Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.5

Outstanding w/ 10 years in bottle. Honeysuckle, lemon, lime, stone fruit, crème, powdery minerals, beautiful acidity, white & yellow flowers, amazing structure, balance and finish for days.

Best Chardonnay since I had the 96 Gaja Chardonnay at the property out of magnum in 2015. — 3 years ago

Paul T HB

9.0

Just too young obviously,an experiment since we had an 08 Bordeaux yesterday.
Spectator 92,
Other reviews,
Decanter Magazine Review
Rated 94
Another bargain alert! At this price level, perhaps the most subtle and elegant of all wines tasted. Not as expressive as Ormes de Pez, but top marks for delicate refinement and indeed a noticeably floral aromatic profile that accentuates the palate. As wine consultant Kevin Gagnon noted at a tasting: ‘Finesse and great length.' Do not hesitate. Drink now-2035.

Wine Enthusiast Review
Rated 93
One of the many estates on the Pez plateau in Saint-Estèphe, this property is at the top of its game. Owned by the same proprietors as Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande, the wine has structure, big tannins as well as dense black fruits. Drink from 2024.

Wine Tasting Notes
The vintage is dense in color, retaining a purplish-blue hint typical of wines that are slow to develop. The slightly toasty nose has plenty of red- and black- berry fruit and a hint of jamminess mingled with aromas of spice and tobacco. The nose is what you would expect of a wine made from very ripe grapes. It is already deliciously complex. The palate is entirely consistent with the nose. The attack is still firm at this stage but developing in a manner that instantly suggests an opulent wine. Good, well-rounded substance lingers elegantly on the palate, with silky tannins and not a trace of harshness. This is truly an exceptional wine: thoroughbred, elegant and rich. — 4 years ago

Philip Deibel

9.1

One of (the only?) the only whites made by Heidi Barrett, this is a really great Chardonnay. No noticeable oak, which is my personal new requirement. Slightly sweeter than I remembered but very balanced with good acidity and minerality (I don’t care if this term is falling out of favor amongst the “experts”, as it still describes how a wine feels to me!) — 5 years ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.3

Anthony took us to the tasting room in their Cellar to taste the Hamilton Russell line of wines.

Chardonnay are after Pinot’s in our tasting. This was one of my favorite Chardonnays out of all the ones we tasted.

Again, very Burgundian in style. Nice ripe, gentle fruit of citrus and tropicals. 13% ABV and mostly all neutral oak.

Photos of, the Hamilton Russell Vineyard, Anthony’s pouring our tasting, barrels around our tasting, and a long view of their property and house on the hilltop. — 7 years ago

Morgan Diamant

9.1

Coffee, red cherry, with floral (violet) notes throughout. Hint of black pepper and French vanilla. Nice acidity and well balanced throughout. Silky smooth tannins. — 8 years ago

Chris England

9.3

Superb €38 now £65 personal fav from St Em in top year 👍 w/ fab QPR & a soft spot for me as I had this same vintage from the barrel 😍 93 going 95-96

🍇 71% Merlot & 29% Cab F

🍷Opaque ruby w/ purple hue

👃 Chocolate coated black cherry, berry & plum through smokey oak, liquorice & wet crushed mineral rock w/ violets

👄 Med+ creamy silky mocha dark berry plum bang w/ liquorice & minerals

🎯 Long mocha berry plum slight dry mineral linger purple teether — 8 years ago

Delectable Wine

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9.7

Pichon-Lalande is the single hottest property in the Médoc right now. Although the Chateau has a long and esteemed history, a Second Growth in the Bordeaux Wine Official Classification of 1855, no less, it is the winemaking today that is taking the property to new heights. If you are looking to treat yourself with a wine that is truly world class in every sense, then look no further. The wonderfully nuanced, finessed 2014 Pichon-Longueville Comtesse de Lalande exudes pedigree. Crème de cassis, licorice, lavender and sweet spices are front and center, while beams of supporting tannins and acidity give the wine its energy and overall tension. All of the elements are simply in the right place. Powerful and also remarkably delicate, the 2014 Pichon Comtesse might very well be the wine of the vintage on the Left Bank. Don't miss it! (Antonio Galloni, Vinous, Feb 2017) — 8 years ago

