Deborah M

9.4

Was looking for something profound tonight and pulled this gem. RIP Mamba. This wine - pop and pour and perfection in the glass. Medium tawny color. Dried fruit on the nose. Dried cherries flavor at the forefront. Smooth mouthfeel. Effortless elegance. Nice acidity and balance. 19 years and still demonstrating greatness. — 6 years ago

E & K G

9.2

Jumped on the opportunity to pick up this rare gem. Has some heat for a rose but it comes all layers of red fruit flavors that have taste a bit more like a cherry or strawberry life-saver. #wheninparis — 7 years ago

Bret Barker

9.6

This is a gem, deep purple in color with red and dark fruit. The hints of vanilla came really came across. Smooth as silk and for being so young it wasn’t overly tannic- very surprised. — 8 years ago

David Wanek

9.6

My favorite DB vintage. Looking forward to seeing how this gem evolves — 8 years ago

Andreina Romero

9.5

The Spaniards definitely know their wines are not just for pairing! This gem is not only great with your steaks and lamb and any other juicy treats... It will go with goats cheese, mushrooms, bread and olive oil... And even your chocolates!

Best thing about #AbadiaRetuerta is that it is just a pleasure to have a glass on its own. No need for pairing... And well... If you share it, then it will taste even better. Tobacco, plum, oak bouquet; and a rounded and perfectly balanced palate. Definitely made with care to be enjoyed with passion! #SeleccionEspecial2011
— 9 years ago

Robert Torretti

8.9

2005 vintage, 500 ml bottle. Forward style of Barolo if not quite international or modern. Nose of tar, spice, leather and some earth. The palate has vanilla (has probably mellowed with age), dark fruits, and mellowed tannins. Good acidity to cut through the fat of the large cut prime rib at Metropolitan Grill in Seattle. Not enough earth to really play with the cedar plank wild mushrooms. I've had older Fontannafreddas and they seemed much more modern in style. The waiter noted that around the mid-2000s they began to change. Would be interested to see if this continued. — 9 years ago

David Walser

9.4

At home eating leftovers tonight enjoying this surprise. I bought 6 bottles based on Russell Bevan being the winemaker. My experience with the first few bottles was disappointing, but tonight was special. I wish I could understand these differences; bottle variation???...dumb phase???...I just don’t know.

I’m generally not a Merlot drinker as a varietal but I also have fond memories of the 2008 Bevan Cellars Showket Vineyard Merlot...a wonderful wine. — 6 years ago

Manny Canales

9.5

Love this. I grab a bottle of this gem every chance I get. — 8 years ago

David Gillespie

9.4

A gem I don’t want anyone else to know about. Buying a case and putting it away, a light red for people who don’t like light reds, and far more interesting than most of what those who do will drink instead. — 8 years ago

Maniac TJ

9.1

Bold red with strong aroma and hearty taste — 8 years ago

Matt Perlman

9.4

Total wine revelation while chilling with my son--brilliant violet with translucent rim, Bretty nose with leather and red currants, spicy and tangy purple berry flavors, iron and brine and a kiss of dusty tannins to finish. Feels and tastes like it came from the foothills of the Alps. Zero issues draining the entire 500ml bottle like a juice box. Would seek out this obscure Portuguese gem again for sure--and maybe let it go longer! — 9 years ago

Jörgen Lindström Carlvik

Owner, Brix Wine Consultants

9.6

This CS deserves way more international recognition! Period. — 9 years ago

Jeremy Bohrer

9.4

A special gem. Still kicking in the most awesomely way. — 10 years ago

Scott Soren

9.2

Pleasantly surprised by this little gem. As a super Tuscan lover was drawn to this by the age statement from this little restaurant. Not a big nose, but medium bodied with nice acidity. Black raspberries and currants on the pallet with some Smokeyness. Lovely wine — 6 years ago

Dr. Owen Bargreen

9.7

The 2015 'Y' from Chateau D’YQuem is a head turning, simply brilliant blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon. The Sauvignon Blanc is harvested rather early in the growing season to retain its freshness, while the Semillon is given more time to mature and allow botrytis to take effect. The wine itself displays a lovely golden hue, and begins with an exotic bouquet consisting of star jasmine, honeydew melon, starfruit and lemongrass aromatics which all take shape. On the palate this possesses remarkable tension and viscosity, which is truly one of a kind as the mouthfeel takes on a sultry, unctuous character as lemon cream, kumquat, cantaloupe and roasted pineapple flavors all come together beautifully. It continues to impress with its gorgeous seamless quality and balance while showcasing the ripeness and intensity of the vintage. While this is already showing trememdous appeal it should go on to age exceedingly well over the course of the next two plus decades. This is a absolute gem from the legendary Château. Drink 2019-2038- 97 — 7 years ago

Eric Stec

9.0

2007 on 9/25/17. Jammy, almost too smoky, chalky at first sip. Better longer it's open. Smooth, leather smell, mix of tannins, wet stone, rain. Been a while since I've had an enjoyed a bottle or glass that gets better the longer it's open, this was a nice surprise! A gem. — 8 years ago

Brian Duffy

9.3

Actual wine, the Riserva Vignolo, simply outstanding. Two rounds of this gem. — 8 years ago

Angel Martinez

Brand ambassador GHMumm Spain, Wine reviewer www.theluxury.es"

9.4

My god... what a gem — 9 years ago

R. Addison Wehrfritz

9.5

Inky dark color with bold and brooding fruit on the nose. You can almost feel the Syrah and Zinfandel gracefully grappling with each for dominance in the glass. Their internal clash has rounded out the edges and imparted great muscularity that culminates in a velvety finish, 10 seconds+. Adamantine. — 9 years ago

with Melissa

Buddy G

9.4

WOW!! Find this gem. Tastes like you would smell after eating beef jerkey all day while making chocolate wearing your favorite old leather jacket. — 10 years ago