Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.2

When it comes to my B-day, there is only one fit, an old Pichon Lalande with my Ribeye. As a lover of Bordeaux, these two are my favorite pairing. It’s a very slow walk to the finishline. A small bite of steak and a sip of 89 Pichon Lalande. Then, repeat until finished. I had some concerns about this bottle. A slightly slippery and crumbling cork. The first sip was not bad, but not what you want or are expecting. After some time in the decanter, it really started to shine. On the nose; ripe, ruby, floral cassis, blackberries, dark sweet & sour cherries, baked strawberries, blue fruit hues, dry cranberries, baked rhubarb, saddlewood, soft, used leather, bay leaf, touch of sage, hint of spearmint, eucalyptus, vanilla, cinnamon, crushed dry crushed rock powder, black turned earth, dry brown soil with clay, tobacco leaf and perfumed red florals with violets. The body is full, round and silky. Tannins are well resolved at around 80%. The texture, length, tension and length are in a sweet spot. The fruits are ripe, ruby & expressively floral. Blackberries, dark sweet & sour cherries, baked strawberries, blue fruit hues, dry cranberries, baked rhubarb, saddlewood, soft, used leather, bay leaf, touch of sage, hint of spearmint, eucalyptus, vanilla, cinnamon, crushed dry crushed rock powder, black turned earth, dry brown soil with clay, scorched earth, tobacco leaf and perfumed red florals with violets. The acidity is just a little off but still nice. The finish is divided nearly equally in fruit, earth, florals and herbaceous. It’s very enjoyable but falls just a little short in longer, lingering length. This bottle had good storage, not great. Even so, still has another three to five years ahead. A bottle with excellent storage has another five years beyond this one. Photos of; the backside of Pichon Lalande, angled terrace view of their vines right next to Latour, my steak & twice baked potato (so good) and CEO Nicolas Glumineau. — 8 years ago

Ben Jones

9.4

Tobacco, eucalyptus, blood and steak on the nose. Surprisingly light body, spice and just a little oak on it. Really nice wine. — 10 years ago

Harry G

8.9

Bold fruity upfront taste that tapers off.
Great steak wine. — 10 years ago

Ricardo

9.6

Beautiful fruit and soft tannins. Opens up over a 3 hr period. Amazing with a nice steak and French onion soup. — 11 years ago

Pat Doherty

9.7

Perfect lush lively delicious Cabernet. Aged exquisitely. Wonderful experience with ribeye steak — 11 years ago

Sam Friedland

9.0

Nice Napa valley cab. Cherry bouquet. nice and reserved. Went well with barbecued flat iron steak and lamb sausage. — 11 years ago

Dennis Novosel

9.1

2012 - Great young Cab. Couldn't wait to open this one and was not disappointed. Smooth, light, little vanilla aftertaste, and great with a nice Flank Steak Dinner. — 11 years ago

Eric Taylor

9.2

Nice and smooth..... Paired well with steak! — 12 years ago

Dan Brow

9.8

Past its prime ? Could be. Otherwise a smooth and well rounded blend, a bit on the dry side, notes of earth and dark ripe berries. Was paired very well with a prime aged steak and truffles. — 14 years ago

Sandie Harris

9.8

Perfect with steak. — 9 years ago

with Jessica

Adriana Fabbro

9.3

Can't believe I've held on to this treasure for so long! Cedar and sandalwood on the nose. Silky with a bright and savory--almost vegetal--finish. Perfect with filet and steak-house style garlicky creamed spinach. These grapes were picked when I was still in high school! — 10 years ago

Martin Chang

9.5

Great value. Full body, dark, chocolate. Goes well with steak. $19 Costco. 2015 — 10 years ago

Jackie

9.0

Peppery with dark fruits. Very good when drank alone, but it was a little dark, was excellent when paired with strip steak — 10 years ago

Adelle

9.3

Super earthy paired great with steak — 11 years ago

M Quenzer

8.9

Really nice cab, dark fruit and nice acidity. Had it with a good steak and it was delicious — 11 years ago

oceana lisac

9.5

Easy drinking,excellent with steak. — 11 years ago

Randy Barker

9.8

Great great wine! Smooth easy drinking. Loved it. — 11 years ago

Nick McGlaun

9.0

Great blend! Tried it a few times - pairs well w/ steak & also went well with Italian dishes (pizza, veal or meat based pasta dishes w/ red sauce). Tried 2011 and 12: I prefer the 11 but both are great! — 12 years ago

Ryan Smith

9.7

I will use one word to describe this: "for"... As in for you; for any occasion; for tonight; for a great taste; for a pairing with fish or steak; for the enrichment and nourishment of your soul... Why not... But seriously. It's a very we'll balanced wine, lingers perfectly in my opinion. — 12 years ago

Luke Schulz

9.9

Deep earthy flavors that become more vibrant as the wine has a chance to breath. Pairs wonderfully w/ a good cut of steak. — 14 years ago

Veston Patterson

9.8

Smoky and tannic. Absolutely perfect with steak. This bottle is an absolute Napa Valley favorite and absolutely delicious! — 9 years ago

Anne Marie Palmer

9.1

Dark and delicious. Meets it's name enjoyed with a nice grilled steak — 9 years ago

Jun Nakajima

9.2

Strong and fruity. good for TBorn steak. — 10 years ago

Steve Mitchell

9.5

Nice complex taste with a balanced amount of tannin. This 2011 will improve with time. Drink now or wait and enjoy with a nice grilled steak. — 10 years ago

with Jo

Elaine Thap

9.5

Love it when my tables visiting from South Africa offer me the rest of their Reserve wine! Holy Moley so delicious! So silky and hot with so many smoke and tar notes. An elegant jammy-ness and perfect with a charcuterie board and Hanger steak! — 10 years ago

with Peter

Janet Eileen

9.3

Full of body and flavor for the price. Great Friday night steak wine! — 11 years ago

Portia Wen

8.9

Decent, a bit bitter. Paired with steak and lobster. — 11 years ago

with Charles

Kai Chang

9.6

Tried this for the first time at the Vancouver International Wine Festival, I had such a great memory with this wine. It hits you with a fully oak filled fruity and substantial aroma of blackcurrant, blackberry, plum, cigar, caramel, vanilla and a little breadiness. Burst of energetic fruit flavours supported by its vibrant acidity and smooth yet chewy tannin goes into long a fulfilling finish. Still young, still a lot of potential.. Thanks to my wife for a great dinner of pan seared beef shank steak. — 11 years ago

Kevin Kan

8.9

A little bit past it's prime but still has plenty fruit left. Very nice and easy drinking. Drank this bottle with a grilled NY strip steak. — 12 years ago

Peter Heidt

9.2

Jordan is always good... Thinking it would have been better with a steak than the Chicken Parm at Runway 84... Thank you Ralph and the crew from Las Olas... What is better than Thursday night at this place... The chick from Mob wives by the bar taking pics... Chicken Parm and a good Cab... Ahh.... Youth is waisted on the young!!! — 12 years ago