4/2/2024 - mmilgate Likes this wine:

Hand-picked, whole bunch pressed, straight to oak (30% new) with full solids and wild yeast fermentation.
No MLF (same as the other 2 single vineyard 2022 Chardonnays).
An aromatic Chardonnay with white nectarine, nougat and almond pastry notes underpinned by a subtle flinty complexity.
The palate is intense, with fine natural acidity and a distinct savouriness from extended time on lees.

4/2/2024 - mmilgate Likes this wine:

Hand-picked, whole bunch pressed, straight to French oak barriques (30% new) with full solids and wild yeast fermentation.
No MLF. MLF is why I am not a fan of Chardonnay - I prefer to taste the grape not the butter or the barrel, so having no MLF is a big plus.
Minerality jasmine and nashi aromas, and a slight flint character aromas.
A palate of both volume and definition, with the vineyard's hallmark saline, chalky acidity driving to a long, powerful finish.

4/2/2024 - mmilgate Likes this wine:

Hand-picked, whole bunch pressed, straight to French oak barriques (30% new) with full solids and wild yeast fermentation.
No MLF.
Certified Biodynamic
Mandarin skin, pink grapefruit and mealy aromas with nougat undertones.
Powerful fruit concentration through complex layers of detail and structure.
I have the 3 single vineyard Chardonnays going back to 2016 which are slowly beginning to age, so there is cellar potential - not sure how long I would push them to see how they will go on for.

4/3/2024 - mmilgate Likes this wine:

Wild yeast fermented in open stone fermenters before pressing to French oak barriques (30% new) for 16 months.
Aromas of red currants, violets and cedar are supported by black olive, tobacco and gravel dust.
A velvety, refined palate with cassis, cocoa and graphite is framed by firm yet fine tannins and superb length.

4/2/2024 - mmilgate Likes this wine:

This release is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (78%), Malbec (16%), Merlot (3%) and Petit Verdot (3%).
Indigenous yeast fermented in open stone fermenters before 18 months' maturation in fine French oak, each variety kept separate until blending. Unfined and unfiltered.
A palate of Violets, cassis, fresh earth and black olive give way to a powerful yet elegant palate, with fine tannins driving to an impressively long finish.

3/31/2024 - mmilgate Likes this wine:

Coming up to 12 years of age.
The stelvin has certainly contributed to it still being fresh though slowly ageing.
Light colour.
Medium MLF - I am not a fan of chardonnay because of the buttery/MLF impact. White stone fruit trying to be seen but overwhelmed by butter.

3/29/2024 - mmilgate Likes this wine:

Took a sample from 1 bottle using Coravin as curiosity was killing me when the 2023 wines arrived.
Fruit was sourced from the Mrs Nicks vineyard in Balnarring and Rivendel in Merricks North.
Mrs Nicks was planted to MV6 in 1998 on a gently south facing hill of chocolate brown sandy loam.
Rivendel, planted in 1998 and is a mix of D5V12 and Pommard clones of Pinot Noir on grey sandy loam.
Aromas of violets, raspberry and chinotto.
The wine is dense and complex with a concentrated but fine palate of berries.

3/29/2024 - mmilgate Likes this wine:

Took a sample from 1 bottle using Coravin as curiosity was killing me when the 2023 wines arrived.
Matthews vineyard planted in 1998. Manilla vineyard planted in 1983.
The red volcanic soils face very slightly to the south and look in the direction of the Tarago reservoir.
The wine smells of roasted peaches, iron stone and thyme.
The palate is soft, round and textured of berries.

3/29/2024 - mmilgate Likes this wine:

Took a sample from 1 bottle using Coravin as curiosity was killing me when the 2023 wines arrived.
Vines planted in 1998.
The red volcanic soils have a little more rock than the Bull Swamp site and the wine is finer and more delicate as a result.
The lifted and bright nose shows rose petal, liquorice, pomegranate and poached pear.
The palate is detailed, fine and mineral.

