Joe Gillies

9.4

Very good right now (Nov 2019) but will definitely improve over the next few years. Still a bit tannic but explosive black and blue fruit aromas and flavors along with mint, and earthy flavors. I'd hold for another year or two but no rush in drinking. — 7 years ago

Mike Dougherty

9.0

Probably opened it a bit too late. — 8 years ago

Michael Park

9.5

A five hour decant. Dark cherry and blueberries with a rub of minerals and tobacco. Just awesome — 9 years ago

.

8.9

Best on pop-and-pour, this faded a bit with air. Sported a pleasant green pepper note on the nose (but not on the palate), with an interesting tangy element in the finish. — 10 years ago

Marc Stubblefield

Wine Sales at Vino Carta and Kogod Wine Merchant

9.1

From magnum, and still a bit beefy around the middle, reflecting the vintage. Plush but with character, the perfect choice for those who generally find Beaujolais too thin. — 10 years ago

Joe Paradise

9.1

One of, if not my favorite, rioja producers. Fruit on the 03 is a bit crisper than other vintages. Cranberry, tomato (leaf?), deftly deliberate oxidation, earth and savory balsamic, all framed in lovely oak. Fine integrated tannin. Long savory finish — 11 years ago

Andrew Benn

9.0

RP 94
Described as elegant
Agree though a little disappointed
Great wine but wanted a bit more
Unique flavor profile
Had at the Battery in SF — 12 years ago

Michael Phillips

9.4

Low acidity so a bit overly mature but very good — 7 years ago

Rob Russell

9.0

Just had this in Bordeaux a few weeks ago. Like most wines of this vintage it took a bit of imagination to fully appreciate. It is clearly time to drink this wine, it may be on the downhill side of life. Overall a good experience for what was not noted as a premium vintage, but is a very solid wine. — 7 years ago

Mike Saviage

9.4

Light straw gold. Impactful effervescent nose with notes of bread yeast, lemon, marzipan and apricot. Vibrant in the mouth. Expands and has a long finish. Expect this will get better and more complex with a bit more age. Really good right now tho. — 9 years ago

Dirk Pitt.

9.1

A bit of brett and VA, but still really good. Has a lightness and elegance to it. — 10 years ago

with Winehouse

Steve Anderson

9.1

Bonus Wine #2 after Arietta wine dinner. a bit of barnyard on the nose. Consensus was this was past prime, but still a nice treat. Thanks @Dustin Cano ! — 11 years ago

Bernardo Llaguno G.

9.3

My kind of wine, a lot of meats and dark fruit. Mainly wood and meats in it. I can't have enough of this amazing wine though it can wait for a bit longer for a better opening. — 11 years ago

E & K G

9.3

‘96 and ‘99 side by side. A real treat from a good friend. Similar fruit and flavor profile though the ‘99 had a bit more weight and structure. Both were a pleasure with dinner. — 7 years ago

James Webb

9.1

Nice nose after being open an hour. Traditional. Enjoyed the mint an eucalyptus notes. The mouthfeel was syrupy and lush. Finish is long and the tannins were a bit sandy. Not good QPR here or maybe I just lack the ability to do big Napa cabs. — 7 years ago

M

9.0

Silky blackberry and black cherry. Mild tannins and acidity. Very nice, but I think a bit overrated. One could purchase two bottles of comparable wine--and probably more interesting to the taste buds--for the same price. — 10 years ago

Michael Walker

9.5

A bit austere. Really fell down vs the DRII immediately before — 10 years ago

Rebecca Fletcher

9.7

Orange, honey, smokiness, roasted nuts, sweet spices and a bit of earth. M+ concentration. M+ acid, body and concentration. Honey, apricots, nutty. Slight bitterness on the palate. M+ complexity. — 10 years ago

Rick Baumgarten

9.1

A bit of oxidation, but otherwise, just fine. Fruit still there. 1970, 45 year old wine for our 45th Anniversary. — 11 years ago

Chris Bensick

9.0

Thanks to a good cork, still alive, with a super bouquet, although a bit faded in the mouth. Wish I was in as good shape! — 11 years ago