Bob McDonald

9.5

See previous note from 2 years ago in November 2022 - this covers it all. Dusty plum and black currant, herbaceous and intense - in some respects more SA than WA. An unbelievable Trophy Cabinet from Wine Shows around Australia. I won’t list them all - a few highlights are Best Cabernet and Best Red Wine at Royal Adelaide 2014; Best Cabernet or Bordeaux blend at Royal Melbourne 2014; Best Red Wine Royal Hobart 2014. This is just a cross section. This was the 2nd of 6 purchased. Will cellar through to the early 2030s. — 6 days ago

Bob McDonald

8.7

Herbaceous aromas with some cassis. Typically Margaret River Cabernet. Leafy, touch of liquorice. This is a producer I don’t often taste from this district. From an ok vintage in WA (terrible in SA and Victoria). Next night a “detuned “ Margaret River Cab lacking a little intensity. Priced like many of its illustrious neighbours but not quite in their league. — 17 days ago

Bob McDonald

9.4

Citrus blossom, white flowers, and talc as aromatics. On the palate, citrus, citric acid with a chalky texture. Very little TDN if any. A classic Australian dry Riesling still with a long life to develop tertiary characteristics. The following night a skerrick of peach becoming apparent on the palate. Most enjoyable. The Great southland a reliable terroir for Riesling. — 17 days ago

Bob McDonald

9.1

This is the 2nd rated Vasse Felix Chardonnay behind the world class Heytesbury and ahead of the amazing value Filius. This was my last 2017 having made no notes for the first two. Expresses everything which is great about Margaret River Chardonnay. Complexity without cost. Ripe grapefruit with a balanced creamy French oak note which is largely integrated at 7 years of age. More citrus than stone fruit - a little nectarine? Great QPR at $31 AUD. — 23 days ago

Bob McDonald

9.6

Pale lemon in colour - amazing for a 20 year old Riesling. Notes of lemon, mineral and a little paraffin (TDN). A luscious texture due to its age - a mandarin note. From a wonderful terroir for Riesling in Australia - Henty in southern Victoria exposed to the Southern Ocean. Another good Henty Riesling is Seppelt Drumborg. Next day the mandarin note still deliciously there on the palate also medium to ripe citrus. This is world class dry Riesling. — 6 days ago

Bob McDonald

9.5

A mid straw yellow in colour. Aromas are lemon and lime, lemongrass, mineral, wet hay with toastiness and lanolin starting to emerge at 13 years of age. Light bodied but great intensity - a richer texture for a Semillon, bearing in mind that this wine sees no oak at all - stainless steel all the way. Only 11% alcohol. Luckily I have 4 bottles left - a cellar life extending to 2030+. — 16 days ago

Bob McDonald

9.2

Mid yellow/pale gold in colour. Yellow fruits, tropical - notes of pineapple. On the palate, same notes - medium plus intensity. Oak, which was obvious 8 years ago is now totally integrated. Finishes dry. An overused descriptor but this is delicious. Good white Bordeaux is a delight. 70% Sauvignon Blanc; 30% Semillon. — 20 days ago

Bob McDonald

9.5

Always a tasting highlight having a Bass Phillip Reserve Pinot Noir the leading Pinot Noir in Australia although the competition is coming. See previous Delectable note. It pours a medium red with a distinct tawny edge. Barb said red fruits (cherry) and bunchy. I certainly agree on both counts. All BP Reserves are special but the 2012 is not one of the greats. - perhaps a little bunchy, to be ultra picky. — 9 days ago

Bob McDonald

9.5

A refined Cabernet nose and palate. Medium bodied showing mint, herbs and cassis. Frankland River a little cooler than Margaret River nearby but doesn’t have the maritime effect that MR has. Around 10 years ago Larry Cherubino was the “enfant terrible” of the WA wine scene - the talented newcomer. Julia Harding MW (Jancis’s right hand associate) was enticed from the UK to be a senior judge at the Margaret River Wine Show and ended up on a tour of Frankland River wineries with Larry Cherubino. A fascinating article on the Jancis Robinson website if you’re interested. In summary this was an excellent wine. Points off for a way too heavy bottle. — 16 days ago

Bob McDonald

9.3

See previous Note. Old plummie, red cherry notes. Barb said dusty and pine needles. A cooler vintage. I said red cherries and freshly tilled loam. As Galloni said “In 2010 Ama did not bottle their single vineyard selections. All the best fruit went here.” Tasting more the quality of a Brunello than a Chianti Classico. No. 6 in Wine Spectators Top 100 for 2015. — 22 days ago