Bob McDonald

9.7

I will do a more complete note of this exceptional Chardonnay if this is accepted. Pale Lemon in colour. Aromas of flint and struck match sulphides. Palate shows lemony citrus notes and white nectarine with a creamy texture. Crushed cashews. Certainly in the conversation as New Zealand’s best Chardonnay which is outstanding as there is some hot competition. As Tim Jackson MW said “this is one for White Burgundy lovers “. Not cheap for a new world Chardonnay at $195 AUD. — 2 days ago

Bob McDonald

9.5

See previous note 120 weeks ago. This was fuller and more luscious than the 2017 Mate’s Vineyard had a month ago. This had more peach and melon than the Mates. More opulent and very easy to enjoy. Perhaps the Coddington is the most opulent of the Kumeu River cuvées. I will have to try an old Hunting Hill to compare. — 8 days ago

Bob McDonald

9.7

One of the best Pinots I’ve had from anywhere this year. Also I should state the only note I’ve been able to put on Delectable out of 4 attempts. The previous 3 have disappeared. Light in colour and a beautifully fragrant wine with Medium + intensity. 98 points from Huon Hooke and he made this comment, “A mesmerising wine - surely one of Bindi’s best ever “. I can only agree. This is a top quality Pinot Noir no matter the origin and will probably reach the end of HH’s drinking window of 2034. This Is easily of Premier Cru and in some cases Grand Cru standard. — 17 days ago

Bob McDonald

9.3

This is the 2019 Hunting Hill, same vintage as the recently tasted Kumeu River Coddington. The Coddington remains the more opulent of the Kumeu cuvées. A mouth watering salinity. In this one. As Bob Campbell MW said, this is a Burgundian style (lacking the stone fruit of the Coddington). Although several previous vintages of Mates Vineyard have proved, at least to my palate, that it is the premium Cuvée. — 4 days ago

Bob McDonald

9.2

If Delectable accepts this note I will edit and do a more comprehensive note. A beautiful Coal River Pinot which ticks all the boxes. Aromatics of sweet red fruits, (cherry). Turkish Delight and various mixed spices. Winner of Australia’s Best Pinot Noir for 2022. Made by the renowned Anna Pooley and Professor David Kilpatrick. — 6 days ago

Bob McDonald

9.5

From half bottle. Rich and round with an impression of sweetness but still at 13.5% alcohol. Dried fruits, zesty - very easy to drink - luscious. No point in further cellaring - drink now. An excellent Alsatian Grand Cru Riesling. — 17 days ago

Bob McDonald

9.3

A boutique producer I used to buy years ago. It’s not readily available but it was nice to revisit Wantirna Estate…..quaintly owned by Reg Egan and Daughters! Situated really on the outer suburbs of eastern Melbourne - on the way to the Yarra Valley. I love the nose on this wine - red fruits, tobacco and vanilla notes. A lovely long medium weight palate. This was the 1st of 3 bottles. Window from HH indicates through to 2032 when it will be 20 years old. — a month ago

Bob McDonald

9.5

Will do a comprehensive note if Delectable accepts this one. When one wins the Jimmy. See notes in the comments section. — 4 days ago

Bob McDonald

9.2

On first tasting this wine it was noticeably saline and mineral/gravel on the palate. Also notes of citrus and white stone fruits. Oak influence is subdued - matured in 350 litre oak barrels. Overall a great balance between austerity and opulence. Points off for a ridiculously heavy bottle. — 9 days ago

Bob McDonald

9.2

No notes taken after a large final day at the Australian Grand Prix in Casa Ferrari. I thought the matching glasses to the painted bottle a very classy touch. Pale salmon in colour. A lovely refreshing drink with notes of wild strawberry and a creamy sweetness to the palate. The mousse is not fine but it remains a delicious Rose Champagne. — 25 days ago