Bob McDonald

9.3

More delicate than fulsome. Definitely more citrus than stone fruit. Palate intensity is medium plus - some mineral and spice. A classy bottle of white burgundy. The trademark heavy bottle from PYCM. — 7 hours ago

Bob McDonald

9.3

This is the 2019 Hunting Hill, same vintage as the recently tasted Kumeu River Coddington. The Coddington remains the more opulent of the Kumeu cuvées. A mouth watering salinity. In this one. As Bob Campbell MW said, this is a Burgundian style (lacking the stone fruit of the Coddington). Although several previous vintages of Mates Vineyard have proved, at least to my palate, that it is the premium Cuvée. — 9 days ago

Bob McDonald

9.5

See previous note 120 weeks ago. This was fuller and more luscious than the 2017 Mate’s Vineyard had a month ago. This had more peach and melon than the Mates. More opulent and very easy to enjoy. Perhaps the Coddington is the most opulent of the Kumeu River cuvées. I will have to try an old Hunting Hill to compare. — 14 days ago

Bob McDonald

9.2

On first tasting this wine it was noticeably saline and mineral/gravel on the palate. Also notes of citrus and white stone fruits. Oak influence is subdued - matured in 350 litre oak barrels. Overall a great balance between austerity and opulence. Points off for a ridiculously heavy bottle. — 14 days ago

Bob McDonald

8.8

An entry level Barolo. Spicy notes with a hint of menthol. On the palate dried cherry notes - a bit too austere for my palate. Finishes with powdery dry tannins and a little astringency. Needs more time. Walter Speller was a big fan of the 2013 Barolos. Not there yet for me. — 7 hours ago

Bob McDonald

9.7

I will do a more complete note of this exceptional Chardonnay if this is accepted. Pale Lemon in colour. Aromas of flint and struck match sulphides. Palate shows lemony citrus notes and white nectarine with a creamy texture. Crushed cashews. Certainly in the conversation as New Zealand’s best Chardonnay which is outstanding as there is some hot competition. As Tim Jackson MW said “this is one for White Burgundy lovers “. Not cheap for a new world Chardonnay at $195 AUD. — 8 days ago

Bob McDonald

9.2

If Delectable accepts this note I will edit and do a more comprehensive note. A beautiful Coal River Pinot which ticks all the boxes. Aromatics of sweet red fruits, (cherry). Turkish Delight and various mixed spices. Winner of Australia’s Best Pinot Noir for 2022. Made by the renowned Anna Pooley and Professor David Kilpatrick. — 11 days ago

Bob McDonald

9.4

Hopefully Delectable will allow me to write a complete note. Here we go ….
Dark Ruby with a crimson rim. Closed on the nose initially. Straight from the bottle - should have decanted it. Rich on the palate. Latent power with much to give. Dark cherry with dried herbs still to come with further cellaring. This is the first of 5 bottles. In the early days Block 3 was the undisputed best Pinot in NZ but now Block 5 is considered along with other contenders from around NZ. Have the next one in a year. Many good judges think this is the best ever Block 3 up to this point. — 6 days ago

Bob McDonald

9.5

Will do a comprehensive note if Delectable accepts this one. When one wins the Jimmy. See notes in the comments section. — 9 days ago

Bob McDonald

9.5

From half bottle. Rich and round with an impression of sweetness but still at 13.5% alcohol. Dried fruits, zesty - very easy to drink - luscious. No point in further cellaring - drink now. An excellent Alsatian Grand Cru Riesling. — 22 days ago