Bob McDonald

9.6

The 2nd vintage of La Grande Rue we had at the Burgundy dinner in Sydney 6 weeks ago. This was the 2015. A very Vosne Romanee nose - perfumed and enticing. Sweeter fruit than the 2012. Given its prime location as being over the road (La Grande Rue) from La Romanee and La Romanee Conti it doesn’t reflect the quality of those 2 vineyards nor the price thankfully. Amazing that the separation of the width of a narrow road makes such a difference. The 1.65 hectares of La Grande Rue dates back to the 15th century. It is simply a continuation of La Tache - lighter bodied (and lighter priced). — 5 months ago

Brendan Baker

9.2

Transparent ruby, flinty, black cherry, orange peel, bright 😋 — 3 years ago

Alexander Motola

9.3

Should be too early. It’s not. This wine is insane right now, ridiculously well balanced; it will probably get better but I doubt it’s a 30 year wine. — 5 years ago

Bob McDonald

9.0

Herbal aromas (typically Margaret River) with Geranium Capsicum and a touch of menthol. Some green notes - medium weight. Savoury wins out over Cassis and black fruits. Not in the upper echelon of Margaret River Cabernet. Just a silver medal. We went to the Cellar Door some years ago and the story goes that the Reserve Cab was served at the wedding of Prince Frederick of Denmark to Sydney Real Estate agent Mary Donaldson originally from Tasmania now Crown Princess Mary and one day will become the Queen of Denmark. Fred is a keen sailor who was representing Denmark at the Sydney Olympics in 2000 and they met at Sydney hotspot The Slip Inn where Fred was flashing his Black AMEX so the story goes and was captivated by Mary and the rest is history. — 6 years ago

Bob McDonald

9.8

Another stunning Chambertin from the Burgundy dinner in Sydney 6 weeks ago. An absolutely gorgeous nose. Interestingly 100% new oak but the powerful fruit just swallows it. A little Animale/Feral note which adds interest. The medium plus bodied palate shows a savoury and sinewy texture. This has got the lot and still with a long window up to the early 2040s. Surpassed the 2002 in my book. — 6 months ago

David White

9.1

True to Marlborough style SB a tinge of green but not grassy - more flinty mineral wine with clean feel on palate and lasting aftertaste
Hits the spot on a hot summer’s afternoon in Sydney
— 4 years ago

Bob McDonald

9.1

Contrary to my last note, this IS my last bottle of 2 dozen. Mid Ruby in colour. Dark ripe cherries with a little pepper on both nose and palate. Can see why this wine has won 13 Trophies on the Australian Show Circuit including 5 at Royal Sydney. Ridiculous value at $22 or less. So easy to drink. Made by French winemaker Celine Rousseau in the cool climate Hilltops District near Young NSW. Wish I had more. — 6 years ago

Steve Mitchell

9.3

Peppery, full bodied , complex nice finish.
Paired well with lamb chops. — 8 months ago

Brian Wakelin

8.9

Good stuff. From friday harbour — 2 years ago

Bob McDonald

9.5

Our final long lunch in Cairns at the Salt House on the waterfront. No formal notes but i have always loved this Shiraz from Waiheke Island in the middle of Auckland Harbour NZ. Plummy spicy and savoury with supple tannins. Overtones of Northern Rhone and easy to drink. — 5 years ago