Open Kimono

Olga Raffault

Les Picasses Chinon Cabernet Franc 2007

Very expressive after about one hour open. Classic Chinon aromas with stuffing on the palate. Very pure, some perfectly ripe bing cherry and pleasant earth notes. (Need roast chicken now!) — 11 years ago

Stag's Leap Wine Cellars

Artemis Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2011

First off. You have heard about decanting.... This is a great example. Open and it tastes flat, give it time to breath and the flavors come out. The nose has a nice oak, smokey texture. Taste has a predominant black cherry flavor with nice ripe fruit flavors. Oak remains throughout the taste from start to finish with american oak flavors. An almost cigar smokiness hits immediately with a slight spice....not sure where to compare this to because it's not like a Zinfandel pepper, but more like an allspice. The overall feel is medium bodied with rich cherry flavors and well balanced for a smooth feel. This is a great introduction to Stags Leap without spending $150. — 11 years ago

Clos des Papes

Châteauneuf-du-Pape Red Rhône Blend

Sam Coturri
9.5

That perfect balance between bright red fruit and dark aromatic herbs. Ready to drink now (after being open for an hour or so) — 12 years ago

Anthony, Matthew and 1 other liked this

Beringer Vineyards

Private Reserve Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2011

N M
9.2

Needed about 2.5 hours in decanter to open up. Could use more time in bottle. A classic big, bold, chewy California Cab. — 11 years ago

Caymus Vineyards

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2006

Big quality fruit bomb - 2006 - drinking softly now, open 2 hours. Would like to see if the fruit resolves over the next few years. — 11 years ago

Dunn Vineyards

Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon 2000

Took about 45 minutes to open up and become expressive- ripe red currant, mulberry and black raspberry, with a note of dried herbs and portobello mushrooms. — 11 years ago

Château Cheval Blanc

St. Émilion Red Bordeaux Blend 1947

1947. Can't actually believe I have rated this in my lifetime. Although it had a significant amount of leakage and oxidisation, it was still bright, still had bags of fruit, tannins, acidity. What am incredibly generous wine to open to celebrate our new little company. Thx guys xxx — 12 years ago

Pierpaolo Petrassi MWChris Rowe
with Pierpaolo and Chris

Silver Oak

Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 1984

R Bl
9.4

Alexander Valley 1984. Brown brick red, still enough tannin for another 5-10 yrs. Beautiful cedary dust and fruit. Needed 1 - 1 1/2 hrs to open up. Harmonious, medium build. — 11 years ago

Château Haut-Brion

Pessac-Léognan Red Bordeaux Blend 2008

It took around 2 hours to open up, but it was well worth it. — 11 years ago

Château de Beaucastel

Châteauneuf-du-Pape Red Rhône Blend

Way too early to open, but it's Christmas, so why not. — 11 years ago

Patrick and Craig liked this
Patrick Derdeyn

Patrick Derdeyn Influencer Badge

Nice. Had the '89 a couple months ago and it was killer. Bury a few of these in your cellar and drink them when your kids graduate from college.