David Nicewicz

9.6

Another outstanding 1982, this time from Canon. Proper claret perfume of dusty library, tobacco, show polish and red fruits. Palate was excellent- red fruits, leather, cigar wrapper and some smoke with fine grainy tannins. Makes me just want to hang out near a fireplace and enjoy this for hours — 4 years ago

Jay Kline

9.3

One of the few producers that I purchase each and every vintage. I find that Laurence Feraud’s wines are consistently some of the more interesting and enjoyable wines made in all of Chateauneuf du Pape; particularly when value comes into play. This bottle is my first experience with her 2018 vintage and the first bottle of a small tranche that I swooped up upon release. Popped and poured; consumed over 5 hours. The color is deep ruby with a near opaque core; glossy and gorgeous to behold. Medium+ viscosity. On the nose, this is classic Pegaü with loads of dark cherry and bramble fruit, a veritable hillside full of garrigue, lavender, black pepper, and something that reminds me of old books. On that palate, the fruit is equally generous, brambles and cherries, exotic spices, Herbs de Provence and a somewhat sanguine-like character to it. Substantial structure, though it seems to be a notch lower than the previous three vintages at this point in its young life. The tannins are very sneaky. Almost imperceptible for the first hour and yet, by hour four, they were very much making themselves known (in the Medium+ range). Acid is also Medium+ indicating these have an exciting life ahead. The finish lasts for well over a minute. All in all, another lovely Pegaü that will likely live in the shadow of some of the more heralded vintages in the last ten years however, that doesn’t mean this isn’t a stunner. Absolutely lovely stuff and I very much look forward to enjoying these well into the 2030’s. — 5 years ago

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

Shawn R

9.4

Reminds me of the 06 Reva-not as much heft yet layers upon layers. Has another 10 years in it. — 7 years ago

Matt

9.3

Incredible value, punching well above its weight class. Classic CNDP character and texture, true to form and class. There’s a deal of finesse here not often seen at this price point. To me another example of Mourvedre’s place in CNDP’s future regarding climate change. Nose is ripe and confitured blackberry, roasted black plum, Provençal herbs, mocha, hot stones. Palate confirms nose; plump black fruit framed by stony minerality, garrigue, and white pepper. Underlying savory elements of meat and smoke. Tannins are assertive yet very fine, again very stoney in character. Acid is fresh, almost has a Gigondas or elevated character to it. Pure class with plenty if soul. Will develop quite well but so delicious right now. 70 GR 30 MV — 8 years ago

Shay A

8.9

Another great last minute gathering at the storage facility!

Dan is the king of busting out these old Marcassins, and every single one has been a revelation...until this one 😕. Don’t get me wrong, this was nowhere close to terrible, but it smelled and tasted of bubblegum. Very faint nuttiness notes to it. — 9 years ago

with Mark

Andrew S

10

If this isn’t perfect, I don’t know what is. What is most striking to me is the balance of the wine. It is big, and complex and flavorful in many ways. But it brings an embrace of elegance and touch beyond. cherries, medium dark fruits, dust, graphite, hints of spice. Tannins are fine grained. Wonderful acidity and lengthy finish. Just such a nice package- every time I went to smell it or taste it, there was another nuance and layer to consider. Decanted about 5 hrs, and was doing well at that point. Drank with Flannery strips for the holiday. — 4 years ago

Skip Smyser

9.7

My first glass said to me another outstanding bottle of Insignia. After dinner I poured a second glass and POW. It opened up and this is beyond outstanding. The balance, structure, tannins, mouth feel and aroma make this a wine that few will ever experience its greatness. I don’t hand out high scores but I might have underrated this one. I have 10 bottles left and I will cherish them over the next many years! WOW🍷🍷🍷🍷🍷 — 6 years ago

Paul T, Missing My Beautiful Wife 24/7

9.7

Its going to be a long day for the Cowboys, so might as well have nice bottle to make up for it.
I didn’t like the 2010 on release, I was one & done. But @David L convinced me to give it another try. Time really helped this vintage👍🏼 — 6 years ago

Jay Kline

9.3

Color me impressed. This was a delightful, textbook expression of Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon with the fruit, texture and “je ne sais quoi” to remind me that Napa can still make interesting, balanced and delicious CS. Another impressive wine by TRB. — 7 years ago

Aaron Tan

9.1

Sassicaia has never been to my liking, but it's probably because I've never drank it with enough age (the 06' which I had a couple of years ago was perhaps the oldest bottle). Nevertheless, it has always been a solid wine in my books and the 14' delivers in this vein. Quite red fruited on the nose, but it's all about blackcurrants on the palate, oak vanillin stood out for me here, green tones - sage and menthol comes to mind, quite silky texture. Air brought out some earthy salinity and some subtle spice notes - cinammon, anise. It's still a fruit bomb for me at this moment, but I think that's partly our fault for not giving it enough aeration.

Another bottle that was popped, poured, and blinded. Didn't do too well here - thought it was a Merlot with the red berry and plum notes, and it didn't quite sport the Cab pyrazine. Somehow thought it might have been New World. In hindsight, not sure why. 85% Cab Sauv, rest Cab Franc. Fermented in tank with indigenous yeasts. 11-15 days' vatting (longer than usual). Aged 24 months in French oak barriques (40% new). — 7 years ago

Shay A

9.2

Another 4th Friday for the books!

