Bob McDonald

9.2

Deep Ruby in colour. Strong earthy stony aromas with deep ripe plum plus red and black fruits. An example of a Hunter Valley wine trying to be like a South Australian Shiraz - too ripe and full bodied. “Clumsy” HH said when it was first released. Thankfully wine makers lately in the Hunter have returned to the old medium weight, savoury, “sweaty saddle “ style. Returning to this 2005, this is more full bodied and rich but the quality of the very old vines planted by Maurice O’Shea pulls it over the line as a high quality wine. The more recent vintages of Maurice O’Shea are of extreme quality (2014 - 99 points), back to what the Hunter does best, and will live for decades. — 15 days ago

Aaron Tan

9.1

I’ve been fascinated by these older Lindemans bottlings ever since my first one aeons ago. Low octane, high acid Hunter shiraz with a confused identity makes for a rather interesting drink and table convo. The only thing Burgundian about it was the colour. Haha.

My first bottle of this 91’ Bin 8203 was unfortunately on the cusp of death. I decided to pop open another one and thankfully, second time’s a charm. Shitty cork still, but the wine poured out in great shape. Sweet red fruits, almost like preserved cherries; floral, leathery, and a touch spicy, with a juicy, silky palate. Quite a treat! — 2 months ago

with Michelle

Byron Hewett

9.3

Harmonious. Not too big. 14% abv. Delicious. — 7 months ago

Bob McDonald

9.5

Bright mid yellow. Citrus with wet straw, lanolin and a faint paraffin note. On the palate such purity with that zesty citrus and those waxy lanolin notes you get with mature Semillon. Enough acid to propel this wine into the 2030’s to achieve 25 years of age. Lovedale is one of the leading Semillons in the Hunter Valley - the vineyard being planted by Maurice O’Shea in 1946 and the first vintage in 1950. This was my first of 4 bottles, so , fun times ahead!! A multi Trophy winner in National Wine Shows. — a month ago

Bob McDonald

9.4

Tasting from a week ago at Mick’s place. This was very restrained for a Hunter Valley Chardonnay. Nothing like Tyrrells Vat 47 for example which is usually ripe and buttery. Light to medium weight - more lemony and citrus than stone fruit. An excellent Chardonnay nevertheless. — 3 months ago

Jeremy Shanker

Sommelier at RN74

9.1

Drinking nicely 10 years in! Petrol, lime zest, honeysuckle. — 4 months ago

Galen Hasler

9.1

Meyer lemon, hint of petrol and beeswax Beautiful bouquet. Crisp acidity. — 2 months ago

Sagee Aran

9.2

A very gastronomic Pinot from Chile.
Last 4 wines were served by LATAM, good selection — a month ago

Ming L

9.0

The nose is reminiscent of a SB with nice mix of citrus, tropical, and melon fruits with hint of hay. The initial entry feels like a Chablis that’s acidic and steely, but the body gains weight in the glass and there is hint of sweetness and white floral toward the finish.
Not much experience with 100% Semillon, but this is very nice. — 3 months ago

Andrew Cullimore

9.3

Medium straw colour, green reflexes . Quite intense lemon oil , wax , wet wool , grassy notes . Quite deep and intense lemon , candle wax , grapefruit , with a touch of creamy , toasted notes . Long very balanced refreshing finish . Still very young but showing well and will continue to improve over the next 10-15 years — 6 months ago