Lyle Fass

Founder Fass Selections

9.7

Absolutely extraordinary. Starts wide open at a 9.7 with a lush, creamy palate with tons of energy.Ultra compelling. But then gains structure. Will be a long air out for this one. Nose is unreal spice. Just crazy exotic and awesome. Elite stuff. With air this sheds its tannin and becomes a hedonism bomb. Just insane. — 19 hours ago

Scott E. Becker

9.2

[Tasted on January 25, 2025 at Home with Tom, Kathy, Mark and Lucille]

Purchased during September 2022 visit to the winery. “Billet Doux” means “Love Note” in French. 58% Semillon; 36% Sauvignon Blanc and 6% Muscat. Late harvest dessert wine in style of Sauternes. Mango, apricot, mandarin orange and peach fruit, with honey and ginger. Sweet and rich with nice balance. — a year ago

Doug Powers

9.0

I agree with @Tom Casagrande’s detailed review from 2022 of this lovely 100% cement-fermented, old large foudre-aged Spanish Syrah from Navarra, dark color, pure aromatics, good acidity, lingering finish, pretty impressive Syrah!! — a year ago

with Jim

Bob McDonald

9.1

Nose not giving much initially - just an earthy note - fairly contained. Probably opened a little young? The next night it showed red fruited aromatics of raspberry and strawberry. Very fine on the palate and quite delicious. The winemaker and owner Tom Carson with his French wife, Nadege, just won Viticulturalist of the year 2 days ago in the Halliday Wine Awards. They also import a range of Burgundies. In his “spare time “ Tom is also the winemaker at the highly regarded Yabby Lake. — 3 years ago

Rob Brobst III

9.3

Dark berries… A hint of chocolate… But wonderful balance not to mention the tannins are super fine… — 12 days ago

Doug Powers

9.5

Dried redfruit aromas and flavors, close to mature, but impeccable balance, surprisingly light on its heavy without ANY hotness, there’s a lovely freshness to this great Gigondas!! I always loved the 1980s Cayron, less so the post-1990 wines, the older ones are classic old school Gigondas that were built to age a very long time, and reconfirms the greatness of the 1989 vintage is the southern Rhône!! I only wish @Dave and @Tom Casagrande were here so we could share a glass!! — 4 months ago

with Jim

Bob McDonald

9.3

See many previous notes on Delectable, as recently as 22 weeks ago. Getting to the end of a dozen originally bought. I might have one left. This is the 2nd best Cabernet blend from VF. Originally the premium Cuvée was Heytesbury, now called Tom Cullity. This is probably the best rated “2nd Cuvée” in Margaret River. M+ intensity, touch of menthol, all the classic Cabernet descriptors including capsicum (bell pepper). Very enjoyable from a good vintage. — 3 years ago

Ken Southall

9.3

Full body & flavored, lots of tanin. — a month 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. — 2 months ago

Andy Stabile

9.3

Bigger than most Barbarescos… earthy and dry, some must, some spice. Lovely on the tongue. Light florals. Not overpowering. Classic Italian tart / cran. Even a lemony finish.
X-Mas gift from Tom& Sal from Le Volpi e l'Uva, Florence… their Northern Italian Wine Club this year. The rest of the case is headed for the cellar. — 2 years ago