Rhône, France

Domaine Auguste Clape

Cornas Syrah 2014

Jesus o augusto jason mazf lalo o diego jeff — 4 days ago

Ted, Jan and 4 others liked this

Paul Jaboulet Aîné

La Chapelle Hermitage Syrah 1989

This was still incredibly youthful. Would never have guessed ‘89. — 4 months ago

Domaine du Pegau

Cuvée Réservé Châteauneuf-du-Pape Red Rhone Blend 2021

Popped and poured. The 2021 “Cuvée Réservée” pours a deep ruby color with a deep but transparent core; medium+ viscosity and moderate staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is developing with notes of ripe red and black brambles, spiced meat, black pepper, some purple flowers and stony minerals. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannin and medium acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long. This comes across lighter and more Burgundian than the last handful of vintages; almost giving me some 2014 vibes (which is a vintage in the last decade that I adore). It’s really good and shows a bit more elegance that I quite like. Looking forward to tracking this vintage as time goes on. Drink now with some patience and should be cracking through 2041 with ease. — a month ago

Ira, Severn and 12 others liked this

Château Rayas

Réservé Châteauneuf-du-Pape Grenache Blend 2011

Almost perfect. Stewed fruit, great bitterness, extremely round and perfect tannins. Close to a grand cru burgundy in a good year with 10-15 years of age. — 5 days ago

Jan, Brecht and 1 other liked this

Château de Beaucastel

Châteauneuf-du-Pape Red Rhône Blend 2017

Transparent, singing. Ripe but tense. Truly top tier fruit. — a month ago

Jan, Peter and 26 others liked this

Krug

Grande Cuvée Brut Champagne Blend

Drinking, not tasting! Late release grande cuvee, vintage unknown, but somewhere between 1967 and 1981 — 13 days ago

Jan, Ivor and 8 others liked this

Olga Raffault

Les Picasses Chinon Cabernet Franc 2014

Broke out one of my cellared Raffaults for my homeboy who graced me with a home cooked Tuscan styled flank steak w rosemary & arugula, as well as Israeli cous cous w chickpeas, charred tomatoes, feta, & herbs. Light Cadmium red hued & strong color though ( good cork- not a guarantee w Raffault!); dense Hibiscus, fresh raspberry & some bramble on nose; on palate very clean & smooth mouthfeel, with the initial flavors repeated but a deeper blend of red fruits & a stronger presence of under brush. Super fresh & integrated. Elegant, & the Burgundy echo was hard to ignore. Not Uber complex but not monolithic either, which this line of Raffault can be in its youth ( or as it ages). Very impressive, & accessible now. Curious how my ‘02 & 07s will fare… — 10 days ago

Owen Mazon
with Owen
Ira, Pinotman and 8 others liked this
Ira Schwartz

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@Peter Sultan I am always surprised this is not on more restaurant wine-lists given the price to quality ratio.
Peter Sultan

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I have no evidence other than anecdotal but I suspect bottle variability- both from my experience and from what wine stores have told me. I imagine too it’s a tricky wine to sell given it can really shut down for periods. But all guesses @Ira Schwartz …..

Domaine du Vieux Télégraphe

La Crau Châteauneuf-du-Pape Red Rhone Blend 1988

Lovely mature CdP, redfruits, nice balance, medium-long finish, starting to show just a little oxidation. — 13 days ago

Jim Powers
with Jim
Aravind, Bob and 4 others liked this

Domaine Jean-Louis Chave

Hermitage Syrah 1989

Not to be outdone, the 1989 Chave Hermitage Rouge showed more brambles than the ’88 along with other desiccated blue and black fruits. Dried flowers, beef, blood, leather and mushrooms. Every time I have the pleasure of drinking old Chave, I’m reminded that these wines have so much character and there is a reason they are so adored. Lovely with grilled lamb and Moroccan spices. Drink now through 2040. — a month ago

Severn, Lyle and 8 others liked this

Krug

Brut Champagne Blend 1988

Tasting group meet up with many of the regulars not able to attend . I knew the organizer invited someone whom we had not tasted with in about 15 years . He certainly made an entrance bringing this, in magnum no less. When poured it showed a fine mousse but it faded quickly. A very broad nose that hinted of some age. In the mouth it was like a sports car traveling a highway. Almond , brioche and some oxidative notes sped thru my mouth. The flavors accelerated only to linger similar to when you take your foot off the accelerator. Coasted effortlessly with no need to step on the brakes — 22 days ago

Austin, Jan and 34 others liked this
Shay A

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I was fortunate to have this a year or two ago (in 750) and was completely spellbound. I’d like to find one for myself one of these days.
Jay Kline

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Oh snap!