Pooneet K

9.1

The Albe always has a reputation for being a well valued Barolo and with this example I have to agree. I do think the 5 years have helped. Pretty classic Nebbiolo perfumed nose. Dried flowers and nice fruit. Some leather. On the less intense side, nice lifting acid on the finish. — 2 years ago

Shay A

9.3

Very similar to the 2016 I opened 6-8 months ago, yet more open for business. Some of these wines have a reputation for “large and in charge”, but this was supremely balanced, toeing the line between Sonoma and white burgundy with richness. Whereas Aubert’s chards can be more powerful (and is normally my favorite), I’m always pleasantly surprised at how these show.

Aromatically it revealed sugar frosted stone fruits, guava, white peach, caramel dipped golden delicious apples and baking spices. It has a beautifully textured palate that starts as though it’s going to be dense, but finishes with a gorgeous lifted profile and plenty of acidity. Added notes on the palate of powdered lemon bar, floral honeysuckle, whipped lemon cream and even some honey roasted cashews. I’d pop this 2017 before the 2016 with how open it is, but it will cruise another 7-10yrs, easily. — 5 years ago

with Mark

Sipping Fine Wine

9.2

Had this a year+ ago, tried a new batch, noticed label color changed. A big fan of Tawny Ports, especially the 20 year blends are a Fav. Fonseca Port was founded in 1822 and successive generations of the Guimaraens family have upheld the Company’s reputation. Medium amber color with aromas of honey and pronounced nutty notes. On the palate ripe dried fruits with sweet cinnamon spice and oak emerge from the glass. Soft tannins long smooth finish ending with a sweet nutty character. Very nice. — 6 years ago

Eric Urbani

9.5

Lives up to its reputation — 7 years ago

Henrik Poulsen

9.2

Punching way above it’s class and reputation (in this vintage). — 7 years ago

Vijay Parikh

9.6

Second time within the space of a week! Decanted for 2.5 hours the wine initially a bit funky blows off and lives up to its glorious reputation. Next time will try a slightly shorter decant — 9 years ago

Richard Gray

9.0

2013 Les Chaumées. Fabulous Chardonnay with light oak and great acidity. Considering it's reputation and 1er cru status, however, I was expecting a lot more complexity. — 9 years ago

Jay Kline

9.2

Popped and poured from magnum; enjoyed over the course of two days. Best on Day 2 as the wine came into better balance. The 2015 “Caravina” pours a deep ruby with a nearly opaque core. Medium+ viscosity with moderate staining of the tears. One the nose, the wine is developing with notes of black cherry, brambles, tobacco, violets, herbs, and soft baking spices. On the palate, the wine with dry with medium+ tannins and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is medium+ and the acid plays a significant role, giving some real lift to the lush fruit. And while we’re on the topic, I’ll just share an observation that the acid is a significant characteristic for Seavey. In their youth, they are somewhat tough to fully appreciate (Ridge also has this reputation). I’m not suggesting Seavey is an analogue to Monte Bello, rather just stating they seem to be playing the long game…and I’m here for that. That being said, these are good now but will be more pleasurable in another couple years (at least in this format) and should be lovely through 2035. — 2 years ago

Stefan Dolhain

9.3

2015 vintage. A blend of Merlot (90%) and Cabernet Franc (10%). Certified organic since 2015 and now biodynamically farmed. The estate was bought in 2015 by the Labrune family, but it had a very good reputation before. This wine certainly does not disappoint. Smells like a mix of red and black fruit (raspberry, cherry, blackberry) with attractive floral hints and a discrete vanilla touch. In the mouth it has impeccable balance, the ripe concentrated fruit balanced by fresh acidity and probably the most civilised tannins I have ever tasted in Fronsac (they tend to be a bit rustic over there). This has class, great length and purity. Well worth the 22,50 price tag. The 14,5% alcohol is perfectly integrated. What's not to like? — 6 years ago

Ceccherini Cristiano

9.1

The reputation is so amazing that I can't be happy with a complex spicy nose, due mainly to the oak and a palate that drops pretty drastically
Yes it is a 9.1, but I reckon it would not be worth for the effort to source it and what comes out of your pocket
Definitely disappointed — 7 years ago

Dr. Owen Bargreen

9.4

The 2015 Ramey ‘Hyde VIneyard’ Chardonnay is a simply gorgeous new wine that is one of the best of its kind by superstar winemaker, David Ramey. Set on clay loam soils, the strongly marine-influenced Hyde Vineyard has gained an international reputation for producing outstanding Chardonnay grapes. This Carneros bottling shows intense nutmeg, vanilla creme brulee, macadamia nut and heavy whipping cream flavors that impress. Lithe and rich, this gorgeous bottling will cellar well for the next ten to fifteen years. Drink 2019-2033- 94 — 7 years ago

