Paul T HB

9.5

Lunch 🥪

K&L notes as follows, Grand Pontet is an interesting property, positioned in the neighborhood of other stars of the appellation such as Châteaux Canon, Beau-Séjour-Bécot and Clos Fourtet. It is, however, a small estate, a mere 14 hectares, and its prices are much better than some of its more prestigious neighbors. In 1980 it was purchased by Gerard and Dominique Bécot, owners of the neighboring Beau-Séjour-Bécot. They have applied the same high standards to both Châteaux in their possession, and their winemaking team crafts Grand Pontet alongside the Beau-Séjour-Bécot wines. Recently purchased in 2021 by Domaines Clarence Dillon (Haut-Brion, La Mission Haut-Brion, et al.), the property was combined with and incorporated into Château Quintus. Full-bodied and luscious, this Grand Pontet is laden with ripe blackberry fruits, savory tobacco, licorice notes, and ripe, softened tannins. It’s seamless and bold, not shy. It’s going to require something decadent to pair with, such as filet mignon or some other black-tie dish with plenty of flavor and rich umami presence. — 2 years ago

Michael Greene

9.4

Young but why wait when it is this good? Top 1er cru quality. A little shy on the nose, but palate is incredible. Super pure fruit with raspberry and cherries. Tannins are velvet. Great lift and length on the finish. — 3 years ago

Byron C Mayes

8.9

Bright and deep red. Shy nose and more present palate of pomegranate, citrus rind, dry red flowers, and anise fruit leather. Bracing acidity shores up the medium to full (for a rosé) body. Young Tavel giving a glimpse of what could come five to ten years on. A great wine with light “red wine” or heavier “white wine” dishes as well as an intriguing late summer/early fall sipper. Drink now or hold through 2028. — 4 years ago

Samuel Sabori

9.1

Like drinking honey. Goes quickly.

Nose is initially waxy/muscat-like but that blows off. White flowers abound. There’s also a subtle passion fruit thing. Overall a very shy wine but one that pulls you in. — 5 years ago

David L

9.4

17’ Drinking wonderfully soon after release. — 6 years ago

Sasha Agapov

8.9

Not overly friendly and rather shy, but drinking well with some time in the glass. — 7 years ago

Collier S. Wiese

9.2

Quintessential to the history of South Dakota was homemade rhubarb wine! This is a great representation of what tartness can do to balance the sweetness inherent in some of the non-grape wines. Like the tart cherry wines of Michigan, this is iconic of South Dakota. Love it! — 2 years ago

Laith A

9.4

Delicious as always.. perfect for a hot day outside! — 3 years ago

Mike K

9.0

Very nice. Good mild pear flavor. Nice balance. — 3 years ago

Chad Brewer

9.2

Thick rich and juicy — 4 years ago

Mike Beltran

9.3

Good quality Latour that’s holding up well. Nose was shy and took time to open. Color is still quite good. Not as assertive as I have had in the past- but still quality claret. At Bourbon Steak Santa Clara. Sommelier Rob was outstanding on all levels. — 5 years ago

Charles Garrison

9.2

Beautiful coloration, initially shy aromatics that opened up by 2nd pour with dark, expressive fruits, lovely, though not heavy dark fruits in the palate with pleasing finish — 6 years ago

Joe Tucker

9.4

Where the Savoy was open and singing, the shelf is still the shy little grape (juice). Needs coaxing, but the stuffing is there. Really good juice. — 7 years ago

Carter Pelham

9.4

*chef's kiss*

For me just shy of an immaculate wine.
Immediately upon opening got a super prominent whiff of stewed vegetal / green peppers aroma. Blew off a bit over time. Flinty and graphite mineral and relatively muted fruit aromas.

Beautiful cherry/cassis/blackberry fruit. Medium body. Relaxed tannins. Lower acidity than I expected. But the finish. Elevated and never ending. One of those wines you never feel compelled to take the next sip, in a good way...you never lose the taste of your last drink.

Second almaviva we've had. Loved them both, very different from the '98. — 3 years ago

with Linh and Larry

Jason Soloway

8.9

Not sure what to make of this bottle. It was shy on opening and unfurled over a couple of hours to a pleasing Chardonnay that did little to offend or inspire. — 3 years ago

Lee Pitofsky

9.5

Tightly wound, a touch reductive and shy on the nose emphasizing its youth. With time it opens beautifully showing black currants, wild raspberries, violets, spices, stems and pixelated minerals. Finishes with great length, concentration and balanced acidity. Easily built for decades of aging. — 4 years ago

Adam Knoerzer

9.2

I think this is their most successful Pinot in the past few vintages. A little shy right now, sure, but I think it’s going to be firing on all cylinders in 2-3 years. Restrained, perfumed, and with enough structure to develop nicely. — 5 years ago

Chris England

8.9

You wouldn’t know Barbaresco is one of my favourite wines as I hardly review them weirdly 😁 so seeing this 21 year old baby @ £83 recently I thought I gotta get me a piece of that 😉 It’s a few years past it’s peak now but still a decent drop although not worth its current 💵

📍 Giuseppe Cortese Rabaja 1998

🏵 89-90 points

🍇 Nebbiolo

🍷 Clear cherry ruby w/ bricked edge

👃 Tortured mashed cherry through tar, tobacco, soot embers, soggy earth, drenched oak & herbs w/ dirty dried red flower potpourri, menthol/mint & shy red berries

👄 Med slight tart body of earthy red cherry w/ a slight dry cocoa & red berry backbone

🎯 Med+ dry woody earthy red cherry/berry cocoa warming finale
— 5 years ago

Charles Garrison

9.2

Hands off for 2 or more years... rich, royal garnet with shy aromatics...developed a full, satisfying palate over extend sitting — 6 years ago

Megan Vasquez

9.1

Went really well with ham :) — 7 years ago

with Kelly