Bob McDonald

9.3

My last bottle of 2002 Bin 28 Kalimna. More notes to come. First vintage of Bin 28 was 1959. Very much the Penfolds house style. Herbs, dark plums and Choc/mocha aromatics with red and black fruits. Certainly the Penfolds DNA. On the 2nd night initially a whiff of coconut oak. A reliable mid tier well priced Penfolds red which can be drunk young or cellared for many years. Has been a regular purchase for me over the years. — 2 days ago

Bob McDonald

9.2

Initial aromatics of lychee and white peach. Initial comment to see if note is accepted. A Grand Cru Riesling from Alsace which is unique because of its soil type which is volcanic rather than sandstone - the latter in the minority. Dry Riesling with a certain spiciness. Deserves to be a Grand Cru. The vineyard was first planted in the 12th Century by the Cistercian Monks hence the name Muenchberg (Mountain of the Monks). — 8 days ago

Bob McDonald

9.4

Aromas of dried meat, liquorice and chocolate, cherries and plums. On the palate savoury yet sweet. Red and black fruits - a rich palate and very enjoyable. Ticks a lot of boxes and I loved visiting the winery in 2023 for a tasting with the family. — 14 days ago

Bob McDonald

9.5

I’ll just commence this tasting note to see if it is accepted. Dense Ruby in colour. Blackcurrant and tobacco notes - ripe blue and black fruits - luscious texture. Anytime I’ve had a Napa (or Washington State) Cabernet I have always been impressed - probably better than most good Aussie Cabernets (and more expensive). Has a good future but irresistible right now. Have the last bottle in a year or two. Interestingly reverse osmosis was used to reduce the alcohol. Now at 13.9%. — 20 days ago

Bob McDonald

9.5

Another waiting to submit. — 5 days ago

Bob McDonald

9.6

Aromatics of struck match, lime and grapefruit - on the palate a surprising luscious texture. Overall there is fruit and mineral intensity. A fabulous new World Chardonnay - one of Australia’s best. A few years ago I conducted a blind tasting of 2015 Chardonnays which included all of Australia’s best like Giaconda and Leeuwin Art Series and a Premier Cru white burgundy just to make things interesting - the consensus winner on the day was the Bindi Quartz. — 14 days ago

Bob McDonald

9.3

Pale crimson, translucent in colour. Will continue if this is accepted. Aromatics of red cherry, beetroot and Sous Bois. Ripe and rich on the palate. All things considered this is a classic Bass Phillip Estate. Still remains one of Australia’s best Pinot Noirs, now under the control of Burgundian, Jacques Fourrier. This wine was made by the founder, Phillip Jones. — 15 days ago

Bob McDonald

9.1

From half bottle. An excellent Dessert wine from Hollick in the Coonawarra. Made from Riesling affected by Noble Rot (Botrytis comers). Aromas and palate of orange marmalade with a refreshing acid cut to finish. Only 10% alcohol. — 7 days ago

Bob McDonald

9.2

Just a tester to see if Waiting to Submit. Success! This was Crimson in colour. A lovely red fruited perfume. 100% whole bunch and 25% new oak. Lovely to drink, particularly for a Village wine, but it is Vosne-Romanee from a good vintage. — 12 days ago

Bob McDonald

9.2

Apparently one of the oldest Distillery sites in Scotland. Located by the sea on the Isle of Islay this receives the slowest distillation of any Islay malt, then spends 16 years in old oak casks before being bottled. This is very pungent, peaty and smoky. One of my favourite single malts. — 14 days ago