Thomas Clinch

10

Peppery, cherry, cranberries. Rosemary pairs well. Duck, figs, pork chops. — a month ago

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. — 2 months ago

David Walser

9.3

At our second special Caymus dinner on Sky Princess serving this wine. I’ve had lots of Caymus wines over the years. This is in line with the brand, but not what I remember from the wines from the late 70’s. As the price increased, I lost interest. It’s ok, but I feel there are better wines at the price point for the Cabernet Sauvignon. — 8 months ago

Bob McDonald

9.4

I haven’t had a lot of experience with Napa Valley Chardonnay but this was most enjoyable. Rich and mouth filling, creamy. Stone fruit and almonds. Barb said white flowers on the nose. Apparently this was picked early and malolactic fermentation was blocked. Oak influence is totally integrated - balanced. I paid $147 AUD in Brisbane in September 2021. A lot dearer than what you might pay in the States I would guess. — 8 months ago

Matt Perlman

9.4

Love this high altitude zin—old school balanced sensibility and character in abundance. Loads of cherry and spice without being hot or jammy — 2 months ago

carl thornblade

9.0

A little green in flavor (as in unripe), too acidic, but had some elements of tropical fruit, just not full and ripe. Has potential but not the best. — 3 months ago

Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego

9.2

2000 vintage. Never a fave L-B vintage as it has always seemed a little too much sizzle and not enuff steak. FF two decades and said wine is drinking more like a Napa cab vs a BDX. Chunky and in a state of transition (discombobulated) but still medium-heavy body after two+ decades. The 2005 is more affordable and drinking better, imho, currently. Will this effort will ever round into form for dedicated L-B fans going back to the 1985 vintage? Not tasting it. Storybook fill and cork. Decanted and tasted immediately, after 30 mins and after two hours. Aggressive sed. 7.3.24. — 5 months ago

Andy Stabile

9.2

My last bottle…
A few years back I bought 3 bottles. Now can’t find another 2017 on the inter-webs.

Soft mouth feel with a kick not from tannins, per se, but from a strong peppery finish. Just loved.
36% Grenache, 36% Syrah, 31 mourverdre…
After 2017 they jacked up the Grenache and it hasn’t been the same. Not sure the vineyard is even still around.

Was fun while it lasted…. — 2 months ago

Robert Torretti

9.3

Lovely bottle of 1986 Ducru Beaucalliou. A little smoky and not as long as the last bottle but solid with rib chop, sautéed spinach, mushrooms Diane, and Beef Fat Fries at Hawksmoor NYC. Staff said they were going to decant and then did not. I think it would have opened more had they. Next time: insist. — 3 months ago

Bob McDonald

9.1

Generally one of the best Cabernets in Margaret River and therefore Australia. Very dark Ruby in colour. Cassis and blackberry, ripe and rich. I would never pick this as Margaret River in a blind tasting. Where are the herbal notes? But still recognisable as a quality Cabernet. The 2009 Moss Wood was given a poor score of only 84 points by Huon Hooke who is one of Australia’s leading wine scribes. He said “over ripe fruit is the problem “. I have always rated Huon’s reviews and have been a long time subscriber to his website and always will be but I don’t believe he got this right. On 4th July 2012 he said “I can’t see this ageing well” and gave a drinking window of 2012 to 2018. Well tonight at 15 years of age it is drinking very well. James Halliday gave the wine 95 points. — 7 months ago