Stefan Dolhain

9.5

2009 vintage. Cabernet Sauvignon (59%), Merlot ( 38 %) and Petit Verdot (3%). The Belgian Bonnie family purchased this cru classé in 1997 and invested heavily to improve the quality. This 2009 is an outstanding effort, with cassis, blackberries, spices and cigar box fighting for your attention. In the mouth it is dense, with layers of very ripe ( but not jammy) black fruits, powerful,yet smooth tannins, and a very long finish with typical Pessac-Léognan spiciness. Abv. 14%. Highly seductive now, but no hurry to drink this. — 3 years ago

Ira Schwartz

9.3

A very complete nose of brioche, citrus and apple pie. In the mouth air is needed to really give this a chance to strut its stuff. Prominent but not overwhelming acid at first but an hour of air makes this as round as a beach ball. The palate starts to duplicate the nose with an hour or so of time. Another positive ‘08 champagne ,with upside from here. — 4 years ago

Kay Davis

9.2

Excellent wine especially for the price. — 5 years ago

with Chuck

Gregg G

9.5

Recent notes suggested this wine was declining and the fruit fading.This was cause for concern as have a few of these I’ve been patiently cellaring. Well, I’m very happy to report this bottle, a Martine’s import, was stellar. To my palate, the wine is in a perfect place. Tertiary aromas and flavors dominate. Very complex aromas of sous bois, herbs de provence, wet saddle and red fruits. The palate is vivid and lively. Extraordinary depth and length that never faded. I can’t say enough great things about this wine. There’s no chance this bottle was fading or won’t last several more years. I don’t think it can improve as it’s almost perfection right now. Simply a stunner. — 3 years ago

with Conrad

Dr. Owen Bargreen

9.5

This is now the second time in the past ten months I’ve had the chance to visit the 2017 Chateau de Beaucastel. Just as good as the first time I tried it, the 2017 Chateau de Beaucastel Rouge is a nothing short of a scintillating wine from this historic estate. A blend of Grenache, Cinsault, Syrah, Mourvèdre with Counoise, this comes off as a touch more heady than most vintages with layers of ripe boysenberry and black cherry with dried thyme alongside lovely savory tones and salty, stony terroir. The length here is quite impressive, as is the soft texture and bright acidity that brings you back to the glass for more. Wonderfully seductive in its youth, this has two decades of life in front of it. Drink 2022-2038- 95 — 4 years ago

Lyn Farmer

9.4

Tagged “Proprietor’s Reserve,” the wine is entirely from the small Last Chance vineyard and is a numbered bottle. Mine was Number 48. Pale garnet; pronounced intensity aromas of black cherry, fresh herbs, violets, High acidity, low velvety tannin, sour cherry, violet, very clean lingering finish. outstanding quality. Will improve with further age but delicious now. A stunning wine. — 5 years ago

Charles Garrison

9.3

We have one or 2 left; and I hope each shows as well; teeth staining, palate coating black cherry and raspberry wonder that left us fighting over the last drops — 3 years ago

Meek D'Nol

9.3

Shows well. — 4 years ago

Vino Kaela

9.4

🤯 still surprisingly youthful and oh so complex! If you get the chance drink this wine! — 4 years ago

Ray Vanderhoff

9.3

So happy that I got a chance to try this legendary Super Tuscan wine. Primarily Sangiovese with some Cab Sauv and Cab Franc. Deep Garnet color and aromas of iodine and purple flowers. Black cherry and currant fruit. Hints of chocolate and baking spices. Touch of vanilla. Smooth tannins and nice and round. Beautiful! — 5 years ago