Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.2

The nose reveals; dark, floral currants. Ripe; blackberries, black plum, black raspberries blue fruits & dark cherries. Black licorice, lots of cinnamon, vanilla, nutmeg, clove, steeped dark fruit tea, soft volcanic minerals, soft leather, crushed dry rocks, blue & purple flowers with dark fresh & withering dark florals bouquet.

The body is full. The tannins nicely round & soft. The wine is juicy, delicious & easy to drink now. Ripe blackberries, black plum, black raspberries blue fruits & dark cherries. black licorice, lots of cinnamon, vanilla, nutmeg, clove, steeped dark fruit tea, soft volcanic minerals, soft leather, crushed dry rocks, suede leather, dry underbrush, mint, hints if dry herbs, woody notes, blue & purple flowers with dark fresh & withering dark florals bouquet. The acidity is well executed. The finish is round, balanced, juicy and delicious.

Photos of, their lobby, labels of the assorted different producers that make their wines there and their tasting bar.

For those of you not familiar with Le Pich, I took this from their site...Le Pich, which is the Wappo Indian term for "golden eagle," is the sister label of Napa Valley's esteemed Purlieu Wines. The wines are crafted by rising star winemaker Julien Fayard. Originally from France, Julien has lived in the Napa Valley since 2006, when he and his wife agreed to settle down by “meeting halfway” — between his home in France… and hers in Sonoma. In France, Julien worked in both Provence and Bordeaux, where he defined his core winemaking style at the exalted first growth Château Lafite-Rothschild (he even lived in Lafite’s grand château for a period) as well as at Smith Haut Lafitte. In Napa, Julien worked at Quintessa before joining Atelier Melka, where he spent five years as the Director of Winemaking. He has worked with the likes of; Lail Vineyards, Gemstone, Dalla Valle, and more.

Le Pich wines are some of the best values we've found in Napa Valley. — 7 years ago

Tomi Mikkonen

9.2

2004 Millesime. Random-ostos Carrefourista, mutta niin hieno 2x EUR löytö. Vahva lähtö, mutta lyhyt loppu. Paljon luonnetta. Ostan uudelleen, jos löydän jostain. — 7 years ago

Ashley Martzen

9.1

Ultra-dry, harrowing. Almost too lonely. Imma still drank it. — 8 years ago

Martijn

9.0

This is simply good champagne. Already for 10 years we drink this as aperative. Nice beads, good color, citrus and brioche. Well balanced. Good PQR. — 8 years ago

Heriberto Andersen

9.5

Heriberto had this 9 years ago

Dr Bob

9.3

2009 was amazing!!! Still great, but need to drink them up! — 9 years ago

Jordi Pazo

9.2

Human Tast.
07.03.16 — 9 years ago

Matthew Beckman

9.7

Stunning...not great wines, but great bottles. We had a winner! An incredible olfactory experience...at the beginning currants, cigar, mint...then iron and cherry. In the top 3 BDX I've ever tasted. Tasted alongside 96 Giacosa, 85 Krug, 98 Latour a Pomerol, 95 Smith Haut Lafitte — 9 years ago

Saman Hosseini

Writer Maison Abattoir

8.9

Under same ownership as Smith-Haut-Lafitte, where it too is made. Grapes are hand picked and sorted before and after destemming. Aged 14 months in oak, 39% new barrels, no racking. — 11 years ago

JohnQ Boxler

Sales Berkeley Wine Company

9.4

With St Marcellin. So much red fruit for a BA! Le sigh... — 12 years ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.1

This is Purlieu’s sister winery. We were the second tasting given in their new facilities just on the edge of Napa as you approach from American Canyon.

We started our visit with a splash of their 17 Sauvignon Blanc as we toured their new facilities.

A hybrid of tropical & dry style. It has understated tropicals of mango, pineapple, white citrus, peach, cut grass, round acidity and nicely polished finish.

Photos of, their lobby, labels of the assorted different producers that make their wines there and their tasting bar.

