Bob McDonald

9.6

So much cassis, black currant and rich sweetness. Very atypical for a Margaret River Cabernet - this is more Barossa or McLaren Vale. Less herbaceous than is usual for Margaret River in this warm vintage. A rich medium to full bodied palate with excellent concentration and smooth persistent tannins. My 2nd of 6 and a vintage that will last well beyond 2025 as one well known expert predicted. Should have the next bottle in 2 to 3 years time. 91% Cabernet Sauvignon; 4% Petit Verdot; 4% Cabernet Franc; 1% Merlot. — a month ago

Severn Goodwin

9.2

2019 | Pinot Noir
Enderle & Moll; Liaison
Rhine Valley; Baden, Germany
(92-93; drink 2024-29, 2H decant)

Paired to duck confit & green lentils, a favorite meal for cats and humans in our humble abode.

After a mere ~13 month wait after receiving into the cellar, we're finally pulling a cork today. This really wants another year to unfurl for my palate. All the hallmarks of this wine are here; ripe black cherry, tree moss, dehydrated strawberry, damp cedar, past season rose, orange zest, slight VA but unobtrusive, medium finish, dried cranberry.

A very special/unique vintage for Liaison based on this commentary from the winemakers:
"Unfortunately, we had quite heavy frost in some of our best red sandstone vineyards last year and additional problems with hail and high fungus pressure, which is the reason why we ultimately decided to only bottle our "Basis", the "Liaison" and our "Muschelkalk" (shell limestone) this year. The barrels from the other top vineyards ended up in our "Liaison", which is ultimately reflected in the quality of this years "Liaison"..."

With the best of luck, this situation will not be repeated; so 2019 drink happily knowing it's a blend of the best grapes. — a year ago

Dr. Owen Bargreen

9.5

The 2017 Toil Oregon Pinot Noir is absolutely singing even in its youth. Shades of blood orange zest and peat moss combine with the core of red fruits on the nose. The palate is vibrant showing a great combination of tension and weight. This has a prettier fruit profile certainly than the 2015 edition, with pomegranate seed and Tangerine zest that mingle with minerals and the earthy undertones of the wine. This is highly elegant Pinot Noir. Bright and very pretty now at the three year mark, the 2017 Toil Pinot Noir will show beautifully for two decades. Drink 2020-2038- 95 — 4 years ago

Byron Hewett

9.1

I liked this quite a bit. Not quite as good as the Tyrell’s Vat 1. — 2 months ago

Byron Fuller

9.0

Holding up beautifully. — a year ago

Lee Pitofsky

9.6

Vincent Dauvissat “Les Clos” 2014- A stunner. Power, intensity and an electric and tense palate that is clearly built to age. Shows an intense seashell minerality, sea spray salinity, rock moss and stone fruit. Exceptionally long and concentrated finish that coats the palate with its seashell and ocean mist persistence. — 2 years ago

Jean Kim

9.4

Silky tannins, fresh raspberry and tart cherry, earthy mushroom, moss, wet soil, dried rose petals. DELICIOUS. Keeps the palate intrigued - I keep picking up the glass to see what I’ll taste next. A wonderful collab between Raj Parr and Screaming Eagle. — 3 years ago

with Mark

Severn Goodwin

9.4

2005 | Pinot Noir
Goldeneye; Gowan Creek Vineyard
Mendocino Coast / Anderson Valley; Philo, CA, USA
(93-95; drink 2023-28, 5H decant)

Very over the top still at 18Y.
Charred red raspberry, crushed blackberries, black cherry, over-ripe strawberry, leather, chocolate cake and cedar balm.
Brown sugar syrup over ripe strawberries, musty moss / bark mulch, dried blackberry.

Serious, perfection for Anderson Valley.
Paired to a well charred, yet medium pork tenderloin, toasted orzo with garden herbs and spring squash+zucchini, delicious. — 10 months ago

Bob McDonald

9.5

Dark Ruby - almost black. Blackberry and herbal notes. Full bodied palate with good concentration and M plus intensity. Rich textural fleshy flavours with that trademark herbaceousness. Finishes with soft persistent tannins. A classy Cabernet by any measure. 2011 was a mixed bag in Australia largely being poor everywhere except in Western Australia and the Hunter Valley. This is the first of 6 bottles. — 2 years ago

Bob McDonald

9.2

See previous notes from November 2020. Herbaceous is the word together with plum and blackberry - some earthiness with a note of mushroom. In summary - Herbal, Mineral, Bay leaf. Not the complete package like it’s more illustrious Wilyabrup neighbours like Woodlands, Moss Wood, Vasse Felix, Cullen etc but also half the price so good QPR. Tasted again 60 weeks later on 6th September 2022 with similar results A good wine that drinks to its price point. Not quite the standard of its illustrious neighbours. Not as much maritime influence? — 3 years ago