Doug Powers

9.2

[8 hour decant] The spirit in this bottle seems non-integrated, which is the first 1985 Graham’s we’ve drunk where I recall this being the case, this is less sweet as well, so ultimately a good, but not great, bottle of 1985 Graham’s. We’ll see how future bottles of this wine show. — 19 days ago

with Jim

Jan A

9.6

The Fonseca bottle was gone in no time so we opened another 2007 from my cellar.I love the more feminine, elegant, ethereal style of Taylor's . Excellent bottle. Violets galore — a month ago

Bob McDonald

9.5

At the Yarra Yering dinner in Brisbane last Thursday 3rd October 2024 with winemaker Sarah Crowe. A blend of Shiraz, Viognier, Mataro and Marsanne. The original vineyards of Shiraz and Marsanne were established in 1969 with additional vineyards of Mataro and Viognier planted from 1984 to 1995. A lovely red berried perfume (raspberry) with some stalks added back in. Interestingly some fermenters have added frozen Viognier skins to the bottom, some have Marsanne skins. Sarah is always wanting to push the envelope with her winemaking. A classic Rhone style, blended with perfume in mind. Red wine of the year from the Halliday Wine Companion and awarded 99 points from Philip Rich from that publication. — 3 months ago

Peter van den Besselaar

9.3

20 years tawny port | great balance with beautiful smell of figs, nuts | paired with shropshire blue — 15 days ago

Jan A

9.5

Given my "too early" assessment in 2021, I decanted this bottle 6 hours in advance. Beautiful nose of purple fruit / violets. Early drinking window. Good balance. Not spectacular but solid. For my palate this will be the best in the coming 5-10 years when the fruit is still notably present. — a month ago

Bob McDonald

9.6

The final wine at the Yarra Yering dinner in Brisbane last Thursday night 3rd October 2024 with winemaker Sarah Crowe. Fitting that Dry Red No. 1 should be the final wine - arguably the Jewel in the Crown. Initial aromatic impressions are gorgeous. This is the 50th vintage of Dry Red No. 1. A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec and Petit Verdot. Brief notes - blackberry, aniseed and bay leaf. A medium bodied Cabernet with M+ intensity and finishing with fine boned tannin structure. Power with poise, concentration with finesse. Will live for 20 years plus. I have been buying on an irregular basis for many years. The 1990 was a highlight. I asked Sarah, who was Chairman of the Royal Sydney Wine Show this year to compare 3 of the main Cabernet producing areas in Australia - Yarra Valley leafy fragrance, Coonawarra Mint, and Margaret River herbaceousness. At Restaurant Dan Arnold. — 3 months ago

Adam Gäfvert

9.5

A real office Christmas party treat. Full of grace and depth. Really enjoyable atm. Half bottle. — 11 days ago

Doug Powers

9.9

[9 hour decant] Stunning vintage port, great aromatics, very fine color, super nice balance between fruit and spirits, super long, lingering finish, great wine to celebrate having hot water again in our house (7 days to locate and have a new water heater installed), pretty much a PERFECT bottle of vintage port!! — a month ago

with Jim

Bob McDonald

9.7

At my 2015 Chardonnay Challenge the Bindi Quartz was the consensus winner from 6 Chardonnays. Ripe grapefruit and mineral - very balanced. Finishes with a touch of moreish salinity. Quite an achievement to finish No. 1 in this field. — 4 months ago

Ross Bathgate

9.5

Amazing! Medium bodied and silky smooth, layers and layers of spice with chocolate. — 5 months ago