Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.5

So, if it’s my birthday celebration, there is a juicy ribeye & some old(er) Claret.

My only disappointment with this bottle is as good as it is, there are better things still down the road.

The nose reveals classic Claret. There are earthy, funky fruits of; blackberries, black raspberries, dark cherries, black plum, baked strawberries with shades of raspberries. Steeped fruit teas, limestone minerals, dry crushed rocks, stones, black, rich earth, clay, dry herbs, dark berry cola, cedar, leather, not quite fresh tobacco, underbrush, graphite, gentle, dark spice, slight peppery notes, clove, touch of nutmeg & cinnamon & vanillin, anise to black licorice, eucalyptus notes with fresh & slightly candied florals of, red, dark, blue, purple & violets.

The body is medium full with rounded, nicely resolved, tarry tannins. The structure, tension, length and balance are really singing. It would be good to have another 2001 LMHB in ten years. While 2001 wasn’t a critically acclaimed vintage, I think LMHB over performed the vintage. As well, it followed a grand 2000 vintage which, handicapped it from the start. Ripe; blackberries, black raspberries, dark cherries, black plum, baked strawberries, bright cherries, rhubarb, figs, with shades of raspberries. Steeped fruit teas, limestone minerals, dry crushed rocks, stones, black, rich earth, clay, dry top soil, dry herbs, dark berry cola, cedar, leather, not quite fresh tobacco, underbrush, graphite, gentle, dark spice with soft heat, slight peppery notes, clove, touch of nutmeg & cinnamon & vanillin, anise to black licorice, eucalyptus notes with fresh & slightly candied florals of, red, dark, blue, purple & violets. The acidity is excellent...like a gentle rain shower. The long finish is elegance defined, extremely well balanced ending in soft, round, dry, dusty tannins with beautiful spice.

Photos of; Chateau La Mission Haut Brion & estate vines, beautiful barrel room, pond & Roman columns and the back vow of the Chateau.

Please indulge me while I post some history on this grand producer. As much as I love the wine, I love the history & people that do the hard work to bring us such great wines.

Chateau La Mission Haut Brion is not quite as old as Chateau Haut Brion. However, they are opposite side of the road neighbors. La Mission Haut Brion dates back to the late 16th century. The property came into being after it was purchased by Jean de Pontac in 1533. US winery history is a baby compared to France.

In 1607, the estate changed hands. It was inherited by Ms. Olive de Lestonnac. What an inheritance!

In 1815, something rare happened. Chateau La Mission Haut Brion became the property of an American owner, the Chiapelle family. At the time, the family was already involved in the Bordeaux wine trade. In fact, they knew about the business as they had managed a myriad of different estates including Chateau Cos d’ Estournel.

La Mission Haut Brion continued to change hands until it was finally sold to another American family, the Woltner’s. Frederic Woltner purchased La Mission Haut Brion in 1919. The also became owners on Howell Mountain.

It changed hands one final time in 1983 when it was purchased by Domaine Clarence Dillon, the owner of neighboring, Chateau Haut Brion. They renovated the entire property, starting with replanting the vineyards which, was completed in 1987.

The 26 hectare vineyard of Chateau La Mission Haut Brion is planted to; 45.8% Cabernet Sauvignon, 43.8% Merlot and 10.4% Cabernet Franc. 3.5 hectares of vines are reserved for the production of the white Bordeaux.

