Money Talks

Château Mouton Rothschild

Pauillac Red Bordeaux Blend

Will preface this review with saying that I had a healthy tasting but didn’t share a bottle, or eat any food with it. It’s composition is predominant Cabernet. Without looking at the price tag, it’s a great wine. Smells of freshly picked berries. It’s colour is almost black. Very velvety, royal dark fruit that is balanced extremely well with medium tannins. It’s silky smooth. But it lacks a certain “forte” characteristic that I look for wines (if you haven’t noticed yet). If this was a somewhat more affordable wine to buy on special occasions, I would nearly be in love. For the price (2012, $500 euro), and my own personal tastes, I truly think you can save yourself a handful of money and enjoy your best personal favourite wine and not have any fear that you are somehow missing out. Because of the reasons mentioned above, my rating is good, but not breaking 9/10 — 7 years ago

P, Mark and 11 others liked this
Somm David T

Somm David T Influencer Badge

While I never argue what someone likes or doesn’t like, there is a note I would like to add to the conversation.

Most quality producers of Bordeaux and 1st Growths are the rule not the exception to my point but, they are simply not that appealing this young.

When you consider the critical drinking window of this wine is from 2027-2060, this may speak to your disappointment. It’s only been in bottle around four years and It’s likely in a shutdown cycle of its evolution.

Additionally, I find even drinking a number of first & second growth producers on the early side of their drinking window distasteful. The general rule of thumb is you don’t open first growth Bordeaux for 20 years even a good vintage, longer for grand vintages. I realize of course this is a Chateau tasting and you not opening your own bottle.

I tasted the 1995 Lafite at the Chateau after it was in bottle for ten years. I found the experience just as disappointing. Maybe, more so.

My long story short, these kind of wines don’t reveal their true beauty for decades. You can judge them on, tannins, structure and acidity etc. for quality while they are young but, your palate isn’t likely going to do the happy dance.

I’ve tasted this vintage while it was in barrel...while it was still fresh and not closed down. From that experience, I would say there are much better experiences down the road for this wine.

@Mark Flesher If the 82 was well stored, you are in for an experience you won’t forget. Cheers all! 🍷
Michael B

Michael B

@David T i appreciate your insight and knowledge! I should have perhaps provided background information about the optimal drinking times for such Bordeaux wines. I was definitely caught up in the excitement and disappointment in the tasting. I hope that in the future, I’ll be able to revisit the 2012 Mouton with a delicious meal and great company. Overall, the Bordeaux experience has been wonderful, not just for the tastings but also for seeing the beautiful architecture, landscapes and local culture.
Somm David T

Somm David T Influencer Badge

@Michael Bleszynski It’s alway good to talk wine. Especially, Bordeaux. Bordeaux wine and history will always be near & dear to my heart. I’ve made 11 market visits to Bordeaux and it never gets stale. Especially, the views driving along the D-2 from Pauillac through Margaux. Enjoy the rest of your trip! Cheers! 🍷

Château Mayne Guyon

Blaye Red Bordeaux Blend 2014

I've been told you get more for your money with the French reds. Kind of agree. — 10 years ago

Château Lynch-Moussas

Pauillac Red Bordeaux Blend 2004

Classic all star Pauillac: what not to love: body, color, strength maturity best value for money when considering this plays in the 300-800 euro league of left bank Bordeaux Giants! — 10 years ago

Caymus Vineyards

Special Selection Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2011

It was good. But I wonder where all the money eyes goes. — 10 years ago

Arterberry Maresh

Dundee Hills Pinot Noir 2013

If Drouhin thought that Dundee Hills is a great place to make pinot noir, then save yourself a lot of money and get other producers from the region — 10 years ago

Château Smith Haut Lafitte

Le Petit Haut Lafitte Red Bordeaux Blend 2010

Great nose and balance. Great value for the money. — 11 years ago

Obsidian Ridge

Obsidian Ridge Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2011

One of the best cabs for the money. So good. — 11 years ago

Amy Powers
with Amy

Dominio do Bibei

Lalama Ribeira Sacra Mencía

The best expression Mencia and best wine in Ribera Sacra for my money. Like mulberry scented red burgundy. Galicia. 30 euros rest. £20 UK retail. Cart Blanche Wines. 9/10 — 12 years ago

Cresta Velia

Cabernet Sauvignon 2013

Another great California Cabernet, dark purple and violet in the glass. Fantastic initial nose, plenty of blackcurrant and mushroom as well as leaf and oak. It takes 30-45 minutes in the decanter to soften and smooth out a little. Taste is blackcurrants and spices with caramel, vanilla and lavender. After an hour there is a distinct rosemary addition to the nose. This wine will age further but current tannin levels are not too intrusive.The price at $80 is good value for money in my opinion. Will get some more to store. — 8 years ago

Shay, Mark and 1 other liked this

G.D. Vajra

Albe Barolo Nebbiolo 2008

Very good barolo for the money. Like it a lot! — 8 years ago

Kim Crawford

Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2016

This is lovely. The bouquet makes me feel like I'm running thru a citrus fruit pie. Not too sweet and slightly carbonated. This badboy is money! — 9 years ago

Miles MacdonellCindy BhatiaGinette
with Miles, Cindy and 1 other

Marqués de Murrieta

Reserva Finca Ygay Rioja Tempranillo Blend 2011

Amazing rich red robust rich good deep glavor best money focal i.e. For me in years — 9 years ago

