David Walser

9.1

I’m not sure what this wine retails for, but I paid $8 at the Treasury Employee Store. Really enjoyed the bottle…wish I had more at this price. — 16 days ago

Bob McDonald

9.1

See notes for 2018. I think I preferred the 2018 for its freshness to this 2016 which was not as lively but just as delicious. — 4 years ago

AJ Gubser

8.9

Nose of red currant, plum, meat, eucalyptus, and smoke. Much the same on the palate. Quite a lot of blackberry and sour plum acidity, especially for this varietal. Pretty soft tannin and a bit of alcohol heat on the finish. I'm digging these ripe but elegant "New Australia" wines. — 4 years ago

Lisa bastedo

9.0

Nice flavor with a bit of tannins for the finish. A good well balanced wine. — 5 years ago

Daniel Ciolek

9.1

Every year the pop and pour drinkability of this blend gets better! This year the blend is 60% Mourvedere 25% Grenache and 15% Syrah. My appreciation for the less common primary grape varietals has escalated by Monte de Oro’s wise blending and aging techniques. The nose is slightly shy. The palate is a pleasantly unique balanced combination of fruit and earthy components - with a touch of lingering spice. A near perfect balance of juicy acidity and soft tannins that makes this approachable for most. — 2 months ago

Daniel Ciolek

9.2

Another delightful year of their Meritage style blend. This year it’s made of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petite Verdot, and Cabernet Sauvignon. Lovely nose with complex fruit and spice flavors, mouth watering acidity, and smoothness throughout with just enough tannins for a pop and a pleasant lingering finish. — 4 years ago

David White

9.0

Very good Pinot true to style
Good bright berry colour, nice nose and palate of berries and good balance of acidity length and aftertaste
Not as good as Reserve offering but excellent value for money
Really enjoying SAF wines during COVID-19 — 5 years ago

Edward Nelson

9.0

Taking a nip for the rating. For $12 or so this works just fine. Enjoyable and no complaints. Maybe 13 years helped. — 3 months ago

Freddy R. Troya

8.9

A hidden gem straight out of Bel-Air, a sophisticated Sauv Blanc vinified to age. Floral and tropical fruit notes on the nose, on the palate it welcomes you with some hint of dried peach and moderate citrus. It has some texture and a bit weight, yet it remains crisp on the mid range of the palate and has some distant but palatable candied white fruits. Drink not or cellar it for a later stage as this can easily age. — 4 months ago

Bob McDonald

9.5

As per previous notes. Dense crimson in colour. Cedar, blackberry and geranium. To borrow HH’s phrase “effortless style”. Demonstrates why Coonawarra’s red dirt is marvellous for Cabernet. 96% Cabernet 4% Petit Verdot. The Tally is the top Cuvée from Balnaves. Rich, medium to full bodied. — 5 years ago