Adam Beasley

9.3

Everything is turned up to 11 here, but it genuinely works. Burnt popcorn and matchstick blew off after a while in the decanter to allow deep, just-overripe orchard fruit and lemon oil to combine with brown sugar, sweet cream, graham cracker, and coconut to come screaming out of the glass. Substantially heavy body, but with enough acidity to not come across as flabby. Dried citrus on the finish that combines with the oak to create a finish that taste like a bourbon glazed lemon pound cake. Not a wine I would want to drink more than once in a while, but beautiful for its sheer audacity. Lots of life left in this too. — 5 years ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.3

The 07 Estate Cuvée is a blend of; 49% Syrah, 37% Cabernet and 14% Petit Verdot.

The nose reveals, bright, ripe, ruby fruits of; mulberries, boysenberries, olallieberries, black plum, plum, blackberries and black cherries. Some black pepper, melted dark chocolate, mocha powder, vanilla, dark, rich soil, limestone minerals, dry sage, bay leaf, understated dark spice, dry crushed rocks, burnt ambers, incense, underbrush, soft leather & woody notes with loads of fresh, fragrant violets and lavender.

The body is; full, ruby, lush and voluptuous. The tannins are powdery dry with some meaty, stickiness. The structure and tension are still quite big. The length and balance are in the first phase of their good groove. It has another 6-8 years of very good drinking going forward. Dark currants-cassis, bright, ripe, ruby, jammy fruits of; mulberries, boysenberries, olallieberries, black plum, plum, blackberries, creamy black raspberries and black cherries. Warm blueberry pie, more black pepper on the palate then the nose, melted dark chocolate, mocha powder, vanilla, some clove, cinnamon stick, black licorice, sweet tarriness, dark, rich soil, moist clay, limestone minerals, dry sage, bay leaf, dark spice with some uplifting palate heat, dry crushed rocks, burnt ambers, incense, savory meats, underbrush, suede style leather, cedar with loads of fresh, fragrant violets and lavender. The acidity is round and beautiful. The long, rich, ruby, well balanced, voluptuous, nicely polished finish is delicious and persists on and on.

This is a wine where Southern Rhône meets Bordeaux.

Photos of; L’Aventure, Stephan Asseo-Owner and Winemaker, their beautiful cave and rolling hillside vineyard. — 6 years ago

with James and Christina

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.3

Masterclass in San Francisco with Saskia De Rothschild, Chairwoman DBR Lafite. Chateau Rieussec is another property that the Rothschild’s own.

1997 a difficult vintage for reds in Bordeaux. The upside is, when the reds lag, the whites almost always shine.

The nose shows; marmalade, dry peaches & apricots, pineapple, citrus blend, fresh orange peel, burnt almonds, almond cake, nut skin, burnt toffee, honey, caramel, beeswax, waxiness, toast, limestone, gravely stones, fruit blossoms and yellow florals.

The body is thick, gluey and rich. The mouthfeel magnificent. There is almost a dry tannin presence but it is it’s dry, gritty volcanic minerality, marmalade, dry peaches & apricots, pineapple, citrus blend, fresh orange peel, burnt almonds, almond cake, nut skin, burnt toffee, honey, caramel, beeswax, waxiness, toast, limestone, gravely stones, fruit blossoms and yellow florals. The acidity round and splendid. The finish is rich, well balanced, elegant, polished and delicious.

All wines arrived weeks ago directly from the Chateau.

Photos of; the Crown Room on the 23rd floor of the Fairmont where the Masterclass was held, glass of 1997 showing color, Saskia De Rothschild, Chairwoman DBR Lafite presenting and another view of the city of San Francisco/Bay and the Golden Gate Bride in the background.
— 6 years ago

Brian S

9.0

Red candied cherry, pomegranate, cranberry, green raspberry, slight butter burnt tea. — 7 years ago

Brian S

8.9

Nose: burnt tree bark, mulch/soil, black plum, cherry, cedar, mint, black pepper.
Taste: coffee, raisin, dates, prunes, black tea, bay leaf, tobacco, ripe fruit, medium plus tannins. — 7 years ago

Frank Chen

9.4

Awesome clearity different Chardonnay...almost burnt popcorn on nose ...more about secondary flavors used so subtlety almost undetected oak ..great crisp fruit — 7 years ago

David Kline

9.1

Beef-a-Roni with bay leaf and poblano in a tomato sauce, dried oregano, and a crystalline, smoky incense, and a hint of turtle soup. Black cherry, something between a plum and a prune, black river pebbles, burnt strawberry jam, and beer skin. Creative depth and some winemaker influence in the cedar and tobacco that follow. But not enough to derail a beauty. #Petra #Sangiovese #Tuscany #tuscanred #italianwines #italianwinelovers #redwine #bigredwine — 8 years ago

with Courtney

Amanda B.

