Bob McDonald

9.7

As I’ve said previously it’s always a highlight to drink a Bass Phillip Reserve - Australia’s Best Pinot Noir. Nose of Asian spices, decayed plant matter/compost heap, mushroom and Sous Bois in general - a gorgeous nose. The palate is also gorgeous and of profound intensity with medium minus acid - great length and persistence. Treads the line of intensity and elegance. An amazingly good Pinot of Premier Cru but more of Grand Cru standard. I haven’t been buying recent vintages because the French owners have jacked up the price significantly / now approaching $1000, whereas I paid $495 for this 2013. — a month ago

Keith Pajonas

9.1

standard fare. crisp, nice bubble. quite expensive — 2 years ago

Jay Kline

9.2

From a 3L bottle that I have cellared since release. I always hesitate to open these large format bottles, instead making excuses to hold them for longer since they tend to age at a glacial pace. However, we were hosting a large group of people for my 40th birthday dinner and since we were having lamb and rice, and big bottles are meant for big parties, and the world hasn’t been able to enjoy many big parties over the last 14 months, I figured WTFN. In an attempt to maximize the potential of the bottle, I pulled the cork almost 30 hours prior, a recommendation from by buddy Tim who tends to know a lot more about these things. I left the bottle in my cellar, allowing it to slow-ox. By dinner the following evening, this was absolutely singing. Gorgeous, translucent ruby color with a slight brownish rim. Ripe red fruits just ever so slightly stewed, red flowers, dry earth, and dried Mediterranean herbs. This bottle was positively bursting with energy! Bone dry. Medium+ tannin; medium+ acid. The finish was long and somewhat saline and was an absolutely sublime pairing with our Khaleeji fare. A fabulous bottle and a much better showing than the 2013 (standard format) that I recall drinking a few years back. — 4 years ago

Kelley Raymond

9.0

Class is standard option — 6 months ago

Bob McDonald

9.6

See several previous notes. My last bottle of Premium from 2013. Tawny crimson in colour. More fruit driven than savoury on this showing. Red cherry and red florals with some Sous Bois. As in previous notes - ripe fruit. Quite sweet, rich and intense. A superb Pinot Noir by any standard. One of the best Pinots I’ve had this year and that includes New Zealand and Burgundy. — 2 years ago

K L

9.1

Always excellent. And surprised over again at how great their standard is. Balanced and just a little fruit forward yet earthy. Very drinkable. — 3 years ago

with Matt

Darren Dittrich

9.7

Perhaps our all-time favorite Tavel. I'd buy more of this except for the price tag! Alternatively, the 2018 standard release Tavel from Mordoree is so similar and costs $10 less, and is still drinking well in 2020. — 5 years ago

Adam Kincaid

9.0

Drinking a 3L from 2013 in late ‘24. Love the big format bottles and aging potential. This could go a lot longer I think but is also fine to drink now.

Standard Caymus flavors and aromas that made the brand known. Dark inky crimson color. Blueberries and blackberry fruit mixed with vanilla alongside the tell-tale signs of wet band-aid. Great tannins, medium-to-big acidity, good long finish. Really nice. — 6 months ago

with Jillian

K L

9.1

Always a good standard! — 2 years ago

with Matt

Mary H

8.9

Standard riesling, strong whiff of petrol on the nose, green apple and Meyer lemon. A little light on acidity. — 4 years ago

with BYY