3/29/2024 - mmilgate Likes this wine:

Took a sample from 1 bottle using Coravin as curiosity was killing me when the 2023 wines arrived.
Aromas of blackberry, dark cherry, plum pudding and wood spice.
The palate is rich and very finely structured.
Extremely approachable for a young wine but with plenty of potential for ageing.

3/28/2024 - mmilgate wrote:

I opened my first ever bottle with friends last night for dinner. One of whom only drinks shiraz, so it was going to an interesting experience for us all.
It was white.
It had alcohol.
It had minimal body.
Minimal nose
Nothing that would have suggested that it was a white shiraz.
I will use my 5 remaining bottles as a curiosity in various wine tastings I facilitate as a talking point until they are used.
the 2019 Châteauneuf-du-Pape that I bought yesterday morning at Costco was a far more interesting and enjoyable shiraz that we all enjoyed.

3/25/2024 - mmilgate Likes this wine:

100% Furmint
1% alcohol
A deep gold colour.
The nose is toffee, green tea, herbal aromas, wildflower honey, candied fruits.
The palate is super rich, with caramel, honey, toffee notes, amazingly creamy and mouth-filling texture. Very pure.
The after taste gives the reminiscence of herbal tea, candies, fine aged cognac and caffe latte.
920 bottles were made.

3/14/2024 - mmilgate Likes this wine:

This is a Single Vineyard, block-specific Shiraz from the Graveyard Vineyard.
This particular block sits on the southern end by the McDonald’s Road and Thompson’s Road corner.
Old French oak puncheons were selected with the wine maturing for nine months before being bottled in January 2023.
A very fragrant, pretty nose.
French oak is in the background.
Initial RRP $75/bottle
Silky tannins from the whole bunch in the ferment and the savoury fruit make for a delightful Hunter Valley light dry red with persistent length.

3/14/2024 - mmilgate wrote:

100% previously used French oak.
50 year old vines.
Nose has lifted red fruit, pastille and subtle spice aromas.
Ripe cherry flavours and soft tannins feature on the palate with softly integrated French oak.
A typical Hunter Valley Shiraz for the medium to long term.

1/18/2024 - mmilgate Likes this wine:

Pale colour with hints of golden hues - no hint of the grape skin colour.
Pear, apple, stone fruits on the nose.
Palate has primary notes of pear, green apple skin, melon and white nectarine.
Nice complexity of slithered almonds and nuttiness in the mid-palate.
A light bodied, dry wine with good freshness and acid drive making the palate linear.

12/27/2023 - mmilgate Likes this wine:

A lovely pale yellow with green tints, appropriate for a young Semillon that is destined to bottle age for a decade or more.
Fragrant apple blossom and lemon grass aromas typical of Hunter Semillon at an early age.
These characters continue onto the palate with a zesty, citrus note.
A perfect acid structure keeps the flavour lingering.

As the name suggests this particular vineyard has consistently produced outstanding Hunter Valley Semillon since it was planted in 1899. This 1.17Ha vineyard is located directly opposite Brokenwood’s Oakey Creek Vineyard and is on similar alluvial soil.
2022 was a season with many similarities to 2021 but overall of higher quality. La Nina once again made for a cool, wet season albeit tempered by consistent breeze, which kept the canopy dry and disease at bay.
Pokolbin had reached its annual rainfall by the end of November, with it being the wettest November on record.
They received 956mm for 2021.
One of the latest harvests in the Hunter in many years, with the 1899 Old Vine vineyard being picked on the 7th of February under cool, cloudy skies.

12/27/2023 - mmilgate Likes this wine:

At 6 years of age on release, the colour is just starting to show some development with yellow tints complimenting the green edges.
Lifted lemon citrus and floral notes heading to bees wax, brioche and toast.
Lively Tahitian lime juice characters are backed by a superb, zesty acidity.
The fruit for th e 2017 ILR Reserve was sourced from the Trevena Vineyard on Hermitage Road, an important Heritage Vineyard, with vines having been planted in 1926. The Trevena Vineyard was picked in two passes on the 30th of January and the 1st of February 2017 which is just as well. The weekend of 10th - 12th February saw the temperature hit 44, 47 and 46C.

