Keith Pires

9.0

A delicious wine; slight barnyard nose, rich raspberries, chocolate, Madagascar vanilla bean, and black pepper on the palette. — 9 years ago

Scott Cowan

9.6

Worth every penny:
Big, Round, Rich, Luscious.
Darkest purple possible without being black, with a thing ring of burgandy red-to-rosé/pink floating around the edges of the purple-black wine in the bowl.
Deep alcohol-leather-pipe tobacco-chanterelle aromas when I swirl. Many lovely spindly legs run down the sides of the bowl and back to that inky pool of tantalizingly rich, "dangerous, dark woods forbidden" purple.
The first sip brings huge wild cherries to mind -- but these cherries must have been fire-roasted and spiced with black pepper, cloves, then mixed with tart red plums, a single just-barely-ripe raspberry, and a handful of sun-kissed blueberries all macerated in pure Madagascar vanilla.
This is ambrosia worthy of wild boar, venison, the boldest, richest steak of all time -- no tender cuts for this big wine.
The finish: LOOOOOONG. Not complex, but delightful even if one note. One long, alcohol-hot note of goodness to remind one that this was oak-barrel aged and will grow and grow and grow if cellared. — 9 years ago

Ryan Stewart

9.2

Deep amber color with thin legs. Pronounced aromas and flavors of Madagascar Vanilla, licorice, hazelnut, banana, dried figs, fruitcake, and plum wine. Hot mouthfeel but quickly dies off to reveal very inviting smoky, almost toasted marshmallow back palate flavors. Elegant, very refined single malt. — 10 years ago

Christine Havens

9.6

Roberto Voerzio's Barolo Cerequio 2007 is pure seduction. Perfumed, there is a heady outpouring of rose petals, Madagascar vanilla, black cherries, Italian plum, tar, black tea leaves, and tobacco. The attack is forceful, though not without composure, boasting stunning power and a graceful, masculine energy. Taught, fine-grained tannins, and a structured core signifies long aging potential. Notes of truffle, aged leather and tobacco lead into a polished and incredibly persistent finish. — 10 years ago

Christine Havens

9.2

La Rioja Alta is but a stone's throw from my other favorite Rioja producer, Lopez de Heredia. The pedigree of the 2005 Reserva Viña Ardanza is evidenced by layered, complex aromatics—leather, terracotta roof tiles, plums and sun-baked figs, Madagascar vanilla bean and a lofty top note of char. In the mouth, it's medium bodied, but no less intense, and varied, with red cherries giving way to black peppercorn and green notes of dill, celeriac and dried rosemary. Perhaps even dark chocolate shavings. — 10 years ago

Nathan Kidder

9.6

After breathing for about an hour, this bloodstone liqueur fills the nose with soft, oaky Madagascar vanilla and suede alongside dried lilac. Minimal acidity courts coy tannins in the mouth while stunning, curvy black cherry smokes demurely on the tongue, smudging her lipstick, all the way down the lingering finish. She's beautiful, but maybe too smart for her own good ;) — 10 years ago

Christine Havens

9.2

Sanguine and supple, this 100% Merlot delivers a bouquet of flowers, strawberries and seedy raspberry along with a high note of Madagascar vanilla. What it communicates on the nose is a far cry from the palate, there, it reminds me of an aged Châteauneuf: there is gaminess, smoke, asphalt, tar, green peppercorn…in light of this, it's very silky and fine, and nimble for a medium-bodied red. Despite low marks from the critics, it has been a favorite. Bright acidity, leading to a lengthy finish. Bottle No. 009002 — 11 years ago

Jeremy Anslow

9.8

Rich indulgent blueberry compote, juicy black currant, light fresh blonde tobacco, Madagascar vanilla bean, dry turned red earth and red rose stem. — 11 years ago

Helen Keplinger

Owner/Winemaker Keplinger Wines

9.4

Candied violets, cognac soaked cherry, cedar, wet tobacco, cassis, Madagascar vanilla. Beautiful — 12 years ago

Diedra West

9.1

Diedra had this 12 years ago

David Kline

9.3

Early test of a beer I will most certainly be aging! Barley Maw! Dip some carrot cake in Ethiopian coffee and you will be getting close on the nose. The entire bouquet is a caramelized, myrrh version of that in an oiled, leather bag; although there is a doughy life to it that evokes freshly washed hair, with whiffs of Madagascar vanilla. Heavy coffee oils, bitter chocolate, smoked leather, tar, burnt caramel, black mushroom, rattan, blackened marshmallow, allspice, graham spice and dark tobaccos finishing briny. A seaside stroll at night through foamy pools. Can't wait to see how she ages! — 9 years ago

with Courtney

ADAM STROMFELD

9.2

Big and luscious soft Madagascar Vanilla round and soft very new world palate oriented — 9 years ago

with Frank

Renwood Winery

Marketing Director, Renwood Winery

10

Seductively enticing, this complex wine awakens the senses with beautifully focused aromas of Madagascar Vanilla and fresh croissant. On the palate, this big and powerful wine has great structural balance with opulent flavors of black berries, vanilla and black cherry pie. Aged in 100% new French Oak, plush tannins are seamlessly integrated to add a silky, regal quality to a long velvety finish. Decant one hour prior to serving. Drink now through 2022.
75% Zinfandel, 15% Syrah, 10% Petite Sirah — 10 years ago

