Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.5

The reason I fell in love with Bordeaux is because I had one of the greatest mentors one could have, Clyde Beffa Jr. - Owner of K&L Wine Merchants. I could never thank him enough or show enough gratitude for the kindness he has shown me. He has been going to Bordeaux multiple times a year for 40 plus years and shown me the greatness of well made Bordeaux’s enjoyed at the age of 25 years plus!

Many who open well made Bordeaux’s young will never know the absolute Heaven they bring to the palate and even more so with a great steak. You only rob yourself of perfection when you open them inside of 25 years. Sure you can check em at 10-15 years for longevity but, you need to have/save bottles for 25 years plus.

Also, an old Bordeaux at 95 is not nearly the same as a young 95. At this age, technical scores are simply not the same as young wine. The enjoyment is completely different.

The nose reveals; a slight touch of funk, dark, ripe, currants, blackberries, dark cherries, black plum, black raspberries, strawberries on the edge of the glass, anise, cedar, graphite, used leather, just a whiff of green pepper, vanilla, caramel, mocha, dark Asian spice, incense, dark & mid berry cola, dark, rich earth, underbrush, limestone, dry stone, hint of sweet tarriness, light, dry herbaceousness, black tea, with dry, withering, fresh, dark, red, blue candied flowers and violets and lavender for days.

The body is round, soft and full. The 90 is the definition of elegant and floral. The structure, tension, length and balance are perfect with another 5-10 years of pleasure to give. It’s gorgeous and sexy. Dark, ripe, currants, blackberries, dark cherries, black plum, black raspberries, some blueberries, strawberries on the long set, anise, cedar, graphite, soft, used leather, vanilla, caramel, mocha, dark chocolate, salted, milk chocolate, dark Asian spice with just a touch of palate heat, a hint of green pepper, savory meats, incense, dark & mid berry cola, dark, rich earth, underbrush, limestone, dry crushed minerals, dry stone, hint of sweet tarriness, light, dry herbaceousness, black tea, with dry, withering, fresh, dark, red, blue candied flowers and violets and lavender for days. The acidity is perfect like a warm gentle rain shower. The finish is a “forget about it.” It’s; gorgeous, sexy, lush, ripe, just the right amount of earthiness, elegant, well balanced and will persist until you go to sleep.

13% ABV. I sure miss the 12–13% ABV of the 80 & early 90 Bordeaux’s.

Photos of; the majestic Chateau Cos d’Estournel and Estate vines, their barrel room with translucent floor to walk above, their library cellar that most would love to raid and their sitting salon.
— 7 years ago

LMB

9.4

2010. (Different from one listed) Purchased for $40. Excellent for the price. Will buy again. — 8 years ago

Reg McGhee

9.3

Very smooth California meritage. Lingering finish, soft tannins. — 9 years ago

Aron Caruso

9.2

Really enjoyed this. Heavy vanilla and oak. Reminded me of circus peanuts in a good way. I love this f*in wine. Wish it wasn't $40/bottle. — 11 years ago

Rich Friedland

9.0

Very jammy on the open. Let it breathe about 40 minutes and the beast starts to become a beauty. Lots of floral notes. — 11 years ago

Yoon Ha

Master Sommelier/Wine Director Benu

9.7

Still terrifically fresh energy here despite 40 years of age. — 13 years ago

Skip Smyser

9.7

An absolute JOY🍷 Soft lovely tannins! Minerality,flint dried fruit hints of tobacco with a dried currant Overtone.Will drink great at 40🍷🍷🍷✝️ — 7 years ago

J Ferrugia

9.2

Not as big as the ‘90 but a beautiful wine. The nose was very earthy when uncorked. Open after 40 minutes of decanting, cedar & spice emerged with cherry. This is a balanced, full wine that still has plenty of life. I am happy to have several more bottles! — 7 years ago

Michelle SalWo

9.4

Chocolaty and $4.99 — 7 years ago

Al Shikoh

9.5

light golden yellow, very fine persistent mousse; nutty, floral, autolytic nose; rich and creamy on the palate, 12% ABV, 8 g/L dosage; blend of 60% Pinot Noir and 40% Chardonnay aged 16% in oak, ripe vintage, Roederer released the 2009 before the 2008, $250 — 8 years ago

Frank Kuo

9.2

Color of dark amber. Nice nose of green apple, spice, mint, ripe banana, and aldehyde. Taste of condensed brown sugar, toffee, a bit spice, a bit minty, and very smooth. Nice green apple and black tea aftertaste on the tongue. A good bottle with decent mix of sweetness and spice. A bit lack in complexity but overall very enjoyable and easy to drink. — 9 years ago

Thiago Martins

9.7

Best Malbec ever — 11 years ago

Jörgen Lindström Carlvik

Owner, Brix Wine Consultants

9.7

Just astonishing complexity here, with salty almond and defined white chalk flavors. Severe length, lightness and sincere width, this amazing wine showcase why Jérez' wines should be consumed by far too many, compared to present rates. — 11 years ago

Michael Greene

9.3

Almonds and lemons. Soft and creamy. — 7 years ago

Dr. Owen Bargreen

9.5

The 2015 Clos Mogador is a absolutely stunning release from this historic Priorat estate. Located in Gratallops, in the heart of the Priorat hills, René Barbier, one of the founders of the Priorat revolution, crafts an incredible blend of 40% Garnacha (lauched from 80 year old vines), 35% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Syrah and 5% Morvedre, Pinot Noir, and Merlot. This immediately reveals seductive aromas of red cherry preserves, rose petals and roasted figs. On the palate this is ripe and intense, yields bright flavors of orange rind, red cherry and red raspberry with wild thyme and garrigue flavors. Intoxicating and beautifully structured, this beautiful wine will evolve gracefully for many years to come. Drink 2019-2040- 95 — 7 years ago

Chris England

9.4

Always a treat to enjoy these excellent NV pink bubbles @ £50 👍 one of our favourites 😍

📍 Billecart Salmon NV

🏵 93-94 points

🍇 40% Chardonnay, 30% Pinot Noir & 30% Pinot Meunier

🍷 Shimmering pale peachy salmon pink 😍

👃 Sweet biscuit & brioche through peach, strawberry, red currant & grapefruit with mineral & sweet red apple tones

👄 Crisp med fresh soft fine lively bubbled mousse of citrus, grapefruit zest & dry minerals w/ sweet strawberry, raspberry & red apple fruity undertones

🎯 Med sweet & dry almond sugar biscuit, sour grapefruit, sweet strawberry, peaches & red apple mineral loaded finish
— 8 years ago

Matthew Beckman

9.1

My goto sub-$40 and accessible sparkler. Crisp, light on its feet and beats most anything else in its class by the big guys — 9 years ago

Tom Kobylarz

9.2

Bright ruby red in color. A fierce attack on the palate of acid and tannin. A wash in sour red fruits, this is a great counter point to food and only gets better with it. Aged in clay terracotta amphora, this is extreme on the unique scale, yet very much a well made wine. A 40/60 blend of Frappato and Nero d'Avola. — 11 years ago

Pascaline Lepeltier, MS

Master Sommelier, Wine Director Rouge Tomate New York

9.0

Very good Brut, 60% PN 40% C all from Bouzy Grand Cru - a lot of energy for 2009 — 12 years ago

Justin Carter

9.2

Lovely. Goes great with rainy weather and a good movie. — 13 years ago

with Constance