Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.0

Saturday night...time for steak and claret as my buddy Gary Westby says. In this scenario, I envisioned the wine being equal or even better than my steak. Not to toot my horn but most everyone that's had my steak simply says meaningfully that it is the best they've had. Myself, I've only had one better the Ribcap at Bourbon Steak in SF; which sadly closed as the hotel took back the space they were in. Hopefully, soon to reopen again elsewhere in SF. However, back to the Pichon Baron. I can't say I loved it. I wanted to love it as it is one of my favorite properties in Pauillac. The wine isn't bad but it just never shined. Maybe, it's just not a good moment in it's evolution to open. It's soft, elegant but missing the beauty, flavors and complexity I've come to expect. The fruits are dry blackberry, dark cherries, black raspberries, a touch of juicy strawberries and black plum skin. Dark dry powdery minerals, saddlewood, lead pencil savings, underbrush, dry dark earth, dry pebbles. There is not much on the mid palate, it finishes a little flat and the fruits never really shined. Surprising for such a warm vintage. Hoping it improves over the years as I've got 5 more. Unusual that the wine really needed the steak more than the steak needed the wine. — 9 years ago

Lindsay Rodman

9.1

My favorite Sauvignon blanc - very fruity (citrus, tropical) without being overly sweet, which is perfect. Not as herbaceous/mineraly as Loire SBs. The 2014 vintage isn't as good, unfortunately.
— 11 years ago

Dana Morris

9.9

Velvet. Thick and luscious. Cassis, dark, buttery like I like it. Even amazing two days later. Definitely my favorite in the wine adventure so far. Best wine for the price. — 11 years ago

Naomi Hendricks Scharkopf

10

One of my absolute favorite reds! — 11 years ago

Rachel Hart Rios

9.5

I am not a fan of Pinot Noir but this one is delicious. Almost as bold and big as my favorite Washington reds. — 12 years ago

Michele Key

9.6

Clean, crisp and smooth. My favorite "go-to" celebratory champagne. — 13 years ago

Lindsey Robida

10

Crisp and easy to drink! My favorite riesling — 10 years ago

Michael Januszeski

9.4

A cab from one of my favorite Napa wineries. This 1997 Silver Oak has done exceptionally well over the past 18 years. I'll plan to tap his brothers over the next few years to see how far this vintage can go — 10 years ago

Robbin Montero

9.4

This was a big hit with the crowd. I picked this wine as my favorite from over 35 I tasted at the Pinot on the River last October — 10 years ago

Noah Carlson

9.6

Noah had this 11 years ago

Bill Bender

9.4

Italian tasting-Loma Portal 11/23. Co-wine of flight #3. My favorite Tignanello so far. Reminded me of the '02 Araujo Eisele Cab. Velvet deliciousness. — 11 years ago

William Mulligan

9.5

My favorite. — 11 years ago

Erica Marie

9.4

My favorite of the horizontal!! — 12 years ago

Angie

9.7

This is my favorite wine — 10 years ago

Shanna Broussard

9.6

One of my favorite staple wines! — 10 years ago

Pete Faletto

9.5

My favorite red blend — 10 years ago

Darragh Chase

9.5

Smooth and buttery, but not overwhelming in the slightest. Hands down my favorite Chardonnay. Even those who don't like Chardonnay love this wine. — 11 years ago

with Roger

Fred Zin

10

My favorite. Wonderful with steaks — 11 years ago

Mac Riding

9.8

Probably my most favorite! Not inexpensive at restaurants ($65-$76), but pairs so well with just about anything. Year after year it is consistently great. It's hard not to share it, but then you must keep multiple bottles in stock! — 11 years ago

with Heidi

Jose Merino

9.7

This was a vertical of 38 vintages to celebrate Joseph Phelps Insignia 40th anniversary! My favorite vintage! It was a tie between this vintage and 74' but the 77' was the first time they used cab franc and that's what gave it a kick! — 12 years ago