Bob McDonald

9.4

I have several previous notes for this 2010 and a couple for 2008. Houghton I believe is possibly the oldest winery in WA based in the Swan River on the outskirts of Perth. Established in 1836. It would be many years later before wine was being produced in Margaret River. However the grapes for this Cabernet came from Margaret River. As I said see previous notes but I did love Gary Walsh’s review of this wine from the “Winefront” when he said “Sends the Cabernet enthusiasts among us just a little bit wild.” — a day ago

Bob McDonald

9.7

Nutty Aromas of cashews and almonds. Leesy / some sulphides - struck match. On the palate a note of pineapple along with all of the other complexity of flavours. See previous Delectable notes for this wine. This won the James Halliday Chardonnay Challenge in 2016 from over 600 entries proving that Penfolds white program is catching up to its esteemed red wine program. My last of the 2015 Chardonnay. — 5 days ago

Bob McDonald

9.0

Pale Ruby in colour. Sweet red fruits (cherry). Light to medium bodied on the palate with those savoury red cherries present. Certainly at 10 years it is at its limit. No more improvement. Ready to drink and lacking complexity, but it is only a Village wine - however Barb really liked it - particularly the aromatics. Her score a couple of points above my 90. — 9 days ago

Bob McDonald

9.4

Aromas of leather, tree bark and black fruits. A rich and powerful ultra savoury wine with ripe black fruits, a dash of black pepper and fading raspberry- silky intensity. Works perfectly with BBQ Lamb Chops. Still going strong at 18 years from a good year in Bandol. The following night - consistent notes. Predominantly Mourvèdre in the blend together with Grenache and Cinsault I believe but not sure of the exact percentages. In 2004 it was 90% Mourvèdre and 10% Grenache. — 13 days ago

Bob McDonald

8.9

Spinifex is a boutique producer based in the Barossa Valley and run by Peter Schell who is a New Zealander. This shows red and blue fruits with herbal notes. One of those wines I think is best drunk young when it is fresh and vital. This is very good but personally I prefer McLaren Vale, particularly Blewitt Springs for Grenache. — 2 days ago

Bob McDonald

9.4

See several previous Delectable notes for this wine and vintage. Mid Ruby in colour with a tawny rim. Mulberry and black olive aromatics. An exceptional Lenton Brae (and Wilyabrup Cabernet) drinking at its peak at 17 years old. My last of 6 although I do have a few 2009s left. As HH said - a very pretty wine. — 7 days ago

Bob McDonald

9.5

Lime and citrus notes with saline notes. Inspired by a recent note @Ira Schwartz about a delicious Chablis he had. Oak has been thoroughly absorbed. I haven’t had many Chablis from Les Clos but lived up to its exalted status. See previous Delectable note. Great with fresh Pacific Oysters. — 10 days ago

Bob McDonald

9.3

My 2nd last 2018 Pooley Pinot Noir. Pale Ruby in colour, tawny shades almost transparent. The colour appears to have become paler with age - a characteristic I haven’t seen before. On the palate evidence of whole bunch in the ferment - herbal, stalky amid the red fruits. The pale colour belies the palate intensity. Coal River is becoming part of Tasmanian Pinot Royalty. — 3 days ago

Bob McDonald

9.6

See previous Delectable notes. The colour is dark Ruby red. Floral aromatics of violets and rose petals - a note of cracked pepper in this cooler vintage in a cooler terroir to begin with. Medium bodied with great concentration, persistence and length on the palate with red fruits, touches of meat and pepper. Gives up palate weight for those superb aromatics. My kind of wine (look at previous Delectable notes). — 3 days ago

Bob McDonald

9.0

Blackcurrant and leather notes. Very savoury on the palate - a little disappointing to be honest. See previous Delectable note. I haven’t had a lot of experience with Cornas and was looking forward to this because of its stellar reputation. I have a reasonable collection of Clape Cornas in my cellar which are not ready to drink yet. To be honest this was a bit underwhelming compared to many stellar Shiraz we are lucky enough to have in Australia. Hopefully the Clape, the Rostaing and the Jamet with time in my cellar will be impressive. — 10 days ago