12/12/2023 - mmilgate Likes this wine:

More on the dry side now given it is 29 years old. Reminded us of a PX - without the thicker viscosity. Fruit cake flavours, khaki colour.
Delicious, am glad I have another 6 bottles to savor with friends over the next 12 months or so - would not expect it to last much longer.

12/12/2023 - mmilgate Likes this wine:

great to see how a classic Aust wine can age. developing tertiary flavours and nose. time to start drinking the other bottles, probably at the peak.

11/24/2023 - mmilgate Likes this wine:

Sampled my first bottle from the case using Coravin.
Initially very tannic but softened after 15-20 minutes.
Strong berries, chocolate touches, reminds me of Cab Sauv more than old vine Grenache.
I liked the acidity.
Needs.far more time than the 2017-2022 suggested on here. Far more relaxed about not having opened the case seeing how big this wine is, easily another 10-15 years in this wine.

11/23/2023 - mmilgate Likes this wine:

Bright raspberry, pomegranate and red currant fruits as well as cherry pit and rose petals.
The palate is fine and chewy with more red fruits as well as cinnamon, mace and clove characters.
It is precise and well defined. While the wine is not intended for long term cellaring it will benefit from 3 to 5 years rest.

10/25/2023 - mmilgate Does not like this wine:

Purchased to have it as part of a Pinot Noir tasting night at my Club.
Disappointing - typical rose - bland, no discernable palate or nose - nothing comes to mind other than red coloured water with alcohol.

10/25/2023 - mmilgate Does not like this wine:

Tasted like cordial - red coloured water with alcohol..... no real discerning features or palate.

10/25/2023 - mmilgate Likes this wine:

Not sure why this is classified as a rose on Cellartracker when it is a white wine and the wine maker says it is a white wine.
the after palate reminds me of a fino sherry.
not sure I would buy this wine again, an interesting talking point.

9/25/2023 - mmilgate Likes this wine:

Stone fruit, apple and citrus aromas as well as a hint of mushrooms, floral nuances, long pepper, parsley, coriander and minerality.
Very tightly knit, quite juicy, again rather cool, dry fruit, clearly planty and a little herbaceous tones, relatively present, yet fine acidity, relatively clear, yet perfectly integrated, friable tannin, dense and persistent on the palate.
Very firm core, intense minerality, almost a little peppery spice, also smoky and nutty traces, very delicate wood barrel notes, hints of dark berries in the background, has enormous substance but still a certain lightness, deep foundation, long, firm, tart and again immensely mineral finish with tension, pull and persistence.

7/15/2023 - mmilgate Likes this wine:

Started with mineral tones but as the wine breathed over the meal, luscious fruity flavours developed.
Maybe off dry but not sweet.
Has aged well, acid still noticeable to give it a good structure.

6/5/2023 - mmilgate Likes this wine:

It is pale yellow with green tints, appropriate for a young Semillon that is destined to bottle age for a decade or more.
Fragrant apple blossom and lemon grass aromas typical of Hunter Semillon at an early age.
These characters continue onto the palate with a zesty, citrus note.
A perfect acid structure keeps the flavour lingering.
Enjoy in its youth but the talc/lanolin flavours will develop with further ageing.

6/5/2023 - mmilgate Likes this wine:

The colour is impressive with aged brick-red hues.
Secondary characters are starting to show on the nose; iodine, sweet earthy notes plus dark chocolate complimented by the French Oak.
The palate is fine and medium to full bodied with Christmas cake notes and a long core of fruit.
The oak and fruit integration is seamless giving a long finish.

6/5/2023 - mmilgate Likes this wine:

A blend of fruit from Weil’s high-altitude sites dotted around the village. These vineyards include the Sandgrub vineyard and there is also a good portion from Wasseros, a steep, southwest-facing vineyard that abuts the Gräfenberg vines.
The soils of these sites are typically composed of stony, fragmented phyllite interlaced with loess and loam. At this level, the wine is vinified in stainless steel with less than 5% fermented in large oak.
Flavours of citrus oil and white flowers alongside saline and steely mineral notes.
The palate bursts with leesy succulence and mouth-watering freshness, while the close is sleek and long, finishing with remarkable clarity and racy finesse.
This is already a world-class Riesling and it is the entry level wine.

