Last of several bottles, 2005 vintage- still strong but perhaps some wear & tear. Still, an elegant (for Etna) wine, brick red in appearance, strong acidic backbone yet lithe in its medium body. Black fruits, no blueberries here, & the strong tannins are mostly integrated.I can imagine the Pinot comparisons, but feel this kind of Etna is even more unique. Has a slight petrol character, not unpleasant, reminds of a modern Alsatian Pinot noir. Nothing suave here either, but the in house aging & overall old school approach reminds too of old school Rioja like Lopez. Oh, & these sell for under 30$. Crazy. — 6 years ago
First time trying the 2008 - Spectacular balance - power and finesse. Lemon brioche with the chalk even coming though on the nose. The palette is just grand - long and winding. Fresh acid but the mid and finish are soft and long. Hard to have sufficient words. Can’t imagine this in 10 years. — 7 years ago
Needless to say, we slayed some dragons tonight. Let the birthday week continue!
This was the one wine that was poured blind from the evening. I guessed Napa (check), I guessed early 2000s (check), but figured it a petite sirah, mainly due to the amount of lively fruit in this! Since my experience with Caymus is limited to the 40th anniversary, you can imagine how my eyes were opened. At 16yrs old, this was blueberry pie, cassis, chocolate liquor and great oak integration. Tannins were PERFECT at this point. Open if you have it! — 9 years ago


1995 vintage. Gorgeous rose petal, cherry, plum notes in the nose with a whiff of smoke. Dropped the baby fat and medium-bodied. Nicely integrated and incorporates the bouquet particulars along with graphite, cedar and dust. At the top of the bell curve and I can't imagine it getting any better. Delicious. — 10 years ago
Very well balanced. This reminds me of Sierra Nevada celebration mixed with a tropical/citrus hazy of the moment. I can only imagine having this 10 years ago and being shocked with flavor similar to pliny. What makes this great for me is the excellent malt backbone that isn’t sweet or boozy. — 6 years ago
Very drinkable plavac with lots of berries and raisins. Held up against a spicy red sauce, but imagine it could accompany something more delicate as well. Versatile and cheap...quite a combo! — 6 years ago
Sweat nose, making me imagine it has already been ready. But initially still feeling lots of tanning. More than one hour, very smooth and I am sure that it is quite higher level than 3rd one. Of course, 2010. 8 year's vintage. Excellent! @1750, Wineplus - , 180430-180615 — 8 years ago
Delicious now, but can’t imagine how much better it will be even later. — 8 years ago
I've been looking forward to trying this producer, and I was not let down! I can only imagine the price will lee going up... gamey, herbal, spicy, refined, elegant. So good! And 2012 is decilous now, though I'm sure will only get better! — 9 years ago
Excellent, excellent montelena. This wine was subject to a flood during Hurricane Sandy but has held up very well. Really delicious example of Napa cab made in an old school style. Can’t imagine a better pairing for a steak. — 6 years ago
Disgorgement date April 2016. Like drinking stars... bright, light, ethereal... imagine grand cru burgundy with the tiniest pinprick bubbles gushing flavors of ripe pear and green apple... a true bargain if you can find it...absolute elegance and weightless brilliance. — 7 years ago
Wow. A great wine from Cris Cherry at Villa Creek, this 2008 syrah/mourvedre/grenache blend is drinking absolutely perfectly right now. Really sweet nose of candied blackberries coupled with some earthy undertones. The tannins ate totally resolved and leave a sweet (but not cloying) palate that has an impressive amount of fruit for a 10-year-old wine. Not sure how much longer this will last given the tannin profile...but I also can’t imagine it drinking any better than it is right now. — 7 years ago

Love. can't imagine a wine with a longer finish or more mouth feel. What a treat. With a one hour decant it didn't feel sharp or young in the slightest. — 9 years ago
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The 1945 La Mission Haut-Brion from the château cellar is transcendental. It is blessed with the most beautiful bouquet you can imagine, effortless and natural, featuring woodland, red-berried fruits, a minerally quality and a faint touch of leafiness; given time to settle, it develops a lovely gamy note. The palate is medium- rather than full-bodied and sublimely balanced, upholding that effortless grace with an elegant, bittersweet, dried orange peel finish. One of the most harmonious wines I have ever consumed. Perfect. Tasted at the La Mission Haut-Brion vertical in London in September 2009. (Neal Martin, Vinous, May 2020)
— 6 years ago