The theme for this 4th Friday seemed to be old wines that hold their age well...this was no exception. Crazy that a wine this age (older than me!) can still have such color and fruit to it. Fruit was almost secondary and very dirty/dusty...mainly blackberry. Some old cranberry notes came out on the finish...secondary notes of barnyard and herbs. Aging gracefully. — 8 years ago

with Dan and Jack

Brandon Boesch

10

This is amazing! Right up there with Pliny for me. So well balanced and complex. Would love to try one fresh in Maine as the trek to California probably has some negative influence on taste. — 8 years ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.3

On the nose, floral and lightly spiced dark cherries, blackberries, blueberries, vanilla, liqueur notes and dark dry & fresh florals. The mouthfeel is richly beautiful. The palate has; dark cherries, cherries, dry strawberries, hints of blue fruits and then the spices quickly kick in with a heat lifting intensity. Notes of red fruit liqueur. Nice round acidity with a beautiful, elegant fruit and medium spiced finish. Substance is another label under the Charles Smith brand. In fact, I was told, Charles has further evolved the name to "Wines of Substance" going forward. — 9 years ago

Ron Siegel

9.5

Another great one from the master. This was the wine that got me to seek out every btl I could find of this producer after tasting the 00 Reynard at Willys Wine Bar in Paris. I am always amazed at the finesse, balance & complexity of Allemand. This was another great vintage that is still youthful & for me in a perfect spot that should age for many years. — 5 years ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.3

Happy Spring! It’s one of our favorite points in the year. More; daylight, a little warmer in CA and everything starts to bloom which, means a long summer of gardening and being outdoors every day/night is not far off.

Since it was such a great day and basically most Californians are shut-Ins, the voluntary self quarantining was getting to me. I did the landscaping and got an afternoon of fresh air today. A breath of fresh air...ahhh! Wow, was it needed after Gavin’s Newsom’s estimate of 25.5 million Californians would be infected with Coronavirus over 8 weeks yesterday.

So, a good night to celebrate another day of being virus free with my 2nd favorite N/V Rosé Champagne.

All my numerous previous notes apply.

Stay safe everyone and remember the new terminology of the new decade...social distancing! Cheers! 🍾🥂

Photos of; Spring in our backyard & a Billecart Grand Cru Vineyard.

— 6 years ago

Jeff Loo

9.7

A standout for me, complex, tannic and pure. Dried red fruit and rose petals that lifted. Acidity was showing strong in the life blood of this wine. Easily another 20 years. For sure a hundred year wine. — 7 years ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.4

I corvined this last weekend and put it back in storage for tonight. I had a very different experience & thoughts on this wine last weekend un-decanted. This is wine comes from a period when I loved Caymus. After 2011 when they started picking later and at higher brix’s, they lost me but, got higher Parker scores and rave words from people that like sweeter Cabernet that drinks young.

Last weekend without a decant, very dominate bright cherries and vanilla.

Tonight, the nose reveals, dark, slightly syrupy currants/cassis, blackberries, dark cherries, creamy, black raspberries, blueberries, black plum with lots of skin dominate, baked strawberries, black licorice, vanilla, some clove and a touch nutmeg, underbrush, dry crushed rocks, dry top soil, volcanic minerals, black tea, touch of black coffee expresso, liqueur/dark berry cola, used leather, hints of graphite with ruby, fresh, dark, fresh, dark, red, blue florals with violets.

The body is full, sexy, gorgeous and voluptuous. The structure, tension, length and balance are at the start of its high point with another 7-10 years of good drinking ahead. Dark, slightly syrupy currants/cassis, blackberries, dark cherries, creamy, black raspberries, blueberries, black plum with lots of skin dominating, baked strawberries, black licorice to deep anise, vanilla, some clove and a touch nutmeg, caramel, mocha, dark chocolate, dark spices with just a touch of palate heat, underbrush, used leather, dry crushed rocks, dry top soil, volcanic minerals, black tea, touch of black coffee expresso, liqueur/dark berry cola, used leather, hints of graphite with ruby, fresh, dark, fresh, dark, red, blue florals with violets. The acidity is like a needed waterfall shower. The long finish is, deep, dark, well balanced, elegant, ruby, ripe, polished and persists endlessly.

It’s been awhile and I’ve missed it. This is a very good example of why I used to adore Caymus. — 7 years ago

Michael Meyer

8.9

Didn’t want the ‘14...that’s what the Ritz somm brought me (but that’s a story for another day). This was good, but a little blob-ish for what I expected from the Ornellaia second wine, fruit was a bit thin, tannins were grainy. Maybe someday I’ll try the 2013 I ordered. — 7 years ago

Ellen Clifford

9.0

Well today it’s a day after being on set with gorgeous drag ladies and an insta-model so I’m making myself feel better with the bottom level of my favorite grocery store wine. I fucking love Ravenswood. So this is entry level...but it is more than most top level grocery wines in my opinion. Less than ten bucks and so light for a zin which makes me like it because I don’t love over-oaked or over-ripe zins. It is not nuanced but has berries--and cherries!-- and dried cranberry and a whiff of black pepper. And a hint of raisin. Damn I love Ravenswood. I need to investigate if they have a wine club—oh! And I found out another Cali winemaker I love (Bedrock) was started by the son of Joel Peterson aka Ravenswood. The wine rocks on. — 8 years ago