Bob McDonald

9.0

Brief notes. Barb said sour cherry. My initial impressions - dried herbs, dried red cherry and black plum. Quite a big Pinot Noir. One could say a Shiraz drinkers Pinot, but it’s better than that and gives the wrong connotation. Have my next one in late 2025. As I have said in prior notes it lacks nuance. — a day ago

Bob McDonald

9.2

See previous Delectable notes for this 2020 Estate. Amazing quality for the price. This is the basic Kumeu Estate Chardonnay before you consider the individual Cuvées like Mates, Coddington etc. peachy stone fruit intensity on the palate with enough acidity to keep it fresh. Should be an annual purchase. Have the last one later this year or early 2026. The Village is even less expensive at only $21.50 AUD. — 7 days ago

Bob McDonald

9.5

My last bottle of this superb Syrah. Winner of the Trevor Mast Trophy for best Shiraz in the 2015 Royal Melbourne Wine Show. Very Northern Rhone like. Rich and savoury, spicy, slightly meaty. Full bodied. Dark Chocolate with hints of bacon fat. At its peak at 11 years old. I see Antonio Galloni gave it 93 points with a drinking window through to 2027. What can’t the Yarra Valley do? Known for its excellent Pinot Noir and Chardonnay but also its fabulous Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz. Go elsewhere for Riesling. — 20 days ago

Bob McDonald

9.1

Back when I was a University student 50 years ago I used to smoke a pipe and one of my favourite tobaccos was McBarens Plum Cake pipe tobacco. Tuscan Merlot often reminds me of that. I must admit I often prefer these wines when they are younger with more plummy, black cherry fruit and less earthy savouriness. The 2007 I had some time ago was better. Have the last bottle in the next couple of years. Postscript: 99 points from James Suckling. — 2 days ago

Bob McDonald

9.1

My last bottle of 2015 Applejack Pinot Noir. Sweet red fruits - lacked the complexity I was expecting at 10 years of age. The following night more savoury, earthy, mushroom like notes making the wine more complex and delicious. My early notes years ago, showing overt whole bunch influence have integrated into the overall wine. — 10 days ago

Bob McDonald

8.6

Another contender for quirky name of the year. Veering towards natural winemaking from the Adelaide Hills. A little underwhelming to be honest. The description of “Meh” from many US tasters on this forum comes to mind. — a month ago

Bob McDonald

9.2

A pale tawny cherry red in colour. A monopole (lots of Monopoles in Volnay) This from only 1.5 acres. Sappy, but overall aromas are subdued. The palate is subtle, restrained and overall delicate but has wonderful balance and the ideal accompaniment to Roast Duck Legs. Makes the most of its terroir in Volnay aided by the winemaking of Benjamin Leroux. After a few hours in decanter that light to medium bodied sappy palate remains. Certainly right to drink this now I believe. — 7 days ago

Bob McDonald

9.0

This has all the traits that make Etna Reds so attractive. Medium bodied , red fruited with pronounced minerality. Vines planted on the pure Ellittico lava flow terroir. Predominantly Nerello Mascalese. As many tasters previously have said of Etna Rosso, a hypothetical blend of Nebbiolo and Pinot Noir. I will leave my last bottle for a couple of years. — 8 days ago

Bob McDonald

9.1

A good match with BBQ Scotch Fillet Steaks on New Year’s Eve. Mid Ruby in colour with red berry savoury, meaty aromas. A medium weight palate with some savoury richness. A bit straightforward. From the spiritual home of Malbec but not as good as Argentinian Malbec to my palate. The latter having more plummy depth and weight. . I think the altitude of the Andes has much to do with it. — 25 days ago

Bob McDonald

9.4

Certainly in the conversation as to the quirkiest producer name. From the d’Entrecasteaux Peninsula south of Hobart where there are other big names in Tassie Pinot like Home Hill Estate. No specific notes but these wines have that trademark voluminous mouth feel you get from this terroir - surprisingly for the cool/cold climate. Red and black fruits. Delicious is an overused descriptor but there is no other word to describe this. — a month ago