from a green acid monster in its youth. A total pleasant surprise showing the cellaring potential of Hunter Valley Semillon even in poor cellaring conditions. David was on the Board of the hospital for many years. — 3 days ago

Bob McDonald

9.6

Aromas of coffee grounds, cassis, plum and a touch of mint and Dark Chocolate - Descriptors from both the Cabernet and Shiraz components. Soft and supple yet with an inner strength. One of the best examples of Australia’s classic Cabernet Shiraz blends - up there with Penfolds Bin 389. A day later still drinking well - actually better if anything. Lovely balance, really good with a better score of 96 points. — 7 days ago

Bob McDonald

9.6

Mid crimson in colour with pale tinges. A brilliant perfumed nose with Cherries Stalks and a vegetal note. Palate staining intensity with a finish that goes On and On. An amalgam of flavours. I have often written on Delectable that this is Australia’s Best Pinot Noir producer and a wine like this just reinforces that view. Every now and again you will have a marvellous Bindi, By Farr, Yabby Lake or the many great Pinot’s coming from Tasmania but for consistency it has to be Bass Phillip. In summary whether you like the Old World or New World this is gorgeous Pinot Noir. — 11 days ago

Bob McDonald

9.3

Lovely Grenache based perfume showing Raspberry and Garrigue notes typical of Chateaneuf du Pape. Medium bodied palate with fine supple tannins. Was expecting it to be more full bodied from a quality producer in a good vintage. Always have loved mature CdPs. No need to cellar any longer. — 4 days ago

Bob McDonald

8.8

Lenton Braes entry level Chardonnay-Southside. Remarkably good for a $25 Chardy from Margaret River. Good stone fruit flavours still with cleansing acid. Great QPR. — 4 days ago

Bob McDonald

9.1

The Mystery Wine at the monthly Downs Club Committee Dinner - so tasted this blind. Dark crimson in colour. Initially subdued nose - very dense tight and contained. Don’t think it had had a long Decant - should have asked. Same tightness on the palate. This will live for decades. Plummy earthy mineral notes on the Medium plus bodied palate. Some astringent grippy Tannins at the finish. In its infancy. From vines planted in 1880. — 8 days ago

Bob McDonald

8.9

A good Mornington Peninsula Pinot Noir. An earthy nose with Root Vegetables - more Beetroot than Rhubarb - some stemmy notes. Sweet red berry flavours on the palate however not enough complexity for age, region and price. — 11 days ago