Bob McDonald

9.6

From the Yarra Valley a Bordeaux blend of 48% Cabernet Sauvignon, 26% Merlot, 18% Cabernet Franc, 5% Malbec and 3% Petit Verdot. 20 months in new French oak. Mid Ruby to garnet in colour. Classic aromas of cedar and cigar box with fading Cassis. A medium bodied palate with those smooth ultra silky flowing tannins. This is drinking well at 20 years of age. My last bottle. This producer has probably flown under the radar for many North American wine lovers as Robert Parker was never a fan with some of his Tasting Notes being quite hostile. The Middletons probably stopped exporting to the USA after that as they had no trouble selling their production locally and in the UK. The just released 2023 vintage was honoured with Australian Wine of the Year by The Australian newspaper and given 99 points by Wine editor Nick Ryan. Quintet is always one of Australia’s best Cabernet blends. — 7 months ago

Daniel Bloom

9.2

Only 500 of these babies! N:Sea salt, lanolin, brown sugar, brine.
P: Soft, broad and lively,some lemon, sea brine echoes again.
Thanks Nick. — 5 years ago

Laddie DeRocco

9.0

Great with chocolate or steak. Definitely worth buying again. Got it at olive grove. — 5 years ago

Bob McDonald

9.3

Earthy aromas with ripe plum notes - a very Otago nose albeit in the lighter spectrum. Same notes transfer to the medium bodied sappy palate. Not as full bodied as I was expecting. Quite Burgundian in weight and texture. Made by the equally earthy Nick Mills, owner and winemaker who made his presentation at Pinot NZ 2018 in Wellington in bare feet. Rippon is biodynamic and chemical free. I subsequently had a nice chat with him - a genuine bloke. Must be one of the prettiest vineyard scenes anywhere in the world sloping up from Lake Wanaka. Whilst this is classed as Central Otago this is not as full bodied as the Bannockburn/Felton Road district. — 6 years ago

Hannah Vickers

9.3

Thank you Nick and Nikki for a beautiful wine! Had it with lobster and was brilliant. Will definitely buy again! — 8 years ago

with Nikki, Nicholas and 1 other

brando cox

9.0

a strong showing from Nick Goldschmidt, and the Alexander Valley at a nice sub $20 price! Aromas of dark cherry fruits, and balanced oak peek through Velvety, fruit forward and balanced mouthfeel with nice tannins and acidity. Decant for a min of 50 min! — 9 years ago

Bob McDonald

9.5

See previous note from January 2023. Pepper Liquorice and Raspberry. Savoury and full bodied on the palate. Such density despite the drinking window describing this as “Old”. 2011 to 2028. I see this as having many years to go. Riper having blackberry and not as much pepper as you would expect because of this warmer vintage. The vineyards were originally planted in 1964, establishing this as one of Australia’s leaders in cool climate Shiraz. It has always been one of my favourite Australian Reds. Best Shiraz and Wine of the Year for 2011 as voted by the Good Wine Guide. 98 points from Nick Stock. — 3 years ago

Ron R

9.4

The label was soiled when I received the order. I was immediately concerned regarding the contents. Happily, the wine was in pristine nick. Forest floor and cinnamon nose transitioned to the signature gnarly, textured dark fruit, smoke, and spice box presentation. I’m going to hold some of these Astons and see what happens. Intro’d to this by @Bill Bender, this has become my fave Cali pinot. Every vintage comes correct. — 5 years ago

with Anne-marie

Sipping Fine Wine

8.9

Words “Anam Cara” are Celtic for “friend of my soul.” Nick and Sheila have made wines since planting grapes in 2001. Pale lemon with aromatic aromas of ripe tropical, stone & citrus fruits. On the palate tart apple and melon flavors, with a crisp citrus tang. Medium+ finish, vivid acidity with rich ending. Drinking well now. Nice value. — 6 years ago

Dave Apple

9.0

Nick only buys good wine at dinner — 7 years ago

Emily Colonna

9.5

Olivia’s recommendation, lovely. Roughly $30 a bottle $14 a glass at the Dock — 8 years ago

Anne Selee

9.1

Great find on the menu due to Nick! — 9 years ago

with Carla

Desiree

9.1

Nick and Tonya — 4 years ago

Elizabeth S.

9.8

Very opaque and dark. Feels like a good blend of deep and complex but not overly tanniny — 4 years ago

Michael Chelus

9.1

Cherry, raspberry preserves, blackberry, currant, vanilla, dark chocolate and oak. Full-bodied and moderate tannins. — 5 years ago

Ruby Gawlik

10

Love . Had with Nick & Jess — 5 years ago

Sarah Reis

9.4

Very fruity and smooth. For adams bday dinner at Chives 2020 — 6 years ago

Melissa Rocco

9.0

Wine from Linich’s that we drank while making Supplis and Crispetis for Xmas 2018 — 7 years ago

Rob Brobst III

9.9

Not overrated..... just under appreciated🤗 this isn’t supposed to be a fruit bomb, but rather a benchmark for what I call ‘Precision Wine”. Well done Nick & Armand! — 8 years ago

Kirsten Forsberg

9.6

Nick loves — 9 years ago