Tom Garland

9.3

1 hour decant(decent fine/cloudy sediment). A remarkable dark purplish magenta color. On the nose: certain vintages really embrace the brett on the property, this is on the milder side. Notes of red plum, nutty vanilla, pine, funky wet earth, old leather, some cherry. Taste: smooth, delicate, silky wine with savory notes of cigar box, currants, wet dirt, peppery, little dark plum, cedar, slightly meaty. YUM! A very good vintage for Cain, a little more intensity could have increased the score even more. — 3 years ago

with Brenda

Vanessa

9.2

Honoring my marvelous father with a meal and wine he would have appreciated with gusto.  We wish he was here to share it with us, but are deeply grateful that his spiritual presence remains so strong in our hearts today and every day.  💕

This blend is predominantly (78%) Cabernet Sauvignon and 22% Merlot.  🍷 It hails from the Haut-Médoc region on the “left bank” of Bordeaux, 🇫🇷 more specifically, the Pauillac AOC.  Pauillac is a highly-regarded commune, with favorable growing conditions, known for producing some outstanding quality wines.  👌👌 This wine is no exception. 😆

🏰 Château Grad-Puy-Lacoste is a cru classé, ranked among, and a neighbor to, the region’s top estates.  It’s incredible to think the first vines planted on this property date back to the 1500s, making it one of the oldest properties in the region.

We decanted this wine for several hours, which helped it soften and release its layered aromatics.  

👁 The color is deep garnet with notable tearing.

👃 On the nose it has medium(+) intensity and concentration of developing aromas.  The aromas include ripe black fruit such as cassis, black cherry, blackberry, and plum, as well as other non-fruit notes like black licorice, pencil shavings, and violet. It has secondary notes of clove, nutmeg, allspice, cedar, also tertiary notes of wet earth, tobacco, leather, meat, fig, and mushroom.

👄 This wine is dry and its flavors on the palate are consistent with the nose.
This wine has balance, complexity, a strong structure, with firm, grippy tannins, and a long elegant finish.  👏👏

Château Grand-Puy-Lacoste, vintage 2011, ABV 13.5%.  — 4 years ago

with Deked1

Dan R

9.2

I love this property and it's bang for the buck, and the 2014 is drinking at peak. Densely packed with dark fruit and gravel/iron/mineral, with a cedar note on the finish, as well as some smoky spice. Just a very well balanced wine, it's got heft and packs a punch, but never crosses the line to heavy and/or cumbersome. Great both on its own or with food. — 5 years ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.2

Masterclass with in San Francisco with Saskia De Rothschild, Chairwoman DBR Lafite. Duhart-Milton is another property the Rothschild’s own.

The nose shows, bright, ripe, candied fruits with pleasant, bright florals. Blackberries, dark cherries, blue fruits, strawberries & pomegranate. Tobacco notes, leather, dry brush, limestone, crushed dry rocks, beautiful red, dark fresh florals with violets.

The body is full and shows the strength of the 15 vintage but, this is one should not be enjoyed at least for 10-15 years. Tannins are fine and firm. Ripe and slightly candied fruits of; blackberries, dark cherries, blue fruits, strawberries & pomegranate. Tobacco notes, leather, dry brush, limestone, crushed dry rocks, dry river stones, black dry earth, cedar, graphite, beautiful red, dark fresh florals with violets. The acidity is really good. The structure, tension, length and balance are good now but, show greater promise down the road. The finish is very good, well balanced, elegant and persists minutes.

All wines arrived weeks ago directly from the Chateau.

