Lovers Not Torreadors

bellhill

Chardonnay 2014

I will do a more complete note of this exceptional Chardonnay if this is accepted. Pale Lemon in colour. Aromas of flint and struck match sulphides. Palate shows lemony citrus notes and white nectarine with a creamy texture. Crushed cashews. Certainly in the conversation as New Zealand’s best Chardonnay which is outstanding as there is some hot competition. As Tim Jackson MW said “this is one for White Burgundy lovers “. Not cheap for a new world Chardonnay at $195 AUD. — 2 months ago

Somm, Andrew and 16 others liked this
Bob McDonald

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@Jamie Lauder Thanks for your comments Jamie. I have even subscribed to the Premium Subscription in the hope I get treated better.
Ray Vanderhoff

Ray Vanderhoff

I second your opinion @Jamie Lauder

Tyrrell's Wines

Vat 1 Hunter Valley Semillon 2011

See previous Delectable note in December 2024. Amazingly pale for a 14 year old white. Aromatics of lemon, lanolin and wet straw. It hasn’t yet developed the toasty characters I was expecting, indicating still a long life ahead. Overall this is delicate on a light bodied leanish palate. Only 11% ABV. Lovers of big buttery Chardonnay may not appreciate this wine. 3 bottles left - I will try and have the next one in 12 to 18 months. — 8 months ago

Dave, Tom and 24 others liked this
Doug Powers

Doug Powers

@Bob McDonald, I am envious, but too old as well to be buying wines like this that have barely evolved after a decade. Cheers!
Bob McDonald

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@Doug Powers That is a reality facing me as well Doug but it doesn’t stop me buying certain Burgundies however. I guess someone will enjoy them one day.

Domaine du Bac

Red Blend 2016

Roussillon trip #1
Grenache/Syrah blend, biodynamic style. Dark dress still young and lively. Cuvée with a medium plus body, with beautiful spicy and roasted notes that perfectly serve a fruity (black and red) still lively and juicy. It is both easy and refined. Refreshed a little, the 15 degrees are absolutely not felt. A wine that can please classic mouths as well as lovers of natural wines.

Assemblages Grenache/Syrah style biodynamique, naturel. Robe sombre encore jeune et vive. Cuvée au corps moyen plus, avec de belles notes épicées et torréfiées qui sertissent à merveille un fruité (noir et rouge) encore vif et juteux. C’est à la fois gourmand et raffiné. Rafraîchi un peu, les 15 degrés ne se font absolument pas sentir. Un vin qui pourra plaire aux bouches classiques comme aux amateurs de vins naturels.
— 4 years ago

Andrew, Paul and 16 others liked this
Joshua Fisher

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I think I aught to give these finely crafted word pretty reviews a go ….just lovely

Château Tour du Haut-Moulin

Cru Bourgeois Red Bordeaux Blend 2018

2018 vintage. Owned by the same family since 1870, until the fifth generation, Lionel Poitou sold this 10 hectares estate to 3 Israeli winemakers. La Tour du Haut Moulin has a long reputation for value for money, and this 2018 is no exception. Solid dark red colour with only a little evolution. In the mouth it features a serious black fruit concentration, balanced by fresh acidity and a serious tannic backbone, while avoiding the alcohol heath that sometimes characterises this hot vintage. It has an old school slightly rustic feel about it, but it's incredible value for money. Drinking very well now, but no need to hurry, I am convinced it will last at least for another decade. I found this in a local supermarket for 8,09 euro, I kid you not! Life is fine for wine lovers in the Bordeaux region. Abv. 13,5%. I am curious to see what the new owners will achieve with this estate, there should be huge potential . — 2 months ago

Eric, Tom and 3 others liked this

Château Les Carmes Haut-Brion

Pessac-Léognan Red Bordeaux Blend 2021

2021 vintage. The C is totally different from the grand vin, from a parcel in Marcillac. I would probably not have guessed Bordeaux in a blind tasting. Very unique style, Bordeaux for Burgundy lovers maybe. 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 36% Merlot, and 2% Petit Verdot. — 7 months ago

