Joan Ziegler

9.2

Diora Pinot Noir from Monterey. Rich depth of black fruit nuances from Santa Lucia Highlands. Decanted to let it open up. Very enjoyable. — 5 months ago

Bob McDonald

9.4

This is a Henschke Shiraz Cuvée I haven’t tried before but it is from the Eden Valley where the legendary Hill of Grace and Mount Edelstone come from. Made from 55 year old Shiraz vines. Cherry and raspberry aromas underpinned by savoury, peppery spice and dried potpourri florals. Not unlike Mt Edelstone in that respect. The palate is rich and round with some old vine persistence supported by bold tannins. Celebrating at The Melbourne Cup - the horse race that stops a nation on the first Tuesday in November. — a year ago

Delectable Wine

Follow to learn about our favorite wines & people.

9.1

The 2020 Chardonnay (Sta. Rita Hills) is a terrific appellation-level wine. Hints of pear, mint, lemon peel and white flowers all grace this expressive, sculpted Chardonnay from Brewer-Clifton. My only quibble is a slightly aggressive edginess that hopefully will soften over time. (Antonio Galloni, Vinous, August 2022)
— 3 years ago

"Odedi"

9.1

This is a very tasty GSM blend from Texas. Nicely balanced with a great mouthfeel.

Shows black fruits with chocolate notes, tobacco, cedar, leather, vanilla, licorice, spices, tobacco leaf, dry oregano and light earth.

Full bodied with medium acidity long legs.

Dry on the palate with a gorgeous nose. Really loved the nose.

A high end porch wine, and delicious all by itself.

A blend of 60% Mourvedre, 36% Syrah and 4% Grenache. Aged in oak barrels for 18 months.

14.2% alcohol by volume.

91 points.

$50. — 3 years ago

Bob McDonald

9.5

Henschke is better known for its stellar old vine Shiraz like Hill of Grace and Mount Edelstone and others. I didn’t realise that they made a Pinot Noir until I went to the Henschke master class weekend with Steven and Pru Henschke. This comes from the Lenswood vineyard in the Adelaide Hills. This wine has a lovely red fruited nose with a toffee note. The palate shows a dirty strawberry on the light to medium weight palate but exhibits mid palate intensity carrying its 18 years of age with ease. I should find out if Henschke have persisted with the style because it is excellent but I don’t see it offered anywhere. — 8 months ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.4

This is a non vintage blend and where the Hendricks fruit goes when Charles doesn’t deem it perfect for his private label Hendricks. This is what I miss from the new winemaker at James Cole, it is very elegant.

The palate is round, lush, ruby, creamy fruits of; blackberries, black raspberries, both plums, dark cherries, blue fruit hues. Dark and milk chocolate-more dark, caramel, black and some red licorice/cola, herbaceous notes, soft, fresh tobacco, used leather, sandalwood, barrel powder, soft Indian spices, nutmeg, cinnamon, vanillin, dark, rich soil, a fresh dark and mid red floral bouquet, excellent round acidity with a well structured, knitted, very well balanced and polish for days. Lasts two minutes plus. — 2 years ago

Willie Carter

9.3

Oh my, what an absolute joy. This right here sings the song I want to hear. A pale old gold color in the glass. Perfectly precise perlage with a plethora of tiny, fine bubbles and showcasing innate creaminess. The nose is slightly intense opening with aromas of hazelnut, chalk, and lemon zest. Warm buttered brioche takes over for a moment full of bliss then a bit of smoke. Juicy peaches and pears commingle with fresh herbs and spices.

100% Chardonnay from the five Grand Cru villages of Avize, Chouilly, Cramant, Oger, and Mesnil-sur-Oger. The tête de cuvée of Champagne Taittinger and it shows. It’s a very noble, prestigious champagne that matches complexity with downright deliciousness. The juxtaposition between luxury and comfort is evident here. Like coming out of a bath and slipping on your finest robe. The racy acidity and exquisitely dry nature of the wine belies the dosage of 9 g/l.

Very creamy in the mouth and though it starts off a bit demanding, it soon becomes so inviting after some time. Every sip demands the proper time and contemplation. Chalky and rich, positively bursting with citrus fruits. Apples and toast everywhere along with gun flint and more smoke. Medium long finish with traces of spice. A powerful, graceful champagne that’s full of finesse. This can go for decades longer but if you open it now sit with it for a while. Give it the proper time. You might fall in love just a little. — 3 years ago

Bob McDonald

9.7

This is the current release of Hill of Grace, the 2019, priced at $975AUD and incredibly Sold Out according to the website. Matched with the 2008 as both were from hot years. Initially a sooty, minerally earthy note on the nose. Then came Satuma Plum, blackberry, spice and pepper. Stephen said only 25% to 30% of the normal volume for sale. (Hence the Sold Out). He let us in on a secret that there will be no 2020 released. I asked if the fruit is used in another Cuvée. The answer is No - the grapes are removed and thrown out. Seems a waste. He went on to explain that H of G has a different spice character to Edelstone - more of an Asian spice. Mostly used oak is used to lessen the oak influence. Elegant yet intense and without a doubt one of the world’s great wines. Will live for decades. — a year ago

Adam Gäfvert

9.8

Voted WOTN for good reason. This has been a bucket list wine for me. Some sections of this famous vineyard were planted in 1860 but all of the vines are ridiculously old. It’s bombastic and really stands out from the crowd. Very expressive both on the nose and on the palate. Full bodied and multi layered. Creamy and rich texture. Dark berries, plums, coffee, cigar, orange peel, eucalyptus, soy, cigar box and an array of oriental spices. Probably at a peak right now, such a joy to drink. — 2 years ago

Leo Gentile

9.1

Second bottle from purchase last fall. Pale garnet with a hint of brick red. Jammy raspberry on the nose. Bright red raspberry delicate tannins delicious wine with Easter ham. Color is a little concerning — 3 years ago