Delectable Wine

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9.6

When I tasted the 2018 Cheval Blanc from barrel, I felt that it deserved a very good score, though not one that implied potential perfection. The bottle was tasted upon opening, but I only began to pen my tasting note after 3–4 hours’ decanting. I still find the bouquet more open than many recent vintages, the ripe brambly red fruit intermingling with clove, sage and light graphite notes originating from the Cabernet components (46% of the final blend). It is a really seductive bouquet, though not as complex or as nuanced as, say, the astonishing 2016 or the impressive 2015. The palate is medium-bodied with refined tannins. A harmonious and elegant Cheval Blanc that has retained the linearity I remarked upon in barrel. So it is not a flamboyant Cheval Blanc like the Cabernet-dominated 2017, but it is a far better wine thanks to the Merlot imparting flesh and rondeur. The finish is extremely precise but never powerful, almost Burgundy-like in weight, with a lightly spiced aftertaste. As the hours pass in the decanter, it gains depth and a little more precision on the finish. This does not possess the otherworldly profundity to equal legends such as the 1934, 1964 or 2016; it is simply a wonderful Cheval Blanc to sit back and savor as a Saint-Émilion par excellence. (Neal Martin, Vinous, March 2021)
— 4 years ago

Raj Ajrawat

9.5

Tannic, trantric, divine, like a rustic bread smothered in jam — 6 years ago

Rick Billups

9.3

Fantastic! Super smooth and great flavor. — 6 years ago

Raun Kupiec

9.4

Started highly perfumed and floral in the glass but rapidly lost the bouquet. But in the mouth, mmmm. Juicy, acid, tense, round, bit of salt. Really came together well. — 7 years ago

Michael Simonetti

9.1

All the grapes — 8 years ago

JJ Lumia

9.0

What the hell. Let's keep the cab train rolling! A strong bouquet of cherry and toasty oak. The cherry notes are accompanied by currant, cinnamon and a heavy dose of baking spices, and mushroom. The finish is long with dusty tannins. So many knock Silver Oak because it's big, oaky and relatively straight-forward. There certainly are more complex options out there. But that doesn't mean it's not well done. — 8 years ago

Olivier Schutte

9.7

Incredibly complex, changes through the evening, superb — 9 years ago

Kapyrick Wine

9.5

V13. Very good today, great tomorrow! Very nice cedar bouquet, deep blackberry and plum fruit with a spicy and very slight green pepper finish . Wine is really good today , but there is a slight "newness" that will eventually round out. Enjoyable dinner wine. — 10 years ago

Nicholas Tolson

9.9

I can't see myself liking and enjoying a Chardonnay any more than this one. Butter. Recommended by Bryan Smith, wine director at Woodward Table. — 11 years ago

Jay Miele

10

A nose of dried prunes, 30 second finish with minimal tannins. Nice bouquet. Drink within the next few years. — 12 years ago

Max Waldron

9.0

With carignan- jammy and delicious but not obvious — 5 years ago

Delectable Wine

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10

The 1945 La Mission Haut-Brion from the château cellar is transcendental. It is blessed with the most beautiful bouquet you can imagine, effortless and natural, featuring woodland, red-berried fruits, a minerally quality and a faint touch of leafiness; given time to settle, it develops a lovely gamy note. The palate is medium- rather than full-bodied and sublimely balanced, upholding that effortless grace with an elegant, bittersweet, dried orange peel finish. One of the most harmonious wines I have ever consumed. Perfect. Tasted at the La Mission Haut-Brion vertical in London in September 2009. (Neal Martin, Vinous, May 2020)
— 5 years ago

Lee Pitofsky

9.3

An off vintage win from Pousse d’Or, black fruits, cinnamon, hints of smoke and green tobacco. Elegant finish with very solid length. — 6 years ago

Andrew N.

8.9

Almost too sweet, but smooth, rich and golden. — 7 years ago

Rick Riddle

9.3

Fantastic Pinot. Lots of black fruit with a hint of mushroom and slate showcasing its terroir. My favorite Climat from this vineyard. — 7 years ago

with Meagan

Scott Stewart

9.1

Straight delicious and, oddly enough, a wonderful find at Costco. — 8 years ago

Joe Kaiser

9.1

Finally trying the 2009 Morlet Bouquet Garni the nose has a peppery earthy & the comm#es a blackberry liqueur, the palate I has a rich cassis & blackberry syrup with a couch or pencil lead or graphite and soft tannins integrating in this wine with a long finish! — 9 years ago

Karen Fricke

10

Light dry crisp smooth lovely! — 10 years ago

Joanne Close

9.3

2010 with such fresh crisp fruit. Meyer lemon and powdery minerality. Want to put away a few bottles, see the evolution. — 10 years ago

Stéphane Courant

9.7

Milesimé ! — 12 years ago

Ron Siegel

9.2

Fresh & racy that had lots of lime, citrus, mineral, limestone, chalk with acacia flower. — 5 years ago

Philip Dobrin

9.4

Still not worth the price but really great — 5 years ago

Mandy Menzer

8.9

I liked it but too sweet for Warren — 6 years ago

Dr. Owen Bargreen

9.4

Coming from an exceptional vintage, the 2005 Viña Tondonia from R. Lopez de Heredia is a compelling blend of Tempranillo (75%), Garnacho (15%), Graciano and Mazuelo (10%), all sourced from their estate vineyards and aged for six years prior to bottling. This sensational wine opens with a bright bouquet of leather, cranberry, orange rind, forest floor and suggestions of black tea. Showing incredible focus and poise, this balanced Rioja is framed around flavors off leather, red cherry, teaberry, Mandarin orange and pipe tobacco that sit alongside brisk minerality, as the wine shows tremendous freshness and length through the long finish. This is an absolute stunning effort from this storied Estate and should continut to drink beautifully for years to come. Drink 2019-2035- 94 — 6 years ago

Lisa Schwindt

9.5

Fresh and sweet. A lovely glass any time. — 8 years ago

Kathy Berez

Sales & Marketing Failla Wines

9.0

Great value... — 8 years ago

Jordi Pazo

8.9

Vila. Cata Corton (Borgoña). 89,90.
06.06.16
— 9 years ago

Nick Liang

9.3

Barely ready to drink with impeccable balance of fruit, residual and acidity. Will develop into something significant! — 10 years ago

Peterjmaes

9.0

Excellent. Even better the second day. A lot of grip but the tannins are well integrated. — 10 years ago

Jordana Giovannoni

9.8

A very sexy champagne. — 11 years ago