To produce the red wine of Chateau La Mission Haut Brion, the wine is vinified in large, 180 hectoliter, temperature controlled, stainless steel vats and aged in 100% new, French oak for an average of 22 months. The annual production of La Mission Haut Brion averages between 6,000 and 7,000 cases per year. — 6 years ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.1

On the nose, liqueured dark cherries, cherries, poached strawberries, dark raisins, plums, dates, figs, baking spices, chocolate, dark rich soils, light spice and decayed dark florals. The mouthfeel is thick, rich and nicely resolved. Although it's nearly 20 years from inception, it's quite fresh and somewhere just the other side of it's peak. Dark cherries, plum, raisins, figs, dates, prunes, cherries, poached strawberries, somewhere between black raspberries & raspberries, dark & milk chocolate, light spice, rich, dark, moist soil, dry loamy top soil, violets, decayed, dark florals, light baking spices and caramel with nice round acidity. The finish is thick, rich 50-50 fruit and earth and lasts nearly a minute. This 98 is drinking nicely tonight with our Burrata, olive oil, Tondo balsamic, roasted garlic, garden cherries tomatoes and pesto sauce. Photos of; their beautiful villa estate, straw mats in warm rooms for drying the grapes to make this wine, Owner/Ambassador-Marilisa Allegrini, one of their vineyards and our charcuterie. Producer history & notes...Allegrini is one of the most acclaimed wineries in Veneto and a benchmark producer of Amarone. Their owner Marilisa Allegrini is a global ambassador for the region and internationally. Many in the industry considered her, "the voice of Amarone.” The Allegrini legacy spans six generations of wine growers. The Allegrinis have played a leading role in Valpolicella since the 16th century. Giovanni Allegrini is the patriarch of the modern estate. Today, his children, led by owner Marilisa, carry his legacy forward as one of the Veneto’s most acclaimed estates. Marilisa is the Ambassador for the estate while her brother, Franco, is internationally praised as one of Italy’s finest winemakers. They have 247 acres of vineyards in the Valpolicella Classico, the Allegrinis nurture a collection of remarkable sites. Each with its own personality, soils and focused microclimate. All seven vineyards range from the steep hillsides of La Grola to the plateau of La Poja and offer uniquely special expressions that make up their truly amazing wines. Allegrini has earned many accolades. In 2016, they were named Winery of the Year by Gambero Rosso, Italy’s definitive wine and food magazine. Parker called Allegrini the “reference point for fine Amarone.” Tonight this 98 was a nice example of those accolades.
— 9 years ago

Daniel M

9.0

Nose of mushrooms and smoke and wet wood. The palate is still very vivid with a nice acid frame that goes for a long time. Strawberry, dry petals, a hint of cherry, very round and almost disappearing tannins. Nice experience with a 30 year old wine in a not so universally acclaimed vintage — 9 years ago

Alexander Vadas

9.4

In a line up with GC burgundy, blinded. Had everyone fooled. Volcanic shallow soil and young vines. Meticulous berry sorting.
Shows Oregon can produce wines of world class potential. Still a baby. Cooler vintage less critically acclaimed, but probably more aligned with burgundy lover preferences. — 9 years ago

Jason Pesaro

9.4

Glossy golden magic.  Nose of caramel, spices and dried apricot.  Tasted of baked honey pineapple custard laced with botrytis.  Acid was so balanced this was not cloying at all.  Aged Chenin showing why its so highly acclaimed.  Just great. — 10 years ago

with Brian

Christine Havens

9.0

From the acclaimed Mount Veeder appellation, Mayacamas 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon spends 13 months on new French Oak and sees and additional 5 years aging in bottle prior to release. Complex, heady aromas of black currants and black cherries, roasted game, black olive tapenade, and a lovely wafting tertiary note of violets. High altitude and cooler growing conditions have endowed this Cab with tart, high-pitched red berries, underpinned by savory notes. Dried herbs a mineral vein linger on a persistent finish. — 10 years ago

Christine Havens

9.4

From the highly acclaimed Oger region, the Jean Milan Grand Cru Grand Réserve 1864 is a blend of 100% Chardonnay from the 2003 and 2004 vintages. Add to the equation eight years of aging on the lees, and you've got a wine with both dimension and power. Lofty aromas of honey, cinnamon raisin bread, white gardenia, peach, and smoke. The attack is focused and brisk, and dare I say it—an almost laser-like focus. It's pretty spare fruit-wise, with racy lemon pith, rich texture, and a glorious, vinous finish. — 11 years ago

