Bob McDonald

9.0

Pale Ruby in colour. Sweet red fruits (cherry). Light to medium bodied on the palate with those savoury red cherries present. Certainly at 10 years it is at its limit. No more improvement. Ready to drink and lacking complexity, but it is only a Village wine - however Barb really liked it - particularly the aromatics. Her score a couple of points above my 90. — 17 hours ago

Bob McDonald

9.4

Aromas of leather, tree bark and black fruits. A rich and powerful ultra savoury wine with ripe black fruits, a dash of black pepper and fading raspberry- silky intensity. Works perfectly with BBQ Lamb Chops. Still going strong at 18 years from a good year in Bandol. The following night - consistent notes. Predominantly Mourvèdre in the blend together with Grenache and Cinsault I believe but not sure of the exact percentages. In 2004 it was 90% Mourvèdre and 10% Grenache. — 5 days ago

Bob McDonald

9.0

100% Merlot from Maremma - coastal Tuscany. Red plums, pipe tobacco and spices as aromatics. On the medium bodied palate savoury red fruits with spices. Drinking this after most pro tasters had closed the drinking window but this is still holding up. It might have been slightly fresher and better a year or two ago but still quite good. One of the 1001 wines. 14.5%ABV - up there for a European red. I will have my last one by the end of the year 2025. — 7 days ago

Bob McDonald

9.3

Grenache is a real chameleon. It can be light and detailed like this or full bodied like some blood and thunder examples from McLaren Vale. HH said this wine was “Pinotesque”. Light tawny red in colour. On the light to medium bodied palate raspberry and earthy notes. A strange descriptor I know but Barb and I detected a note of mouldy apple. Light to medium in body but medium plus intensity of flavour. From 130 year old bush vines in the Barossa Valley. We thoroughly enjoyed this. Looking forward to the remaining 2 bottles. — 10 days ago

Bob McDonald

9.0

Blackcurrant and leather notes. Very savoury on the palate - a little disappointing to be honest. See previous Delectable note. I haven’t had a lot of experience with Cornas and was looking forward to this because of its stellar reputation. I have a reasonable collection of Clape Cornas in my cellar which are not ready to drink yet. To be honest this was a bit underwhelming compared to many stellar Shiraz we are lucky enough to have in Australia. Hopefully the Clape, the Rostaing and the Jamet with time in my cellar will be impressive. — 2 days ago

Bob McDonald

9.3

Eric Bordelet is the acknowledged Cider Master from the Loire valley in Normandy (Mayenne). The colour of amber beer. This cider is made from a blend of 19 apple varieties including bitter, sweet and acidic varieties. Aromas of mouldy apple (unsurprisingly) Palate is intense yet refreshing with stewed apple and low acid. Fine bubbles. Only 6% ABV and very enjoyable. — 7 days ago

Bob McDonald

9.4

Amazingly a rich ruby red for the age of the wine and the wet vintage. 14 years is young for a Wendouree Shiraz but 2011 was a difficult wet vintage in South Australia saved here by the deep rooted ancient vines. Aromatics of iodine, camphor, eucalypt, liquorice and medicinal notes - touches of menthol and tar. Very satisfying and easy for us to drink the whole bottle! Postscript: I had to mention a great descriptor from Gary Walsh “I love its mineral character and aniseed vapour trail.” — 10 days ago

Bob McDonald

9.5

Lime and citrus notes with saline notes. Inspired by a recent note @Ira Schwartz about a delicious Chablis he had. Oak has been thoroughly absorbed. I haven’t had many Chablis from Les Clos but lived up to its exalted status. See previous Delectable note. Great with fresh Pacific Oysters. — 2 days ago

Bob McDonald

9.1

See previous Delectable notes for Bellwether Montepulciano. Bellwether is based In Coonawarra but these grapes come from the warmer Riverland area perfectly suited to Monte like its homeland of Abruzzo in Italy. This had a youthful colour - fruit driven with minimal oak influence. Medium to full bodied showing plums and aniseed. Can be drunk now or experience short term cellaring. Barb and I loved having a hand in making this wine when we did vintage at Bellwether in 2021. — 5 days ago

Bob McDonald

9.3

Ripe pink grapefruit with citrus notes, smoky with hazelnut - same on the palate with a touch of mandarin. An interesting Chardonnay and a worthy little brother to Bindi “Quartz”, one of Australia’s best Chardonnays. Light to medium weight palate with medium plus intensity. My previous Delectable note for the 2022 of this Cuvée showed it to be a bit lean and too young - this 2020 showed much better with an extra 2 years age. — 8 days ago