Neil Valenzuela

9.3

Deep purple color. Aromas of red and black fruit, floral notes, leather and dusty earth. Plum on the palate, blackberry and herbal notes. Ridiculously good for $65. — 9 months ago

Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego

9.4

2017 vintage. Winemaker Jeff Gaffner is sourcing this fruit from the original block of this vineyard and only one of three winemakers doing so. Big, brusque nose. Some candied fruit, some usual suspects (cola nut, rhubarb, caramelized cranberry, dark plum and cherry) oot und aboot. Both finesse and power evident during the experience. I will say this wine is waay underpriced relative to the market and a banging value. 3.18.23. — 3 years ago

Jennifer Urmston

9.5

Really good! — 5 years ago

Catherine Leith

9.7

Love this. Tons of flavour. Vanilla, brown sugar, toasted oak. Pairs well with food but also great on its own. — 6 years ago

Kristin Johnson Bogue

9.2

Awesome!!! Great with and without food. — 7 years ago

Ben LaBolt

9.1

Very rich but very good — 7 years ago

Sylvain Wilhelmy

9.1

Wow!!!! Super Pinot noir! — 8 years ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.2

Alto de Cantenac Brown, 2022
Margaux (Left Bank) – Bordeaux, France 🇫🇷

Overview
A rare white from the Left Bank, produced by Château Cantenac Brown, a 3rd Growth estate in Margaux. Crafted from 90% Sauvignon Blanc and 10% Sémillon, sourced from a tiny 1.8-hectare parcel planted specifically for this cuvée. Fermented in oak barrels (90% one-year-old French oak), giving it elegance and complexity in limited quantities.

Aromas & Flavors
Nose: perfumed, layered with white flowers, citrus zest, mandarin, and ripe stone fruits, accented by delicate oak spice and minerality.
Palate: vibrant and structured, unfolding flavors of lemon curd, peach skin, and hints of vanilla, with a chalky mineral lift and refined texture.

Mouthfeel
Medium-to-full-bodied, with zesty acidity, refined minerality, and a silky finish. The oak adds subtle creaminess without overpowering the freshness, resulting in a wine of tension and precision.

Winemaking & Style
Produced in extremely small quantities, this cuvée reflects the château’s dedication to expressing the terroir of Margaux through a white wine that rivals the sophistication of the region’s reds. Aged for 9 months on lees in barrel, it showcases balance, aromatic depth, and aging potential.

Food Pairing
A versatile white that shines with lobster, scallops, creamy risotto, or roast chicken with herbs. Also excellent with aged goat cheese or truffle-accented dishes.

Verdict
A luxurious and limited-production Bordeaux Blanc, blending elegance, minerality, and aromatic finesse. Age-worthy for 5–10 years, but already delightful today. A true gem for white Bordeaux lovers.
— 10 months ago

Jason Keefer

9.0

Another great Saxon brown expression of chard. Lively, malo action going on, orange rind and some spice with a few floral hints. — 4 years ago

with Natasha

Ming L

9.5

375ml. A magnificent 30-year young Sauternes. Orange peel, molasses, caramel, ginger spice, and brown sugar. The intense flavors waltzed across the palate with grace and precision. Fresh, vibrant, and not as rich as expected. The finish lasts forever.
Paired with homemade chocolate chip cookies using Levain Bakery recipe and vanilla bean ice cream. — 6 years ago

Kimberly Jamrozek

10

Mmm. . . The family picked this up at a tasting at our new favorite butcher shop. More on the sweet side for a pinot but still flavorful. Hmmm may have to check my Napster for an accompanying Zac Brown hit for ambience. — 7 years ago

MaJ CappS

9.0

Wow! Another stunner that held together insanely well? And was agreed around the table could go for quite a while. Spicy eucalyptus, pine, with a strong structure that included non sulphured/sugared dried fruit leather, tabac, and Thai basil. Picture Keanu tasting this and saying “Whoa.” — 7 years ago

with Les

Joe Mar

9.2

Classic. Great character, good depth, clean finish — 8 years ago

Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego

9.3

2017 vintage. Lighter color along with light-medium body. A bit dirty about the collar and slightly unkempt. Inexpensive for the quality. Tobacco, dirt and red fruit flitting here and there. Definitely not your average, Sonoma plushy/rich, fruit-bomb. 01.15.25. — a year ago

Lesli Hopkins

9.5

Another Brown to love. — 2 years ago

Peter James

9.0

BHM Wine Tasting @ Netflix — 3 years ago

DAL 9000

9.3

Big bold dark fruits plums and blackberries up front. Bold but creamy. Undertones of chocolate and tannins. Long and lush. Layers and complex. — 4 years ago

James Bruntfield

9.5

Delicious — 6 years ago

Bill Bender

9.2

Moving fuel. 42 year old Tempranillo and a uniquely American delicacy to celebrate Independence Day 🧀 🇺🇸 I’m unpacking boxes and listening to the Padres vs Dodgers so other than the wine I’m full throttle Americana today. The Vina Todonia cork dropped in to the bottle immediately upon contact from the Durand so I was not hopeful....but it’s totally intact and it presents with significant bricking in the decanter with expected brown and red tones and is chock full of secondary notes of burnt fig, savory smoke, cigar and soil. Soft tannins and waning acidity but it seems to be putting on “weight” as the afternoon progresses. Another solid showing from this producer at an advanced age. Great stuff. Happy 4th of July to all!! 🍎 ⚾️ 🍷 ☀️ — 7 years ago

Scott Soren

9.0

Berries. Lots of berries — 8 years ago