Bob McDonald

9.4

This is generally regarded as the best example of Shiraz Viognier in Australia but recently I tried a 2015 Serrat Shiraz Viognier which was the equal of Clonakilla if not better. As per previous Delectable notes this bottle had the trademark dried spices, cloves a trace of pepper and dried meat. Barely medium weight and always a joy to drink. My last bottle. — 9 days ago

Andrew Schirmer

8.9

Testing…let’s see if this thing still works. Started getting error messages a year or so ago and gave up on Delectable. — a year ago

Bob McDonald

9.3

See several previous Delectable notes on this wine and vintage. A pale crimson colour with tawny garnet shades. Aromatics of red fruits (strawberry) and Sous Bois on the nose. It may be pale in colour but carries a Medium plus palate intensity of good length. A very good 2nd wine from Bell Hill from the Canterbury district (just to the north of Christchurch) which deserves more recognition as a source of high quality Pinot Noir. Also referred to as the Waipara District. — a year ago

Bob McDonald

9.4

Mid straw yellow in colour. After 10 years still no sign of TDN. Aromas of lime and talc. Ken Helm of Helm wines in the Canberra district would say these are well handled Riesling grapes from a cool growing season where no petro chemical notes have developed. He believes kero/petrol aromas are a wine fault and caused by sunburnt grapes. On the palate lime flavours, a touch of honey and finishes with a slight saline note. Fresh and crisp even in its old age. Proves again that the Clare Valley is perfect for Riesling. Delectable: Taylor’s is the producer. — 23 days ago

Bob McDonald

9.5

This wine screams left bank Bordeaux. The final blend is 63% Cabernet Sauvignon; 22% Merlot; and 15% Cabernet Franc. Great depth of flavour particularly for a 2nd wine. The medium + palate shows an inner core of strength and opulence which exhibits the class of the producer and the excellence of the vintage. Tertiary aromas and flavours. See last Delectable note of 2020. Very integrated, balanced and polished. Prompts the old saying in a London Club, “Just damn good claret my man”. Excellent drinking now but still 5+ years left in it. — 8 months ago

Bob McDonald

9.5

See many previous Delectable notes but not for this vintage. As stated previously one of Australia’s best Pinots A very aromatic nose of red and black cherry together with root vegetables particularly beetroot. Raspberry flavours - a sweetish palate with a savoury twist. An excellent Tasmanian Pinot Noir and a regular purchase. Also capable of extended cellaring - I recall having a 15 year old one once but it’s hard to resist right now. — 3 years ago

Bob McDonald

9.3

Rich and supple but not as rich as this Cuvée often is. Earthy red fruits with herbs. As Bob Campbell said, good vinosity. Always one of the top Pinots from the North Island. See previous Delectable notes on this Cuvée and vintage. — a month ago

Chris Miles

9.6

Simply delectable. Such a full flavor and on the dry end for a Pinot noir. My wife and I loved — 4 months ago

Bob McDonald

9.5

Always a tasting highlight having a Bass Phillip Reserve Pinot Noir the leading Pinot Noir in Australia although the competition is coming. See previous Delectable note. It pours a medium red with a distinct tawny edge. Barb said red fruits (cherry) and bunchy. I certainly agree on both counts. All BP Reserves are special but the 2012 is not one of the greats. - perhaps a little bunchy, to be ultra picky. — a year ago

Bob McDonald

9.0

See previous Delectable note 90 weeks ago. Aromatics of dried rose petals with a little herbal spice and a note of fudge. Great mouthfeel. Medium weight palate and intensity. More “serious “ than your average Beaujolais. Red cherry and red currant and a touch of liquorice. Light tannins. This has enough stuffing to cellar for a couple more years. — 4 years ago