Bob McDonald

9.4

Dense crimson in colour - impenetrable. Strong aromas of mint. The excessive oak influence in Penfolds reds early in life has settled down after 15 years. All the individual components early on are now integrated settling in for a long life. Penfolds say to 2040. Ripe blackcurrant with plum, dark chocolate and liquorice notes. Bin 407 came about because of an embarrassment of Cabernet riches even after their flagship Bin 707. An excellent Cab - I now have 5 left for the coming decade or so. — 2 days ago

Bob McDonald

9.1

Aromatics of new leather and dried fruit. Not your average Côtes du Rhône as you would expect from Chateau de Beaucastel. More full bodied than expected to go with our chicken dish. Far richer than Guigal’s version of Côtes du Rhône. — 7 days ago

Bob McDonald

9.2

Dense Ruby. Black Pepper, dried herbs and dried meat. Not all savoury - also a nice sweetness- plum and other dark fruits. I noticed my notes when I first tasted this at the winery Cellar Door in Christmas 2019 - “My kind of Shiraz”. Outstanding. Trophy for best West Australian Red at Royal Perth Wine Show; 96 points from Ray Jordan. — 13 days ago

Bob McDonald

9.5

This Pinot won the 2022 Australian Pinot Challenge for Australia’s Best Pinot Noir. It firstly won best Pinot in Tasmania before beating all the other State winners to win best in Australia. Proving yet again what a fabulous terroir the Coal River is for Pinot Noir. Owned by cardiologist Professor David Kilpatrick and tended to by highly regarded Tasmanian viticulturalists Mark Hoey and Max Marriott and made by neighbouring winemaker Anna Pooley. This wine achieves the trifecta of latent power, energy and elegance. One of the first sites to use the Dijon 777 clone. It is medium body with dark cherry and whole bunch notes with M+ intensity. A worthy winner. — 3 days ago

Bob McDonald

9.4

Mid to pale crimson - actually transparent. The pale colour belies the aromatic and palate intensity. Aromatics of cherry and raspberry transforming on to the medium bodied sweet red fruited palate. A touch of Sous Bois. An excellent Pinot as always from the Applejack Vineyard from Giant Steps. — 11 days ago

Bob McDonald

9.4

I remember having this wine for the first time in a restaurant outdoors under a tree for lunch in Gigondas with the family many years ago. It was a Wow wine. I have since collected a few bottles and decided to have this one over the weekend with Lamb Shanks. Nose not giving a lot initially but eventually a red and black fruited savoury perfume. Such concentration and richness on the full bodied palate featuring raspberry, plum and spice finishing with supple tannins in this predominantly Grenache blend. The previous bottle I had of this in Australia had notes of barnyard and manure (possibly traces of Brett) but no sign of that in this bottle. Always a treat to have a Bonneau Celestins. — 15 days ago

Bob McDonald

9.1

As I mentioned in my previous Delectable note about this Cuvée - stewed red fruits. Strawberries and cherries. Made by the virtuoso winemaker of the Porongorups, Rob Diletti….. this time for himself instead of contract winemaking as he often does for his neighbours. Also Rob is an indemand Show Judge. Rob also makes a fabulous Riesling. — 5 days ago

Bob McDonald

9.2

Rich red and blue berries finishing with a slight tarry taste. 86% Tempranillo, 8% Garnacha and 6% Graciano. Matured in French Oak barrels for 14 months, 40% of the barrels were new and the rest were second use. From dry grown bush vines. Medium to full bodied. Dry cherries and spices. Solid. — 5 days ago

Bob McDonald

9.5

A highly awarded Grenache from McLaren Vale made by the talented Peter Fraser. Sweet red earthy fruits but not overly raspberry as Aussie Grenache often is. Has a lovely sweet smooth texture. James Halliday awarded this wine his Wine of the Year in 2020 and 99 points. Vines planted in 1946 in ancient sandy soils ideal for this Grenache. If not Australia’s best Grenache then certainly in the conversation. The main reason we drank this wine a few days ago was to remember Peter Fraser who sadly passed away unexpectedly in a tragic house fire. — 12 days ago

Bob McDonald

9.5

Magpie Hill is the Reserve range from Dukes which is in the Porongurups, a sub district in the Great South of West Australia. The stony poor granitic soils giving concentrated wines. This producer possibly better known for its outstanding Rieslings has kicked a goal with this beautiful Shiraz. This has a very deep Ruby colour with a purple tinge. Smoky oak and mocha with ripe fruit - 14.5% ABV. Concentrated. Full bodied but not heavy- soft fine tannins. Made by the talented Rob Diletti who is their neighbour from his winery Castle Rock. Great value. — 16 days ago