Leeuwin Estate

Prelude Vineyards Chardonnay 2014

Pretty generous, really good for the money! Oak maybe a bit skitz — 9 years ago

Aaron liked this

Josh Cellars

Cabernet Sauvignon 2013

Aromas of blackcurrant and plum are forceful enough, and the accompanying oak spice is sweet yet pungent. There is a strong cedar and cigar component with a bit of black pepper thrown in. On the palate, the berry flavor is a little on the tart side, and spice notes meet some fairly dark earthiness. It’s a complex wine all the way around, and the tannins are big enough, but not too big. That tart, earthy feeling lasts into the long finish. It may not be exactly what you want in a Cab, but for a $16 wine, you get pretty good value for your money.
— 10 years ago

David, Keith and 2 others liked this

Feudo di Santa Croce

Primitivo di Manduria 2010

2010 vintage. Fruit forward, mineral on the nose, developing into candy with a hint of vanilla. Very nice wine and well worth the money. — 11 years ago

Belle Glos

Meiomi Pinot Noir 2013

Very nice bottle of Pinot for the money. This is an excellent value. Very drinkable. — 11 years ago

Aalto

Ribera Del Duero Tempranillo 2010

Best value for money Wine in the world? — 12 years ago

Ronald liked this
Martijn Butter

Martijn Butter

Beste John, graag een advies; ik heb enkele flessen 2010 in bezit. Wanneer de eerste het beste te ontkurken? Thnx already!
John Van Trijp

John Van Trijp Premium Badge

Het mooie aan Aalto is dat ze eigenlijk altijd op drink zijn. Jouw persoonlijke voorkeur bepaalt dus wanneer je hem het beste kan drinken, hou je van dikke chocolade met donkere rijpe bramen dan nu gewoon drinken, wil je hem wat "slanker" dan 6-8 jaar wachten
Martijn Butter

Martijn Butter

Dank! De eerste fles zal spoedig worden gedronken.

La Rioja Alta

Gran Reserva 904 Rioja Tempranillo Graciano 1998

Everyone knows I’m a fan of LRA but I’ve not had the 98 for a long time!

As I just found some @ £68 I had to try & it’s lovely for the money with lots of life left 👍

🍸 Perfect in Zalto Burgundy 😎

🍷 Garnet ruby w/ brick edge

👃 Smoked dark balsamic oak in spiced black cherry w/ vanilla cocoa cream, herbs, smoke, leather, coconut & caramel

👄 Med creamy smooth body of dark cherry bathed in balsamic & vanilla cocoa w/ red berry tones

🎯 Long chocky cherry w/ touch tart balsamic thick linger
— 8 years ago

Chris, Serge and 33 others liked this
Juan Pablo Perez

Juan Pablo Perez

One my favorites as well.
Chris England

Chris England

@Juan Pablo Perez we have great tastes 😉👍🍷

RPM Wines

El Dorado Gamay Noir

What a surprise! Didn't expect something like this from the States. Awesome nose. Little funky. Great balance, good acid. Great gamay. Give a lot of Beaujolais Cru's a run for there money. Nice one. Fantastic that these guys got together on this one. — 8 years ago

Ned Gray CreedDeral Tanil
with Ned and Deral
Marc liked this
Ned Gray Creed

Ned Gray Creed Premium Badge

Sad to see it go.
9.2

St Innocent Winery

Villages Cuvée Willamette Valley Pinot Noir 2014

Another real winner from this winery. Smokey then forest berries. Amazing for the money!💥. A no compromise wine this is what the winemaker likes to drink every day. — 9 years ago

Anthony, Anton and 1 other liked this

Cannonball Wines

California Cabernet Sauvignon 2013

Love! $149.00 it is not! For the money great notes! Chocolate, berry. No disappointment.9.5 — 9 years ago

Gargiulo Vineyards

Money Road Ranch Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2013

Night number 2 on this one. This is the de facto standard for what people mean by "Big Napa Cab" it's rich, it's velvety, it's 100% Cabernet. Would love to cellar this for years but irresistible. — 10 years ago

Jill Eddleman
with Jill
Jill liked this

Silvio Grasso

Barolo Nebbiolo 2010

Light red color. Roses and leather on the nose. This is very very good for the money! If you like Barolo buy this and put it away for 6-10 years. Black cherries first. Obviously tannic now green tea leaves. Very well put together. — 10 years ago

Katharina liked this

d'Arenberg

The Money Spider McLaren Vale Roussanne 2011

One of my favorite whites over the last couple years, faintly sweet but packed with melon, white flowers and minerals. — 10 years ago

Domaine Costal

Vaillons 1er Cru Chablis Chardonnay 2012

Crazy good and way young. Just gonna get better. The best I've tasted for the money this year. — 11 years ago

Anthony, Nick and 1 other liked this

Ciacci Piccolomini d'Aragona

Toscana Sangiovese Blend

Michael Meagher MS
9.0

2012. Honestly for the money, this is great. A killer house wine. Classic Sangiovese framework with some modern highlights from Cab, Merlot and Syrah. — 11 years ago

Will liked this

Pierre Amadieu

La Grangeliére Vacqueyras Red Rhone Blend 2011

great for the money... Fruit forward and balanced. CDP little brother — 11 years ago

Produttori del Barbaresco

Langhe Nebbiolo 2010

Great every time. Good value for money - $40 per bottle in a French restaurant. Lots of plum, cherry and a bit floral. Very easy drinking and enjoyable. — 13 years ago