Ryan Stewart

9.0

Seductive ruby color with viscous legs. Primary aromas of sour cherry, Madagascar vanilla, and rhubarb. Much the same on the palate, with still chewy tannins and medium + acidity and body. '08 and was expecting a little more development, but looks like I opened too soon. Still a delightful Nobile, especially when paired with home grilled Korean Bulgogi! — 10 years ago

with Natalie

Christine Havens

9.4

Clos de Betz Columbia Valley Red 2012 is a sumptuous Bordeaux-style blend of 67% Merlot, 27% Cabernet Sauvignon and 6% Petit Verdot. As with all Betz wines, it's precise and steeped in power. Arresting aromas of plums, kirsch, Madagascar vanilla and graphite lie under a beguiling floral top note. It's concentrated, and inky, a bit of a surprise considering the percentage of Merlot in the blend. Plush, ripe tannins merge seamlessly into depth-less layers of glossy black fruit. 14.5% ABV | Sample — 10 years ago

Nicholas Keeler

9.4

A pleasure to drink. Dark fruit, Madagascar chocolate, strong and balanced like Libra. I'll be on the lookout for more Morisoli designates. — 11 years ago

Christine Havens

9.6

A colossus, the Jacques Selosse V.O. Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs Extra Brut is, as with all of his wines, a Champagne of immeasurable depth and complexity. Expressive notes of buttered croissant, Meyer Lemon Budino, golden apple, marzipan, Madagascar Vanilla seed pod, and smoke. A rich golden orb in the glass with a fine perlage, it is intense and powerful. Crafted in Selosses' slightly oxidative style, a taught, electric mineral vein of acidity that cuts precisely and cleanly through it's core, leading into white grapefruit, lemon thyme and chalk. Great length. Disgorged 10.28.13 — 11 years ago

Joseph McDonald

9.7

One of my favorites...layers of subtle velvety fruit, lead pencil shavings, graphite, strawberry, Madagascar vanilla bean, hint of 3 day old rose pedals, 30-40 second finish. Everything you could possibly want out of a Napa cabernet. — 12 years ago

with Cole

Brian S

9.7

Lemon, passion fruit brûlée, lemongrass and Madagascar vanilla. — 12 years ago

Chris B.

9.0

Mmmm... strawberry preserves, rhubarb and vanilla (and not store-bought French vanilla but long bean Madagascar vanilla). — 9 years ago

Mitchell Mulder

9.5

New offering in the "Cabin Fever" 12 pack, rich deep Madagascar vanilla notes, classic Porter style, smooth easy drinking and delicious — 9 years ago

ADAM STROMFELD

9.3

Wow! Round and beautifully balanced light and meaty boysenberry and raw bacon a hint of Madagascar vanilla this wine calling for venison! — 9 years ago

Aaron Jordan

9.2

Madagascar vanilla and allspice aromatics, rounded out body with a prickly and almost effervescent acidity. Cranberry, red apple cleanliness, onslaught of berries complex the profile with a classy oak finish that has a crisp dryness to it. Solid Pinot! 👍🏻 — 10 years ago

with Christian

Ryan Stewart

9.1

Medium yellow color. Notes of honey, tropical melon, lemon, and Madagascar vanilla. Very elegant balance and acidity. Medium finish. — 10 years ago

Ludovic Anacleto

9.9

Perfection in every drop. Viscous, drop dead gorgeous with a stunning iodine like color, bright and deep. The nose is perhaps of the most complex I have ever experienced in my life. a beautiful blend of light anis, quince marmalade, creamy Madagascar Bourbon vanilla, warm notes of cedar and TONS of botrytis. I am still dreaming of this spectacular acidity, almost divine, ethereal, feather like. This is not made by Man, this is of Divine proportion. — 10 years ago

Shana Wall

10

#ChateauMoutonRothschild #1982 Beautiful Garnet color with gorgeous salmon rim. Color does not give away its age to this level. Smokey, Dark Plum, Prune & Floral nose. Layers and layers of flavor unveiled as it opens up over the next hour and a half. Red Cherry, Cranberry, Prune, Black Plum, Tobacco, Clove spice, Salty, Savory, herbal, Sage, Green Bell Pepper, Toasted Chili Flakes, Potpourri, a touch of Madagascar Vanilla... Good acidity, mellow Tannins, very smooth and graceful with a medium plus finish that you just don't want to let go of! Love, Love, Love her!👏👏👏👏 — 11 years ago

George Leon

9.4

Full Rutherford Blast, chocolate covered black cherries , cigar box and madagascar vanilla seed on the nose, dark hugh friut and balanced tannins with great texture and long finish — 11 years ago

Michael Housewright

Writer/Photographer Wine Enthusiast Magazine

9.2

This brilliant wine was served with freshly cut Seascape strawberries, local clover honey, fennel salt, orange zest, and a small scoop of 3 Twins Madagascar Vanilla — 11 years ago

with Katherine and Chris

Danny Aliaga

9.5

Incredible balance, deep red fruit,
Heavy Madagascar vanilla bean, delicious — 12 years ago

Ryan Stewart

9.4

Violets, rose petals, cedar, leather, tobacco, dried cherry. Luscious, mature tannins with a hint of Madagascar vanilla and a very long finish! — 12 years ago

with Natalie