Icons Of Yosemite
Château Canon
Saint-Émilion Red Bordeaux Blend 2016
The 2016 Canon has a clean and fresh nose. The fruit profile is a mixture of red and black with just a hint of black truffle and licorice (the latter a trait that I had not picked up before). The palate is medium-bodied with finer tannins than the bottle four years ago, has a little more assertiveness and grip in situ, and is perhaps firmer and prepared for long-term maturation. It's precise on the finish. I would give this another few years in bottle. Tasted from an ex-château bottle at the Icons of Bordeaux dinner at Legacy Records in New York. (Neal Martin, Vinous, May 2024)
— a month ago
Torbreck Vintners
RunRig Barossa Valley Shiraz Viognier 2016
Another Torbreck brought to the Toowoomba Wine Show Judges Dinner at the Downs Club by winemaker Greg McGill. Earthy perfume - a solid full bodied palate 15% ABV. Given 100 points by Joe Czerwinski of Wine Advocate. Never seen the value in Run Rig for the plus $200 price tag. A certain mystique here and one of the Barossa icons but don’t get the hype to be honest. — 5 years ago
Château La Conseillante
Pomerol Red Bordeaux Blend 2010
The 2010 La Conseillante has been spellbinding since I first tasted it from barrel. It has an intense nose with black plum, cedar and graphite. It is vibrant and compelling with scents of camphor intertwined. Wonderful delineation; there are layers of aromatic complexity. The palate is beautifully knit with a touch of black pepper and thyme filtering through the black fruit. It retains so much energy on the finish as it fans out with class and verve. Magnificent. Tasted from an ex-château bottle at the Icons of Bordeaux dinner at Legacy Records in New York. (Neal Martin, Vinous, May 2024)
— a month ago
Juniper Estate
Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon 2009
See notes for 3 previous occasions. Dark dark Ruby - almost black A full bodied Margaret River Cabernet but tasting more South Australian as I said in a previous note. Dense and concentrated - 2009 was an excellent vintage in Margaret River. Juniper is not one of the icons over there but this is punching well above its price point. Tastes much younger than its 14 years. Could go on for another 5 years I feel - my last one. Masses of sweet black currant on the palate. — 9 months ago
Dominus Estate
Dominus Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2004
Initial aromas of cedar box, fruit and nut chocolate and a herbal nuance. With air a note of violet after about 2 hours. On the medium to full bodied palate absolutely fluid and seamless with that berry and dark chocolate note but largely restrained. Such perfect balance that nothing really jumps out. From my limited experience with Napa Valley Cabernets I have always thought that Dominus is the most Bordeaux like of these Cabs. Not surprising when you know the owner Christian Moueix is the owner of Petrus and other right bank icons. Linda Murphy for Jancis said “Could be Christian Moueix’s best Dominus.” — 4 years ago
Château Les Carmes Haut-Brion
Pessac-Léognan Red Bordeaux Blend 2016
The 2016 Les Carmes Haut-Brion is consistent with previous bottles. It soars from the glass with those (to use a word I used last time) disarming array of blackberry, iris and fig aromas, but displaying a little more blue fruit than I recall. The palate is very well balanced with a velvety texture, pure with just a hint of black pepper. Interestingly, the 65% whole bunches are barely noticeable, just a guiding hand that shapes the finish. Sapid yet tender, this is an outstanding Pessac-Léognan. Tasted from an ex-château bottle at the Icons of Bordeaux dinner at Legacy Records in New York. (Neal Martin, Vinous, May 2024)
— a month ago
Cloudburst
Margaret River Chardonnay 2016
Brief notes - at a friend’s place checking out his new cellar and generously opened this wonderful Margaret River Chardonnay. Cloudburst is the venture of American, Will Berliner, who turned the district on its head by asking prices 2 and 3 times the price of the Icons of Margaret River. It doesn’t worry Will who is able to sell much of his product into up-market restaurants in the US. This wine was initially leaner than I was expecting with citrus and ripe grapefruit. With more air nectarine and peach notes started coming through but still shows admirable restraint. All in all a class act. — 2 years ago
Boordy Vineyards
Icons of Maryland Great Blue Heron Vidal Blanc
Starts sweet but finishes nicely. Perfect summer wine! — 5 years ago
Penfolds
Grange Hermitage Bin 95 Shiraz Cabernet Sauvignon
2014 vintage is one of the best wines I’ve ever had. Smooth with light tones of berries, earth, mineral. Just outstanding. Worth the ewIt to taste one of the icons in wine industry — 5 years ago
Delectable Wine
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The 2010 Montrose is one of the highlights of the Icons of Bordeaux dinner. It has a show-stopper nose with powerful, intense, mineral-rich black fruit, becoming quite floral with aeration. Potpourri hints complement tobacco notes. The palate is fresh, vibrant and weighty, yet paradoxically, it has wonderful finesse. There is a symmetry about this Montrose, coupled with a tremendous length that leaves you wanting more. Brilliant. Tasted from an ex-château bottle at the Icons of Bordeaux dinner at Legacy Records in New York. (Neal Martin, Vinous, May 2024)
— a month ago