Photos of; the Crown Room on the 23rd floor of the Fairmont where the Masterclass was held, tasting set up, our double decanters and pourers and another view of the City and Bay with Alcatraz. — 7 years ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.2

Had another bottle, aged well. A neighbor of Haut-Brion and La Mission Haut-Brion, Les Carmes is positioned on the same bank. The name derives from the friars, known as ";Les Carmes"; who owned the property between the 16th & 18th century. This estate has been under new ownership since 2010. Predominantly Merlot and Cabernet Franc, aged for 18 months in French oak, (33% new). Red fruit and currants on the nose. Raspberry and plum flavors fine tannins and lingering finish ending with mineral tones. Nice! — 8 years ago

Josh Shields

9.2

Cellared from the source, these are the wines you look forward to share the most. I can vaguely remember the terraced amphitheater Mourvèdre vineyards next to the estate but was such a beautiful property. It's beginning to turn the corner but has oomf left in the fruit. Graceful and subtle come to mind too. — 8 years ago

Paul T HB

9.4

Still plenty of life left, but use the Durand
K&L notes as follows, it is better than their 2000! We have been following the property for the last five years and we think it is on a great track with their new releases, but try this 20+ yr old beauty. It is elegant and has a long, lingering finish. Smokey, toasty aromas, tons of cassis fruit on the palate. In a blind tasting at K&L (January 2019), one of our top Bordeaux staff thought it was a first growth Pauillac from the 80s. A steal at this price.
Drink from 2019 to 2022 — 4 years ago

David Walser

9.8

Second night of celebration of the closing of our commercial property. Enjoyed with rib eye cap. This is an amazing wine. One bottle left to enjoy some day. — 4 years ago

David Walser

9.3

Fun family that does the tastings on the property. Always a treat. — 5 years ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.3

In 1964, while looking for land to expand Tenuta dell’Ornellaia, Marchese Lodovico Antinori discovered & acquired property of Tenuta di Biserno near Bibbona. A blend of Merlot, Cab Sauv, Petit Verdot & Cab Franc, aged for 12 months in French oak, intense aromas of ripe currants & sweet spice. On the palate ripe black fruit flavors, elegant fine tannins with cacao & tobacco tones. Long ending with an earthy character. Nice. Consistent with ‘15 I tried. — 5 years ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.2

20-year tawny a personal favorite. I’m always amazed how good this is whenever I have a glass. Taylor run today from Oporto by descendants of the Yeatman & Fladgate families, both of which have been partners in the firm since 1830s. Complex aromas rich with dried fruits & nutty spice. On the palate apricot and sweet berry flavors with honey and toasted nut notes, well balanced nice acidity. Lingering finish ending smooth with oaky nutty character. Very Nice. Price keeps going up each year. Tasting Sample. — 6 years ago

Shay A

9.3

It was 19 in TX Tues, hailed yesterday, and is 80 degrees today. Welcome to spring in TX.

I love the info on the back of these bottles as they give detail to the base vintage and when they were disgorged. This is ‘08 base, disgorged 2017.

Right up my alley. I’d call this oxidative, but not overly so. There is a Krug-ness about this style. It’s toasty and savory with a little caramel, toffee and baked apple. Creamy. For my personal taste, while I enjoy all champagne cold, this is one of the few styles that holds up well even once it warms up slightly as there isn’t a lot of tartness here. — 7 years ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.4