Justin Wittkopf

9.3

Love this wine and after having 5-6 over the last year I have to agree with the reputation that there are good bottles of this and there are some spectacular bottles. Last night this was good, not spectacular. — 8 years ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

8.9

On the nose; flint/sulfur, cut dry grass, green apple, lemon, lime, notes of overripe pineapple, honeysuckle, green herbs Jasmine and yellow lilies. On the palate; green apple, lemon, lime, overripe pineapple, green dry herbs, flint/sulfur, honeysuckle, Jasmine & yellow lilies, grainy minerals, good chalkiness, saline, nice round acidity and round, rich, long finish. Photos of; Domaine Guy Amoit et Fils, their barrel cellar and Guy & Thierry Amiot and a picturesque shot in Chassagne-Montrachet. Producer notes and history...Domaine Amiot was founded in Chassagne-Montrachet in 1920 by Arsene Amiot when he acquired select parcels of vines or “climats” in Chassagne including Vergers, Caillerets, Clos St. Jean and in what is today Le Montrachet. Under Arsene, Domaine Amiot became one of the first Domaines in Burgundy to bottle their own production. In the 1930’s, the domaine passed to Aresene’s son, Pierre, who continued to add top sites such as Champsgains, Macherelles, Maltroie and their tiny parcel in Puligny, Les Demoiselles. Pierre’s son, Guy, took the reins in 1985 and solidified the reputation of the Domaine for producing wines of exceptional quality from an impressive array of top vineyard sites. Guy’s son Thierry took over the winemaking in 2003 and continues the tradition of expressing the unique character of each vineyard site while constantly seeking to improve the quality of the wines. Les Macherelles is located on the farest side of Chassagne-Montrachet close to Puligny-Montrachet. — 9 years ago

Jim Wagonfeld

9.3

A singular expression of SB that with this bottle matches the reputation and expectation. I keep these no more than 10 years and like others on CT have experienced multiple oxidized bottles. — 3 years ago

with Judy

Jay Kline

9.4

The wines of Roger Sabon have been on my radar for about ten years now and I have always thought the “Prestige” designation was, pound-for-pound, one of the better values in all of Chateauneuf-du-Pape. However, for one reason or another, I never seem to drink them that often. This particular bottle of “Le Secret des Sabon” was a lone singleton resting in my cellar since release. My wife, after an unusually exhausting week of work, said she wanted to drink something “impressive”...which means to me that the juice better not suck. And while “Le Secret” has a reputation for being one of the great wines from the entire appellation, I was taking some risk when I selected this bottle since I had no personal experience with it. As soon as I pulled the cork, it was clear this was going to be a special experience. Glass staining garnet with a touch of color that looks almost brown-ish however, there are no signs of decomposition. There is, however, a fairly decent amount of fine sediment. The fruit...well...the fruit is simply sensational. We’re talking fistfuls of the purest raspberries and cherries with some star anise, slightly burned pie crust and black pepper. This is a wine of tremendous texture and balance. Medium acid and medium plus tannins, the latter of which are so fine and silky. The ABV is stated as 15% but it’s so well hidden you would hardly notice. My only wish was that “Le Secret des Sabon” wasn’t so expensive...but there is no doubt about its quality. Drinking so well now but could easily hold for longer if necessary. — 5 years ago

Clive McNish

9.2

Delicious Barossa Shiraz, classic flavours of blackcurrant, blackberry and plum with some spicy sweetness, vanilla and oak on the smooth finish. Deep purple in colour, I enjoyed it slightly cooler and I really recommend it. In general I am finding that 2016 seems to be living up to its reputation of being a top one in Barossa. — 6 years ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.0

Since 1880, Maison Joseph Drouhin has built a reputation for wines that primarily reflect their individual terroir and vintage. Medium Ruby with pure red fruit on the youthful nose,100% Pinot Noir. On the palate, this dry red has flavors of cherry and strawberry with a bit of licorice. Medium+ acidity with fine soft tannins on medium finish. Good now and over the short term. Nice value. — 7 years ago

Ceccherini Cristiano

9.6

It smashed away all the rivals at least by miles
It definitely occupies a sweet spot with me, but onestly the liveliness, vibrancy, enjoyment and, least but not last at all, the lenght of the aftertaste together with its cleanness they justify its reputation and fullfil anyone expectation
Young still
5th meeting on Burgundy — 7 years ago

with Claudio, Mauro and 2 others

Mark Martin

9.2

Lives up to the reputation - full and lush without spilling out all over the place. Spice and cassis up front. Cocoa and vanilla as it warms. Let it sit down even longer and enjoy your reward. — 9 years ago

Kojo

9.5

Good, good, good!!! Lived up to its reputation — 9 years ago