Lyle Fass

Founder Fass Selections

9.8

This is absolutely one of the best bottles of this I have ever had and maybe of German Pinot Noir. Absolutely fucking incredible. — 2 months ago

Scott E. Becker

9.2

[Tasted on January 25, 2025 at Home with Tom, Kathy, Mark and Lucille]

Purchased during September 2022 visit to the winery. “Billet Doux” means “Love Note” in French. 58% Semillon; 36% Sauvignon Blanc and 6% Muscat. Late harvest dessert wine in style of Sauternes. Mango, apricot, mandarin orange and peach fruit, with honey and ginger. Sweet and rich with nice balance. — a year ago

Doug Powers

9.0

I agree with @Tom Casagrande’s detailed review from 2022 of this lovely 100% cement-fermented, old large foudre-aged Spanish Syrah from Navarra, dark color, pure aromatics, good acidity, lingering finish, pretty impressive Syrah!! — 2 years ago

with Jim

Bob McDonald

9.1

Nose not giving much initially - just an earthy note - fairly contained. Probably opened a little young? The next night it showed red fruited aromatics of raspberry and strawberry. Very fine on the palate and quite delicious. The winemaker and owner Tom Carson with his French wife, Nadege, just won Viticulturalist of the year 2 days ago in the Halliday Wine Awards. They also import a range of Burgundies. In his “spare time “ Tom is also the winemaker at the highly regarded Yabby Lake. — 4 years ago

Stefan Dolhain

9.0

2015 vintage. This 5.5 hectare estate was owned by famous consultant Alain Raynaud who sold it in 2016 to Tom Sullivan. Mainly Merlot with 20% Cabernet Franc. Attractive nose with red fruits, cedar wood and a hint of truffle. Structured, a little severe still, but good balance and complexity. Will benefit from further bottle ageing. Decanting recommended if you want to enjoy it now. — 5 years ago

Tom Garland

9.1

Ritche vineyard chardonnay.

Pop and pour. A light golden color. On the nose: subtle notes of lemon, apricot, nutty vanilla. Taste: orange peel, lemon, honey, vanilla toast with a medium finish and medium plus acidity keeping it crisp and fresh.

Enjoying with the fresh Langoustines, red shrimp, and raw crudo!

VEGAS BABY!!!!!! "I hate Disneyland, it primes our kids for Las Vegas".... Tom Waits. — 6 years ago

with Brenda

Ainsley

9.0

Ruby red deliciousness with complex aromas of toasted oak, clove and plum. Spicy number that puts forth a heavy blueberry profile. Tannins are well rounded. — 7 years ago

Rob Brobst III

9.3

Dark berries… A hint of chocolate… But wonderful balance not to mention the tannins are super fine… — 6 months ago

Doug Powers

9.5

Dried redfruit aromas and flavors, close to mature, but impeccable balance, surprisingly light on its heavy without ANY hotness, there’s a lovely freshness to this great Gigondas!! I always loved the 1980s Cayron, less so the post-1990 wines, the older ones are classic old school Gigondas that were built to age a very long time, and reconfirms the greatness of the 1989 vintage is the southern Rhône!! I only wish @Dave and @Tom Casagrande were here so we could share a glass!! — 10 months ago

with Jim

Bob McDonald

9.3

See many previous notes on Delectable, as recently as 22 weeks ago. Getting to the end of a dozen originally bought. I might have one left. This is the 2nd best Cabernet blend from VF. Originally the premium Cuvée was Heytesbury, now called Tom Cullity. This is probably the best rated “2nd Cuvée” in Margaret River. M+ intensity, touch of menthol, all the classic Cabernet descriptors including capsicum (bell pepper). Very enjoyable from a good vintage. — 4 years ago

Bob McDonald

9.1

From the Mornington Peninsula (although the fruit for this Pinot Noir came from the Yarra Valley ) - this is Tom Carson’s personal project when he’s not making wine for Yabby Lake - his main job. This had strawberry and other red fruits like cherry and a small whole bunch influence. Oak is dialled right back. A medium weight palate that is yet to show its full potential. First of 3 purchased and somewhat closed. Will leave having the 2nd for a couple of years. — 5 years ago

Lowell Su

9.0

Deep flavors of jam, cherries and vanilla. — 5 years ago

Roger Ray

8.9

"you'll find Cherry, Berry, and Plum with a hint of spice, and a bit of soft tannin in the finish". A nice at home drinkable red wine — 6 years ago

Carlo Fernandez

8.9

This has really mellowed out after 17 years . Tannins had softened a lot. Still fruity with dark fruit and plums . really smooth. Maybe too smooth . Still a good amount of acidity left to enjoy it with the steak we had. — 7 years ago

Ken Southall

9.3

Full body & flavored, lots of tanin. — 7 months ago

Bob McDonald

9.6

Made by Tom Carson (chief winemaker at Yabby Lake) as his side project. 2013 and 2014 (the latter being Halliday’s wine of the year) of this wine were awarded Australia wide Trophies and Tom says this 2015 is just as good. Sweet red fruits (mulberry) with heaps of spice - Barb said peppery notes. A fabulous wine with impeccable balance- a perfect match with the free range chicken dish that Barb created. 98 points from James Halliday. Tom Carson for the last few years has been Chief Judge of the Royal Queensland Wine Show. His expertise shows in his winemaking. — 8 months ago

Andy Stabile

9.3

Bigger than most Barbarescos… earthy and dry, some must, some spice. Lovely on the tongue. Light florals. Not overpowering. Classic Italian tart / cran. Even a lemony finish.
X-Mas gift from Tom& Sal from Le Volpi e l'Uva, Florence… their Northern Italian Wine Club this year. The rest of the case is headed for the cellar. — 2 years ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.2

Founded 1972, Tom & Sally Jordan, from CO, went to CA’s wine country & produced inaugural vintage in 1976. A Fav of mine with a steak, and the ‘17 hits the mark! Blend of mostly Cab Sauv with Merlot, Petit Verdot & Malbec. Deep Ruby with aromas of red fruit, floral & spice. On the palate flavors of cherry, blackberry and fig with oak, sweet spice, leather & cacao notes. Rich tannins, well balanced and integrated with fruit & oak. Very Nice! — 4 years ago

Bob McDonald

9.3

Mid Ruby in colour. Red fruits of cherry and strawberry with a bit of whole bunch influence on the nose. The palate showing savoury red fruits but also a little sweetness. Certainly a good future in front of it - I should try the next one in 1 to 2 years time. Tom Carson has probably never made a bad wine in his life and he has a great terroir to work with when he is not in demand for judging at Royal Shows. Tasted another bottle 65 weeks later on 24th July 2022. Quite red cherry on the nose and palate. Sooty notes from whole bunch in the ferment. The perfect balance between sweet and savoury. — 5 years ago

Pablo

8.9

Really enjoyed this smooth, easy drinking, red-fruity wine with a bit of minerality. — 7 years ago