Is there any meal better than steak (Ribeye) and well aged Claret? This is another 1991 Bordeaux experiment of mine. 1991 was a vintage with horrible frosts and a less than favorable growing season, right? A vintage critically panned. This is my 3rd recent 91 from a good producer. And again, it didn’t disappoint. Like 97 and 07, it’s better with the right bottle age than young. Magic evolution happened in the bottle way down the road. This 91 is in great form with a fair amount of life ahead of it. On the nose; a little ripe fruit funk, wonderful dark & lighter red cassis, ripe blackberries, dark cherries, poached strawberries, plums, hues of blueberries, black raspberries, dry cranberries, vanilla, light cinnamon, rich, black turned earth, cedar, soft leather, dry stones, dry top soil, notes of dry herbs and fresh & dry red flowers. The body/palate is medium, round, ripe & still fresh. The tannins nearly completely resolved. Ripe, floral fruits of; blackberries, dark cherries, poached strawberries, plums, hues of blueberries, black raspberries, dry cranberries & half cooked rhubarb. Vanilla, light cinnamon, touch of clove & nutmeg, rich, black turned earth, cedar, soft leather, dry stones, dry crushed rocks, dry top soil, notes of dry herbs, a little band-aid and fresh & dry red flowers. The acidity drips over the palate and the long, well balanced, still structured, nice tension, good length finish lasts over a minute. Again, love & appreciate the 12.5% alcohol. What a beauty with and without the steak. Next time you’re in your fine wine retail shop and see a quality producers 91 that’s been well stored, buy it and have it with a Ribeye. Photos of; their exotic Estate, Chateau interior, newer barrel room and their vines as viewed from the front of the Chateau that are across the road. Producer notes and history...Cos d’Estournel has a long distinguished history in the St. Estephe. Louis Gaspard d’Estournel, gave his name to the estate after founding in 1811. It did not take long before Cos d’Estournel became famous with wine lovers and royalty all over the world. In those early days, Cos d’Estournel did not sell through Negociants. The owner preferred selling his wine directly to his customers. In fact, Cos d’Estournel was exported to numerous countries across the globe, with a large portion of the production being sold to India. It was that connection to India that inspired much of the unique, east Indian design we see at Cos d’Estournel today. Cos d’Estournel was one of the first Bordeaux Chateaux’s to bottle, label and sell their own wine. This practice continued until the death of Louis Gaspard d’Estournel in 1852. If you’re at the property, the statue on the bench in the front courtyard is of the founder, Louis Gaspard d’Estournel. The Estate was then purchased by an owner that sold their wines on the Place de Bordeaux using the negociant system. If the Chateau was not selling their wines through the negociant system, it would never have been included in the 1855 Classification. Imagine that! So, it turned out to be a fortuitous decision. Cos d’Estournel was sold to the Charmolue family owners of the neighboring Estate of Chateau Montrose. They continued to own the estate until 1917, when it was bought by Fernand Ginestet. This purchase was the beginning of the next major step in the development of Cos d’Estournel. Decades later, the grandchildren of Fernand Ginestet, Jean-Marie Prats, Yves Prats and Bruno Prats took over ownership and management of Cos d’Estournel. In 1995, Bruno Prats sold the property to the Merlaut family, owners of the Taillan Group. The next era in the development of Cos d’Estournel took place in 2000, when Cos d’Estournel was bought by the industrious and wealthy Michel Reybier, who earned his fortune in the food industry. Michel Reybier hired the son of Bruno Prats, Jean-Guillaume Prats to manage Cos d’Estournel. Things further improved with the efforts of Jean-Guillaume Prats who helped design the most modern wine making at that time. A complete renovation of Cos d’Estournel took place in not only the wine making facilities and cellars, but in parts of the Chateau as well. While the wine making facilities are completely modern with their 100% gravity design, the outward appearance retained the original design and feeling that has always been a part of Cos d’Estournel. On October 15, 2012, Jean Guillaume Prats announced he was leaving Cos d’Estournel to join LVMH (Pichon Baron). Jean Guillaume Prats was replaced by Aymeric de Gironde. Following the departure of Aymeric de Gironde in 2017, the owner, Michel Reybier took over managing the Estate. What makes the remodel special is that the cellars of Cos d’Estournel are entirely operated by gravity. There are no pumps of any kind to force the wine. The purpose is to allow a gentleness to the wine and improve its purity and allow for the expression of their terroir. It set a new benchmark for cellars not only in the Left Bank, but in all of Bordeaux. Perhaps, the most inventive part of the cellars is the four 100 hectoliter lift tanks or wine elevators that replace the pumps used in the traditional pumping over and the racking off processes, which introduce air and often destabilize the marc. From the moment the grapes arrive, everything travels by the flow of gravity. Jean Guillaume Prats called this process a “pumpless pump over.” The 91 hectare vineyard of Cos d’Estournel is planted to 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 33% Merlot, 1% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot. The vineyard is located extremely close to the border between Pauillac and Saint Estephe at the southern tip of the Saint Estephe. The Estate has very old Merlot vines as well, which date back more than 100 years. Part of the terroir is situated on the hill of Cos, which is at a high elevation for the Medoc at 20 meters. They also make a second wine called Pagodes de Cos. This is a great wine to buy in very good vintages. Especially, if your budget prohibits you from purchasing their first wine. — 8 years ago