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. — 2 months ago

Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego

9.4

1999 vintage. Decanted and tasted after four hours. Medium/heavy body. Intense, dark color. Earthy, tannic nose. Plenty of grip and fruit and showing beautiful balance now. Not an Insignia fan but this was excellent and has plenty of quality time left. No rush to crush. 71% Cab, 21% Merlot, 6% PV, 1% Cab Franc, 1% Malbec. 3.5.24. — 9 months ago

Carlos Gonzalez

9.3

This is Cali Cab — 3 years ago

Norman Gennaro

9.2

It’s an Oregon wine for sure and by that I mean way lighter in body than a CA Syrah. The flavor and finish is not at all dialed down. It’s got a great nose, edge on the palate and a very long finish. — 4 months ago

Bob McDonald

9.5

Meaty, charcuterie notes together with black and blue fruits. The palate is rich and savoury - full bodied on the earthy spectrum with ripe plum. Bests are an under the radar Gem in the Grampians. It should be a regular purchase particularly at the price. An average price of around $30. — 7 months ago

leon egozi

9.8

The annual 305 Napa cab 10 year retrospective. So many amazing wines. — 2 years ago

Andrew Belzer

9.5

Coco powder, espresso, cassis, rich polished tannins and a long finish! — 4 months ago

Lyle Fass

Founder Fass Selections

9.3

Gorgeous nose of mid season cherries, spice, delicate wood, slate, and even saltiness. Palate is super deep and has some citrus notes, dense cherry fruit, layered and fresh, From Falkenberg, Grosser Hergott and Grafenberg. Terrific freshness and purity. Love the wood spice on the nose mixed with xmas spice and citrus. Salty finish and awesome ripe tannins. Big Pinot that has great aging potential. Such an awesome wine. — 6 months ago

Ross Bathgate

9.5

In its prime. Opened a day after trying the 100pt 2021 at the winery. The 2005 is a different beast entirely as it was made by Bailey Carrodus and the 2021 by Sarah Crowe the current winemaker. So much brambly fruit with rich opulence underpinned by fine tannins. Wonderful mature wine. — 8 months ago

Mike Obley

8.9

Pleasant, but not moving — 2 years ago