WSET Level 3 Pass with Distinction.
Reliable and delicious. As per previous notes - mandarin and honeysuckle. More than 50% Viognier together with Roussanne, Marsanne and other white Rhone varieties. A regular purchase like the Guigal CdR Rouge. — 7 days ago
Pale lemon yellow in colour. Notes of yellow and white florals, Quince, not a hint of petrol/kerosene (TDN). Still plenty of citric acid on the palate. At least 5 years left in the drinking window. — 9 days ago
Wonderful perfume, wonderful palate, wonderful wine! Aromatic red and black fruits, spicy, plummy, with a leather note and a menthol, slightly tarry note. Finishes with fine dry, sandy tannins. The Wine Spectator reviewer was highly impressed saying “Reminds me of the 1989 Petrus - stunning Merlot”. Even at 17 years of age I probably drank this a few years early. One of the 1001 Wines. — 13 days ago
Incredibly youthful - opaque dark ruby in colour. Aromas of mulberry, cigar box, herbs, cassis, and bracken. This wine has a lot of intestinal fortitude (guts) and will live well past 2030. Longer living than most experts drinking window. This is the top Cuvée from Woodlands, always named after a family member or friend, in this case, Nicolas. Have the next in 2 years. — 5 days ago
Had the first of a dozen nearly 2 years ago (97 weeks ago) and that Delectable note and the description still stands. Now having the last of a dozen this must be the best midweek quaffer on the planet and an annual purchase for me. As I said then “quaffable and smashable”. Once I had a bottle I had cellared for 10 years which showed there was basically no change. — 9 days ago
Brief notes. Another excellent example of Pinot Noir from the Applejack vineyard. Red fruited with strawberry and cherry. Definitely more fruit driven than the Wombat Creek which has more whole bunch in the ferment. The differences are more in wine making technique than in terroir I feel. Sexton possibly a bit of each. — 12 days ago
See several previous Delectable notes. A dense Ruby in colour. Rich fruit - a typical Tassie Pinot - luscious and fresh - medium to full bodied. Dark Cherry on nose and palate. Fruit swallowing the oak. I could say a Shiraz drinkers Pinot, but it’s more detailed than that. My last one. Bought 3 bottles at the Pinot Shop Launceston in February 2019. — 6 days ago
Stalky and dusty black cherry. Apparently about 55% to 60% whole bunches in the ferment. It seems like more than that. Also fresh red florals and cranberry. Recently fellow Delectable taster, Aravind, had a tasting at Giant Steps, which I had recommended and his favourite Cuvée was Wombat Creek - the highest vineyard in the Yarra Valley. It certainly is very impressive and quite different to the other Giant Steps Cuvées. (97 points from James Suckling). Went well with Roast Duck. The next night still very stalky with a peppery note. — 7 days ago
Pineapple nuances initially but on settling more citrus and nuts. Waxy notes on the palate. Barrel fermented in approx 50% new oak. A style not followed widely by Australian wine makers. They should - the oak adds another dimension. The vines are planted on deep well draining gravel over clay sub soil. I love having wines like this out of the usual. I bought this at Hedonism Wines, London in July 2019. I’ve never seen this Cuvée offered in Australia but may have missed it. Back story - This Cuvée used to be 100% Sauvignon Blanc but under the ownership of Belgian businessman, Alfred Alexandre Bonnie, further investment was made and Semillon was introduced to give more complexity. Now 80% Sauvignon Blanc, 20% Semillon. — 12 days ago
Bob McDonald
A bit of a unicorn this one. A Syrah/Monastrell blend 50/50 from the Yecla district in Spain. Ultra savoury with dried fruits, iron filings, prunes. Palate indicates a warm climate. Tarry and earthy with porty notes. Only $25 AUD. — 2 days ago