Loire Valley, France

Château Cos d'Estournel

Saint-Estèphe Red Bordeaux Blend 2005

Presented to me, double-blind. The wine pours a deep garnet color with an opaque core; medium viscosity with moderate staining of the tears, and some signs of light sediment. On the nose, the wine is vinous with a mix of ripe and desiccated, mostly dark fruits: cassis, black cherry, plum, mixed brambles, old leather, pipe tobacco, pencil shavings, and fine baking spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannin (that is mostly integrated) and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long.

Initial conclusions: this could be a Cabernet-based Bordeaux blend, Tempranillo (or based blend) or Grenache-based blend from France, Spain or the United States. I feel like this leans more towards its fruit than its structure, even though it is a fairly well balanced wine in both regards. As a result, I am calling this a Cabernet-based Bordeaux blend from the United States, California, Napa Valley, Howell Mountain from a producer like Dunn, 2006. Shiiiiiit. To be honest, I’m not terribly surprised since this is Cos and from a warm vintage no less. Drinking well now and should through 2050+.
— 2 days ago

Pooneet, Jason and 17 others liked this

Château Palmer

Margaux Red Bordeaux Blend 2009

It was more subdued than I expected. I tend to like the Merlot heavy Bordeaux but this one was still a bit muted. Perhaps it needs more time even though it’s well in its recommended range. Dark and heavy. Solid but left me underwhelmed. Decanted. Better after an hour. — 8 days ago

Robin, Tom and 15 others liked this

Taittinger

Comtes de Champagne Grand Crus Brut Blanc de Blancs 2007

Somm David T
9.6

Happy New Year all! 🍾🥂

This 07 outshines/performs the overall vintage.

Outstanding mousse & lively acidity. Lime zest, lemon pulp in juice, grapefruit w/ pith, orange citrus blend with peel, kiwi, tropical melons, white nectarines, excellent white spice, baguette crust, gritty white chalk, dry, crushed limestone bits, grey volcanics, oyster shells, saline/sea spray, light tones of fresh herbs, yellow lilies, spring flowers with greens, excellent acidity, well; structured, balanced, knitted, beautiful finish that is even and lands on minerality & spice.
— 6 days ago

Shay, Andrew and 12 others liked this

Olga Raffault

Les Picasses Chinon Cabernet Franc 2007

Stunning bottle - showed really well after 3 hours or so. Maturing, integrated tannin, structured, a nose you wanna swim in… — a month ago

Alsu Shakirova
with Alsu
Dave, Brian and 11 others liked this
Peter van den Besselaar

Peter van den Besselaar Influencer Badge

‘You wanna swim in’ 👌🤭

Krug

Grande Cuvée Brut Champagne Blend

Somm David T
9.3

Close 2025 with a 375ml Grande Cuvée and my mother’s old fashion coffee cake. — 5 days ago

Andrew, Jay and 10 others liked this

Louis Roederer

Cristal Brut Champagne 2014

Christmas Dinner Champagne pairing with Maine Lobster 🦞 Tail. 🍾🥂👍🏻👏🏻 — 11 days ago

Jeremy.Buss, Ira and 26 others liked this

Billecart-Salmon

Brut Rosé Champagne Chardonnay Blend

Enjoyed this bottle on NYE. did not disappoint. Interesting subtle tangerine tastes lingered on the tongue that I’d forgotten about. This one n/v was bottled in early 2022. Been in my possession about 2 years. — 6 days ago

Château Margaux

Premier Grand Cru Classé Margaux Red Bordeaux Blend 1982

The nose is profoundly layered and regal: cedar chest, humid tobacco, graphite, and dried rose petals, unfolding slowly into red currant, black tea, sandalwood, and the faintest whisper of truffle and old parchment. It’s not about intensity; it’s about dimension…

On the palate, it is seamless and sovereign. Red and black fruits are fully resolved into essence rather than flavor; currant, cherry skin, a touch of plum; all wrapped in polished leather and earth. The tannins have dissolved into silk, the acidity remains statuesque, and the finish lingers with a calm, noble persistence that feels endless rather than long.

Chateau Margaux at its absolute summit: complete, composed, and eternal; power expressed through grace, and grace sharpened by the patience of time. Do drink now.
— 10 days ago

Tom, Sagee and 12 others liked this
ESF

ESF

👀

Château Pontet-Canet

Pauillac Red Bordeaux Blend 2020

Paul K
9.3

I know, I’m here too early, but I bought 3 cases for a steal. I’m excited to see the evolution over next 25 years and I can have more than a bottle a year so no scolding required! 😉 looking forward to the education. Makes you think though. I’m about done buying Bordeaux futures. Too long to wait, store, and 20-25 years is starting to look blurry in the telescope. Now it’s on to auctions and buying wines that are ready. — 7 days ago

Robin, Sándor and 29 others liked this
Tyler Felous

Tyler Felous

@Paul K thus far, my go to has been Benchmark or Cellar Trading (formerly Domaine). Have not gotten a bad bottle from either
Paul K

Paul K

@Tyler Felous many thanks!!

Krug

Brut Champagne Blend 2004

An amazing aperitif mountain side. — 7 days ago

Bruce Leboff
with Bruce
Vino, LM and 1 other liked this
Bruce Leboff

Bruce Leboff

Nice. A day early - could have been a nice new years night cap as well