Shay A

9.4

I’ve been on the lookout for Mayer wines here in the US and happened to find a bottle in a retail shop while out of state visiting some family. I’m shocked much makes it to the states with roughly 160 cases of this wine produced.

100% whole cluster; 13.5%ABV

My immediate thought after popping and pouring was that if Cayuse made a Pinot, it would smell like this. So much stemmy/herbal/savory aromatics with peppered rhubarb and red berries. Translucent ruby in the glass (closer to darker-style rosé’s in color). The funk continues on the palate (in a delicious way) with more stemmy and savory spice, cranberries, and black tea. The stems give this nice tannin structure while the acidity here is vibrant…keeps you going back for another sip. I followed over two days and it stayed pretty consistent.

This is 100% up my alley and a wine I’d love to acquire more of. Very curious how these age (because it seems like they would hold wonderfully). — 6 hours ago

Ross Bathgate

9.2

On the downward side of its life and a little thin but still so delightful — 6 months ago

Ross Bathgate

9.3

Really rich and mature. Has lost the pretty fruit but gained weight and spice — 7 months ago

Seth Masterson

8.9

Opening up - this one is really is getting interesting as it opens. Would need to come back to a bottle and let it breathe for a good half hour — a month ago

Chris Albin

Winemaker, Azari Vineyards Winemaker, Corskcrew Wines

9.2

Everything I love about Syrah, but a bit softer and fruitier — 3 months ago

Bob McDonald

9.4

Mid to pale crimson - actually transparent. The pale colour belies the aromatic and palate intensity. Aromatics of cherry and raspberry transforming on to the medium bodied sweet red fruited palate. A touch of Sous Bois. An excellent Pinot as always from the Applejack Vineyard from Giant Steps. — 6 months ago

Bob McDonald

9.1

Sweet black fruits - plums. Only medium weight - restrained. 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc, 5% Malbec and 5% Petit Verdot. 2012 was a cooler more moderate growing season, more claret style says Sam Middleton. This is not one of the great Quintets IMO. At its best Quintets is one of the best Cabernet blends in Australia. It still reinforces the fact that the Yarra Valley is one of the better terroirs for Bordeaux blends in Australia. Not for long cellaring. This is first of 3 of the 2012 vintage I have in my cellar. — 3 months ago

Benjamin Hickey

9.5

A bit closed in but really pretty. Lots of white flower and soft stone fruit. Not as much oak/lees influence as other vintages on tasting. — 4 months ago

Doug Powers

9.0

Lovely dark purple color, the Shiraz is black pepper and spice, with a quite tannic profile, the Viognier provides some lovely floral notes and acidity, longish finish, should easily improve for 2-4 more years. — 6 months ago

with Jim

Bob McDonald

9.6

Made by Tom Carson (chief winemaker at Yabby Lake) as his side project. 2013 and 2014 (the latter being Halliday’s wine of the year) of this wine were awarded Australia wide Trophies and Tom says this 2015 is just as good. Sweet red fruits (mulberry) with heaps of spice - Barb said peppery notes. A fabulous wine with impeccable balance- a perfect match with the free range chicken dish that Barb created. 98 points from James Halliday. Tom Carson for the last few years has been Chief Judge of the Royal Queensland Wine Show. His expertise shows in his winemaking. — 7 months ago