Ruud liked this

Château d'Esclans

Côtes de Provence Rosé Blend 2022

Beautiful notes and light vanilla finish. Red lovers will love this Rose as it is not you typical rose. — 9 months ago

Domaine Amiot Guy et Fils

Les Vergers Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru Chardonnay 2018

Not bad, but I’d take the 17’ Leflaive Bourgogne any day over this. I liked how complex the nose was, and that it was textural and quite mineral, but I just couldn’t stand how sweet-fruited and oily the profile was. Very clearly a warm vintage Burg. Then again, Amiot does make more generous Chardonnay’s. Not for me, but I’d recommend this over any butter ball to lovers of “smash-mouth” wines. — 2 years ago

Daniel P., Ira and 11 others liked this

Château Marsac Séguineau

Margaux Red Bordeaux Blend 2018

2018 vintage. This was still made under the CA ( Crédit Agricole) ownership. In 2019 the estate, together with La Tour de Mons, was sold to Nathalie Perrodo, who is doing a great job at Labégorce and Marquis d'Alesme. There seems to be historical evidence that the wines of (what was later called) Marsac Séguineau were considered fifth growth quality pre 1855, but it wasn't classified because of the very small production and the fragmentation of the vineyards. The Château was only constructed in 1886. Bordeaux is a fascinating region, not only for wine aficionados, but also for history lovers. In any case, this is already a delicious wine, exhibiting the famous Margaux elegance, without lacking power. Very good value too. I hope to find some recent vintages soon, as I expect the wines to progress under the new ownership. Abv. 14%. — 2 months ago

Scott@Mister, Tom and 3 others liked this

Grosset

Springvale Clare Valley Riesling 2024

Grosset — Springvale Riesling 2024
Clare Valley, South Australia 🇦🇺

Overview
A bone-dry, terroir-driven Riesling from the elevated Springvale vineyard in Clare Valley, delivering piercing acidity, mineral tension, and uncompromising precision. Crafted in Grosset’s signature ultra-pure style, this wine showcases the region’s limestone-driven intensity and long-lived structure.

Aromas & Flavors
Crushed lime, green apple skin, lemon pith, and wet stone leap from the glass with striking clarity. Subtle white blossom and faint herbal tones add lift. The palate is razor-sharp and tightly wound, driven by citrus oil, saline minerality, and chalky texture, finishing long, dry, and electrically clean.

Mouthfeel
Ultra-dry, linear, and tightly coiled with mouthwatering acidity that literally pulls saliva back onto the palate. Light-bodied yet intensely focused, the wine delivers relentless drive without any softness or residual sweetness, showcasing pure structural tension.

Food Pairings
Oysters with lemon. Ceviche or crudo. Sushi and sashimi. Thai lime and chili dishes. Fresh goat cheese. Simply grilled white fish.

Verdict
A thrilling expression of Clare Valley Riesling at its most uncompromising: precise, mineral, and brutally honest. Not a crowd-pleaser wine, this is a terroir statement built for purity lovers and long-term aging potential.

Did You Know?
Clare Valley’s high elevation and limestone soils are responsible for some of the world’s most age-worthy dry Rieslings, often developing toast, honey, and kerosene complexity after a decade or more in bottle, despite starting life razor-sharp and austere.

🍷 Personal Pick
This is the driest Riesling I’ve tasted in recent years, intensely palate-cleansing with an unforgettable mineral finish. A true acid lover’s wine and a masterclass in site expression. Not gentle… but deeply compelling.
— 4 months ago

Ted, ESF and 2 others liked this

Bodegas Valdesil

Sobre Lías Vilamartìn de Valdeorras Godello 2020

Lovely minerals. Clean and honest and harmonious if not overly complex. Great with seafood. 13.5%. Side note: Valdeorras/Godello is for Chablis lovers who don’t want to drink another iffy Chardonnay. — 4 years ago

Tom, Senator and 2 others liked this