Bob McDonald

9.4

This is generally regarded as the best example of Shiraz Viognier in Australia but recently I tried a 2015 Serrat Shiraz Viognier which was the equal of Clonakilla if not better. As per previous Delectable notes this bottle had the trademark dried spices, cloves a trace of pepper and dried meat. Barely medium weight and always a joy to drink. My last bottle. — 7 months ago

Bob McDonald

9.3

See several previous Delectable notes on this wine and vintage. A pale crimson colour with tawny garnet shades. Aromatics of red fruits (strawberry) and Sous Bois on the nose. It may be pale in colour but carries a Medium plus palate intensity of good length. A very good 2nd wine from Bell Hill from the Canterbury district (just to the north of Christchurch) which deserves more recognition as a source of high quality Pinot Noir. Also referred to as the Waipara District. — 2 years ago

Bob McDonald

9.5

See many previous Delectable notes but not for this vintage. As stated previously one of Australia’s best Pinots A very aromatic nose of red and black cherry together with root vegetables particularly beetroot. Raspberry flavours - a sweetish palate with a savoury twist. An excellent Tasmanian Pinot Noir and a regular purchase. Also capable of extended cellaring - I recall having a 15 year old one once but it’s hard to resist right now. — 4 years ago

Bob McDonald

9.4

Mid straw yellow in colour. After 10 years still no sign of TDN. Aromas of lime and talc. Ken Helm of Helm wines in the Canberra district would say these are well handled Riesling grapes from a cool growing season where no petro chemical notes have developed. He believes kero/petrol aromas are a wine fault and caused by sunburnt grapes. On the palate lime flavours, a touch of honey and finishes with a slight saline note. Fresh and crisp even in its old age. Proves again that the Clare Valley is perfect for Riesling. Delectable: Taylor’s is the producer. — 7 months ago

Bob McDonald

9.5

See previous Delectable Note for the 2009 vintage from 88 weeks ago. Similar tasting note with a nose of Compost Heap, Sous Bois and dirty red and black cherry. Still a strong core of energy - could go on for another 5 years. Arguably Australia’s greatest Pinot Noir - definitely of Grand Cru quality. A lovely textured medium bodied palate. Only 40 dozen made. Philip Jones said at the time that 2009 was one of his best vintages, although to be honest he has made a few just as good, if not better, since. — 3 years ago

Bob McDonald

9.0

See previous Delectable note 90 weeks ago. Aromatics of dried rose petals with a little herbal spice and a note of fudge. Great mouthfeel. Medium weight palate and intensity. More “serious “ than your average Beaujolais. Red cherry and red currant and a touch of liquorice. Light tannins. This has enough stuffing to cellar for a couple more years. — 4 years ago

Tom Garland

9.4

Merry Christmas Delectable!

1 hour decant(decent fine/cloudy sediment). A majestic medium dark garnet color with some bricking. On the nose: Explosive aromas of black currants, graphite, sweet aged Bordeaux perfume, musty forest floor, smokey leather, dark plum, and mint. Taste: soft, smooth, elegant, layered savory wine with black currants, cedar, dark plum, tobacco, coffee, and a smokey gravel long finish with a very slight tannic kiss at 31 years old!! Cheers! — 4 years ago

with Brenda

Bob McDonald

9.3

Rich and supple but not as rich as this Cuvée often is. Earthy red fruits with herbs. As Bob Campbell said, good vinosity. Always one of the top Pinots from the North Island. See previous Delectable notes on this Cuvée and vintage. — 8 months ago

Bob McDonald

9.5

This wine screams left bank Bordeaux. The final blend is 63% Cabernet Sauvignon; 22% Merlot; and 15% Cabernet Franc. Great depth of flavour particularly for a 2nd wine. The medium + palate shows an inner core of strength and opulence which exhibits the class of the producer and the excellence of the vintage. Tertiary aromas and flavours. See last Delectable note of 2020. Very integrated, balanced and polished. Prompts the old saying in a London Club, “Just damn good claret my man”. Excellent drinking now but still 5+ years left in it. — a year ago

Bob McDonald

9.2

No notes made at the time and it was tasted a week ago. This is one of the Cuvées produced by Jim Chatto who was once the chief winemaker at Mount Pleasant in the Hunter Valley and now makes award winning Pinot Noir in Tasmania. Delectable. This is BIRD Pinot Noir. — 4 years ago