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. — 8 days ago

Bob McDonald

9.2

A bright Ruby red in colour. Red florals, touch of violet with red cherry and notes of compost heap. A dusty component to the nose Barb thought. Not as much perfume as I was expecting in a Premier Cru Chambolle. Medium bodied and latent. More mineral, dusty and earthy than a new world Pinot Noir. A perfect match with Duck a l’Orange. One of the 1001 wines. This was a major stuff up. I meant to drink the 2013 and picked the 2015 by mistake which is nowhere near ready. — 3 years ago

Big Wave Dave

9.5

Exceptional chardonnay with the latent power of a GC burgundy, but with salinity and tannic grip. Beautiful nose with reductive gunsmoke, apple, and baking spices. The structure is the perfect fit for the intense and powerful flavour bomb: lemon merengue pie, smoke, tangerine, all in perfect balance. The concentration and length are world class. As long as I can remember of ANY wine I have tasted. World class for A$90 — 9 days ago

Bob McDonald

9.0

Wanted to compare this 2016 Bourgogne Rouge with the recent Dom Bellene Vosne Romanee village wine. This was similar - very self contained and restrained. Too latent to provide an educated assessment. One dimensional and lacking in complexity - the best is yet to come. After vigorous swirling some black cherry and spice is evident. The first of 6 - try the next one in 1 to 2 years. I note that Wine Spectator had a drinking window of 2022 to 2038 which I thought was optimistic for a Village wine but it’s not once you taste it. A wonderful producer. — 3 years ago

romo

9.0

Correct but tough to get past a latent olive note. — 3 years ago

Bob McDonald

9.5

Very dark Ruby with a crimson edge. A closed latent nose after decanting initially. Aromatics of black and blue fruits with Cassis, chocolate, oak spice together with plum and tobacco leaf. I didn’t realise how Tempranillo (100%) could be as rich as this. The same complex aromatics feed through to the full bodied palate. Gorgeous - a dense and thick mouth feel without being heavy. Will leave the next one for a year or two. The 2nd wine of the famous Pingus. — 4 years ago

Norma Normington

9.4

Big jammy but also a latent reminder of straw and a hint of black pepper. — 2 years ago

Bob McDonald

9.5

Dense dark Ruby, almost black - impenetrable. Full bodied with M plus intensity bordering on profound. Cassis, blackberry, a touch of black raspberry and mocha on nose and palate. Palate a little self contained and latent needing more time in the cellar. Fluid tannins with great persistence of flavour. This is Catena Zapata’s premium Cuvée “Argentino “ - showing its premium status at 16 years of age. — 2 years ago

Bob McDonald

9.2

Nice aromas of mint (not positive but this 100% Cabernet Sauvignon is probably mainly from Coonawarra) and cassis, black currant aromas. Medium bodied with an inner core of latent strength, inherent in most Penfolds Reds. Tastes way younger than 13 years and will cellar for at least another 10 to 15 years or more. Postscript: I thought this statement was appropriate from Penfolds First Chief Winemaker and the creator of Grange, Max Schubert said, “Penfolds different cuvées may differ in character Year by Year, but all bear an unmistakable resemblance and relationship to each other. “ This is pertinent when tasting Bin 407. — 3 years ago

Bob McDonald

9.4

Mid Ruby with a tawny rim. A little closed 15 minutes after decanting. Still contained and a little latent at 12 years of age. With air red berry fruits and florals and a touch of pepper. Wonderful palate intensity showing the quality of the fruit - raspberry notes coming through. One of Australia’s best Pinots although I have had better Block 5’s. — 4 years ago