Here And Now
Domaine Jamet
Côte-Rôtie Syrah 2007
If there were ever an archetypical Syrah, Jamet's Cote-Rotie would be a strong candidate. To me this is a pure expression of a classic Northern Rhone Syrah. It is not a single site, but a blend of terroirs, encompassing over 20 sites mostly from hard rock schist bedrock with little to no topsoil. There is NO Viognier in this wine like one might expect from most Cote-Rotie that might have 1-5% co-fermented.
Importantly, there is also a lot less of the oak character that can dominate and overwhelm many Northern Rhone wines. The oak maturation, while not short at 22 months, only uses 15% new oak with no trace of it on the palate as it is perfectly integrated. Grape bunches are whole cluster fermented and macerated for up to 3 weeks.
The 2007 we have here was drinking superbly for a young wine, showing lively and racy layers of peppercorn spice, roast beef, and warm blackberry and currant fruit from the hot 2007 vintage. While from a warm vintage, not a hair is out of place. Density and purity exude from the nose and hint at what a brilliant future this wine has. Perfect acidity and fleshy ripe tannin provide the backbone structure for father time to peel back the layers of this beauty. I will be chceking back in 5 years at the earliest. — 10 years ago
R. López de Heredia
Viña Tondonia Reserva Rioja Tempranillo Blend 2002
Very elegant and balanced, now mature with spice ripe strawberry and red fruits, good acidity and long finish. Very enjoyable — 11 years ago
Château Montrose
Saint-Estèphe Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 1998
Lots of cigar, leather, forest floor. Fruit is mostly in the distant background. Drink now. — 9 years ago
Olga Raffault
Les Picasses Chinon Cabernet Franc 2007
Can't say enough about a wine this serious at this price point. Absolutely stunning, elegant, and even (in a chinon way) powerful. Floral aromatic dominate - lavender and a bit of rose. Graphite, dusty chalk, red pepper, some raspberry. Fresh yet not primary. Hints of savory notes as well. Incredible spine of minerality runs through the palate. Great acidity and structure. Coiler and energetic. Finishes long and bright with refreshing pyrazines for days. In an incredible place now, so no fault in drinking but has a long, long life ahead. One of the best values in the wine world. Just exceptional — 9 years ago
Château Léoville-Las Cases
Grand Vin de Leoville du Marquis de las Cases Saint-Julien Red Bordeaux Blend
Rich and complex. Needs time but drinking well now. — 11 years ago
Heitz Cellar
Martha's Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 1970
Caymus Vineyards
Special Selection Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2011
Dark cherry, cassis. Powerful tannins. Will keep for ages, but delicious even now! — 11 years ago
Château de Beaucastel
Châteauneuf-du-Pape Red Rhône Blend
2011: all varieties. Meaty, lavender, garden herbs, smoky, but still very vibrant red fruit. Lovely vibrancy of red fruit and all Mouvedre and Grenache aromatics. Sweet fruit, juicy acidity, hot indian spice and liquorice. Plum, cherry, spiced. Quite ready now. — 11 years ago
Fanny Louton
Perfect 10 event. Balanced and elegant cabernet that is a bit fruitier than most. 2010 vintage. Would be delicious with food. Drinkable now but can age longer. Has a bit of new European quality. — 9 years ago