9.3

Fruity pear taste with mineral taste and tart finish. (not overly tart, but definitely there).
paired with samosas, mildly spicy, brought out the fruit, but especially the mineral. During the meal, the wine lost character/ became smoother with the spicy food, I'm wondering if something richer and more buttery would've been better...
I enjoyed the wine, not my favorite but its tart finish was almost palate-cleansing , which was neat. — 5 years ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.3

The is uniquely a non-vintage Cuvée Amor. I have it on pretty good word that when Charles Hendricks (Winemaker for both Hope & Grace & his own Hendricks label) doesn’t make his Hendricks Cabernet, this is the wine that the Hendricks fruit goes into. @Paul T- Huntington Beach @Eric Shanks

The nose reveals, round, ripe, ruby, slightly liqueured fruits of; blackberries, dark cherries, baked plum, blueberries, and black raspberries. Dark, roasted coffee, dark chocolate, coco powder, caramel, vanillin, light; clove, nutmeg & dark spice, black turned earth, dark fruit cola, burnt coconut, touch of black pepper, sandstone/limestone, light fresh & dry herbaceousness-bay leaf dominant, dry, pine twig, soft mint, cherry kirsch liqueur, moist clay and extremely dark fresh, candied & withering florals with blue flowers & violets.

The body is; ripe, rich and full. The tannins are round, velvety, chewy & slightly tarry. The structure, tension, length and balance is just hitting its stride to peak form. Round, ripe, ruby, juicy & slightly liqueured fruits of; blackberries, dark cherries, baked plum, blueberries, black raspberries. Mulberries, poached strawberries and a touch of dry cranberries. Dark, roasted coffee, dark chocolate, coco powder, caramel, vanillin, light; clove, nutmeg & dark spice, black turned earth, dark fruit cola, burnt coconut, touch of black pepper, sandstone/limestone, light fresh & dry herbaceousness-bay leaf dominant, dry, pine twig, soft mint, cherry kirsch liqueur, moist clay and extremely dark fresh, candied & withering florals with blue flowers & violets. The acidity is like a cool shower on a warm day. The long, well lingering finish is; well balanced & polished ending in soft dark spice.

Photos of; exterior Hope & Grace tasting room in downtown Yountville, interior of their tasting room, Charles Hendricks & the Hendricks Santa Lucia vineyard that he sources his Pinot Noir — 6 years ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.2

So, what do you have after a two-hour 2016 Bordeaux tasting marathon? Answer, a 2005 second wine from a very good vintage and what we recognize as a 1st Growth producer even though it’s not with a choice steak from Alexander’s Steakhouse.

This 05 Petit Cheval is not its little brother but, it’s a close relative.

The nose reveals, ripe, ruby; blackberries, dark cherries, black raspberries, stewed black plum, blackberries, plum and baked strawberries. Sweet tarry, anise, graphite, burnt charcoal, limestone minerals, wet clay, crushed dry rocks, touch of pepper, dark berry cola, herbaceous notes, pine sap, eucalyptus, bay leaf, steep black tea, dark red, withering flowers with violets.

The body is; full, round, ruby and lush. The tannins are well rounded with firmness. There is still one to decades of life ahead. The structure and tension are still a teenager. The length & balance just starting to live up to what it can be. Ripe, ruby; blackberries, dark cherries, black raspberries, stewed black plum, blackberries, plum, baked strawberries with creamy raspberries haunting the palate. Sweet tarry, anise, graphite, burnt charcoal, limestone minerals, wet clay, crushed dry rocks, touch of pepper, dark berry cola, dark chocolate, light caramel, liquid mocha, light medium spice, herbaceous notes, pine sap, eucalyptus, bay leaf, steep black tea, fresh tobacco, moist clay, dark rich turned earth, dark red, withering flowers with violets. Beautifully round acidity. The glorious, sexy, full, ripe, lush, elegant, extremely balanced finish is delicious and persistent for minutes.