For those of you not familiar with Le Pich, I took this from their site...Le Pich, which is the Wappo Indian term for "golden eagle," is the sister label of Napa Valley's esteemed Purlieu Wines. The wines are crafted by rising star winemaker Julien Fayard. Originally from France, Julien has lived in the Napa Valley since 2006, when he and his wife agreed to settle down by “meeting halfway” — between his home in France… and hers in Sonoma. In France, Julien worked in both Provence and Bordeaux, where he defined his core winemaking style at the exalted first growth Château Lafite-Rothschild (he even lived in Lafite’s grand château for a period) as well as at Smith Haut Lafitte. In Napa, Julien worked at Quintessa before joining Atelier Melka, where he spent five years as the Director of Winemaking. He has worked with the likes of Lail Vineyards, Gemstone, Dalla Valle, and more and his Le Pich wines are some of the best values we've found in Napa Valley. — 7 years ago

Bret Barker

9.7

Holiday party fun: 2003 latour light years better than the 03 lafitte. I just love the latour nose. I could smell it all day long. Chewy full bodied with light tannins and the mineral and fruit, chocolate. Mmm get involved — 7 years ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.5

3000th post. 🎉 On the nose; sweet, lush; black cassis, liqueur notes, sweet tarry notes, rich, lush; blackberries, dark cherries, black plum, plum, caramel, mocha, caramel, baking spices, warm, moist, rich, dark soils and fresh dark florals. The body is M and the tannins are round and soft. She is a beauty. Ripe, rich; blackberries, black plum, plum, dark cherries, black raspberries & poached strawberries. liqueur notes, sweet tarry notes, dark chocolate, mocha, caramel, baking spices, menthol, warm, moist dark earth, soft leather, dry rock powder, sweet black tea, fresh violets, dark, red florals, perfect round acidity and a rich, round, elegant fruit driven finish that last and lasts. Photos of; Clos E'Lgise and estate vines, signage, Helen Garcin-Leveque and her husband Patrice Leveque and their barrel cellar. Producer history and notes...Clos L’Eglise is one of the older chateaux in Pomerol dating back to the 18th century. The same time the farmhouse that is still in use was constructed. At the time, Chateau Clos L’Eglise was a larger estate. It once had been apart of the Gombaude Guillot. Eventually the estate was split in half. On one side of the street, you had Chateau Clos l’Eglise; which was owned by the Rouchut family. Across the street sat Chateau Clos l’Eglise-Clinet, which was owned by the Mauleon family. After awhile, Clos l’Eglise Clinet eventually changed its name to Chateau l’Eglise Clinet which also simultaneously gave birth to what we know today as Clos L’Eglise. While the wines are now produced by Helene Garcin that was not always the case with Clos L’Eglise. At one point, the estate produced wines under a leasing arrangement held by the Rouchut family. The modern era of Clos L’Eglise began in 1975, when the property facilities were all redesigned and modernized by the Moreau family. The Moreau’s also owned Chateau Plince. The old, non temperature controlled wood tanks were replaced by stainless steel. The vineyards were also expanded. Instead of buying more vines, the owners simply planted land that was being used as a pasture. Imagine now, Pomerol land being used to feed cattle. In the past, the property was planted with a much larger percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon, near 20%. All the Cabernet Sauvignon vines were eventually ripped out and replaced by Merlot. The next step of it's evolution took place in 1997 when the Right Bank estate was sold to Sylvaine Garcin Cathiard by the Moreau family. If the Cathiard name sounds family, she is the sister of Daniel Cathiard, the owner of Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte. The sale set a new benchmark price for Pomerol when it sold for 12 million Euros! Today that price would be laughable! Prior to 2000, that was considered a huge price for Pomerol. Further investment was needed to replace the aging concrete vats and again modernize the facilities. In fact, the first vintage of Clos L’Eglise made by Helene Garcin was produced at Haut Bergey in Pessac Leognan. Helene Garcin also manages two estates in St. Emilion, Chateau Barde Haut, Chateau Poesia (Mendoza, Argentina) and Branon, which is situated in Pessac Leognan. Helene Garcin was put in charge of the property. She hired Michel Rolland as a consultant and a complete renovation of the facilities took place. Michel Rolland was eventually replaced by Alain Raynaud. Starting with the 2015 vintage, Thomas Duclos recently replaced Alain as the consultant. Their property is nearly 6 hectares. L’Eglise soils are rich clay, gravel and iron. It's located on a sloping hill near Chateau Clinet, Chateau L’Eglise Clinet and Chateau Trotanoy. Clos L’Eglise is planted to 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc. On average, the vines are 35 years of age. There is one old parcel of Cabernet Franc that was planted in the 1940’s. Vinification of Clos L’Eglise takes place in 55 hectoliter, insulated, stainless steel tanks. The new steel tanks replaced the oak vats in 2012. Malolactic fermentation takes place in barrel. Clos L’Eglise is aged in 100% new French oak for between 16 and 18 months. The property also has a second wine, Esprit de L’Eglise. On average, about 1,200 cases of Clos L’Eglise are produced every year. — 8 years ago

