Blend of 64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 3% Petit Verdot and 3% Cabernet Franc, aged in 80% new oak, deep Ruby color with aromas of ripe berry fruits, cedar, floral and earthy spice notes. On the palate flavors of blueberry, cherry and blackberry with vanilla, licorice, tobacco and toasty oak notes. Long rich finish on fine juicy tannins, drinking ok now but has room to age. Very Nice! — 6 months ago
This old Napa wine was superb. The longer the decanting the more flavorful it became. Spicy at first sip with bursts of flavor from dark berries, leathery tannins, currant, earth and strong blackberry. Gains intensity and shows its depth and concentration on the finish, which is long and detailed. — 8 months ago
When the weather gets colder sometimes I drink Bordeaux. Probably one of the best vintages for the Château along with ‘82, and it’s in a great spot. Classic mature Paulliac with terrific complexity, an alluring sweetness and long, balanced finish with fully resolved, silky tannins. Fully open and giving. — 9 months ago
Boysenberry and blueberry, some tannins, very rich. — 3 years ago
Soft tannins plummy fruit nice long finish. On the backside of its life but still yummy — 7 years ago
Citrusy with a strong aroma of orange zest, fresh coriander and sal del mar, finishing smoothly with a palate cleansing clean high acid taste. Pairs well with salmon, sautéed mushrooms, summer evenings. — 9 years ago
Wine is ruby red. On nose its Figs, blackberries, oak, vanilla, pine woods. On palate, Blackcurrants, black cherries, licorice, its medium+ acidity, medium intensity with fruitiness, tannic ending and long finish. Its a good wine and drinkable now. — 5 months ago
It is time for some Merlot on this #MerlotThursday. Let's bring Merlot back!
Dark inky in color with a reddish rim.
Very pretty nose with black fruits, cedar, licorice, light vanilla, tobacco, chocolates, coffee, Indian spices, cola and light black tea.
Full-bodied with medium acidity and long legs.
Dry on the palate with sweet raspberries, plums, cooked cherries, cedar, chocolates, toast, light vanilla, dark coffee, Indian spices, light cola licorice and peppercorn.
Long finish with fine grained tannins and tangy cherries.
This is a delicious 9 year old Merlot from Columbia Valley. Rich and extracted. Spicy and entertaining.
Peaking now and will continue to drink nicely in the next 5 years.
Good right out of the bottle, and better after 3 hours of airtime.
Nicely balanced with a soft mouthfeel. Smooth and elegant. Fruit forward and tangy. The high alcohol is well integrated by now.
Good by itself as a sipping wine.
A blend of 75% Merlot, 21% Cabernet Sauvignon and 4% Petit Verdot. Aged for 22 months in (85% new) French Oak barrels.
14.9% alcohol by volume.
93 points.
$75. — 8 months ago
Medium lemon colour . Lovely lemon, buttered pastry nose , still so fresh and lively . Mineral with a honeysuckle note , touch of blanched almond . On the palate quite rich and complex , with high acidity and mineral , honied , brioche notes , still quite fresh though with lots of creamy lemon hints. Long mineral tinged finish . Lovely now and over the next 5-10 years . — 10 months ago
One of my faves. I ordered two half bottles - imagine my delight when I received two full bottles at the half bottle price. — 12 years ago
Opened and double-decanted several hours prior to service; enjoyed over the course of three hours. The 1996 pours a deep garnet color with a near opaque core. On the nose, the wine is developing and loaded with currants, pencil lead, earth and soft baking spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannin and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long and super grippy; slightly bitter and earthy. A lovely, classic expression of Bordeaux and drinking well in its prime. Drink now through 2046. — 9 months ago
Shafer ‘Hillside Select’ Cabernet Sauvignon 1995: Balanced. Smooth. Vibrant. Full dark fruits, plum, tobacco, vanilla & oak. Long, distinguished finish. For me, this wine has aged extremely well and is still very luscious; the fruit still delivers, remaining full & soft, even after all these years. A 1995 Napa Cab doesn’t get much better than this. Amazing in every way! Cheers🍷 — 3 years ago
Agree with those who describe the finesse in this reserve. Long open but worth the wait every time. apparently higher in sangiovese than other vintages and it works just fine. Really nice Antinori offering! — 4 years ago
Wait, what? Southern Oregon...where’s that, and how did they come to make such amazing white wines? The sock puppet has questions. Voluptuous density with amazing balance of floral, spice, and tropical fruit notes. Gonna have to look into this Muscat thing... — 8 years ago
GaryWEdwards
What a gem! Still broad-shoulders with hint of smoke and more than ample fruit. Absolutely delightful nose and palate that provides a long, rewarding finish. Wow! — 5 months ago