Bob McDonald

9.6

From the Yarra Valley a Bordeaux blend of 48% Cabernet Sauvignon, 26% Merlot, 18% Cabernet Franc, 5% Malbec and 3% Petit Verdot. 20 months in new French oak. Mid Ruby to garnet in colour. Classic aromas of cedar and cigar box with fading Cassis. A medium bodied palate with those smooth ultra silky flowing tannins. This is drinking well at 20 years of age. My last bottle. This producer has probably flown under the radar for many North American wine lovers as Robert Parker was never a fan with some of his Tasting Notes being quite hostile. The Middletons probably stopped exporting to the USA after that as they had no trouble selling their production locally and in the UK. The just released 2023 vintage was honoured with Australian Wine of the Year by The Australian newspaper and given 99 points by Wine editor Nick Ryan. Quintet is always one of Australia’s best Cabernet blends. — 5 days ago

Matthew Cohen

9.0

N: interesting

P: very bright. Citrus.

Grand cru 25.50 — 2 months ago

Bob McDonald

9.4

Very dark Ruby in colour - impenetrable. Red fruits, dried herbs, plum and plum skins - evidence of whole bunch in the ferment ( 70% apparently). Lovely balance, fruit quality and complexity, all at only 6 years of age. An overall sweetness on the palate which overrides the savoury characters. Being from Geelong it’s interesting to compare with the Yarra Valley and Mornington Pinots on the opposite (eastern) side of Port Phillip Bay - same latitude - this seems more succulent although all 3 districts are excellent for Pinot Noir. This is the first of 5 bottles - the drinking window will go another 6 years into the 2030s. This is an exceptional Australian Pinot. — 4 months ago

Bob McDonald

9.6

Made by Tom Carson (chief winemaker at Yabby Lake) as his side project. 2013 and 2014 (the latter being Halliday’s wine of the year) of this wine were awarded Australia wide Trophies and Tom says this 2015 is just as good. Sweet red fruits (mulberry) with heaps of spice - Barb said peppery notes. A fabulous wine with impeccable balance- a perfect match with the free range chicken dish that Barb created. 98 points from James Halliday. Tom Carson for the last few years has been Chief Judge of the Royal Queensland Wine Show. His expertise shows in his winemaking. — a month ago

Jack Krawczyk

9.6

ripe fig, apricot. super fun. — 3 months ago

Marcus Chacos

9.5

Wow, an elegant and delightful taste. Good enough to drink on its own. — 6 months ago

Matthew Cohen

9.3

Nose: elegant green

Palate : clean. Crisp. Mountain stream. Juicy. Perfect cherry fruit. Elegant.

Grand cru 25.50 — 2 months ago

Matthew Cohen

9.1

N: earthy

P: sweet fruit. Still bright. Hint bitterness.

Nice finish.

Grand cru 54.50 — 2 months ago

Ross Bathgate

9.2

Signature Bailey wine, volatility evident with lovely spice and lifter nose from Viognier. Also some tart cherry evident which was unexpected. — 3 months ago

Bob McDonald

9.1

My last bottle in the cellar but first Delectable note for this vintage. A good balance of quality ripe grapes with the savoury peppery tannins from use of whole bunch in the ferment. — 6 months ago