Stephen Tam Loo

9.6

Mike Officer- highly acclaimed producer of Zinfandel today. — 13 years ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.3

Don Melchor, named after Concha Y Toro’s founder, is among Chile’s most-acclaimed wines. Deep Ruby with aromas of dark fruits and espresso notes, a blend of 93% Cab Sauv and 7% Cab Franc, aged for 15 month in French oak (15% new). On the palate flavors of black cherry, plums and currants with smooth oak notes. Fine round tannins, long finish ending with fruit and slightly sweet oak notes. Nice. Tasting Sample! — 6 years ago

Dr. Owen Bargreen

9.7

The 2014 'Foothills Reserve' is an absolutely incredible Syrah that shows tremendous promise for this acclaimed vintage. This inky colored, opaque wine begins with intoxicating aromatics of red cherries and blackberries woven together with Unami, wet stones, white pepper and smoked brisket all taking shape in this majestic red. On the palate this demonstrates deep layers of concentrated flavors with Mandarin orange rind, red cherry, red raspberry, creosote and seaweed notes all leaving an impression. The poise, tension and mouthfeel of this wine is simply amazing and I can see this improving even further with some additional time in bottle. Drink 2019-2030- 97 — 7 years ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.1

In the 17 published editions of Gambero Rosso, Italy’s acclaimed wine rating guide, this Tuscan estate has won the coveted Tre Bicchieri (Three Glasses) award 17 times. Ruby with complex berry and elegant spice aromas. On the palate rich ripe cherry and blackberry flavors with sweet spice, cedar, cacao and tobacco enhance the berry fruit. Graceful tannins, savory with good acidity balance, lingering ending with earthy mineral character. Nice! — 7 years ago

Mike R

9.4

What a deal what a deal what a deal - I will put this napa cab up against wines twice it's price - 2 hour decant and it's sings -

Taste is incredible fruit - dark blue and red fruit - highly structured tannins with density and complexity galore - smell works but it will get more aromatic in 2-3 years - If drinking now as I did then please decant

This comes from Tench vineyards - same as the acclaimed bevan - well I say drink this at half the price then you tell me the difference

This is big bold beautiful and I am smiling
— 9 years ago

Shawn R

9.2

Part of a vertical starting with this 2005, vibrant fruit still present. Nose of smoked plum and tobacco. Rich and extracted, well defined, hailing from the acclaimed Hayne Vineyard. Very nice wine. — 9 years ago

John Kanellopoulos

9.2

Santorini is best known as a honeymoon destination and recently acclaimed Asyrtiko white vintage Mavrotragano is a rare, elitist vine that can flourish in the volcano soil of Santorini and become the base of this unique red. Nothing like I have ever experienced among big red vines: unique depth, color, mixed flavors, color — 9 years ago

Spinning_spins

9.1

Hello, old friend. — 10 years ago

Eric Grasser

9.0

A real solid entry level wine from an acclaimed producer — 10 years ago

Bob McDonald

9.4

From the acclaimed 2005 vintage this burgundy shows cherry overtones. A fragile palate which seems to change minute by minute. A vibrant enjoyable wine travelling with ease. — 11 years ago

Christine Havens

9.2

From the acclaimed Durell Vineyard, the 2009 TOR Chardonnay is all from the Wente Clone fruit, grown in a mix of Goulding clay loam and diatomaceous earth, the effect of which is startling. This is a big, brooding Chardonnay, with complex aromas of hazelnuts, vanilla, coffee bean, chocolate liquor, and praline. Silky on entry, quite compact, with mouth-coating glycerol and seductive, weighty notes of smoky poached pear, candied orange peel and unsalted butter. Imagine draping yourself in gold velvet. — 11 years ago