5/18/2023 - mmilgate Likes this wine:

A deliciously silky yet vibrant blend of 80% Marsanne and 20% Roussanne.
Scents of stone fruits, apricots and honey blossom underscored by a complexing kernel nuttiness.
The palate is succulent fruit/peach deftly balanced by citrus/zesty acidity and a fine phenolic grip that carries the length of the palate.

5/7/2023 - mmilgate Likes this wine:

First time trying this wine.
luscious not overly sweet (which is how I like dessert wines)
Have not tried this variety before.
I think the Dark Chocolaté Fondant w White Chocolaté Centre and Raspberry Sorbet dessert I had with this wine was too overpowering/overly sweet to do justice to the wine - maybe I should have had the cheese platter
But I did enjoy the wine very much, as did my 3 lunch guests

5/7/2023 - mmilgate Likes this wine:

Reminded me of the big buttery charddies from the late 1980s early 1990s in Australia.
Smooth and rich (buttery), subtle oak but hidden by the MLF.

4/26/2023 - mmilgate Likes this wine:

Bottles Produced 2160
Vintage from 35 year old Pommard clone vines and from our 30 year old Dijon clone vines
Cherry, sesame seed and peanut shell notes on the nose.
Dark fruit with subtle acidity tannin balance on the palate with long length.

4/26/2023 - mmilgate Likes this wine:

Bottles Produced 1987
Vintage from 34 year old Pommard clone vines and from our 29 year old Dijon clone vines
Leather and spice on the nose.
Delicate subtle notes of oak, complexed by stem and savoury characters of freshly cut hay.

4/26/2023 - mmilgate Likes this wine:

Bottles Produced 1728
Vintage from 32 year old Pommard clone vines and from our 27 year old Dijon and Abel clone vines.
Very dark ruby-red colour.
The nose has aromas of red cherry and concentrated dark-red berry with savoury notes of whole bunch stalk, earth, and dark herbs.
Medium-full bodied, the palate is concentrated, with a dense core of dark red fruits (ripe plums and dark cherries) and herbs

4/26/2023 - mmilgate Likes this wine:

Bottles Produced 1068
Vintage from 30+ year old Pommard clone vines
Visually very dark ruby-red colour, with black-purple hues
the fruit is pronounced in fragrant dark-red and black cherry and berry aromas, along with dark-red florals and complexing herbal notes
The palate has bright and tightly bound flavours of ripe black cherry and berry fruit entwined with dark herbs, violet and dark-red florals.
The fruit is deeply concentrated with a core of very fine-grained flowery tannins providing good structure.
The fresh acidity enhances the linearity. The wine flows smoothly, leading to a very long, lingering finish of black fruits, florals herbs and minerals

4/20/2023 - mmilgate Likes this wine:

Spicy and earthy notes of ginseng, dried pineapple, candied citrus, fig and toffee apple.
The sweetness is balanced and complemented by earthy, complex layers. Lots of spicy botrytis character.
Extremely long.
Complex and thought provoking
with so much dried-fruit and spicy flavour at the end.
Dense and tight, yet agile.
Delicious now, but give it another five or six years,

4/20/2023 - mmilgate Likes this wine:

This amber coloured Tokaj Aszu is made from grapes from the Betsek vineyard.
It has heady aromas of intense apricot, acacia and Bartlett pear.
There is elegant sweetness and flavour of apricot and canned peach.
It is nicely balanced in sweetness and acidity.

4/20/2023 - mmilgate Likes this wine:

Intense nose of candied fig, dried pineapple, ginger, spice, candied lemon, honeysuckle and acacia honey.
Sweet and luscious with zesty acidity. Lingering honey and lemon notes.
Dense and tight center-palate. Blend of single vineyards.
100% furmint.
Give it time to open

4/20/2023 - mmilgate Likes this wine:

Fantastic nose of ginseng, dried apricots, yellow plums, brown sugar, honey, lemons and tangerine peel.
Honeyed and smooth with layers of dried fruit and subtle earthy elements.
Excellent balance and freshness. Tangy. 65% furmint, 30% harslevelu, plus small amounts of other varieties.

