Bob McDonald

9.6

I bought this bottle in Florence around 2019. I later found out the shop was owned by Antinori - the producer of the wine. An excellent Super Tuscan from Bolgheri. 57% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc, 3% Petit Verdot. Dark Ruby with a tawny rim starting to develop. Classic Bordeaux descriptors of Cassis, herbs, tobacco and hints of cocoa with oak totally integrated. A rich and mouth filling palate such that it could have been from a new world vineyard in a good vintage. This is comparable in quality to a good Super Second. Interestingly the 2007 had the major change of Syrah being eliminated from the blend in favour of Cabernet Franc. An outstanding Bordeaux blend which exceeded expectations. I should keep an eye out for more bottles. — 3 days ago

Bob McDonald

8.8

From 200ml bottle - 1951 vintage. This is probably past its peak. An ultra savoury palate devoid of fruit character. Interestingly this is made from the Pedro Ximinez grape for a wine described as Amontillado (Sherry). A curio. Most Sherries I have had were made from Palomino Fino. I followed this with a glass of Chambers Grand Muscat from Rutherglen which blew the Amontillado away - not a fair comparison obviously because of the youth and vigour of the Muscat to compare to a Sherry. 21% ABV. I’m not a huge fan of Sherry. I haven’t drunk many wines older than me. — 10 days ago

Bob McDonald

9.2

An interesting history of the Greco di Tufo grape which I won’t detail here (has its own DOCG) - a late ripening Campanian white grape. This wine had a luscious full bodied mid palate - apricots - with a refreshing acid cut. Next night a fruit salad of flavours including mandarin and guava. A great white wine as the weather cools down. — 16 days ago

Bob McDonald

9.6

See 3 previous notes for the 2008 vintage (and one for the 2009). This was my final 2008 sadly. Without mincing words, this is one of my favourite Australian reds, and has been for a long time. Trademark white pepper, spice and liquorice. The plums and blackberry of its youth are now more savoury in style. Just a stunning wine which could compete with any top grade Cote Rotie. Unfortunately the price now reflects the high quality. In the Good Wine Guide of 2011 this was voted Best Shiraz and Wine of the Year. Nick Stock - 98 points. — 6 days ago

Bob McDonald

9.5

Dark dense Ruby in colour - impenetrable - almost black. Intense black fruits - black currant with a note of creosote. Rich and sumptuous on the full bodied palate, approaching blockbuster. A style of Shiraz that McLaren Vale does so well. Soft smooth pliant tannins. Great length and persistence. A good cooler weather red. Made by Steve Flamsteed of Giant Steps fame. — 11 days ago

Bob McDonald

9.5

The 5th First Growth Bordeaux at the Downs Club last Saturday. Becoming difficult to take meaningful notes. Again, like the 2003 Latour that masculinity shows through. A little young to be drinking this to be honest. Probably after 30 years ie. 2036 would be ideal when the tannins are more resolved — 18 days ago

Bob McDonald

9.3

Aromatics of black fruits with a touch of menthol (eucalyptus in these parts). Not as herbaceous as the northern part of Margaret River up In Wilyabrup. Oak is noticeable on the palate initially (even at 16 years). One of the few Cab Merlot blends as their top Cuvée (Cullen is another) in preference to straight Cabernet Sauvignon. On the palate ripe black fruits and mulberry. Finishes with fine tannins. HH has a long drinking window on this, up to 2039 which I don’t think many will have the willpower to follow- including me. — 8 days ago

Bob McDonald

9.5

I bought this at a large bottle shop in the Ginza in Tokyo in mid February, which specialised in Japanese Whisky. Quite expensive at $450 AUD but certainly of high quality. I was looking for something I thought would not be available in Australia but it turns out it is available for the same money!! A note of orange peel. The 55% ABV is a trifle hot but not overly so. The impact of the peat is not as pronounced as western isles heroes like Lagavulin and Laphroig. Smoky as expected and thoroughly satisfying. Had the last nip a few days ago. — 10 days ago

Bob McDonald

9.6

The final wine at the First Growth Bordeaux Lunch at the Downs Club last Saturday…. and what a great way to finish a wonderful lineup. I recall Apricot and Pear on a palate of profound intensity which delivers on the powerful nose. An obviously sweet palate with enough racy acid to keep things interesting and fresh. Will last until the late 2030s at least. Terrific! — 18 days ago

Bob McDonald

9.6

The 4th wine at the First Growth Bordeaux lunch at the Downs Club last Saturday. Another brilliant claret defying the vagaries of the 2003 drought vintage. Sketchy notes. The nose continues with the aristocratic notes on all of the 5 First Growths we had today. Classic Gentleman’s claret with wonderful fragrance from savoury red and black fruits with whiffs of pipe tobacco and leather armchair. Amazing length. Would last into the 2030s easily and continue on. Classic Latour. — 18 days ago