Shane Rische

9.3

One of the many reasons I miss Howard’s store so much. No, it’s not a classified bordeaux but being able to pick up a nearly two decade old bordeaux for $45? Can’t do that at Binny’s. Fantastic experience if not the most complex but loved it from the first sip to the last. — 4 years ago

Bob McDonald

9.5

Smoky Peaty and spirity aromas Also Iodine and Briny notes showing its maritime location. A single malt matured in charred oak casks. There is some conjecture as to whether Talisker is classified as Island or Islay but suffice to say it is the only Distillery on the Isle of Skye. Had a tour of Talisker many years ago after going to the HQ of the MacDonald Clan on Skye. I bought this 1 Litre bottle at Gatwick Airport about 2 months ago before we headed up to Inverness and the Highlands. — 5 years ago

Aaron Tan

9.2

From magnum. Had it next to the stylistically similar Fourrier Gevrey VV, but this was the better wine for me - it had a little more depth and texture. Started of similarly reductive, but quickly opened up to scents of roses, intense red cherry, and smoky insence. The palate's velvety, mix of red and dark fruits, rich but offers lots of freshness with its crisp acidity. Minerality plays second fiddle at the moment, but is evident in the long spicy finish. I bet this was how it looked like when it was first bottled, so time can only make it better. 1er level for sure!

NB: From WH - This plot is located on the southern side of Griotte-Chambertin alongside the Claude Dugat plot and below the Duroché plot of Griottes-Chambertin. It is quite strange that this vineyard has been classified as village as it’s located so close to the Grand Crus. — 5 years ago

Delectable Wine

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9.0

A powerful, authoritative wine, the 2012 Paveil de Luze is shaping up to be one of the under-the-radar gems of the year. Earthy and smoky notes add nuance, but it is the wine's explosive, deep personality that stands out most. Expressive floral, savory and ferrous notes meld into the expressive finish. Although the 2012 is more power than finesse, it offers exceptional balance and tons of personality. The blend is 70% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Merlot. This is an impressive effort from Paveil de Luze, a Margaux property that could probably be a classified growth. Simon Blanchard is the consulting winemaker. (Antonio Galloni, Vinous) — 7 years ago

Paul Heyrman

9.3

Kiwi claret. Can compare to a modern style classified growth Bordeaux or a Super Tuscan. 2006 and could last another decade. Nice depth and length of flavour with good acidity. Purchased at the winery in Hawkes Bay. — 8 years ago

Robert Cunningham

Wine Educator DeVinimus, Wine Workshop

9.0

Really surprisingly good wine. I would have guessed it to be a classified St. Julien. Complex and approachable. Excellent value. — 9 years ago

Bob Bryden

Founder The Lake Sommelier, LLC, Author Wine Talk

9.2

2010 dark ruby with ripe blackberry, tart cherry. Earthy with gripping tannins. Fairly typical 2nd wine of classified growth in great year. — 9 years ago

Steve Anderson

9.5

From Jean Bourdy. Jura Macvin, reduced in a copper kettle, fortified, and blended with 20 alpine spices. Classified as a liqueur, although still only 16%. Wild nose, liquid carrot cake. Quite unique and a lot of fun. — 10 years ago

Hannah Greensmith

9.8

Located in Cote de Beaune, south of Volnay and north of Puligny Montrachet. Meursault ("Murr-so") has historically been Burgundy's center for white wine production. In fact, nearly all of the 2.5 million bottles produced from 440 ha (1,090 acres) are whites. The soil is a mixture of marl and chalk and is perfectly suited to the production of chardonnay. Meursault wines are known for aromas of hazelnuts, honey and vanilla for its aromas and creamy, almost olive oilllike texture. There are no grand crus in Meursault, though Les Perrières, Les Genevrières and Les Charmes produce remarkable wines. Further, some of the most well-known vineyards of Meursault such as Narvaux and Limozin are not premier cru but Villages-classified vineyards. Recent top vintages include 2008, 2007, 2005, 2002, 1999, 1996, 1993, 1990.