Photos of, the 2016 UGC banner for the US, the old Chateau Cheval Blanc, their newer modern wine making facilities and my Bone in NY Strip with Wasabi Potato Purée. 😋 — 6 years ago

Greg Wright

9.1

Meursault-like notes of hazelnut, burnt matchstick, lemon confit and a hint of butter. Great balance, acidity and length. Rhys continues to impress. — 7 years ago

David Kline

9.4

Big, frothy, malt ball-shag carpet that hangs around like brocade. Impenetrable by light. Milk and dark chocolates vie with coffee rye, cedar and a bit of black pepper esters. Oak and tar suggest ship seams, and there is an oceanic depth, a coffee reduction, fantastically creamy with a deep caramel core. Bakers chocolate with espresso beans, coffee liqueur and burnt black currant. #oskarblues #tenfidy #imperialstout #stout #barrelaged #abv #dankbeer #darkbeer #imperial — 7 years ago

with Courtney

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.3

The second vintage of Beau Vigne. On the nose; dark currants, burnt ambers, blend of blue fruits; blueberries, boysenberries, huckleberries & olallieberries. Dark cherries, black plum, black raspberries, dry brown soil, dark minerals, anise, dark fruit liqueur notes, cinnamon, clove, tree sap, a whiff of mint, herbaceous characteristics and decayed dark flowers. The body is medium full and rich. Tannins are 65-70% resolved. The structure is not their best, but, the length, tension and balance are quite nice. The blue fruits explode onto the palate. Blueberries, boysenberries, huckleberries & Olallieberries. They set a little syrupy. Dark cherries, black plum, black raspberries/cola, raspberries come on late, dry brown top soil, palate grippy dark minerality, graphite, dark fruit liqueur notes, soft, medium, dark spice, mocha powder, cinnamon, clove, light vanilla, tree sap, a whiff of mint, herbaceous (bay leaf) characteristics, lilacs, violets and decayed dark flowers. The acidity is round and nicely managed. The long finish is velvety, ruby, rich and beautiful. Shows a little alcohol but it’s tamed from the tiger I bet it was young. Still has another 5-7 years of good drinking ahead. Photos of; their vineyard and antique truck, Yountville tasting room, Owners/Winemaker Ed Snider and wife Trish. Producer notes and history...Beau Vigne was founded by Ed Snider in 2002. They are a small, family winery with a production of about 4,000 cases annually vintage dependent. They are primarily known for their Cabernets. Their vineyard goes by the name of Stags Ridge and is the benchmark and centerpiece of Beau Vigne. Stags Ridge Vineyard & Ranch are located on the Eastern edge of Napa, situated in appellation of Atlas Peak at the very top of Soda Canyon Road overlooking Pritchard Gap, Haystack, and Stagecoach Vineyards. They began with only a few acres in 2002. Stag’s Ridge is now comprised of nine acres, eight of Cabernet Sauvignon and one of Cabernet Franc and Petite Verdot. As the Beau Vigne brand has grown, they’ve sourced from some of the best vineyards on the North Coast and Napa Valley such as Bacigalupi, Dutton Ranch, and Lewelling. Beau Vigne’s philosophy to winemaking hasn’t changed since their beginning. They are a boutique winery; which is generally a good idea to maintain very high quality. The family roots run deep in the Napa Valley. Martin Garzoli, Ed’s grandfather, arrived in the Valley in 1913. He was a Swiss Italian who, learned winemaking in Italy. Martin worked the Hayfields of Napa and Sonoma during the day and made wine in an old barn at night. Nearly 100 years later, Beau Vigne Family is still carrying on in the family tradition. — 7 years ago

Bob McDonald

9.0

I am amazed that Delectable could identify this wine - well done! This is a Rose made in Clunes in far northern NSW inland from Byron Bay dining at Harvest at Newrybar. This Rose was a quite rich bronze in colour. Interesting mix of varieties with Tempranillo, Shiraz and Durif. Very aromatic with burnt toffee and ginger notes. On the light to medium weight palate more spicy and savoury than fruit driven - with dry cherry notes in searching for a fruit descriptor. Quite a find - I didn’t know wine was made in this district and will be seeking this out for purchase. — 6 years ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.0

Whenever I have a really older bottle of wine, I think, what was I doing in this case 1989?

