Jay Kline

9.5

Presented to me double-blind. The wine pours a brilliant, deep ruby color with a transparent core and some rim variation; medium+ viscosity with moderate staining of the tears and faint signs of sediment. On the nose, the wine is developing with a heady perfume of mostly ripe and some tart fruit: mixed brambles, black cherry, purple flowers (lavender?), animale, some pepper, a touch of olive, a touch of leather, some green herbs, fine warm spices and rocky earth. I believe this has seen oak and it’s beautifully balanced and smells expensive. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannin and medium+ acid. Alcohol is medium+. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long and the texture is grippy. This is delicious.

Initial conclusions: this could be Sangiovese, Pinot Noir, Gamay, a Grenache-based blend or possibly Syrah; from Italy, or France. Immediately after I was presented the glass, I liked this being Sangiovese, however, there was too much new French oak for me to feel comfortable. Besides, the florals were too purple to be Sangiovese anyway (never mind Grenache or Pinot Noir). Then there were the non-fruits: it could be justified by whole cluster Pinot or Gamay…or was this a really impressive Syrah? This wine seemed familiar to me. This could be Chave. I did think this had some age based on color and rim variation. Final conclusion: I’m calling this Syrah, from France, from Northern Rhône, Hermitage, with 20+ years of age, from a decent vintage like 2004. And for the hell if it, I called producer: Jean-Louis Chave. Boom. Bottle No. 3981 — 7 days ago

Bren

9.0

Big floral nose, grape and light. On the palette it’s fruity, sweet and tart. The finish is slightly dry, but flavor dissipates and leaves you wanting the next sip. — 14 days ago

Joe DAscoli

9.5

Gorgeous wine. Requests for a second pour from our guests kinda say it all.

Was so good that 4 of us crushed two bottles plus the 2 reds!!! — a month ago

Billy L.

9.8

30th Anniversary Champagne 🍾 🥂@ Restaurant where I met my Wife 👍🏻👏🏻❤️
The Cristal was great!
Etiquette Question: What should the restaurant have done for compensation when our Server dropped my bottle on the floor; She dropped it like an “F1 Podium Scene”Cristal flying everywhere; after removing bottle foil, Cage & cork! Bottle bought upon release, cellared etc. Asking to be informed in case there is a next time! — 13 days ago

Lee Pitofsky

9.6

05 drinking superbly! Along with 2007, this is one of the best drinking vintages right now. (In this time period) — 11 hours ago

Michael Dierberg

9.4

Has a little brown toast note that is distinctive. Overall very nice and worthy of a graduation celebration. — 15 days ago

Coy Byron

9.5

Well balanced - not too sweet not to dry. Honey notes with a semi-full feel. — 8 days ago

Peter van den Besselaar

9.5

Vintage 2001 | This is such a treat, honeyed nectar, which I poured at a farewell of my colleagues, and even people who drink wine in a irregular base like this. — 4 days ago

Noah

9.4

Classic Barsac profile, incredibly drinkable. Climens is always a treat but 2009 was a really special year. Pineapples, honey, elderflower — 2 days ago

with Dorotea and Bee

Jay Kline

9.5

Opened prior to dinner and enjoyed over the course of a few hours. The 2011 pours a bright gold color with medium+ viscosity. On the nose, the wine is developing with gorgeous notes of ripe and tart orchard fruit: bruised Golden Delicious apple, lemon drop, marmalade, white flowers, a whiff of clove, Marcona almonds, lanolin and minerals. On the palate, the wine is dry with high acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long and the texture is wooly. Weeeeeee!!! A special bottle that’s drinking so well at the moment. Drink now with patience through 2036. — a month ago