West Of Temperance

Moss Wood

Moss Wood Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2011

So much cassis, black currant and rich sweetness. Very atypical for a Margaret River Cabernet - this is more Barossa or McLaren Vale. Less herbaceous than is usual for Margaret River in this warm vintage. A rich medium to full bodied palate with excellent concentration and smooth persistent tannins. My 2nd of 6 and a vintage that will last well beyond 2025 as one well known expert predicted. Should have the next bottle in 2 to 3 years time. 91% Cabernet Sauvignon; 4% Petit Verdot; 4% Cabernet Franc; 1% Merlot. — 17 days ago

Jose, Pooneet and 19 others liked this

Ferrari-Carano

Prevail West Face Alexander Valley Cabernet-Syrah Blend 2015

Deep color, subtle nose, nice blend of Cab and Syrah, depth, smooth velvety finish. — 2 months ago

Leeuwin Estate

Art Series Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon 2019

Tropical fruit, white grapefruit, flowers, sea spray, baking spices, Chantilly cream, green peppercorns, and hints of chalky minerals. Lengthy, smooth finish. Perhaps more aromatic with less concentrated fruit than the 2017. Australia once again showing its strength for super complex, outstanding Chardonnay without the Napa or Burgundy prices.

Worth noting critics rating this 94-98 pts. With the increased aromatics, I prefer it ever slightly to the 2017.
— 5 months ago

Xanadu Wines

Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon 2019

Fresh blueberry and plum. Clean and cool with a heady bouquet of elevated purple flowers and sweet tobacco. Elegance over power, St. Julien-esque. — 7 months ago

Guillermo and Lars liked this

Mark West

California Pinot Noir 2022

Pale ruby in color; cherries, raspberries, and baking spices on the nose; medium plus acidity; low tannins; tastes like strawberries, black cherries, crushed gravel, and a hint of vanilla with a long finish. Nellie says it's ok. I like it. Better after decanting for 30 minutes. Tastes a little sweet. I think there's some residual sugar, but it may just be the fruit flavors. It's definitely a fruit bomb. — 8 days ago

Nellie Bauman
with Nellie

Xanadu Wines

Margaret River Chardonnay 2019

Well balanced with a touch of lemon and lime and a bit of oak. Much more familiar with CA Chards but will definitely revisit Australia again. — 3 months ago

Cape Mentelle

Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon 2007

My last 2007 Mentelle Cabernet - last of the old white label. Very dense in colour - a dark Ruby. Cassis and blackcurrant. See previous Delectable notes. Not overly herbal like most Margaret Cabernets. Cedar and black olive notes as well. Amazing vitality and concentration for 16 years - in hindsight could have left it for longer. A ripe powerful Cabernet - more like a South Australian Cabernet in structure and fruit ripeness. An excellent vintage in Marg River which hardly ever has a bad one…..2006 comes to mind. Wish I had consumed this when 20 years of age. PS. Nick Stock said one of the greatest Cape Mentelles of all time. Only 800 cases made. — 5 months ago

David, Pooneet and 17 others liked this
Bob McDonald

Bob McDonald Influencer Badge

Certainly was thanks David. Every year Cape Mentelle has an International Cabernet tasting. In 2010 at the 2007 vintage tasting, the Marg River trio of Woodlands, Mentelle and Moss Wood had more consensus tasting points than Ch Margaux and Ch Leoville Las Cases. Admittedly 2007 not a great vintage in Bordeaux.
Doug Powers

Doug Powers

@Bob McDonald, visited Cape Mentelle once, 29 years ago, we flew from NorCal to Perth with my 6-month-old son, and spent a few days in Margaret River, hoping to get back soon. We probably tasted 1990/1/2 wines there at that time?
Bob McDonald

Bob McDonald Influencer Badge

I’m sure they would have been good on your previous visit. They have a great site and back then a talented wine maker in David Hohnen who won 3 consecutive Jimmy Watson trophies back then.

Vasse Felix

Margaret River Chardonnay 2021

Really nice. Needed some air for the hint of wood char to blow off. Enjoyed at the Australian Club in Sydney. — 21 days ago

Lyle, Severn and 7 others liked this
Bob McDonald

Bob McDonald Influencer Badge

@Byron Hewett Excellent venue!!
Byron Hewett

Byron Hewett Premium Badge

We had dinner with a couple that were neighbors of ours when we lived in Wahroonga.

Cullen Wines

Kevin John Margaret River Chardonnay 2015

3/6.75/9.75 = 19.5 out of 100 say 98
Eight year Kevin John - lovely with pear on the nose and pear with perfectly balanced acid on the palate. Sets a high benchmark for all premium Chardonnay.
— 3 months ago

Leeuwin Estate

Art Series Margaret River Chardonnay 2019

Ron R
9.5

Not ready for prime-time just yet, but that didn’t prevent us from committing the felony.
Pale straw color in the glass links up with lemon curd and a hint of gooseberries. Robust acidity frames this up nicely. Finishes taught and with urgency. Drinking the best wines in the world can be a little like fumbling around in the dark. But with this, I can see in the dark.
— 6 months ago

Tom, Tom and 39 others liked this
Vin d’Ottawa

Vin d’Ottawa

I’m loving the seeing the dark take
Norman Gennaro

Norman Gennaro Premium Badge

Sounds like a great bottle and I would take it happily even if a bit early. Great writeup