Bob McDonald

9.4

Another comparative tasting - had the 2014 of this cuvée 2 days ago. This one with a little more age was showing a little kerosene unlike the 2014 which showed more talc on the nose. Lovely mature dry Riesling flavours of dusty nectarine, quince and mineral. More fulsome in the mouth and less acid than the 2014. A wonderful mature Riesling from the Frankland River District in Western Australia. — a day ago

Bob McDonald

9.2

Pale Lemon in colour. Aromas of Talc and citrus with a little herb. The palate has filled out somewhat from its austere acidic youth, in fact the acid has softened but still enough there if you wanted to keep cellaring for a few years. A quality Riesling from an excellent district for Riesling in Frankland River WA. Pristine clean flavours - purity is the key. — 4 days ago

Bob McDonald

8.2

Mid crimson in colour. Smell of dirty socks and hints of pepper - ultra savoury. Evidence of Brett and one of the downsides of not using sulphur in natural wines. This has not gone to the stage of tipping down the sink but after another year one would have to do that. Brett never goes away and only gets worse. — 6 days ago

Bob McDonald

9.3

This is the wine I brought along for dinner at the head of the Chevaliers movement in Australia. Barely mid crimson in colour. Delivers more intensity on nose and palate than the colour would indicate. Very sappy and savoury on the palate with good length and a great match with the lovely Coq au Vin prepared by the hostess. A great example of a mature Premier Cru from Beaux Monts. — 11 days ago

Bob McDonald

9.0

This is Alain Graillots Australian venture in Heathcote Victoria. Interesting to compare with his Crozes Hermitage from a few nights ago. This showed better IMO. Lovely spice and dried meat. More like Northern Rhone than Heathcote. Earthy and savoury. Showed better than a bottle in December 2019. — a day ago

Bob McDonald

9.4

Crimson with a tawny rim showing its 28 years of age. Mocha, red currant loam and spice aromas. Medium weight sweet spicy notes on the palate with resolved Tannins - Seamless! Lacks the fruit power to be a great Grange - just merely Very Good, particularly for the cool growing season in 1992. More elegant than a blockbuster like 83, 86, or 91. A classy wine whichever way you cut it. — 4 days ago

Bob McDonald

8.7

Mid crimson with a purple tinge. A light weight quaffer which drinks to its price point. Actually Australian Pinots for around $50 I would rate higher — 11 days ago

Bob McDonald

9.1

Aromas of sherbet, honeysuckle and ripe apple. A low sulphur regime apparently. The palate is silky and viscous with low acid. This grape Melon de Bourgogne is well named as it does give melon like flavours. Old vines and time on lees seems to be the key to this delicious Loire White. Also excellent QPR at only $24. — 2 days ago

Bob McDonald

8.7

The nose is the best feature of this Crozes from Graillot. Berry fruit, stemmy with a gamey note. Red and black fruits on the palate with cherries noticeable - barely medium weight. Very tasty but to be critical a little thin at the end - under ripe grapes? More acidic than I was expecting. One of the 1001 wines. — 4 days ago

Bob McDonald

9.5

Very dark crimson, almost black. Opulent aromas of cassis, mulberry, herbs and earth. Same opulence on the lush rich full bodied palate with notes of milk chocolate and black currant finishing with fine resolved and polished tannins. This to me is a typical high quality Napa Valley Cabernet - so fluid, generous and velvety in my limited experience with the genre. — 5 days ago