Birth year wine.
"Looks like a tricky one"... if I had a dollar for every time I heard that.
This is Chateau Latour Martillac, Graves, 1975.
This wine is slightly over the hill, but has survived 50 years. Just like me.
I'm assuming this is Cabernet, Merlot, and maybe something else. Fine, pale brick color. The nose is lively and generous with fruit, though there is a bit of grandma's basement.
The palette is driven by tertiary flavors. Mushroom, truffle, wet leaves, and pencil tend to drown out a bit of dark cherry. A little astringent. Maybe some Petit Verdot.
I wouldn't kick this out of bed for eating crackers, but I would prefer it with some lamb.
Hope you all are having an awesome Sunday!
Listening to Dexter Gordon. — 2 months ago


gold tone - ripe apricot — 4 months ago
2022 vintage. One of the Castel family estates since 1973 ( before the estate was known as Domaine de Tartuguière). With 144 hectares of vines,this is the largest contiguous vineyard in the Médoc. Vanessa Trouy has been in charge since 2002. Dark red colour. Needs a bit of time to open up, give it 15 minutes to release attractive aromas of strawberries, flowers, nutmeg and oak. Good fruit concentration in the mouth, with a solid tannic structure,fresh acidity and nice length. This will need a few years to show all its potential, and has serious ageing potential. For now decanting is recommended, pair with a good steak. Another terrific Bordeaux value. — a month ago
Clos des Lunes “Lune d’Argent” 2023
Bordeaux Blanc, Bordeaux, France 🇫🇷
Overview
A classic white Bordeaux blend of 70% Sémillon and 30% Sauvignon Blanc. The estate is known for showcasing the nobility of Sémillon in dry form — rare in Bordeaux, where it is often associated with sweet Sauternes. Here, Sémillon brings waxy texture, depth, and honeysuckle complexity, while Sauvignon Blanc adds grassy aromatics and a zesty lift.
Aromas & Flavors
Expressive notes of ripe citrus, white peach, honeysuckle, and subtle herbs, framed by hints of wet stone and fresh-cut grass. The interplay of ripe fruit and grassy vibrancy creates both richness and freshness.
Mouthfeel
Medium-bodied with a supple, almost waxy texture from the Sémillon, balanced by Sauvignon’s crisp acidity. Clean, mineral, and refreshing on the finish, with good persistence.
Winemaking Notes
Harvested by hand and vinified in temperature-controlled stainless steel with partial maturation on fine lees to preserve both aromatic intensity and structure. This process highlights both varietals’ best traits.
Food Pairing
Perfect with seafood gastronomy — oysters, scallops, grilled prawns, or sea bass. It also pairs beautifully with goat cheese, light poultry, or herbed vegetable dishes.
Verdict
A refined Bordeaux Blanc that balances richness and freshness, showing why Sémillon deserves more attention in dry blends. Stylish, versatile, and perfect for the table. — 2 months ago
2018 vintage. Last tasted 8.26.22 (9.3) and 7.21.21 (9.3). Medium/medium-heavy body. Slightly less end palate lift than last two encounters and tasting like it is in that proverbial "state of confusion...er...transition." Would like to taste again and will give it 3-4 years before revisiting to do this justice. Pretty unified now without side projects and ancillary rabbit holes but something tells me this has another third act of mayhem and debauchery up its' sleeve. 07.09.25. — 4 months ago
Delicious Margaux Bordeaux blend, dark fruit and fine tannin, at the Hurricane, Kennebunkport — 16 days ago
Château LaTour de Bessan – Margaux 2022
Bordeaux – France 🇫🇷
Overview
A cru bourgeois property in the heart of Margaux, LaTour de Bessan showcases the elegance and structure that define the Left Bank. The 2022 vintage, shaped by a warm growing season, highlights both concentration and finesse — a reminder of how Margaux balances power with perfume.
Aromas & Flavors
Expressive cassis, black cherry, and blueberry meld with notes of cedar, graphite, and violet. Subtle hints of tobacco leaf and spice linger in the background, adding Bordeaux’s signature complexity.
Mouthfeel
Medium to full-bodied with polished tannins and a vibrant core of acidity. Silky yet structured, showing poise on the mid-palate and a lingering, refined finish. Built to age, but already offering glimpses of charm.
Food Pairings
Ideal with classic Bordeaux fare — roast lamb, duck breast, or beef tenderloin. Also pairs beautifully with mushroom dishes and aged cheeses like Comté.
Verdict
A stylish Margaux that balances depth with elegance. While the 2022 is still young, its aromatic lift and refined structure promise rewarding evolution over the next decade. A Left Bank classic in the making. 🍷cheers! — 2 months ago
Conrad Green

Very packed and dense. Sweet edges. Violet and tart cherry. Pure and good but needs time — 23 days ago