Lee Pitofsky

9.3

Perhaps one of the most controversial wines there is, whereas on release it received “100pts” and was destined for greatness. But ever since, it seems to rarely live up to the hype. Here, in perfect condition, it shows intense aromatics of sous bois, saddle leather, dried roses and crème de cassis. It’s definitely not classic Burgundy, it’s almost new world in style with its brooding richness and liquored fruit, and perhaps even reminiscent of CDP, too. Interesting. The palate is coming together showing plenty of vibrancy, concentration and intensity, but it doesn’t have the depth on the midpalate you’d expect from this wine, and the finish is a bit short with drying tannins. Still, definitely enjoyable and special to have tried this legendary wine. — a month ago

LM Segal

9.6

The word that kept coming to mind was “precision”, as in laser-defined layers and puzzle pieces coming together perfectly, cleanly. Ornung. A range of deep and broad red berries, raspberry most prominent. Still obvious tannins, but again perfectly delineated in the 1 minute finish that just lingered. At the very beginning of a drinking window. — 5 months ago

Conrad Green

9.5

A brooding, intense nose. Dark red fruit, a bit of oak, intense violets and earthy fruit. Tight and masculine next to the Mugnier, but lovely stuff. — 2 years ago

with Major-General, Jean-Francois and 1 other

Lee Pitofsky

9.6

Showing just as beautifully as the bottle I had a few months ago, popped and poured without decant and its aromatics immediately jump from the glass. It’s deep, intense and structured but at the same time it is so elegant and finessed. I remember thinking with the last bottle, and again here, that there is a “wildness” to this Monopole that makes it so intriguing. Really a lovely bottle that’s in a perfect place. Always a treat drinking CLB. — 3 months ago

David Leiman

9.8

1999 felt like I was on a damp forest floor on the nose. Remarkable smell that was earthy and had mushrooms on the palate. — 3 months ago

Bruce Leboff

9.3

Grand Vin - and proud they should be. A lovey burg. Dark fruit and lovey perfumes aroma on the nose. A hint or tobacco and hint on tar on the palate - maybe even a soupçon of chocolate at the tail end of a long elegant finish. — 9 months ago

with David and Allan

Evandro Pereira

9.4

Fresh as a daisy — 3 months ago

Byron Hewett

9.5

Boulder Burgfest Paulee. Rock in’ good! — 3 months ago

Lee Pitofsky

9.6

Absolutely stunning. Quite the contrast to the Colombiere, as this is much more serious and structured and the Aux Cras terroir shines through. New oak is more prevalent, of course, but it’s so integrated already and doesn’t get in the way. The nose is incredibly intense and aromas of dark fruit, sweet spice and a wet rock minerality waft from the glass. While this wine is let’s say, more masculine and less sexy than the Colombiere, there is still a seductive Vosne-like perfume that’s so undeniably CLB and lures you in. The palate is powerful and is full of energy, while at the same time remaining focused and seamlessly delineated. To no surprise length is superior to the Colombiere. Totally irresistible now, but boy this will be a knockout down the road. — 8 months ago

Ron Siegel

9.1

Liger Belair dinner. 1st flight was a trio of his white 2012-2014 vintages. They all had ripe stone, citrus, tropical fruits, white flower, honey & creamy texture. I preferred the 2012. — 3 years ago