Bob McDonald

9.5

From half bottle. Rich and round with an impression of sweetness but still at 13.5% alcohol. Dried fruits, zesty - very easy to drink - luscious. No point in further cellaring - drink now. An excellent Alsatian Grand Cru Riesling. — 19 hours ago

Bob McDonald

9.3

A boutique producer I used to buy years ago. It’s not readily available but it was nice to revisit Wantirna Estate…..quaintly owned by Reg Egan and Daughters! Situated really on the outer suburbs of eastern Melbourne - on the way to the Yarra Valley. I love the nose on this wine - red fruits, tobacco and vanilla notes. A lovely long medium weight palate. This was the 1st of 3 bottles. Window from HH indicates through to 2032 when it will be 20 years old. — 19 days ago

Bob McDonald

9.1

A little leaner than previous vintages of Mates Vineyard that I’ve had. More citric flavours than stone fruit. Citric acid at the finish. Always destined to be a leaner style from this vintage I believe. — 21 days ago

Bob McDonald

9.1

Sweet black fruits - plums. Only medium weight - restrained. 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc, 5% Malbec and 5% Petit Verdot. 2012 was a cooler more moderate growing season, more claret style says Sam Middleton. This is not one of the great Quintets IMO. At its best Quintets is one of the best Cabernet blends in Australia. It still reinforces the fact that the Yarra Valley is one of the better terroirs for Bordeaux blends in Australia. Not for long cellaring. This is first of 3 of the 2012 vintage I have in my cellar. — a month ago

Bob McDonald

9.7

One of the best Pinots I’ve had from anywhere this year. Also I should state the only note I’ve been able to put on Delectable out of 4 attempts. The previous 3 have disappeared. Light in colour and a beautifully fragrant wine with Medium + intensity. 98 points from Huon Hooke and he made this comment, “A mesmerising wine - surely one of Bindi’s best ever “. I can only agree. This is a top quality Pinot Noir no matter the origin and will probably reach the end of HH’s drinking window of 2034. This Is easily of Premier Cru and in some cases Grand Cru standard. — 19 hours ago

Bob McDonald

9.5

I visited this winery many years ago when it was known as Ollsens, and had a tasting. Next door to Felton Road Winery naturally in Felton Road, Central Otago. A rich, plush delicious Pinot Noir. I used to buy the Ollsens Slapjack back in the day and have always enjoyed it. Red and black fruits of raspberry and black cherry with a herbal heather like overlay like garrigue in the Southern Rhone. Impossible not to engage with this wine. Thanks Mick - I might have to repurchase this one. — 20 days ago

Bob McDonald

9.3

Balsamic notes with a trace of mint. Barely medium weight with a soft fleshy palate - red cherries, spice and sweet herbs. This palate reflects the fact that 2013 was a good to very good vintage in Barolo. Great length at the finish. The first of 3 from my cellar. — 21 days ago

Bob McDonald

9.2

No notes taken after a large final day at the Australian Grand Prix in Casa Ferrari. I thought the matching glasses to the painted bottle a very classy touch. Pale salmon in colour. A lovely refreshing drink with notes of wild strawberry and a creamy sweetness to the palate. The mousse is not fine but it remains a delicious Rose Champagne. — 10 days ago

Bob McDonald

9.3

Brief notes. Dense crimson with a ruby rim. Traces of cowyard, (mild Brett?) also blackberry and black pepper notes. A rich palate of medium plus intensity - savoury and earthy notes and black olive. A fantastic food wine. Love this style. One of the better world expressions of Syrah. Have my last bottle in early 2028. — 19 days ago

Bob McDonald

9.0

Brief notes. Mellow and very balanced in this medium bodied palate - no point in further cellaring. In fact, so balanced that nothing stands out but it is highly savoury and richly textured. I think I preferred this wine when it was younger and vibrant. I see Jancis’s drinking window was 2019 to 2026. — a month ago