Bob McDonald

9.1

See previous note in June 2023 where I questioned the ripeness of the fruit. This has the trademark spice and pepper. Very little fruit, more savoury characters. From one of Australia’s leading cool climate wineries. As Jancis said, “a real sense of place “ - in this case the Macedon Ranges just north of Tullamarine Airport. Very different to SA Shiraz. Just medium bodied - a leathery note with balanced tannins. As in previous note a touch of astringency at the finish. — 20 days ago

Bob McDonald

9.5

See previous notes on July 2018 and October 2021. This is maturity nicely. Keith Mugford, the owner and winemaker said on release “It will take at least 10 years to develop some bottle age characters and will probably reach its peak somewhere around 20 years old. However it should continue to be drinkable up to 30 years old, at least and especially for those bottles under screw cap.” (Which this was). Showing cassis, mulberry, cedar and a little tobacco. Mouth filling and delicious. Rich and sweet - could be described as a Shiraz lover’s Cabernet. Great persistence - smooth and slippery tannins. A very good vintage in Margaret River. I have 3 left - next one in late 2026 or 2027 when 20 years old. I also have a Magnum which should not be touched until at least 25 years of age. — 5 months ago

Bob McDonald

9.5

See previous note for a 2016 Estate in September 2022. Mid to transparent ruby red. A gorgeous fragrant nose - red fruited, stalky, dried herbs. The palate just as gorgeous - all those aromatics transfer to the medium weight palate with medium plus intensity. A class act from Bass Phillip as always. — 6 months ago

Paul J

9.5

Getting in the spring spirit!

Same as previous note. — 2 months ago

with Brooke

Bob McDonald

9.3

A pale crimson with a tawny edge - almost transparent. A high quality Pinot Noir from Canterbury wizards Marcel Giesen and Sherwyn Veldhuizen. As I said last tasting note - pale but powerful. As good a new World Pinot Noir as you will find, and this is Bell Hill’s second wine. I can’t improve on the previous Delectable note from October 6 2023. These wines from Bell Hill aren’t cheap but are a lot cheaper than good Burgundy. — 2 months ago

Graham

9.2

Didn’t live up to previous bottles. — 6 months ago

Paul J

9.4

Gold color with subtle cloudiness. White Burgundy nose - butter, camomile, oak, and a touch of minerality. Similar on the palate with above average depth and thickness. Just my style. A little more reserved and less refined than previous bottles. — 6 months ago

with Brooke

Paul J

9.0

PnP. Better than previous bottles of older vintages. Started out nice but became too tannic and rough for me. Not a ton of fruit present, more earth, herbs, and minerality. Decent depth. — 2 months ago

with Brooke

Bob McDonald

9.5

See previous note for this vintage and cuvée in July 2022. An exceptional Tassie Pinot Noir. My last Freycinet in the cellar which is an oversight on my part. A sweetish yet earthy palate showing savoury root vegetable flavours, like beetroot as well as black cherry. A luscious flavoursome delicious palate. I have had 15 year old Pinots from Freycinet before and this one could go the distance. — 2 months ago

Bob McDonald

9.6

71st birthday wine from daughter Georgie’s birth year. Cedar aromas like an antique shop. Maraschino cherries Georgie said with touches of marzipan, and anise Dusty plum and cassis. Soft resolved tannins. A gorgeous First growth claret from a great vintage in 1989. Enjoyed this more than the previous tasting early last year. Really enjoyable. — 6 months ago

with Hugh and Georgina