Bob McDonald

9.2

See notes for 3 previous occasions. Dark dark Ruby - almost black A full bodied Margaret River Cabernet but tasting more South Australian as I said in a previous note. Dense and concentrated - 2009 was an excellent vintage in Margaret River. Juniper is not one of the icons over there but this is punching well above its price point. Tastes much younger than its 14 years. Could go on for another 5 years I feel - my last one. Masses of sweet black currant on the palate. — 8 months ago

Bob McDonald

9.3

Another Torbreck brought to the Toowoomba Wine Show Judges Dinner at the Downs Club by winemaker Greg McGill. Earthy perfume - a solid full bodied palate 15% ABV. Given 100 points by Joe Czerwinski of Wine Advocate. Never seen the value in Run Rig for the plus $200 price tag. A certain mystique here and one of the Barossa icons but don’t get the hype to be honest. — 5 years ago

Bob McDonald

9.6

The first of 2 Australian Icons from late last Century - 1999 ;) Crystal clear mid Lemon verging on pale Gold. Aromas of Lemon Bees Wax and Lanolin with a hint of honey - all the hallmarks of aged Hunter Valley Semillon. Better than the 2000 vintage of the same wine had recently. I have one left from a dozen bought on release. Will leave for at least 3 to 5 years - into its 3rd decade. — 6 years ago

Bryce Wiatrak

9.7

Well, I did not expect to be tasting this on a Monday morning - but the Kermit Lynch tasting is always full of surprises with both steals and icons. This falls under the latter category. Structured by a backbone of dusty tannins and a pillar of acidity, this proves less austere than I am used to with young Méo wines. Medicinal cherry, ginger, tarragon, and earth. What a way to start the week. — 6 years ago

Bob McDonald

9.3

Brief notes - at a friend’s place checking out his new cellar and generously opened this wonderful Margaret River Chardonnay. Cloudburst is the venture of American, Will Berliner, who turned the district on its head by asking prices 2 and 3 times the price of the Icons of Margaret River. It doesn’t worry Will who is able to sell much of his product into up-market restaurants in the US. This wine was initially leaner than I was expecting with citrus and ripe grapefruit. With more air nectarine and peach notes started coming through but still shows admirable restraint. All in all a class act. — 2 years ago

Mark Mannebach

9.9

2014 vintage is one of the best wines I’ve ever had. Smooth with light tones of berries, earth, mineral. Just outstanding. Worth the ewIt to taste one of the icons in wine industry — 5 years ago

David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.3

I really enjoy pairing wine with food. One thing I like to do when I work events like these is to offer guests wine that has achieved its perfect bottle phase and this didn’t disappoint. So often you go to a restaurant or an event and all they offer are new releases or close enough. Wine needs time in bottle to shine. This one was at its peak and for many guests was the wine of the night. I’d have trouble disagreeing with that.

Wine was seamless and elegant. Ripe, lush, ruby fruits of; dark cherries, some blackberries, plum and soft florals blueberries on the edge of the glass. Great acidity and round long finish. This was better than some $100 plus bottles of Pinot’s I’ve had for a faction of the price. It walks the fence of CA Pinot & Burgundy nicely.

The dish paired perfectly with Hedy’s, Fresh Summer Beans, Pumpernickel Crouton, Yogurt Dressing, Chive, Preserved Lemon. The perfect age on the Cahill married beautifully with the dish and excellent on its own. The food did not overpower the dish, nor did the dish overpower the wine.

The 08 Cahill was a recent direct purchase from the winery through K&L Wine Merchants. It was like stealing, it was priced so inexpensively.

Walter Hansel made his fortune in the auto business; which allowed him to pursue his other passion in wine. He and his son’s first vintage was 1996. They are located near Kistler and Dehlinger in Sonoma. The Cahill is made from a blend of three clones; 114, 115 and Rochioli.

One interesting fun fact. Walter Hansel was among the first people to drive a car into the Yosemite Valley in the early 1900’s.

Hedy on FB @Plate&Bottle — 6 years ago

Bob McDonald

9.5

Initial aromas of cedar box, fruit and nut chocolate and a herbal nuance. With air a note of violet after about 2 hours. On the medium to full bodied palate absolutely fluid and seamless with that berry and dark chocolate note but largely restrained. Such perfect balance that nothing really jumps out. From my limited experience with Napa Valley Cabernets I have always thought that Dominus is the most Bordeaux like of these Cabs. Not surprising when you know the owner Christian Moueix is the owner of Petrus and other right bank icons. Linda Murphy for Jancis said “Could be Christian Moueix’s best Dominus.” — 4 years ago

Bob McDonald

9.5

Coffee Mocha and Blackberry notes. Medium plus intensity finishing with fine Tannins. One of the Barossa’s old vine icons - Stonewell. From the cooler slow ripening Top quality 2002 vintage. Travelling easily in its 16th year with a strong core which will ensure another 5 to 10 years but pretty compelling right now. — 6 years ago

Bob McDonald

9.6

The 2nd of 2 Australian Icons from 1999. Jasper Hill is Heathcote Royalty and their Emily’s Paddock is an unusual blend of Shiraz with a small percentage of Cabernet Franc. Beautiful aromas of pipe Tobacco Earth and Cocoa. The palate is defined by an all pervading Earthy sweetness with Cocoa notes and great length, concentration and persistence. Cannot detect the high 15.5 % Alcohol just giving this beautiful full bodied Wine stacks of flavour. Like the Semillon this has a way to go. Next in at least 5 years. — 6 years ago