Bob McDonald

9.6

Aromatics of struck match, lime and grapefruit - on the palate a surprising luscious texture. Overall there is fruit and mineral intensity. A fabulous new World Chardonnay - one of Australia’s best. A few years ago I conducted a blind tasting of 2015 Chardonnays which included all of Australia’s best like Giaconda and Leeuwin Art Series and a Premier Cru white burgundy just to make things interesting - the consensus winner on the day was the Bindi Quartz. — 17 hours ago

Bob McDonald

8.8

An entry level Barolo. Spicy notes with a hint of menthol. On the palate dried cherry notes - a bit too austere for my palate. Finishes with powdery dry tannins and a little astringency. Needs more time. Walter Speller was a big fan of the 2013 Barolos. Not there yet for me. — 15 days ago

Bob McDonald

9.4

Hopefully Delectable will allow me to write a complete note. Here we go ….
Dark Ruby with a crimson rim. Closed on the nose initially. Straight from the bottle - should have decanted it. Rich on the palate. Latent power with much to give. Dark cherry with dried herbs still to come with further cellaring. This is the first of 5 bottles. In the early days Block 3 was the undisputed best Pinot in NZ but now Block 5 is considered along with other contenders from around NZ. Have the next one in a year. Many good judges think this is the best ever Block 3 up to this point. — 21 days ago

Bob McDonald

9.4

Aromas of dried meat, liquorice and chocolate, cherries and plums. On the palate savoury yet sweet. Red and black fruits - a rich palate and very enjoyable. Ticks a lot of boxes and I loved visiting the winery in 2023 for a tasting with the family. — a day ago

Bob McDonald

9.5

I’ll just commence this tasting note to see if it is accepted. Dense Ruby in colour. Blackcurrant and tobacco notes - ripe blue and black fruits - luscious texture. Anytime I’ve had a Napa (or Washington State) Cabernet I have always been impressed - probably better than most good Aussie Cabernets (and more expensive). Has a good future but irresistible right now. Have the last bottle in a year or two. Interestingly reverse osmosis was used to reduce the alcohol. Now at 13.9%. — 7 days ago

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. — 23 days ago

Bob McDonald

9.3

Pale crimson, translucent in colour. Will continue if this is accepted. Aromatics of red cherry, beetroot and Sous Bois. Ripe and rich on the palate. All things considered this is a classic Bass Phillip Estate. Still remains one of Australia’s best Pinot Noirs, now under the control of Burgundian, Jacques Fourrier. This wine was made by the founder, Phillip Jones. — 2 days ago

Bob McDonald

9.3

More delicate than fulsome. Definitely more citrus than stone fruit. Palate intensity is medium plus - some mineral and spice. A classy bottle of white burgundy. The trademark heavy bottle from PYCM. — 15 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. — 24 days 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. — 24 days ago