Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.8

The nose shows beautiful fruits of; black, raspberries, black cherries, dark, cherries, raspberries, poached, strawberries, and blueberries. Olive, dark melted chocolate to pudding, black licorice to anise, bold, baking, spices, cigar, leather, cedar limestone, moist herbs, and baking powder.

What gorgeous, palate fruits. Perfectly ripe, dark, cherries, blackberries black, raspberries, baked, strawberries, and both plums, sweet, soft tarriness, black licorice very, soft leather & tobacco, dark spice with palate heat, perfumed flowers that are dark, red and framed in violets, perfect rainfall acidity with an elegant, well, balanced, smartly polished, medium structure with a long finish that lands on clays spice and soils.

If there is one thing I learned tasting 6 Harlan’s is Bob Levy is one of the very best, if not thee best at managing Cabernet/Bordeaux blend tannins.

Tasting with Winemaker- Bob Levy & Managing Director-Don Weaver. — 2 months ago

Bob McDonald

9.5

See previous notes here on Delectable. Mid to pale ruby in colour. Pale yet powerful. Great aromatics of pansies, rose petals and violets also stalkiness. As Barb said the aromas of a beautiful garden. After a while an Animale, feral note not unlike some Burgundies we’ve had. Medium bodied palate - dried red fruits with a sweet yet savoury twist. A very polished new World Pinot by any measure. Tasters often identify with Central Otago and Martinborough for quality NZ Pinot Noir. Don’t forget about Canterbury in the South Island not far from the city of Christchurch. Luckily I have 2 left. Bob Campbell MW says drink through to 2025. — 3 years ago

Bob McDonald

9.6

At the Downs Club Magnum dinner on Wednesday night. This was the mystery wine. Probably New Zealand’s most iconic wine according to Bob Campbell MW. A lovely nose of cassis, dark fruits and spice. M plus intensity of aroma. Elegant rather than a blockbuster - great balance with controlled power. Tempted to buy some and cellar it for 10 years plus. 98 points from Bob Campbell MW. — 5 years ago

Ron R

9.5

Petaluma Tiers - In my mind, a first-growth chard from down under.
I spat my pacifier out when the cork disintegrated, but I need not have been concerned.
The visual presentation is stunning - look at that golden color in the glass. The nose displays roasted almonds, nutmeg, toasted bread and white fruits.
Palate is regal, revealing poise, layers and complexity. The mouthfeel is dense, while notes of nuts, exotic fruits and oak are layered. The acidity provides a frame for the overall structure. The almost undetectable oxidation is to be expected, but that just adds to what is a stunning example.
@Bob McDonald, any backstories to share?
Pairing this with filet and porcini mushrooms (which I have never cooked) 😱 — 6 years ago

with Anne-marie, Eric and 2 others

Steve Williams

9.0

The fruit tippy-toed up and says, “believe it or not, I’m here.” At bit thin at first, but fills out nicely at the end. A great salad and wild rice/broccoli fritters with Marta and Bob. — 7 years ago

Bob McDonald

9.3

Rich and supple but not as rich as this Cuvée often is. Earthy red fruits with herbs. As Bob Campbell said, good vinosity. Always one of the top Pinots from the North Island. See previous Delectable notes on this Cuvée and vintage. — 9 months ago

Jeffery Heavner

9.2

2 words Bob Foley. He never disappoints. Big bad cab that is well balanced front to back and has great acids. This is a great wine. Please enjoy — 2 years ago

Ray Vanderhoff

9.1

Deep red/purple color. Aromas of red berries/cherries, pomegranate, leather, purple flowers and cloves. More blackberry fruit on the pallet with hints of tomato, black pepper and vanilla. Bright, juicy and crunchy. Tannins are nicely balanced with the refreshing acidity. Love this varietal! Thank you Bob and Jess! — 3 years ago

Jon Russell

9.2

Tar and light. Good acidity. Easy to drink. Might give a little chill next time.
Bought at Winey Neighbor — 4 years ago

Ray Quirolgico

9.2

Beautiful color and smell with a simple clean flavor that ends slightly sharp and tart. Great for sipping while cooking, and versatile to match with lots of food. — 5 years ago

Rick Wolfen

9.5

Fruit is still there! One of my favorites! Bob Foley is as good a winemaker as there is on the planet! Big, fruit driven, plum and rich, but incredibly balanced. Just so good!! — 6 years ago

Ryan Vento

9.4

Celebrating my parents’ anniversary. I’ve always enjoyed Amici’s Spring Mountain expression. Rich, brooding dark fruits, cool eucalyptus, and Christmas spices. Lovely tannins and overall mouthfeel. Bottle signed by proprietor Bob Shepard. — 7 years ago

with Krystal

Bob McDonald

9.3

Nose of ripe red fruits plus black plum. Obvious whole bunch influence. Fruit influence has diminished a little since previous tasting but there was some fruit sweetness when tasting at the end of the.palate and the bottle. Kiwi expert Bob Campbell MW was very impressed and said “the best Ata Rangi I’ve tasted “ when he tasted it in June 2016. — 2 years ago

Robert Swart

9.0

Birth year treat from Bob T. — 3 years ago

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10

The 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon is one of the truly exceptional wines of the vintage. As I worked through this series of retrospective tastings, I had hoped to find at least one wine like this. A truly epic 2011. When I tasted the Mayacamas Cabernet, I knew I had found it. Deep, potent and massively constituted, the 2011 possesses tremendous richness and pure power, all within the classical framework that is such a Mayacamas signature. Dark fruit, lavender crushed rocks, menthol and sage build as this explosive Cabernet shows off its pedigree. The 2011 is the last vintage Bob Travers made at Mayacamas (although it was blended and bottled by the current team). It is very clearly one of the wines of this challenging and misunderstood vintage, as well as a fitting testament to his legacy. Harvest stretched into late October and early November. (Antonio Galloni, Vinous, May 2022)
— 4 years ago

Joe Carroll

Owner/Wine Director Spuyten Duyvil, Fette Sau, St. Anselm & Gotham Artisanal Provisions

9.2

Made from a very old vineyard in Temecula that hadn’t been pruned or cared for in over sixty years. — 5 years ago

David Netzer

Owner Wine House Limited

9.3

Wasn’t sure this would still be singing, but how can one doubt Jim and Bob?? Creamy, rich, long, washed down some wild salmon beautifully. Not an ersatz White Burg; but a classical Santa Cruz Mtns. Chardonnay. — 6 years ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.1

Had this a year ago, aged nicely. Bob and Jim Varner started planting in 1980. Deep Ruby, slight brown edges, aromas of ripe berry fruits with earthy smoky cedar. On the palate cherry and raspberry with currant notes, good balance. Fine savory tannins, long ending with ripe fruit, toasty spice and earthy character. Drink now!! — 6 years ago

Meg Raiano

8.9

Tastes like green peppers @Bob Raiano — 7 years ago

Jordan Wardlaw

9.1

Raspberry, cherry, cola, rhubarb, orange rind, Earl Grey tea, sandalwood, baking spice. Very lifted and fresh on the palate with vivid ruby color and a graceful feminine character. Truly excellent, superbly-crafted New World Pinot Noir that is delicious, speaks of its place and will hold well in the cellar. There’s only one problem here: An utterly absurd price which I find on the verge of criminal. I have no doubt this segment of the market will bear it, but personally I refuse to let price color my perception of what is actually in the glass which in this case is a very fine Pinot Noir, not Grand Cru Vosne Romanee. For the suggested retail price of this wine I would suggest three or four different Pinot Noir (grown anywhere in the world) that could provide equal if not greater measures of happiness. — 8 years ago