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Philip Schell

Philip Shaw

No.17 Orange Merlot Blend 2024

Marcus Chacos
9.5

Wow, this was an amazing amazing amazing red. Need to compare against everything we love. — 23 days ago

Marchesi Mazzei

Philip Toscana Cabernet Sauvignon 2013

Ted
8.9

Still holding on at 12 years of age. Cedar and cigar box. Dark fruit. Blueberry. — 4 months ago

Jeni
with Jeni
Juan, Rick and 11 others liked this

McWilliam's

Mount Pleasant Philip Hermitage Shiraz 2018

David White
9.2

Old stalwart from Hunter valley
See earlier notes
Has new owner’s since 2019 and not buying current vintages until I know what the reviews are like, skeptical as got snapped up by private equity outfit
This is probably the last of the Mohicans — 9 months ago

Bob, Tom and 1 other liked this
Bob McDonald

Bob McDonald Influencer Badge

@David White David, at least Adrian Sparks is the Chief Winemaker and has been at Mount Pleasant for a while. I met Adrian at a lunch at Mount Pleasant some years ago when he was assistant to the then highly credentialed Jim Chatto who has moved on to his own venture in Tasmania. The terroir at Mount Pleasant is so established and excellent I’m sure it will always be very good and as I say, Adrian is chief winemaker.
David White

David White

@Bob McDonald Thank you for detail on Adrian Sparks. I’m sure you are right that it will be ok, I need to research their latest releases and find a good independent retailer, my local guy who specialised in individual vineyards was bought out by BWS 😩

Philip Togni Vineyard

Tanbark Hill Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2017

AEL
9.0

Tight, structured, took over an hour to really open up. Crushed raspberries, balsamic. — 2 months ago

Philip Lardot

der hirt trocken Riesling 2021

Jonathan Warren
9.6

Very confusing because it has aged Riesling notes like honey up front but the acidity and minerals shine through and it’s just gorgeous — 3 months ago

Philip Lardot

der Graf Riesling 2020

Louis Martin
8.9

Dry, tart, not as sweet as most Rieslings, improved when allowed to breathe, paired well with teriyaki Salmon. — 7 months ago

Spinifex

Bête Noir Shiraz 2020

Bob McDonald
9.1

Another candidate in the 41 wine lineup at the Downs Club tasted blind. Unlike many of the other candidates which had ripe black fruits from 2018, this had notes of dried meat and charcuterie. Full bodied - more savoury than fruit driven. Spinifex is a boutique Barossa producer. Winemaker is the Kiwi star, Peter Schell. Very Good. — 3 years ago

Tom, Severn and 17 others liked this

Philip Shaw

Koomooloo Vineyard No. 89 Shiraz 2023

Marcus Chacos
9.0

Amazing Chardonnay — 2 months ago

Philip Togni Vineyard

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 1990

Jerry Raphael
9.5

Well, here we are two years later, back at the same BYOB for New Year’s Eve with the same wine. I figured 35 years was enough—it was time to drink it.
Same treatment as in 2024: opened and decanted, then poured about two hours later. This time the nose offered noticeably more—cedar, a touch of vegetal character, and dark berries. On the palate, dark berries again took the lead. The finish was good, but at the very end it seemed to stop just a bit short but still giving it a 95. At Anthony’s — 3 months ago

Somm and "Odedi" liked this
Somm David T

Somm David T Influencer Badge

His wines from the 90’s are amongst my favorite in Napa. He is 99 now and is retired but he still involved to a lesser degree. We should all be that lucky.

Bass Phillip

Reserve Pinot Noir 2009

Bob McDonald
9.5

See previous Delectable Note for the 2009 vintage from 88 weeks ago. Similar tasting note with a nose of Compost Heap, Sous Bois and dirty red and black cherry. Still a strong core of energy - could go on for another 5 years. Arguably Australia’s greatest Pinot Noir - definitely of Grand Cru quality. A lovely textured medium bodied palate. Only 40 dozen made. Philip Jones said at the time that 2009 was one of his best vintages, although to be honest he has made a few just as good, if not better, since. — 3 years ago

Severn, Ira and 19 others liked this