Darren Guillaume

9.5

What can I say about this beautiful Sauvignon Blanc from Sancerre, other than vines are 40-87 years and aged on lees for 10-14 months 60% oak casks, and 20% barrels. How about having the complexity and finish of a Château Smith Haut Lafitte without the need for Sémillon. Wow! — 9 years ago

Hermine Benard

9.0

Brick, light robe. Haut Medoc, same area as Lafitte-Rothschild. Leather, tobacco, dry red fruit. Great with filet mignon, no sauce. Grown on deep gravel = perfect for Cabernet Sauvignon. Very good — 10 years ago

B

10

Magnum 1982 Chateau Lafite Rothschild. Drank w K at M School auction in Napa. Amazing. Such a great contrast to the 1989 Haut Brion. This didn't have that gamey character. Smooth, less acid, velvet mouthfeel and long finish. Epic. Hands down winner. Such a treat — 10 years ago

Vincent Bilger

9.6

Chateau Lafitte Rotschild 1999 — 12 years ago

Sandra Corona

10

Bordeux 2009 — 12 years ago

Bret Barker

9.2

I’ve reviewed this wine before - I prefer the 04 better:) but still great example for this producer. Medium bodied with dark cherry, graphite and little cedar. — 7 years ago

with Adam

Alex Lallos

Owner No Limit Fine Wines, Private Wine Consultant

9.6

Smith haut lafitte called..... they want their wine back. Omg I thought this would be good with clams but it actually needs about a decade (or two) to shed its baby fat. Incredible wine... serious wine..: — 7 years ago

Patricia Schnitzer

9.0

Nov 26, 2017. Purchased in Bordeaux at Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte tasting. Had tonight with cheese plate. Yum. Honey, apricots. — 7 years ago

Romain Mounétou

9.0

Très bon avec un Saint Marcellin de la mère Richard. Mais lequel des 2 sublime l'autre ? — 8 years ago

with Pierre-Jean

Julia Schweizer

9.0

Good value classic, bright Fuji apples little weighty — 8 years ago

DeLaine Emmert

9.2

How can you go wrong with a 95 Lafitte! — 9 years ago

Jason Gallo-Gaffner

9.0

Too young. But tasty. Like a knock off smith haut lafitte — 9 years ago

Melody cohen

9.4

Major pineapple and passionfruit. Having it with a mascarpone and peach sorbet dessert and it is DELIGHTFUL. Flavorful enough, yet not overpowering. Body light and lovely. Good balance. — 9 years ago

Arnaud Bonnet

10

1959 vintage... Incredibly young !!!!!!!!!! — 10 years ago

Kyle Doucet-Walter

9.0

Dried cherry, dried violet petals, leather, clove, dried mushrooms. Tannins are very supple and integrated. Lovely. — 10 years ago

Mary Kole

9.6

Last night's dinner party: paired with sola de cabra and St Marcellin — 11 years ago

Gilles de Chambure

Master Sommelier & Educator

9.5

from wine collection of the Cathiard — 12 years ago