It’s been another couple of years since the last bottle from this box. The bouquet is deep with back current and black pepper. It tastes earthy, peppery, plums and black currant, once it opened bell peppers too. The cherry is gone. Integrated, soft, mild , back of the mouth, woody minty tannins. Moderate finish. — 4 years ago
The 1990 Lynch-Bages remains the towering Pauillac it has always been, even if Jean-Michel Cazes personally prefers the 1989. It has a riveting, graphite-infused bouquet that is brilliantly defined, very focused and sharp as a razor-blade. Poured directly against the 1990 Lafite-Rothschild, this Fifth Growth beats it hands down. The palate is very well structured; this is an aristocratic Lynch-Bages with impressive grip after 28 years. There is a symmetry underpinning this wine, a sense of energy undiminished by the passing years, that makes this 1990 Lynch-Bages so compelling. Just awesome. Tasted during the Christmas Dinner at Noble Rot restaurant. (Neal Martin, Vinous, December 2019)
— 5 years ago
Like this! Floral, nice acidity, herbal notes, cranberry — 6 years ago
Had older vintages, the ‘07 was released in late 2015, great but still has time to bottle age. Decant 2 hours before drinking. Tempranillo with about 15% Mazuelo (Cariñena), concentrated bouquet of berry fruits with spice. On the palate cherry and plum flavors, well balanced for a difficult vintage. Lingering, crisp and focused, tight tannins ending with a mineral character and earthy tones, a traditional Rioja. Stock up on the ‘07, there is no ‘08, but ‘09, ‘10 & ‘11 will be released Wow! 900 cases US! — 7 years ago
The sample of 2019 Pichon-Longueville Comtesse de Lalande sent to me last year was an absolute show-stopper. The bouquet needs a few minutes to open up, delivering intense black fruit, crushed stone and incense with time in the glass. Yes, the nose does remind me of Latour! The medium-bodied palate is endowed with unerring symmetry and poise. This is a powerful, multi-dimensional Pichon-Lalande, extremely precise, very deep and long. The 60% new oak is seamlessly integrated and feels just right. It reminds me of the 1996 in some ways, but with more finesse on the finish. Stunning. 14.12% alcohol (Neal Martin, Vinous, February 2022)
— 3 years ago
With carignan- jammy and delicious but not obvious — 4 years ago
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
Bouquet of faint new plastic garden hose. In a good way. In some way it reminded me of aspects of older Wachau Riesling. Deep reddish pink rosé colouring. Tea, honey, apricot, mint, caramel, spices, those waxy candies when you were a kid... superb. — 6 years ago
Great! Floral, and just dry enough. — 7 years ago
Mineral tasting. Good bouquet. Lacks vibrant fruit flavor — 8 years ago
"Edgy and full of flavour, the Prisoner is a bold red meant for indulging. On the nose, expect a bursting bouquet of bing cherries, dark chocolate, clove and roasted fig, followed by juicy ripe fruit flavours. Notes of raspberry and boysenberry with hints of pomegranate give way to a lingering taste of warm vanilla on the palate. A long, smooth finish lingers in your mouth. " — 3 years ago
92 is rating ws and many others are giving it and I think that is right on the mark. It’s really gets meaty and a little more peppery the longer it breathes. The bouquet in the glass when it’s nearly empty is remarkably wonderful. Very enjoyable vintage. — 3 years ago
🏅 Rating 94+/100 (4,45⭐)
This is my 3rd and the last bottle over the past year. It definitely sits at its plateau now and fully awake. Difficult to say when the drinking window will close down.
Lots of energy and precision. Cabernet Sauvignon dominant. Perfumed black currant jam with leaves. Complex tertiary aromas make a beautiful bouquet. Balance of tannins, fruits and acidity at its perfection. Tannins have soften but not yet faded away.
Undoubted 2nd Growth quality. — 5 years ago
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
Our other Thanksgiving wine. A bit dried out, but a lovely bouquet. Good cork. Of the recent Leovilles, I prefer the 78 Barton, and next the 81 Las Cases. This comes in third, but not shabby at all! — 7 years ago
Blueberry and spice bouquet. Rich and smooth palate. A great wine for a special occasion. Happy anniversary to us! Thanks Molly! — 8 years ago
Kate
Happy Friday and celebrating with this wine. Most amazing winery I ever visited. Thank you to my sister in law that booked the private tasting and introduced me to this wine. She’s one of my besties. Love the smell of the bouquet of flowers that are soft and eloquent. Interesting that the company also has flowers one of my favorite Pinot noirs. This iwine is slightly too cherry finish. But I love the velvet texture. — 3 years ago