Initial De Desmirail

Neal Family Vineyards

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2011

This is Neal 2011 100% Napa Cabernet. The cork is perfect. The color is pitch purple black. The bouquet is a bit sharp but very nice with hints of roses and blueberry bushes filled with ripe fruit! The initial palate has a quick boysenberry and blackberry with a somewhat dry long finish of chocolate and silky smooth coffee. I need another sip NOW! — 10 years ago

David, Eric and 15 others liked this
Neil Barham

Neil Barham Influencer Badge

Biodynamic

Long Shadows Vintners

Pirouette Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2009

Wonderful black cherry notes on the initial palette with flinty-rose aroma and plenty of tannic grip. That flinty aroma transfers into a very subtle minerality behind the initial black cherry, further underlaid by currant and plum. Yum!! — 11 years ago

Château Angélus

St. Émilion Grand Cru Red Bordeaux Blend 2008

Closed.....needs to breathe. Initial nose is intoxicatingly rich and powerful. Dark chocolate and cassis pervade. After decanting for 1/2 hour the underlying notes of citrus rind and pepper - however faint, begin to make an appearance. — 12 years ago

Domaine Tempier

Bandol Mourvedre Blend

At my first visit to The French Laundry the sommelier guided me to this wine, and I am grateful. The 2012 vintage is ready now though it will continue to age well. Not being familiar with Bandol, my initial reaction was "this tastes kinda like a Rhone red." That's the Mourvèdre talking, a varietal that deserves more acclaim. Other reviewers have nailed it--garrigue herbs, dried flowers, earth and a bit of red fruit. Great balance for an eclectic French tasting menu. — 10 years ago

Clos de la Vieille Eglise

Côtes de Castillon Red Bordeaux Blend 2011

15 dollars. Dry red. Bright initial taste. Lots of minerals. Lingers in a good way. Nice nose. — 11 years ago

Rene Rostaing

Ampodium Côte-Rôtie Syrah 2011

In perfect condition three months after initial coravin access of a half bottle. Left in a cellar in between. #fuckingawesome — 11 years ago

Hai, Joon and 2 others liked this

Cameron Hughes

Lot 381 Lodi Zinfandel 2011

Initial aroma of a peppery zin. Lingering middle that coats the tongue. And builds slightly and then then fades. Very excellent zin. — 12 years ago

Thomas

Dundee Hills Pinot Noir 2009

Popped and waited 30 minutes. Initial pour was aggressively herbal, almost chive-y. Quickly passed and settled into a satisfyingly mineral phase. Later on, transformed into black cherry and shining acidity. Quite the shapeshifter. With all that said, methinks this cat needs to sleep awhile longer, still wound a little tight. — 10 years ago

Anthony, Chris and 2 others liked this

Domaine Jean Michel Stéphan

Côte-Rôtie Syrah 2004

Paul Costigan
9.3

2004: Entrancing nose of dried herbs and grilled beets. Surprisingly well developed, initial blind guess was that it might be from the mid 90's. Terrific layers of fruit with a hint of light brine and white pepper. Memorable. — 11 years ago

Château Desmirail

Margaux Red Bordeaux Blend 2009

Solid Margaux with earth notes with hints of thyme and soft multi textured tannins that linger show that this a wine that could go the distance. — 11 years ago

RC liked this