With 437ha. of vineyards dedicated to Villages wine or Premier Cru, Meursault has the largest area permitted to be planted in white wine in the Cote-d'Or. Furthermore, despite the fact that the village lacks even one grand cru, Meursault has historically been Burgundy's center for white wine production, in the past even more so than Puligny-Montrachet or Chassagne-Montrachet. While much of those two villages had in the past been planted to red grapes, Meursault has always been white wine territory. In fact, the modern day vineyard of Les Combettes in Puligny-Montrachet, which forms a continuous chain with the premier crus of Meursault, was once considered part of Meursault and not Puligny, where the many nearby vineyards produced red wine. There are several important factors that determine the reputation of Meursault. Primarily, the soil throughout most of Meursault is perfectly suited to the production of chardonnay; it is a mixture of marl and chalk, that when combined with a largely east or southeast exposure creates healthy grapes that are full of character. Another factor correlates to geology, though in a very different way. Meursault's high water table allows its residents to carve deep, cold cellars "perfect for the production of wine" into the chalky, stony soil. So, while large negociants from Beaune dominated the production and marketing of Burgundy throughout time, Meursault remained a wine of its own citizens. Contributing to this, since red wine has been more prized throughout time, these same negociants looked elsewhere for sources because the wine of Meursault has always been white.

What makes the wine so special? The most common descriptors attached to Meursault are hazelnuts, honey and vanilla for its aromas and creamy for its texture. However, this simplifies things quite a bit. In most cases, Meursault despite an almost olive-oil texture is countered by a precise mineral character, stoniness and a more refined overall palate than, for instance, Chassagne-Montrachet. It's the unique stony/mineral character that often gets lost when tasting Meursault, as many concentrate on the ripe, hedonistic primary flavors and aromas. It's the bipolarity of the wine, the interplay of both factors, that makes Meursault one of the most sought after white wines in the world. As mentioned above, there are no grand crus in Meursault, though many would argue that Perrieres, Genevrieres and Charmes can attain these lofty heights in the hands of the best producers. Further, some of the most well-known vineyards of Meursault such as Narvaux and Limozin are not premier cru but Villages-classified vineyards, though again, the best examples are clearly of higher quality. source: http://www.burgundywinecompany.com/wines/display.php?subregion=Meursault — 11 years ago

Dawn E.

8.9

Easily classified as fruit bowl punch IMHO! Easy value sipper. Lappierre..enough said! — 4 years ago

H M

9.5

Classified as a White Wine. Absolutely, delicious. Great alone or with white meats chk, tacos, pizza. High end for the price! It’s a favorite. — 5 years ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.1

Clos St. Martin was established in 1850 and named after the neighbouring church of Saint- Martin. Clos St Martin is just 1.33 hectare and is the smallest classified growth in Saint-Émilion. An interesting lighter style Bordeaux. Dark berry fruit aromas, earthy herb spice. On the palate complex black fruit flavors and espresso notes. Soft tannins, smoky oak, medium+ finish, earthy mineral ending. Drink now. — 6 years ago

Matt

9.0

Arguably one of the best value Langhe Nebbiolo wines there is. Young vine and de-classified fruit from the estate vineyard of Bricco Boschis, traditional to the core, classic aromatic and structural components. Finding this 2014 just a touch hot on the palate though. Dust, tar, rose, cherry, herbs, and leather. There's a dusty/dried character to the wine that charms with its rustic appeal. — 7 years ago

Doctor No

9.1

Would be classified growth if served blind. Nice, gentle and expressive nose of clear blackberry, cassis and tobacco. Still moderately tannic so dusty on the finish. Moderate mid-palate weight. A good Garagiste buy. — 7 years ago

Jonathan Wall

9.3

Bam! Olives and bacon right out of the bottle. I understand this is Pre classified cote rotie. 90% Syrah. 10% Viognier. Medium full. A bit cloudy. Over 3 nights tasted several nuances of smoked meats, rustic farm vegetables, and interesting barnyard smells. A little rough, but Loved it. — 8 years ago

GrapeXplorer

9.0

Maybe not a classified growth, but a fully recommended example of ready to enjoy Bordeaux. Cedar and young fruit on the nose. Full rounded tannins. — 8 years ago

with Margie

See Taleggio

9.2

Non-classified cava ... Stunning, streets ahead of the standard garden variety cavas — 9 years ago

Peter C

9.3

Classic left bank. Herbal, complex, balanced. Total sleeper, held up well against the classified growths. — 9 years ago

with Kamau

Andrew Lampasone

Owner Wine Watch Selections

9.2

They make 1000 6 packs of this wine from one of the most famous vineyards on the piedmont which was classified as a cru in 1880 very pretty bouquet of dried flowers red licorice spice truffles a complex array of spice earth and red berry fruit. Fine grain tannins with silky velvety texture vey fresh and bright cherry fruit red licorice spice and pretty floral notes very spiced and long finish tongue tingly acidity. — 11 years ago

