Bob McDonald

9.5

A refined Cabernet nose and palate. Medium bodied showing mint, herbs and cassis. Frankland River a little cooler than Margaret River nearby but doesn’t have the maritime effect that MR has. Around 10 years ago Larry Cherubino was the “enfant terrible” of the WA wine scene - the talented newcomer. Julia Harding MW (Jancis’s right hand associate) was enticed from the UK to be a senior judge at the Margaret River Wine Show and ended up on a tour of Frankland River wineries with Larry Cherubino. A fascinating article on the Jancis Robinson website if you’re interested. In summary this was an excellent wine. Points off for a way too heavy bottle. — 5 days ago

Bob McDonald

9.3

See previous Note. Old plummie, red cherry notes. Barb said dusty and pine needles. A cooler vintage. I said red cherries and freshly tilled loam. As Galloni said “In 2010 Ama did not bottle their single vineyard selections. All the best fruit went here.” Tasting more the quality of a Brunello than a Chianti Classico. No. 6 in Wine Spectators Top 100 for 2015. — 12 days ago

Bob McDonald

9.5

Menthol, mint , earth and savoury red fruits. Medium bodied palate - coats the mouth. From the fabulous 2016 vintage in Tuscany and it shows. Anyone who knows the region knows that this vintage was one of the best in recent times. — 15 days ago

Bob McDonald

9.5

A mid straw yellow in colour. Aromas are lemon and lime, lemongrass, mineral, wet hay with toastiness and lanolin starting to emerge at 13 years of age. Light bodied but great intensity - a richer texture for a Semillon, bearing in mind that this wine sees no oak at all - stainless steel all the way. Only 11% alcohol. Luckily I have 4 bottles left - a cellar life extending to 2030+. — 5 days ago

Bob McDonald

9.2

Mid yellow/pale gold in colour. Yellow fruits, tropical - notes of pineapple. On the palate, same notes - medium plus intensity. Oak, which was obvious 8 years ago is now totally integrated. Finishes dry. An overused descriptor but this is delicious. Good white Bordeaux is a delight. 70% Sauvignon Blanc; 30% Semillon. — 10 days ago

Bob McDonald

9.5

I have several previous Delectable notes on this brilliant wine. As fellow Delectable taster Scott Rowe said of this wine “Epic”. Sadly my last of the 2015 vintage Tolpuddle Pinot Noir. There were too many things going for it not to be a success. :-
Coal River Tasmania; Shaw and Smith Winemaking team; 2015 vintage. There were spicy red cherries on the nose. A stalky whole bunch note. (50% whole bunch fermentation). See previous notes. Every year since has been a similar success. — 13 days ago

Bob McDonald

9.5

Meaty aromatics with spice, liquorice and a little pepper. An excellent medium plus bodied Shiraz which has always been one of my favourite Australian Reds. Medium plus intensity of flavour. Oak has been totally integrated. The next day comparing with a Te Mata Bullnose Shiraz from Hawkes Bay NZ. This is definitely more full bodied and less peppery than the Bullnose. Still an inner core of strength to the Langi which will see it last for another 5 + years. It’s fair to say the style of the Langi has changed over the past 20 years but it remains an Icon. — 19 days ago

Bob McDonald

8.7

Herbaceous aromas with some cassis. Typically Margaret River Cabernet. Leafy, touch of liquorice. This is a producer I don’t often taste from this district. From an ok vintage in WA (terrible in SA and Victoria). Next night a “detuned “ Margaret River Cab lacking a little intensity. Priced like many of its illustrious neighbours but not quite in their league. — 7 days ago

Bob McDonald

9.4

Citrus blossom, white flowers, and talc as aromatics. On the palate, citrus, citric acid with a chalky texture. Very little TDN if any. A classic Australian dry Riesling still with a long life to develop tertiary characteristics. The following night a skerrick of peach becoming apparent on the palate. Most enjoyable. The Great southland a reliable terroir for Riesling. — 7 days ago

Bob McDonald

9.1

This is the 2nd rated Vasse Felix Chardonnay behind the world class Heytesbury and ahead of the amazing value Filius. This was my last 2017 having made no notes for the first two. Expresses everything which is great about Margaret River Chardonnay. Complexity without cost. Ripe grapefruit with a balanced creamy French oak note which is largely integrated at 7 years of age. More citrus than stone fruit - a little nectarine? Great QPR at $31 AUD. — 13 days ago