Bob McDonald

9.5

A highly awarded Grenache from Blewitt Springs, McLaren Vale, possibly the best terroir for the varietal in Australia. Its gnarly old bush vines were planted in 1946. It is dry farmed on a 1.7 hectare block sitting on the deepest sand with the lowest vigour and yield. Not as raspberry as many Australian Grenache - more balanced, restrained and excellent. Wine of the Year at the 2020 Halliday Wine Awards receiving 99 points. On the medium weight palate red berries and cherry finishing with ultra fine tannins. Jancis made the comment, “Might give the odd cult Spanish wine a run for its money too.” — 2 months ago

Bob McDonald

9.6

Very dark Crimson particularly for a cool climate Tasmanian Cabernet. Aromas of dark plum, clove, tobacco leaf and oak spice on the nose with a medium to full bodied palate with dusty plum and integrated oak - perfect balance. Seamless with resolved tannin and finishing with persistent length. Matured in 100% French oak Barriques. After a couple of hours in the decanter a lovely left bank perfume of rose bush and brambles. A wonderful Cabernet (90%) by any measure and a fitting tribute to Peter Althaus, the founder, who passed away unexpectedly in early January aged 79 in his native Switzerland. I like many others said that Tasmania was too cool to ripen Cabernet Sauvignon but Peter Althaus proved us all wrong. Vale Peter. — 4 years ago

Katie Sturgis

9.0

Muted black tea, ripe red fruit acidity, delicious with chicken vindaloo — 7 months ago

Bob McDonald

9.0

On opening an oaky honied note which settled down. A sweet and savoury palate showing spicy berries and ripe cherries - perfect with homemade pizza. Not a typical varietal Grenache but a good midweek dry red just the same. From a producer new to me recommended by the Sommelier at the Downs Club. The following night a meaty note - much more savoury than fruit driven - quite delicious. Don’t normally have bottles only 5 weeks apart but there you go. Had a bottle on 25th November 2022. Typical raspberry notes on nose and palate - a nice wine. — 2 years ago

Kirk Irwin

9.2

Wood, licorice, a then cherry arrives (breathe deep). Carries an age and brightness in flavor that can’t be possible but is nice. Plum, and cherry come through. Very nice. — 4 years ago

Diana Sabo

9.5

Enjoyed 2019 vintage on May 14, 2020. Liked this! — 5 years ago

Doug Powers

8.9

Lovely candied redfruits, a bit sweet, medium-bodied, medium-long finish, solid Aussie Grenache. — 9 months ago

with Jim

Rachel Poteet

9.0

Fruit forward, full bodied, delicious — 2 years ago

Delectable Wine

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9.4

The 2019 FMC, which comes from pure Chenin Blanc bush vines planted in 1974, has a subtle, precise bouquet of white flowers, peach skin, kumquat and light apricot scents, very pretty and charming. The palate is well balanced with a fine bead of acidity. This builds in the mouth, fanning out wonderfully on the finish without losing an ounce of precision. Superb. (Neal Martin, Vinous, April 2021)
— 4 years ago

Jonny Walker

9.3

Laithwaites Christmas 2019 — 4 years ago