Only pale to mid crimson in colour with a tawny edge at 26 years of age. Black and blue fruits with game and a coffee bean note. The medium bodied yet rich palate is savoury and earthy with blackberry and just so so silky with resolved tannins and low acid. Not sure that I agree totally with Bob Campbell MW’s description - “like getting into an old Jag on a hot day”, but I love the imagery and can see where he’s coming from. Jancis said “pure hedonism “ and gave it 19/20. The latest iteration of H of G (2017) is selling for around $950 a bottle in Brisbane. No doubt brilliant but too expensive for me. I remember paying $12.50 for the 1982 vintage on release. There is a certain H of G character that is recognisable over many vintages over the years. Must be one of the most unique Shiraz vineyards in the world with vines up to a 150 years old. A privilege to drink this wine and close to perfection with 98 points. — 2 years ago
One of my favorite bottles of Pinot Noir. Drinking the 2014. — 3 years ago
Cobb is another solid producer of CA Pinot Noir. A 14 acre parcel bought in 1988 by Ross Cobb and began making wine in 1989.
The nose reveals ripe, lush, ruby fruits of; poached strawberries, blackberries, dark cherries, raspberries, hints of blueberries, uncooked rhubarb, tree bark w/sap, hints of eucalyptus, smoky characteristics, lightly grilled meats, black pepper, red licorice/cola, understated baking spices, dry top soil w/ crushed rocks, light, fresh tobacco, volcanic ash and fresh; dark, red, blue flowers framed in violets.
The palate is ripe, juicy and very elegant. Fruits are; ripe, lush, ruby fruits of; poached strawberries, blackberries, dark cherries, plum, raspberries, hues of blueberries, uncooked rhubarb and pomegranate juice. Tree bark w/sap, hints of eucalyptus, smoky characteristics, lightly grilled meats, black pepper, red licorice/cola, understated baking spices, dark, moist spice, very, dry, dusty top soil w/ crushed rocks, crumbled volcanics, dry, grey clay, light, fresh tobacco, cigar & volcanic ash and fresh; dark, red, blue flowers framed in violets. The excellent acidity runs like a cool mountain river with a well knitted, structured, balanced, elegant & smartly polished finish that lasts over a minute landing on soft minerality & spice.
This 14 has another 4-5 years of good drinking before it starts its gentle decline.
Photos of the Jack Hill Vineyard, winery gate and founder Ross Cobb. — 2 months ago
My kind of #californication 🙂 Deep and spicy (finish) with strong bitter chocolate. Mild tannins, medium acidity. Black fruits - barely palpable. But a leather, smoke maybe - they do the job. My second wine from William Hill - the first one was fantastic blend (2014). — 3 years ago
Brief notes. Peach and pear together with spice and a trace of pepper. Plenty of power on the palate. Probably one of Australia’s best examples of Gruner Veltliner. Bought at the Cellar Door in the Adelaide Hills in March 2021. — 4 months ago
A gift from cam and roommates one birthday, don’t remember much but I imagine it was good at $50 — 3 years ago
One of my favorites. Hill Family does a great job. — 3 years ago
Bought while it was on sale. One of my favorites for the price. — 3 years ago
K L
One of the best. Very balanced. Red fruit but earthy. — 12 days ago