Manchester Sheldon

9.3

Violets and peppercorns on the nose, it needs some air to open up, dark wood and some earth on the background. — 8 years ago

Erik Rupinski

9.1

Prime drinking. Earth,leather give way to some nice fruit after an hour so. Still got some nice tannins too. — 9 years ago

Matt

9.6

Amazing. 17 years doesn't seem like much to this wine. The tannin profile has softened significantly but this could go longer without problem. Caught it at a point where things are starting to get interesting. More organic earth, leather, licorice, and spices coming forward, that delicate violet aromas is coming around. Really pretty sense of fruit that has a lot of purity still. — 9 years ago

Jerry Hindes CS, CSW

9.5

Such a classic! Well balanced classic body and structure for Alexander Valley. Open for 6+ hours the tannins have really softened and the fruit, earth and wood have opened up to integrate nicely on the palate. Can't go wrong with this producer unless there's a dismal vintage due to weather. — 11 years ago

Matt

9.0

Subdued, earth driven wine. Noticeable brett that seems to be hiding everything else. — 8 years ago

Bob McDonald

9.2

Quality Sangiovese grapes which have been sadly overoaked to appeal to newbie Western Palates. After 30 minutes notes of earth and dried cherry came through. Many years to go with a good future when hopefully the oak will diminish. Personally I like the Old school approach from Biondi Santi where old oak and other procedures are usedresulting in wines which will age 50+ years. I tried a 2010 vintage of this wine from magnum in Italy 18 months ago which was also overoaked. — 8 years ago

Ryan Wofford

9.5

This 25 yr old #chinon cab franc is still absolutely beautiful. Sanguine color, poured out of #coravin so still had a little funk on the nose that quickly reveals wet earth and mushroom tones, plenty of delicate fruit left. I'd say it's hit its peak, but I'm going to keep a little around to try down the road. — 10 years ago

Harry C

9.0

Took a while to open up, so let it sit and breathe. It'll be worth it. Lots of dark fruit. In the mouth, feels round and full with satisfying lingering finish and layered tannins. I wanted to taste the 2012 now before laying it down for a few years. It's going to be great next time around. — 8 years ago

Peter Slagowitz

9.4

Fantastic 95 Super Tuscan. Nose had hints of vanilla, soft earth a light spice. On open was smooth if a touch flat then after 45 minutes it opened to let dark fruit notes of blackberries and cassis come out. Sublime. — 9 years ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.1

Salted caramel nose. Resolved blackberries, dark cherries, mulberries, cooked black plum, soft leather, sweet dark earth, star anise, light cinnamon salted milk chocolate, super elegant with a very long finish. Paired well with steak, lamb and duck due to it's long bottle evolution. Drink now as it's hit it's stride. — 10 years ago