Andrew Lampasone

Owner Wine Watch Selections

9.4

1990 wild herbs fresh earth very complex array on the nose still some fruit menthol camphor smooth and silky texture some tannins still here lovely freshness. Most excellent 55 cab cf mr the rest 1998 a greatrightbank so Palmer jas a lot of merlot more than Antofagasta the classified growths similar nose fresh herbsandrhat month camphor smooth and another all and earthy soft tannins finish 40excellent +. 2010 currant and red cherry fruit with sweet tobacco spice a gravelly mineral note big and chewy with an earthy musty note but lots of everything structured and fresh finish 50+ most excellent+ — 11 years ago

Bob McDonald

9.4

No. 3 in the Chambolle Musigny, Vougeot, and Flagey Echezeaux Grand Cru bracket. Tasted blind. Complete, well balanced, indulgent. Some peppery notes....Clos de Vougeot? Minerally, not much ripe fruit here, Hoisin. Those were my off the cuff notes at the time. I have always struggled with the fact that ALL of Clos Vougeot is classified as Grand Cru. If you have ever visited you will know that the plots on the lower flat near the highway are not of GC standard whereas the upper plots near the Chateau over the road from Musigny have no trouble reaching Grand Cru standard. — 4 years ago

Tom Casagrande

9.3

Wines from last night’s dinner (impressionistic memory notes).

My last bottle of this and the best so far. I would have a difficult time, I think, telling this apart blind from a classified St. Julien like, say, a Langoa-Barton. Fragrant, everything in balance, great length. — 5 years ago

Katerina

8.9

Only 1911 bottles of this Grand Cru Champagne are made each year and every bottle is numbered by hand. Though it is classified as a non vintage Champagne, the wines that make up the blend are actually from the 1995, 1996 and 1997 vintages.

Pronounced aromas of brioche, preserved peaches and white flowers. The palate is full and focused with lots of fruit and sweet spices. The finish is long and satisfying.

100 proc PN — 6 years ago

Bob McDonald

9.7

From a cellar that had a brief temperature malfunction which I bought on the secondary market thru old friend Peter Scudamore-Smith MW. From the excellent 2005 vintage in Burgundy. Peter advised it should be good just don’t Cellar as long as you normally would for Richebourg. This was Excellent Mid to rich crimson in colour. Bouquet of Loam and black cherry with some forest floor notes. The palate was sumptuous showing both power and restraint if that makes sense. With my limited tasting experience with Richebourg with DRC Jean Grivot and one Leroy I formed the view that they are RICH!particularly the 1999 DRC - well named as Richebourg. With time in decanter it formed a minty note. This Wine was well mannered knew it’s place and drinking at its peak given its provenance. A thrilling experience. Thibault Liger-Belair has a mere 0.55 Hectares in Richebourg. Note to Delectable- The Producer is based in Nuits St Georges but the wine is from Vosne Romanee as classified under Taste Insights. — 6 years ago

Sean Herriott

9.0

Luv to drink classified growths! — 7 years ago

Martin Redmond

9.2

Aromas of cassis, blackberry, barrel spice, tobacco and dust. On the palate it's superbly balanced with layered blackberry, cassis, vanilla, and toasty oak flavors.Long finish. Well integrated sweet tannins. Essentially de-classified Monte Bello fruit. Great value! 2011 Vintage — 8 years ago

Ryan Foss

9.1

Deinking quite well. Not a powerhouse vintage, but is clearly of classified growth quality greater than its 5th designation — 8 years ago

Michel Rolland

9.3

Very nice bottle, a great wine matching very well with all the other classified. — 9 years ago

Jamie Brown

9.2

2003. For a de classified wine. This thing rocks. All the hallmarks of a classic Barolo without all the $$$ — 9 years ago

Daniel P. Drake

9.7

I am excited to try this Bordeaux for it is the original Lynch Bages before Lynch Bages became Lynch Bages. Lynch Moussas was split into two in the 18th century to form Lynch Moussas and Lynch Bages. Lynch Moussas was Classified as a Classed Growth by the 1855 classification. I believe it is considered a Fifth Growth. This wine is made up of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Merlot. The aromas are of ripe plum, bakers chocolate, deep dark fruit. A totally beautiful bouquet. Big black currants, smooth ripe tannins, a nice smokiness, and well balanced. Medium + body, full mouth feel, with good dark fruit on the palate. This is a joy to drink and am very pleased with what I have found. — 11 years ago