Freddy R. Troya

9.5

One of the most aromatic and expressive Chardonnays from the Russian River Valley. The nose is a vibrant bouquet of toasted hazelnut, lemon zest, apricot, cantaloupe, lavender, and crème brûlée. Utterly captivating.

On the palate, layers unfold: apricot pastry, baked apple, lemon curd, dried pineapple, and honeysuckle, with hints of tarragon and nougat. Medium to full-bodied with bright acidity, a silky texture, and a long, brioche-tinged finish.

Superbly balanced between fruit, oak, and freshness. Delicious now but built to evolve. 🍋🍍🥐 cheers!! — 6 days ago

Bob McDonald

9.4

As you can see from my previous Delectable notes I normally drink Mollydooker reds, particularly Carnival of Love, on cold nights in Winter. This certainly worked. Aromatics of black plum and other black fruits. The palate is ripe, sweet and full bodied - quite thick and textured. Has come together somewhat after 15 years but still a very powerful McLaren Vale Shiraz. Jeb Dunnuck’s comment of “full bore and hedonistic “ sums it up. This was the #2 wine in Wine Spectators Top 100 of 2012. — 17 days ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.0

Light lemon color with aromas of citrus and tropical fruits and floral notes. On the palate flavors of grapefruit, green apple and pear fruit flavors, some grassy tones, lively acidity. Medium+ finish ending with fruit, herbal, floral, grassy and mineral notes. Lightly chill so you can experience all of the nuances while you sip this fine wine. Nice, consistent. — a month ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.0

Woodcutter is entry level for Torbreck. For just under $20, a very good Shiraz for the money.

This is young and full throttle. Alcohol seems hotter than 15%. But their reds need time.

Lots of ripe; mulberries, blackberries to pie, gooseberries, black raspberries & dark candied black cherries. Anise into black licorice, sweet tarriness, black ground pepper, fresh tobacco, leather, barrel shavings, dark spice, vanilla, clove, nutmeg, dry crushed rocks, red flowers, lavender, violets, full round acidity and nicely balanced, big tensioned, well structured, lush, elegant, well polished finish that lasts 90 seconds and falls on spice and pleasant earthiness.

It needs to shed its baby fat. Let rest another 3-5 years before opening. In Australian Shiraz hard to beat at this price point. — 11 days ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.4

Pale yellow with pleasing aromas of citrus and tropical fruits, adding in spice and some biscuit notes. On the palate complex palate of flavors, fresh fruit, pineapple, lemon, grapefruit, peaches and Asian pears. Slight earthiness with a smooth and creamy well balanced finish ending with a gentle yeasty character. Very nice! Consistent quality! Will age well! — a month ago

Joe DAscoli

9.1

Solid and fully robust — a month ago

Luke McGee

9.2

One that me dad’s been talking about since I was about 8. Didn’t disappoint. 31 years old, perfectly mellowed. Earthy, mushroom on the nose then cherry and raisin on the palette. Privilege to drink this fella — 4 days ago

Debra Copeland, WSET3, CSWS

9.1

Ripe blackberry jam, black fruits, violets and milk chocolate on the nose and palate. Light notes of leather and smoke are also present. Should pair well with mint & cumin lamb chops. — 10 days ago

Jeremiah Diaz

9.0

Pale gold in color; passion fruit, honeydew, and lemon on the nose; high acidity; tastes like lemongrass, white peach, and saline with a long finish. After some time in the glass, it had a jalapeño flavor that was a little less pleasant, but still good. — a month ago

with Nellie

Bob McDonald

9.2

Penfolds reds like this age at glacial pace even from a not so great vintage like 2007. Not much change after 5 years. Red and black fruits- choc/mocha - good concentration - tannins starting to soften after 18 years. Could keep cellaring up to 2030 and beyond. — a month ago