Bob McDonald

9.5

Dense dark crimson - almost black in colour. Red and black fruits, choc/mocha; and wild mint. An inner core of strength, concentration and intensity. The following night - Blackberry, rich, ripe fruits. A powerful 389 which will live for decades. My first of 11. Destined for greatness. 100% American Oak. 51% Cabernet Sauvignon; 49% Shiraz. — 17 hours ago

Bob McDonald

9.2

Rich and mouth filling. Spices, red and black fruits. Medium bodied with medium plus intensity. Coats the palate. Fermentation with 40% whole bunches. A classic Tasmanian Pinot. Very good but a point or two behind their stellar 2015. 98 points and Top 100 Wines of 2020 from James Halliday. — 3 days ago

Bob McDonald

9.4

Very much a dry German Riesling at 13% ABV. Arguably opened too early - guided by a window from Jancis. Her colleague, Julia Harding (through to 2030) was more accurate. Yellow orchard fruit aromas; under ripe peach on the palate-some spice and mineral - still carrying quite some acid. The palate is delicate and balanced. A pleasure to drink now with that GG quality coming through. I would’ve liked to try another bottle in 4 to 5 years. — 5 days ago

Bob McDonald

9.2

Dry red cherries and plums on the nose. Savoury on the medium bodied palate. Finishing with fine persistent tannins. An old style Hunter Shiraz with another 10 plus years in the cellar. 2017 was a good vintage in the Hunter for both reds and whites. — 12 days ago

Bob McDonald

9.3

White and yellow florals. On the palate there are ripe citrus flavours. Delicate with a piercing intensity, if that makes sense - just the right amount of oak influence. At 10 years this white burgundy still has tension but overall a lean impression - a few years left in the cellar - I have one left. Points off for a ridiculously heavy and large bottle. I had to store it in my magnum storage. — 17 hours ago

Bob McDonald

9.1

See previous notes from the 2008 and 2009 vintages. Initial toasty oak notes - a surprise after 14 years but still good. Not the usual Margaret River herbaceousness. 2011 was a disastrous vintage throughout Australia with the exception of the extremities - Margaret River and the Hunter Valley. An easy to drink Wilyabrup Cabernet - punches above its purchase price of $55. — 5 days ago

Bob McDonald

9.0

A very good left bank classed growth (5th growth) from a good vintage. Cabernet Sauvignon dominant aromatics (74%). Blackcurrant and cedar - a little tomato bush. A good wine but to state the obvious does not have the class and complexity of the higher classed growths. For example 3rd growth 2009 Chateau Palmer is a stunning wine - very rich, complex with a long life in front of it - very much superior to Chateau Batailley. — 7 days ago

Bob McDonald

9.0

The light cherry red in colour belies the intensity of the palate. Cherry and raspberry flavours - some herbal notes. The Grenache grapes from a sandy terroir in McLaren Vale - most suitable. 77 year old vines. The wine was made in a natural style - fresh and young - juicy. Interesting back story: When the Rolling Stones were touring Australia in 2014 with a gig in Adelaide, Mick Jagger plus Keith’s wife and a few others decided to visit the Adelaide Hills and had lunch there with Taras Ochota and his wife. Apparently the Stones bought all of their inventory and had a memorable stay. Sadly Taras passed away a few years ago. — 2 days ago

Bob McDonald

9.5

See note on Delectable 187 weeks ago. This is my last bottle and it is superb. With age this wine has developed more stone fruit (white peach) and less citrus notes. Perfect balance with French Oak and a creamy leesy influence. As HH said “100% Malolactic fermentation but it doesn’t show “. Ticks all the boxes of an excellent modern day new world Chardonnay. Grapes are shipped in a refrigerated container from the Coal River Tasmania to the Adelaide Hills where the wine is made at Shaw and Smith (the owner of Tolpuddle). — 3 days ago

Bob McDonald

9.0

Mid crimson in colour. More a drink now style of Barolo - only 10 years old - no need to wait 20 years for this Barolo. Red fruited - raspberry and cherry. Soft tannins. Great with home made pasta. Will probably have my last one in 12 months. — 9 days ago