David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.5

Are there many/any better Pauillac second growths?

2003 a ripe, warm vintage.

Soften medium plus tannins. It’s Bordeaux lush, ruby; blackberries, black raspberries, black plum that leans into pudding, dark cherries, ripe strawberries, hues of purple & blue fruits. Dark spice w/ palate heat, nutmeg, clove , cinnamon notes, mid berry cola, some black licorice, vanillin, dark, rich forest floor with a touch of dry leaves, lead pencil shavings, dry tobacco, sandalwood to cedar, 1/2 used leather, limestone, dry, crushed rocks, dry river stone, dry herbs, dry to moist, grey, volcanic clay, fresh & withering dark, red flowers, framed in lavender & liquid violets, excellent acidity with excellent; tension, structure, balance and elegant finish that goes on and on.

First wine w/ an Allen Brothers Ribcap.

Photos of; Chateau Pichon Lalande, Virginie de Pichon Longueville, Comtesse de Lalande, library cellar and estate vineyard. — 12 days ago

Alessandro Dalle Carbonare

9.3

Beauty in the glass. Very approachable. — 23 days ago

Stefan Dolhain

9.3

2019 vintage. A bit more Merlot than Cabernet, but the latter seems to dominate the nose. — 2 months ago

Norman Gennaro

9.5

I’m tasting a bit of greenness and it’s faded but for what it is and its age - nice — 8 days ago

Alvaro Bustillos

9.4

Cena cna ugrch — a month ago

Andrew Belzer

9.8

Lemon curd, white pepper, butter, rich and round — a month ago

Ray Vanderhoff

9.1

Light golden color with a subtle green hue. Aromas of tart green apple, pear, lemon zest and slate. The fruit forward palate features cooked pear, lemon, orange and sweet spices. Long, rich and intense on the slightly herbal finish with a crisp mineral note. Bristling acidity. Clean and bright with a silky smooth texture. — 2 months ago

Lyle Fass

Founder Fass Selections

9.6

Fantastic nose. Cassis, liquer, blackberry, blueberry, dark black cherries, florals and mega spice. Stunning but holding back. Lots of granite and an airiness about it. Super penetrative nose that has tremendous complexity and ethereal layering. Palate is a stunner. Big and rich but so elegant and sapid. Blackberry and blueberry fruit that is ultra concentrated and so refined. This is so refined. Gorgeous purity and depth even though it’s holding back. Incredible fruit and the oak is in check. Will track this but easy 9.5 for now. With air this became outstanding. Velvety and so elegant. 9.5 to 9.6. — a month ago

Byron Hewett

9.1

Delicious! Beautiful cherry fruit. Better than the 2017 I had recently. Excellent QPR. — 2 months ago

Stefan Dolhain

9.2

2019 vintage. — 2 months ago