Prime Cellars

Château Mouton Rothschild

Pauillac Red Bordeaux Blend 1978

past prime. fresh soil with some mushroom - still enjoyable — 21 days ago

Dave and Vino liked this

Château Latour

Premier Grand Cru Classé Pauillac Red Bordeaux Blend 1983

Château Latour is an iconic estate in the Pauillac commune on the left bank of Bordeaux, achieving coveted ‘First Growth’ status in the 1855 Bordeaux Classification.

The estate has roots dating back to the 14th century and derives its name ‘La Tour’ from a fortress tower built during the Hundred Years’ War, which no longer exists but is prominently featured on the label in recognition of its history.

We weren’t sure what to expect, as many have predicted these 1983s are likely past their prime, but this wine was a masterpiece. 🤩

It was medium garnet in color with expressive notes of cedar box, cigar, clove, peat, leather, forest floor, fig, prune, dried black cherry, plum, cassis, blackberry compote, cardamom, cinnamon, star anise, dried violet, potpourri, kalamata olive, pencil shavings, graphite, & bacon fat.

It had the most velvety, fine-grained tannins that washed across the palate with ease, with a gentle but notable acidity that maintained lift and balance. It was concentrated, complex, and had a long, elegant finish.
— 4 months ago

Deked1
with Deked1
Deked1, Ted and 18 others liked this
Paul K

Paul K

Happy Birthday @Vanessa way to celebrate in style!
Vanessa

Vanessa

@Paul K Thank you for the bday wishes! It was an auspicious and delicious way to start my next trip around the sun ☀️ Cheers! And we hope to reconnect with you guys soon! 🍾🥂
Paul K

Paul K

We will absolutely figure out something this summer!!!

Château Léoville Barton

Saint-Julien Red Bordeaux Blend 1996

Opened and double-decanted several hours prior to service; enjoyed over the course of three hours. The 1996 pours a deep garnet color with a near opaque core. On the nose, the wine is developing and loaded with currants, pencil lead, earth and soft baking spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannin and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long and super grippy; slightly bitter and earthy. A lovely, classic expression of Bordeaux and drinking well in its prime. Drink now through 2046. — 10 months ago

Jakub, Tom and 14 others liked this
Severn G

Severn G Influencer Badge Premium Badge

You've been hitting all my favorite Léoville lately, so jealous
Jay Kline

Jay Kline Influencer Badge Premium Badge

@Severn Goodwin I catching up on some notes from a night with a line-up of bangers from Bordeaux. It was pretty awesome, ngl

Caymus Vineyards

Special Selection Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2013

Caymus Vineyards – Special Selection Cabernet Sauvignon 2013
Napa Valley, California – USA 🇺🇸

Overview
Special Selection is Caymus’ flagship bottling, the only wine to twice earn Wine Spectator’s “Wine of the Year.” The 2013 vintage comes from a benchmark Napa year—warm, consistent, and producing deeply concentrated fruit. 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, sourced from prime valley-floor sites, this wine showcases the Caymus hallmark: bold, plush, and fruit-driven Napa opulence.

Aromas & Flavors
Opulent blackberries, cassis, and baked blueberries, wrapped in layers of cocoa, espresso, and toasted vanilla. Secondary notes of licorice, sweet tobacco, and graphite add depth. With time in the glass, hints of cedar and leather start to show, signaling the early stages of graceful evolution.

Mouthfeel
Full-bodied and richly textured, almost velvet-like, with powerful yet polished tannins. The 2013 vintage delivers intensity and weight, but with balance—long, lingering finish loaded with ripe dark fruit and spice.

Winemaking Notes
Meticulous cluster selection, long maceration for depth, and extended aging in new French oak barrels (18+ months). Chuck Wagner’s hallmark style: unapologetically ripe fruit, creamy oak integration, and a seamless, approachable structure even in youth.

Food Pairing
A natural match for grilled ribeye, braised short ribs, or herb-crusted lamb. For a more indulgent pairing, try it with aged Gouda or truffle-infused dishes.

Verdict
A monumental vintage of Caymus Special Selection—ripe, hedonistic, and still showing youthful vigor more than a decade later. Built for aging, yet already a crowd-pleaser. A benchmark expression of Napa Cabernet’s luxurious side.

Personal Pick Highlight
2013 stands out as one of Napa’s greatest modern vintages, and tasting it now is like catching Caymus in its prime sweet spot: power meeting polish. Cheers!
— 24 days ago

Ted liked this

R. López de Heredia

Viña Tondonia Reserva Rioja Tempranillo Blend 2011

In its prime, tannins are rounded, good body. Just a little too much vanilla/oak for my taste. — 7 months ago

Tom and Ira liked this

Château Lascombes

Margaux Merlot Blend 2005

A fine, mature claret drinking in its prime. Enjoy! — 9 months ago

Shay, Somm and 11 others liked this

Donatella Cinelli Colombini

Progetto Prime Donne Brunello di Montalcino Sangiovese 2019

AEL
9.0

Bright, tasty Brunello, slightly sweeter than the norm. Had at the winery with dinner, Jen and Dave. Agriturismo near Trequanda. — 4 months ago

Shafer Vineyards

Hillside Select Stags Leap District Cabernet Sauvignon 2008

Decanted for 40 minutes. Still drinking really young. Probably in its prime another 10-15 years. — 6 months ago

Joe, Tom and 6 others liked this

Quilt Wines

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2019

Quilt pays tribute to Napa’s wines, sourced from a patchwork of prime Napa Valley vineyards. Met Joseph Wagner a few times & tasted his wines. Deep Ruby with aromas of dark berry fruits, sweet spice and cedar. On palate flavors of blackberry and cherry with vanilla, oak and leather notes, well balanced. Fine soft tannins, nice mouthfeel, on long finish ending with cacao, oak and tobacco character. Consistent quality, has room to age. Nice! — 6 months ago

Tom, Juan and 1 other liked this

Beaulieu Vineyard

Private Reserve Georges de Latour Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 1980

Somm David T
9.4

With Christmas Prime Rib seasoned in Maldon salt, fresh garlic, Thyme, Rosemary. Pepper, Basted in butter, meat juice, drenched on Campari Tomatoes & Shallots.

This bottle was good but it’s not up to others I’ve had in the last year.
— 9 months ago

Bob, Brian and 20 others liked this