Eric LaMasters

10

Wow, this wine was phenomenal tonight. Maybe it’s the season, but it reminded me of Christmas- deep, dark berries with cinnamon, nutmeg, and hints of pine needles. Everything is in perfect balance and at a perfect stage in its evolution. I could sit and smell this for hours!
Thanks @Andrew Steffensmeier for a great meal and for this extraordinary wine! Always great to see you! — 5 days ago

with Andrew

Randy Fuller

9.0

This kosher Australian Sauvignon Blanc smells lightly of grass, but not to the extent that a New Zealand SauvBlanc does. There's citrus and minerals, too, but it's altogether a fairly tame, and pleasant, aroma. Acidity is fresh, the palate shows Meyer lemon and minerals in a tasty, if not compelling, scenario. — 12 days ago

Bob McDonald

9.6

Prior to opening I noticed minor ullage with level being at high shoulder. Dense dark crimson - the colour would not lead you to believe it was 27 years old. Dusty dark berries with a whiff of leather (Barb). Strong aromas of cassis and also notes of coconut American Oak which I wasn’t expecting after all these years, but it is in balance with the fruit. On the palate there is power with molten tannins. Still with a good future into the 2030s. The previous vintage 1990 was Wine Spectators wine of the Year and largely put Grange on the map in the USA. Many good judges in Australia now prefer the 1991 to the 1990 and I am inclined to agree. I have 4 left from an original dozen and should have the next in about 2 to 3 years time. — 24 days ago

Martin Sher

9.3

Duval goodness. Consistently excellent with everything he produces. Epic dinner in Spokane with some of my very best friends. (3/6). — 5 days ago

Bob McDonald

9.5

Deep crimson in colour. Noticeable oak (mocha) amongst the cassis and sweet ripe berry fruit aromas and flavours - the Penfolds formula if you will. A touch of Coonawarra mint. Crazy to say at 20 years it is still a youngster - but true. It still has a powerful, concentrated and full bodied palate from an exceptional vintage. Smooth fine grained tannins finishing dry and with time in decanter some austerity. Next in 3 to 5 years but this will cruise into the 2030s. — 12 days ago

Randy Fuller

9.2

This Australian Shiraz has four years of age on it. The dark wine displays a nose rich with flinty minerals and black and blue fruit. The palate shows similar, but a little heavier on the fruit. Still, the earth is plainly there. There's a zippy acidity and some fairly youthful tannins that invite a pairing your favorite steak. — 2 days ago

Paul Jakubowski

9.0

30+ minute decant in my new decanter :) Fully equipped now in London! Deep dark purple color, almost black. Massive power in this wine and could use some years to mellow out, even though it’s a 2003. These Aussie Shiraz’s rip your face off! Wine is very thick. Palate was surprising and interesting in that it was full of prunes, plums, and is very port like. You need to like big wines to enjoy this guy, which I do, but even this was too much. — 10 days ago

Aaron Tan

9.3

Underrated, or should I say underrepresented. You can hardly find these in the east coast, though the same can be said in the west (of Australia, in case anyone's wondering). Picked up one of the last bottles of the 2018 Lowboi Riesling from a store in Perth. Lucky me since it's sold out in most of the city.

The 2017 Lowboi Riesling was one of my favourite Aussie Rieslings last year, and the 2018's another winner. Pure energy! Laser precision, white florals, limey-citrusy goodness, salty acidity. Six months or so on lees has given it quite a lovely texture and a musky element. The use of RS (5 g/l) is brilliant - adds weight and softens the acidity, but finishes dry and long.

While "Lowboi" may sound like an upcoming underground rap artist, the wines are far from trying to be hip. They're serious, age-worthy Rieslings and Chardonnays. In fact, the actual origin of the name is a pointer - it pays tribute to the area and namesake where the winemaker's mother grew up in. Lowboi is the personal label of Guy Lyons, winemaker and heir of Forest Hill. Trust me when I say there's real talent here, as I've had the pleasure of working and spending many nights drinking with the man himself. And let's not talk about the impressive resume, having spent time at perhaps the best wineries of their cepage - Gonon and Keller.

The Porongurup Riesling comes from dry-farmed vines planted in 1985. South-facing, the aspect might surprise some as it goes against all convention in the southern hemisphere. But like Kai Schatzael's north-facing auction Pettenthal, Guy probably saw the Springview Vineyard's potential in producing wines of greater finesse in an increasingly warmer planet. Taste this and they will be no questions asked! — 11 days ago

Ron R

9.3

This is stunning. We love it. So exotic on the nose, which carries thru to the palate. Plump black and blue fruits pick up pace, along with coffee and pomegranate. Perfect acidity complements ripe tannins. Don’t cellar this, it’s perfect right now.
Kitchen will be completed in time for Xmas... — 6 days ago

with Anne-marie

TheSkip

9.0

Underwhelming. I just don’t thing Clarendon Hills is for me. — 6 days ago