Bob McDonald

9.4

Proving yet again that the Adelaide Hills makes excellent Chardonnay. Has been “worked “ somewhat. The winemaking team has a formidable brains trust with Adam Wadewitz as the Chief Winemaker with input from two MWs in Michael Hill-Smith and David leMire. An excellent modern take on Australian Chardonnay. Stone fruit, minerality, struck match - a nice citric acid cut to finish off. — a month ago

Tom Garland

9.3

Inspire Napa for Alzheimer research Wine Seminar at Round Pond Estate

Moderator: Ray Isle, Wine Editor, Food & Wine
Panelists:
Antonio Galloni, Vinous founder
Carissa Mondavi, Continuum Estate
Michael Silacci, Opus One Winery
Jason Lede, Cliff Lede Vineyards
Jason Smith, Schrader Cellars

WINES: wines that inspired each person
1977 Mondavi cab reserve...Carissa birth yr
2018 Rinaldi Barolo Brunate...Antonio
2022 Hirsch Estate chard.....Jason Smith
2017 Mas Doix Costers de Vinyes..Jason Lede
2005 Mario Bazan cab....Michael Silacci
2018 Diamond Creek Volcanic Hill...Ray Isle — 8 months ago

with Brenda

Bob McDonald

9.1

From Australia’s leading exponent of Gruner Veltliner - Hahndorf in the Adelaide Hills. We visited there in April 2021 and bought a selection. Notes of Granny Smith Apple and peach. Barb thought a cumquat note showing its unctuous texture. Medium minus acid. Halliday says we should cellar Gruners for a decade or so like a good Riesling. Not sure this vintage has the requisite acid. Probably why the 2018 has more immediate appeal and has won more Gold Medals at Australian Shows, than Michael Phelps in the pool, as you can see on the label. Had my last bottle on November 1, 2023 with similar notes. A delicious bottle of wine showing spice, quince and honeysuckle. — 2 years ago

Bob McDonald

9.5

Mid yellow in colour. Musky notes with a little talc - white and yellow flowers. On the palate lovely ripe peach flavours. Incredible flavour intensity. Irresistible. Low acid. Definitely one of Australia’s best dry Rieslings. No notes of TDN. Have the last one in a year or two. See previous Delectable note 6 years ago in June 2018 when it was carrying more citric acid. — 3 months ago

Tom Garland

9.4

Inspire Napa Valley Sat. afternoon tasting with Antonio Galloni. Panel includes:
Brad Grimes - winemaker Abreu
Helen Keplinger- Keplinger wine
Mary Maher - Silverado farming
Francois Peschon -accendo, vine hill ranch
Jason Smith- MS

WINES
2018 BV George de Latour
2019 Stags Leap SLV
2018 DVO Napa Valley Red
2017 Bond Quella
2019 Lingua Franca estate chardonnay
2019 Domaine de Bichery brut champagne

Each panel member picked a wine that had an impact on them. — 2 years ago

with Brenda

Ming L

9.4

The fragrant nose is a tug of war between the bright and floral berry fruits and the brooding dark fruits, sprinkled with cedar, peppery spices, grilled meat, and leather. The palate is broad, round, and yet powerful, with spot on acidity and bitter sweet tannins. Long elegant finish.
With so much power and structure, I was stumped by the 13.2% abv.
The winery’s first winemaker was Andy Smith (of DuMOL), then Michael Browne (of Kosta Browne), and in 2010 turned to Russel Bevan. Admittedly I bought the bottles not knowing the winery, but figured with list of winemakers like this, it can’t be bad. Glad that I still have couple bottles left.
— 4 years ago

Benjamin Hickey

9.4

Really great for the money — 7 months ago

Ira Schwartz

9.1

I believe this is my first time with a Henschke white. Intense citrusy nose along with florals and undertones of petro (nothing even close to a Grosset). A very zesty palate of some orchard fruit and plenty of acid. A moderate finish that I expect will extend once things better integrate. I assume like many Australian rieslings this will age , Is that a valid statement @Bob McDonald ? — 7 months ago

Bob McDonald

9.2

Springvale is usually the less austere when compared to the Grosset Polish Hill. This is a pale lemon in colour. Touch of Kerosene amongst the white flower aromatics. Citrus on the light restrained palate with the acid which will propel this well past 10 years of age. Will be at its peak then similar to the 2011 Petaluma, another Clare Valley Riesling, I had recently. — 3 years ago

Scott Rowe

9.4

As clean and pure as their Polish Hill Riesling offering.
Piccadilly Valley holds special powers when it comes to growing extraordinary Pinot and Chardonnay. — 5 years ago