Bob McDonald

9.5

Using a library photo from Delectable. The vintage I had was 2014 which was a brilliant White Burgundy vintage. The nose showing struck match sulphides - also mineral with flint. Notes of fresh herbs with white flowers. Palate is restrained but very precise. The first white from the Burgundy dinner in Sydney on August 7. Just catching up with notes now. The food match with steamed Murray Cod was superb. — 17 hours ago

Bob McDonald

8.8

With Duck. Mild nose. Restrained palate with a savoury tang. To be honest unimpressive. Was expecting more complexity and power. I realise there are no Grand Crus in Volnay but I have had some impressive Premier Crus like Taillepeds and Clos des Ducs. This is a Volnay Villages and that is the level. The next night disappointing. To be honest Australian Pinots at this price point ($95) most of them are noticeably better. — 5 days ago

Bob McDonald

9.4

Crimson with a cherry red tinge. A certain pong on the nose - a cowyard note but not off putting - I like it. On the medium bodied palate black fruits and sour cherry. Highly savoury on the palate. The cowyard notes remained throughout the 3 to 4 hour time frame to consume the bottle. I drink very few Loire Valley reds but on the basis of this wine I should drink more. — 14 days ago

Bob McDonald

9.3

I unwisely drank my collection too young. This was my last of 3 bottles. Some citric tang on the nose and palate. A touch of stone fruit with notes of nectarine. Certainly has the power and acid drive to go on into the 2030s. Excellent value. Neighbours of the big gun Chardonnays like Cullen Vasse Felix and Pierro without their price tags. — 18 days ago

Bob McDonald

9.5

Using Delectable library photo of Krug vintage. The one I tasted was 2006. A blend of 48% Pinot Noir, 35% Chardonnay and 17% Pinot Meunière. Quite a high % of Chardonnay for Krug in this warmer year. So balanced and thorough. The aperitif we had at a Burgundy dinner in Sydney on August 7. Only catching up with notes now. — 17 hours ago

Bob McDonald

9.5

A beautiful Mornington Peninsula Pinot drinking at its peak. A nice blend of red fruits and earthy nuances - M+ intensity on the palate. Again the lightness in colour belies that palate intensity - a sweet palate. Main Ridge Estate was an early producer in Mornington and remains highly rated - Half Acre being their Premium Cuvée. Bottles from this estate are not readily available even in Australia. NOTE DELECTABLE - this Cuvée is the Half Acre Not the Acre. — 2 days ago

Bob McDonald

9.1

Savoury red cherry with powdery lavender aromas. On the palate sour red cherry - a brilliant food wine. As Morrell wines said and I agree, “2016 is without a doubt the finest vintage for Chianti Classico. “ Drinking well right now. — 17 days ago

Bob McDonald

9.6

Pours a deep cherry with a tawny rim. Nose of an old cedar chest of drawers, blueberry, blackcurrant and earth - very polished. Those notes from the nose translate onto the medium + bodied palate - reflecting the excellent vintage. It’s easy to get swept up with Grand Cru Burgundy but don’t forget about aged classed growth Bordeaux of quality like this - just superb. Went well with Roast Beef for Sunday Lunch. — 18 hours ago

Bob McDonald

9.3

Previous bottle tasted a year ago in September 2024. Mid lemon in colour. Aromatics of struck match, white flowers, lemon and sea spray. Hasn’t got the delicious ripe fruit I am used to with Australian Chardonnay but it does have its charm and attraction in a more mineral restrained style. — 14 days ago

Bob McDonald

8.8

Somewhat underwhelming for a Yarra Yering wine, a brand for which I have been a lifelong fan. Very restrained. For a wine costing $99 there are many Chardonnays that would outperform this one at half the price. As HH said “It’s missing Chardonnay richness and ripe generosity.” Hopefully the next 2 bottles will have a better showing. — 17 days ago