About this time of year, I was walking into Candlestick Park for the Bay Bridge World Series while this wine was fermenting. I was walking through the parking lot when the 89 earthquake hit. It was like Godzilla was a Gopher tunneling under my feet. The stadium erupted with a resounding cheer. Earthquake during the World Series...yeah! It wasn’t until an hour later that hard reality set in.

This Chateau Lynch-Moussas is a recent direct purchase from the Negotiant. 89 was a pretty good Bordeaux year. So, why not see how a 5th Growth producer wine evolved over 30 years. It’s a treat to enjoy wine with this much age.

While Lynch-Mousses has improved vastly in more recent vintages, back in the day, they made some nice wines but, not great. This wine shows beauty & elegance but, it lacks fundamental elements of high quality. However, its fruit and structure have held up nicely over the years.

The nose reveals a fair amount of; barnyard, mushrooms, ripe; blackberries dark currants, dark cherries, black raspberries & strawberries on the edges of the glass. Black plum skin, dark chocolate, raspberry cola, mocha, caramel, clove, nutmeg, burnt cinnamon, tarriness, graphite, leather, old tobacco, dark spice, dry herbs, dark, rich, black earth, stones, dry brush, steeped tea with withering red & dark florals.

The body is still full and round. The fruits are still ripe & slightly candied. The wine is still holding an interesting drinking window, it’s on the decline. While that sounds not good, I find them in this phase infinitely more interesting. Ripe; blackberries dark currants, dark cherries, black raspberries & some strawberries. Black plum with skin, dark chocolate, raspberry cola, mocha, caramel, clove, nutmeg, burnt cinnamon, vanillin, tarriness, graphite, leather, old tobacco, dark spice, dry herbs, dark, rich, forest floor, mushrooms, stones, touch of limestone minerals & crush rocks, dry brush, steeped tea with withering red & dark florals with violets. The acidity is round & excellent. The long finish is; rich, ripe, well balanced & intergraded with long drier but, very floral persistence.

Excellent with our steaks. Still has another 5-7 years of good drinking ahead with excellent storage. I also miss the 12-13% ABV of the 80’s Bordeaux’s.

Photos of; the entrance view of Chateau Lynch-Moussas, Count Jean-Baptiste Lynch of Ireland and Chateau founded in the 1800’s, the owner/operator since 1961 - Emile Casteja and their barrel room.
— 6 years ago

Geoff Troup

Sales Eder Brothers, Cellar Fine Wines

9.3

For me, it’s always hard to tell exactly where a Wine will go. I’ve had old Monte Bello, and new Monte Bello, and the old is an intense, elegant, extraordinarily complex experience. This new vintage is utterly fantastic. It’s so complex with this steely minerality, spice, flowers, elegant refined tannins, burnt cedar and new American oak. But it’s such a baby. I’ve read this has a lifespan of 30-50 years, and I can believe it. — 7 years ago

Shay A

9.3

Quite a debate about is this skunky, and if it is, how do you define it. To me, it was definitely a bit sulphuric with some burnt popcorn. Fruit is fairly subdued throughout...more grilled buttered pineapple and cashew. Out of the two, this definitely appeals to the French crowd. Thanks for the intro to this @Benjamin Keator ! — 7 years ago

with Dan, Mark and 1 other

Brian S

9.0

Carmel, orange cream, burnt orange rind, coffee. — 7 years ago

Geoff Troup

Sales Eder Brothers, Cellar Fine Wines

9.5

This is absolutely gorgeous. Black tea, licorice root, graphite, smoke, burnt popcorn kernel, musty Bordeaux style. Tremendous structure, dusty chalk and dynamic acidity, especially for California Cabernet. Black pepper, heat and severity with tremendous nuance and quite a set of balls. Baby Monte Bello...all of the complexity with a little less of the weight. — 8 years ago

Matt Trader

9.4

What a whopper of a wine this guy was! First off, they ship in boxes with the bottle upside down and Mark Herold loves a good ol' fashioned unfiltered wine, so you will find about an inch of sediment solid in the neck, which is a little annoying, so you'll need to filter it. Once that is out of the way, it needs a good decant due to the young vintage. It's very dark and powerful, and almost had an air about it similar to Diamond Mountain styles, showing earthy gravely notes, black olive, green bell pepper and loads of dark casis fruits and ripe black plum. The pallet is very rich and dark as well with brown baking spices, burnt espresso bean notes, vanilla, and a lingering dark chocolate finish. It's massive wine, for people who want in your face kinda Napa. Will definitely benefit from some age! #markherold — 9 years ago