Au Chocolate

Au Bon Climat

"Isabelle" California Pinot Noir 2021

A great Pinot noir with a little cat on the label. I think she’s a little fussy without food and at a high price point, but overall super enjoyable. I also don’t know how you rate anything on here below a 7. Most wine is just good ok??! — 7 days ago

Au Bon Climat

Santa Barbara County Pinot Noir 2023

Classic Pinot with strawberries and cherry aromas. Medium tannins and medium acidity. A good value even on a restaurant menu. Nice with food. Will get again. — 3 months ago

Au Bon Climat

Santa Barbara Historic Vineyards Collection Los Alamos Vineyards Chardonnay 2022

Malo, butter, minerality, orchard fruit.

Really pretty Burgundian style chard.

Just ripe green fruit. Crisp. Tantalizing. Mineral.

Long finish on the fruit. Would be nice to lay down.
— 3 months ago

ESF liked this

Caymus Vineyards

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 1993

Ahhh when Caymus was Caymus! Chocolate, leather, prune, lengthy tannins and a nice bit of acid still hanging on! — 4 months ago

Ira liked this

Boekenhoutskloof

The Chocolate Block Cinsault Blend 2022

Bonbon à la prune et cerise noire, avec des touches de cacao et de café. — a month ago

Penfolds

Bin 389 South Australia Cabernet Shiraz 2002

See several previous Delectable notes for this Cuvée. I have 2 bottles left after this one. Penfolds have a whopping drink window up to 2045. The colour is a pale mid crimson with a tawny rim. Mocha, dark chocolate and blackberry notes on the nose. From a low yielding cool vintage which is made for long cellaring. Absolutely superb at the moment. Great palate intensity (mulberry, black berry and dark chocolate) with mellow resolved tannins and a very long persistent finish. No wonder Penfolds tasting book is called The Rewards of Patience. — 2 months ago

Somm, Daniel and 29 others liked this
Doug Powers

Doug Powers

@Bob McDonald, as an “older dude” myself, don’t you just hate when the ideal drinking date for wines is 20+ years AFTER your likely expiration date?? Grrr
Bob McDonald

Bob McDonald Influencer Badge

@Doug Powers I agree Doug but still can’t resist some purchases. The latest vintage of Penfolds Grange, the stellar 2021 was released a few weeks ago and I couldn’t help myself and had to buy a bottle. One of the greatest vintages ever in South Australia this wine will be providing great pleasure to those lucky enough to have some long after I have gone to the huge cellar in the sky!!
Doug Powers

Doug Powers

@Bob McDonald, I “suffer” from the same affliction/reasoning as you have described above!!

Château Lynch-Bages

Grand Cru Classé Pauillac Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2010

Somm David T
9.4

2010 is a vintage to leave to your children if you bought this at 50 years old forward. This is a 50-60 year wine with proper storage.

The nose shows nice ruby, fruits of; dark cherries, cherries, strawberries with a dark currant center, blackberries, black raspberries & raspberries. Chocolate mousse, melted, milk chocolate, light caramel, moist sage, warm, slightly sweet dark earth with withering dark & red florals.

The palate is warm, inviting & beautiful. Easy to drink. Dark cherries, cherries, strawberries with a dark currant center, blackberries, black raspberries & raspberries. Red cola/licorice, dark chocolate, melted, milk chocolate, light caramel, moist sage, warm, oak barrel shavings, moist, dark earth w/ dry leaves, celery, used leather, moist tobacco, with withering dark & red florals. Perfect acidity with an excellently balanced, nicely knitted, perfect tension & structure with elegance for days the falls evenly on ripe fruits & soft earthiness.

94-96 in another 10 years. Outside chance at 97.
— 5 months ago

Rob, David and 24 others liked this
"Odedi"

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Great wine from a great vintage

Au Bon Climat

Santa Barbara County Chardonnay 2023

Smooth, light oak up front, crisp finish — a month ago

Caymus Vineyards

Special Selection Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2013

Caymus Vineyards – Special Selection Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
Napa Valley, California – USA 🇺🇸

Overview
Caymus Special Selection is the flagship Cabernet, crafted only in exceptional years. The 2018 vintage stands tall among recent releases, showing why Chuck Wagner’s vision continues to shape Napa’s most recognized “luxury Cab.” 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, sourced from prime valley-floor vineyards, it strikes the perfect balance between Caymus’ signature ripe, fruit-forward style and an added layer of structure from a long, balanced growing season.

Aromas & Flavors
A powerful bouquet of ripe blackberries, cassis, and dark cherries, layered with cocoa nibs, espresso, and baking spices. Subtle hints of licorice, cedar, and vanilla lift the complexity, while a core of lush fruit drives the palate. The oak integration is seamless, giving a supple sweetness without overwhelming the fruit.

Mouthfeel
Rich, opulent, and velvety—yet with surprising finesse. The tannins are silky and well-structured, giving length without heaviness. The finish lingers on black fruit and mocha, balanced by just enough acidity to keep it vibrant.

Winemaking Notes
Meticulous fruit selection, long maceration for concentration, and extended aging in new French oak (18+ months). The Wagner hallmark: generous fruit expression wrapped in polished oak for immediate pleasure but with aging potential.

Food Pairing
An indulgent pairing with ribeye, prime rib, or braised short ribs. For a decadent twist, try it with dark chocolate truffles or roasted lamb with rosemary.

Verdict
One of the most impressive Caymus Special Selection vintages in recent memory—showing both lush Napa Valley opulence and refined elegance. A wine that thrills now but promises to shine for years.

Personal Pick Highlight
This 2018 stands as my favorite Caymus of the modern decade—a true benchmark that captures everything people love about Napa Cabernet at its richest and most expressive. Cheers!
— a month ago

Ted and Andrew liked this

Peter Michael Winery

Au Paradis Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon 2013

2013 vintage. Decanted and tasted after two hours. Medium body. Leaning heavily towards a feminine-styled Cabernet and has dropped nearly all of the braggadocio of youth. As mentioned with another reviewer @Jay Kline not even close to being as exciting as the producer’s Les Pavots bottling and fairly one-dimensional. More than a bit disappointing given the initial acclaim. 05.29.25. — 4 months ago

Ted, Neil and 16 others liked this
Jay Kline

Jay Kline Influencer Badge Premium Badge

Respect ✊ ❤️
Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego

Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego

@Jay Kline Absolutely. You nailed it on your review. Dayum. We be in lockstep on that one. Best wishes.