Very ripe nose - almost port-like. Palate is full bodied, rich, round, plush, but without tannin or acid to balance out the opulent, sweet plummy fruit. Barossa-like. Very alcoholic. A big drink. — 5 years ago
Blackberry jam, chocolate, new leather, licorice, dark chocolate and espresso all infuse Buccella's 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon with notable complexity to play off the super-ripe, plush fruit. Readers should expect a full-throttle, extroverted style. Even with all of its opulence, the 2016 is very nicely balanced. It is another compelling wine in a streak of strong recent releases from Buccella. (Antonio Galloni, Vinous, January 2020)
— 6 years ago
The 2016 Duckhorn ‘Three Palms Vineyard’ is another stellar release by the talented Renee Ary. Aged in 100% new French oak for eighteen months, the Merlot has 6% Cabernet Sauvignon and 1% Malbec blended in. The nose exudes class with ripe chocolate covered bing cherry and shades of sweet pipe tobacco that mingle with the dusty terroir tones on the nose. The palate is plush, giving an err of decadence. The silky mouthfeel really gives a feel of opulence. Black Forest cake and dark licorice flavors collide with the dusty minerals and cigar box flavors. Simply outstanding in its youth following a one hour decant, this stunning Merlot will cellar well for decades. Drink 2020-2040- 94 — 7 years ago


Another tasting! 30-35 year old vines composed of 47% cab, 47% merlot, 5% cab franc, 2% petit verdot. Smells full of dark fruit, very plush.
Dark cherry notes predominate, with some black currant and blue berries. Appreciably greater complexity than Beychevelle’s second label. Very smooth. Hint of smokiness. Very well balanced. Nice mouthy feel. The tannins are strong and quite restricted at the back end. Slightly too acidic, it's a bit early for this one (but I’m nit picking) Overall Amazing. In 10 years or so this is going to be ridiculous. I’m finding it difficult to rate the wine I’m tasting in the current moment versus what it will become over the next 10 years. Either way, the experience was gold. — 8 years ago

Nice red. Fruity but not too sweet. — 5 years ago
Licorice. Savory. Plush. Round. Elevage. Beautiful aging characteristics. — 7 years ago
Just stunning. Chappellet can do no wrong in our book. Tuck this away for a few years. We anticipate that this will “bulk up” over time. Suave tannins support subtle acid. On the palate, neutral oak treatment, with espresso notes and jet black fruits, front and center. Finishes plush and expansive. — 8 years ago


Very 2003. Plush, leaning a touch overripe for my palate, but still well-managed. On the nose: dense black fruit, with loads of plum. Lovely density, weight and acidity. Comes off more elegant on the palate. Softer tannin than expected on the finish, but maybe it was just covered up by ripe fruit. — 3 years ago
The 2019 La Fleur-Pétrus is pure and total seduction. Trotanoy and perhaps also Hosanna have traditionally been viewed as more exclusive Pomerols in the Moueix portfolio. The more time passes, the less I share that view. Sure, La Fleur-Pétrus does not have the mystique associated from a small single vineyard - as many Pomerols do - and yet there is no denying the elegance and class here. Bright red fleshed fruit, blood orange and exotic spice race across the palate, framed by silky, plush tannins that wrap it all together. La Fleur-Pétrus is fabulous. That's all there is to it. (Antonio Galloni, Vinous, February 2022)
— 4 years ago
Cassis, iron, black cherry, m tannin, elegant and plush — 5 years ago
inky purple; cassis, plum, baking chocolate, vanilla, menthol; plush, round, dark fruit, very long; full bodied, lovely textured tannins, 14.6% ABV; blend of 95% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon this year which is heavier on the Merlot than in the past; beautiful with a fatty ribeye, crafted for immediate drinking pleasure, up there with my favorite Cali Merlots Pride and Duckhorn — 7 years ago
Dark purplish ruby red and coats the glass. Plush nose with tons of spices, black fruits, dark spices, cinnamon and some vanilla. Rich palate with dark spices, black fruit and cassis. Long and lingering finish. Drink till 2038. — 7 years ago


Conrad Green

Gorgeous plush fruit. Plum, cedar, iodine and salt. Really intense and pure. Gorgeous. Still quite young — 3 years ago