Olivier

9.8

Acclaimed top Sauvignon blanc 2014. Delicious.
— 11 years ago

Justin Hansohn

9.4

Yep that’s definitely nuit st. Georges. Clive Coates acclaimed 2 star producer deserves it. No manipulation here. Terroir shining. Taste that chalk. Love it. Rating corresponds to value. — 6 years ago

Steve Medbery

9.4

Strawberry, kirsch in a very Burgundian style Pinot. prominently featured in the film Somm 3 and acclaimed by some of the worlds finest critics. We drank as we watched the movie! — 7 years ago

Dr. Owen Bargreen

9.6

The 2016 Delmas Syrah is a head-turning wine that takes its seat at the high table in Washington Syrah. Sourced from the highly acclaimed SJR Vineyard, the Syrah is connected with 7.25% Viognier in the co-ferment and saw limited new oak prior to bottling. This instantly impressess as it exudes heady aromas of red currant jelly, cigar ash, blood orange rind, barn floor, crushed wet gravel and Asian spices which all come together beautifully and continue to bring you back to the glass for more. On the palate this silky, smooth and seductive red is well balanced and laced with flavors of cranberries, pomegranate, Mandarin orange, red cherry candy, peat moss and Umami. This has incredible range, precision, purity and focus from start to finish. Overall, this is a completely compelling wine from winemaker, Billo Naravane, which will cellar beautifully for a decade or more. Drink 2019-2030- 96 — 7 years ago

Bob McDonald

9.3

Cassis and Dust - Dusty dark fruit. Only medium weight- restrained, dare I say elegant. Correct to drink the first of the 6 I bought now / from the acclaimed 2009 vintage. Not as rich and full bodied as expected. A merlot dominant blend usually around 70%. This Vineyard sits next to Cheval Blanc. Post script - I found out that in 2009 the wine was 100% Merlot. — 9 years ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.1

P&H, founded in 1988 by industry folks Donald Patz, James Hall, Anne Moses and Heather Patz. Grapes were sourced from Gap's Crown and a new vineyard from winegrower Mark Sanchietti, as well as several other acclaimed vineyards. Complex aromas of stone, tropical and citrus fruit. On the palate melon, pineapple and lemon flavors, toasty & nutty notes with lively acidity, rich with great mouthfeel. Well balanced on lingering finish ending with mineral tones. Larger production allow this wine to be enjoyed now. — 9 years ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.0

Thriving under the second generation for more than 2 decades, this family owned and operated winery is internationally acclaimed for crafting some of the world's finest cool climate wines. Aromas of complex fruit and enticing spice, aged for 12 months on 30% New French oak. On the palate flavors of cherry and cranberry with cacao and pepper spice. Lingering finish with expressive tannins should give thus wine a few years to run. Nice, trying their reserve next! — 9 years ago

Marzia Brumat

Founder, Vinous

8.9

Checking in on the acclaimed 2015. Little closed when just opened then flavors of apple and pear blossom on the palate as temperature rises. Very good entry level wine and an enjoyable reward for the hard work of the busy week. — 9 years ago

Katherine Blatz

8.9

Peju is always a crowd pleaser. 2012 is a regionally acclaimed vintage. — 10 years ago

Mark Quezada

9.1

I enjoyed this wine! Definitely drank way above another "critically acclaimed" Washington Cabernet also from Red Mountain. Black and blue fruit, mocha, cinnamon and a touch of pencil lead. Balanced. — 10 years ago

with Adam

Roman Sukley

9.9

One of my SQN guilty pleasures. Not one of the acclaimed and beloved SQNs, but has never failed to make me smile. Smokey, spicy, black fruit potpourri with a hint of that Alban tar. Licorice and violets. Opulent. Elegant. Leisurely finish. Are there better Syrahs? Yeah. I've had a few. But they all say SQN on the label. Are there better winemakers? I think you know my answer. — 11 years ago

Adam Crane

9.3

Newish vineyard site for Conterno. A little more accessible in its youth than the acclaimed Cascina Francia. Come get it at Prato. — 11 years ago