John Van Trijp

9.5

Very classic BDX style. The Owner and the winemaker of La Conseillante were convinced drinking Bordeaux left bank — 14 days ago

David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.2

Had to try it. Used to love their work prior to 2012. After that, their style changed to picking at higher brix levels thus creating a much sweeter profile. SS was one I’d hoped they’d left alone and they did not. Not quite as sweet as their regular Cabernet but sweeter than before. I made the pitch to the property to make Caymus Classic along side their new sweeter style wines. The 94 Special Selection was one of their best. — a month ago

David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.4

Leoville Barton is one of my favorite St. Julien producers and still one of the best values upon release of Left Bank Bordeaux’s. If my memory is correct, I think this was WS’s wine of the year a few years ago.

I haven’t had this since the release at UGC. It was so fresh then. It has definitely put on weight and showing some nice evolution. But, Anthony made his wines for the ages. This will rise 2-3 points with 20 years bottle age.

It is round and lush. Blackberries, black plum, black raspberries, purple fruits, blueberries, some creamy raspberries & dark cherries. Anise, light graphite, tobacco ash, leather, dark, rich earth with dry leaves, dry river stone, limestone marl, dark spice, dry herbaceous notes, hints of black olive, black licorice, dry stems, mix of dry & candied dark flowers, very nice round acidity and a well; balanced, structured, tensioned and polished finish that last minutes.

Would open this in 2032 and beyond. — 2 months ago

Matt Perlman

9.3

Dense but vibrant, this is Napa cab with an old world sensibility, lots of cassis and tobacco and leather and all sorts of left bank Bordeaux kind of stuff going on, plus some violets and forest floor notes lending a bit of an untamed edge. Tannins integrated but still making their presence felt, fairly tightly wound core of brambly berries, anise and cocoa — 18 days ago

Delectable Wine

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9.6

The 2014 Montrose has an engaging and complex bouquet with black fruit, a pencil box, pressed violet and warm earth scents, gaining intensity with aeration. The palate is medium-bodied with excellent tannins that frame the mineral-rich black fruit (in fact, this is one of the most mineral-laden 2014 Left Banks I tasted.) The oak is seamlessly integrated, and the finish has real panache. Beautifully, and it's just entering its drinking window. Tasted at Bordeaux Index's 10-Year-On tasting. (Neal Martin, Vinous, March 2024)
— 2 months ago

Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego

9.4

1999 vintage. Decanted and tasted after four hours. Medium/heavy body. Intense, dark color. Earthy, tannic nose. Plenty of grip and fruit and showing beautiful balance now. Not an Insignia fan but this was excellent and has plenty of quality time left. No rush to crush. 71% Cab, 21% Merlot, 6% PV, 1% Cab Franc, 1% Malbec. 3.5.24. — 2 months ago

Bruce Leboff

9.4

Really nice. Opened a new hour before my imbibing. Classic Cali cab. Dark and brooding with lots of life left. Drinking beautifully with a super-llong finish. — 2 months ago

with Steven and David

Jeffrey Woo

9.1

Medium-dark ruby hue. Aromas of blackberry, cassis, earthy, plum, tar. Plus body, full tannins, plus acid. Structured with a long finish. Beautiful bouquet. Needs more time to soften, but drinking well now. Solid value for a Left Bank Bordeaux. 64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc, 3% Petit Verdot. — a month ago

Delectable Wine

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9.5

The 2014 Grand-Puy-Lacoste is one of my favorite wines from the Left Bank in this vintage. Bright and vivacious blackberry, cedar and graphite scents soar from the glass with real purpose. Wonderful delineation. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins, quite tensile with ample depth. It has matured since I last tasted it four years ago. It is very fresh and has a saline finish. Recommended. Tasted at the Bordeaux Index 10-Year-On tasting. N.B. Two bottles tasted blind at Southwold showed oxidation on the first. (Neal Martin, Vinous, March 2024)
— 2 months ago

Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego

9.2

1975 vintage. From magnum. Decent fill and cork. Decanted and tasted after two hours. Medium body. Nose remained angular and sharp throughout but flavors vacillated between finesse and brutish. Not the star of the night, yet impressive nonetheless. Out of magnum, looks to have 5-10 more years left of quality in store. 3.5.24. — 2 months ago