Norman

9.4

We called this as being mellowed with time versus muted. The flavors were great but lacked acidity sharpness. Mom said she was a big fan of this. Very enjoyable with the standard flavors but not as intense. — 2 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. — 3 years ago

Ericsson

9.2

This opened up really nice! Full, velvety, meaty, lots of dark fruit with cutting acidity and firm tannings. Still much prefer their Merlot, but this is quickly becoming a Napa Cab standard. — 3 years ago

Mary H

8.9

Standard riesling, strong whiff of petrol on the nose, green apple and Meyer lemon. A little light on acidity. — 5 years ago

with BYY

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. — 5 years ago

Personal Fowl

9.4

A beautiful wine that ended a run of fantastic Phelps Insignia vintages. Unfortunately, more recent vintages have not met this standard. — 7 years ago

Jason Keefer

9.0

Ricky rosé! Pretty great, head over heals better than standard vueve! — 8 years ago

with Natasha

Bob McDonald

9.7

One of the best Pinots I’ve had from anywhere this year. Also I should state the only note I’ve been able to put on Delectable out of 4 attempts. The previous 3 have disappeared. Light in colour and a beautifully fragrant wine with Medium + intensity. 98 points from Huon Hooke and he made this comment, “A mesmerising wine - surely one of Bindi’s best ever “. I can only agree. This is a top quality Pinot Noir no matter the origin and will probably reach the end of HH’s drinking window of 2034. This Is easily of Premier Cru and in some cases Grand Cru standard. — 3 months ago

K L

9.1

Always a good standard! — 3 years ago

with Matt

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. — 4 years ago

with Matt

Todd Anderson

9.1

My first Tavel so no relative perspective. Definitely not your standard rose. — 5 years ago

Byron C Mayes

9.0

Pale gold with tiny persistent bubbles. Inviting nose and palate of ripe golden apples, ripe peaches, and clover honey. Light and fizzy on the tongue. Sweet (of course) but balanced with refreshing acidity. Short-ish finish, but you’re likely taking another sip before that matters. The gold standard for Moscato. A lovely treat on its own, with fresh fruit, or with lightly sweet dessert crepes. Also a great pair with the exceptionally spicy dishes that my dining partner likes to make (remember, “Sweet beats heat!”). Stop fronting. You know that you like this stuff. Drink now. — 6 years ago

with Jay

K L

9.1

Really good cab. Standard. Good timing on opening. — 7 years ago

with Matt

Frank Rotello

9.0

Surprisingly enjoyable for a Marlboro sauv blanc. I don’t drink this terroir or varietal much due to the standard palette across the board. This one had slight effervescence and lovely lilikoi and grapefruit on the aroma. Crisp, balanced acid and 100% dry finish. I would drink again — 8 years ago

Kelley Raymond

9.0

Class is standard option — a year ago

Bob McDonald

9.6

The Reserve is made from 5 rows of vines in the centre of the closely spaced (9000 vines per hectare) north east facing vineyard planted on silky loam. The unfiltered Reserve is matured for 20 months in new Alliers oak. Regarding colour this is mid crimson with tawny notes. A stunning nose - a red fruited perfume (cherry) with loamy Sous Bois notes (compost heap). Those aromatics translate to the medium bodied palate finishing with fine silky tannins. Very Bass Phillip. Obviously in the conversation regarding the best Pinot Noir in Australia. I would give the mantle to the BP Reserve. It should be for the price. One should not approach a BP Reserve under 10 years of age. This is of top 1er Cru and Grand Cru standard. — 2 years ago

Willie Carter

9.0

A standard that still brings excitement and drama. Medium gold color with plenty of small bubbles. The nose is wonderful with a ton of apples and baked bread. Nice floral accents to match the dried cherry and blackberry notes. Really, really nice.

Composed of the three traditional grapes and injected with a nice bit of reserve wines, this is just one of those bottles that’s always right on time. Powerful, muscular, masculine, and sleek. Lovely fruit on the tongue and an elegant mouthfeel. A classic for a reason. — 3 years ago

Blair Campomizzi

9.3

A favorite of mine. Fruit forward with easy going plum, black cherry and blueberry supported with the standard Caymus vanilla back. — 5 years ago

with Marilea and Arthur

Eric Urbani

9.1

Same Blend as their standard Cab, except they free run the juice. Plush style — 7 years ago

Ming L

9.3

A whiff and a sip of the 2001, my generous friend decided that it was not up to her standard and pull out the 2003, which I did not expect as I was really enjoying the 2001 and also had couple bottles of white before that.
While the nose was resemblant to the 2001 in terms of its herbal and earthiness, the fruits was not taking the backseat. A soft and round palate belied the still quite firm structure. Velvety firm tannins with long spicy finish. Polished and well balanced. Plenty of life left. Beautiful! — 7 years ago