4/9/2023 - mmilgate Likes this wine:

Delicious off dry. Was not sure what to expect since it has been decades since I had this variety.
The fruity nose gave away it had sweetness. Not over powering sweet, but a delicious sweet fruitness that remined me of the Krondorf versions I had in the late 1980s.
Will be having more in the future.
Would be great with spicey food.

4/4/2023 - mmilgate Does not like this wine:

past its prime, undrinkable
the the missing soggy sock to the Rosemont Show Reserve Shiraz also past its prime at our lunch

4/4/2023 - mmilgate Does not like this wine:

past its rime and undrinkable
soggy sock on the nose.

4/4/2023 - mmilgate Likes this wine:

Wow, this wine has aged very well. I think the last of the vintages under cork.
Tertiary flavours have developed in the wine. Over 2 hours , over lunch, the wine opened up.
Initially we all thought the wine may have peaked but as lunch went on and we cam back to the wine my lunch companions were saying that the wine had another 6-12 months in it.
Alas the 2001 Rosemont Show Reserve Shiraz and the 2001 St Hallet Old Block Shiraz were both well past their prime and went start to the sink.

3/23/2023 - mmilgate Likes this wine:

30 months in lightly-toasted 600 litres tonneaux with thick staves
Grapes are hand harvested in small 17 kg crates during the first October weeks
Intense ruby red colour.
The nose expresses notes of ripe red fruits, floral aromas of violets, forest undergrowth and finishes with pleasant hints of aromatic wood.
In the mouth it is warm, with a dense texture and persistence.
The elegance and harmonious structure of this wine are excellent with red meats, wild game including fowl, more elaborate dishes. Excellent with cheeses such as Parmigiano Reggiano and Tuscan pecorino.
Perfect for long ageing.

3/23/2023 - mmilgate Likes this wine:

30 months in 1000 L, 2000 L and 4000 L oak casks.
San Polo and Montluc vineyards
Intense ruby red colour with garnet-like reflections.
The nose expresses the typical aromas of violet and small red fruits. There are hints of aromatic wood, vanilla, and jam, followed by subtle notes of intense and persistent coffee.
It is a warm wine in the mouth, with a dense and full-bodied texture. The finish is long, with well-defined tannins.
This will benefit long aging and time in the bottle to improve.
The body of the wine allow combinations with very structured dishes such as red meats, feathered and furred game (rather than feathered). Excellent with cheeses such as aged tome, Parmigiano Reggiano and Tuscan pecorino.

3/2/2023 - mmilgate Likes this wine:

quince, white flowers and candied citrus, and chalky minerals on the palate.
5 g/L residual sugar
2017 was a vintage with very little botrytis

3/2/2023 - mmilgate Likes this wine:

Constance is only made in the greatest sweet wine years from a blend of the most concentrated botrytised fruit from all three vineyards (Le Mont, Le Haut-Lieu and Clos du Bourg). Constance is one of the great sweet wines of the world and can be served with dessert or cheese (personally I would go with hard cheeses).
Scents of sweet quince, honeycomb, barley sugar, heather.
The palate with crystalline flavours of gingerbread, spice and quince jelly, closing with an energetic and precise finish that belies its power to age.

3/2/2023 - mmilgate Likes this wine:

The sweeter première trie level is made from a berry-by-berry selection of the very ripest (often botrytis-affected) grapes.
The balance is mouth-watering, racy, transparent wines represent some of the greatest whites of France. The première trie wines can also work with desserts - but nothing too sweet (they are better with cheeses).
Intensely yellow and highly concentrated and complex on the nose with candied lemon zest and chutney aromas and walnut notes. Sweet (really sweet!) yet refined and elegant on the palate, this is a full-bodied, rich and generous yet piquant and firmly structured, greatly tensioned and salty with pineapple flavors on the finely tannic and energetic, very sustainable finish.

3/2/2023 - mmilgate Likes this wine:

at 27 years of ages, shows how a great Chenin can age. Shows what a great Vouvray is capable of offering.