1986 vintage. Tasted through 5 bottles at a 1986 BDX dinner at Mister A's-San Diego. Double decanted and tasted over 5 hours. Tremendous bottle variation in the nose. That expected, light Beychevelle body (similar to L'Evangile in Pomerol) aping Burgundy. Bouquet was all over the place but the five bottles consistently sung. Yes, there was brett here and there. Did it DQ any particular bottle(s)? Not from my perch. Better than anticipated. Can see this going steady in this phase for another 4-5 years before dropping down a notch. 3.14.24. — 14 days ago
1986 vintage. Sampled five bottles for a 1986 BDX tasting @ Mister A's in San Diego. Double decanted and tasted over four hours. Medium body. Pretty rustic early on and that stayed consistent till the end. Opened up a little later with a splash of bright cherry fruit. Should stay the course for another 5-6 years. 3.14.24 — 14 days ago
Was a strange experience upon popping the bottle. Classic gonan hid beneath the surface of wild acid. With a lil decant it integrated and the black olive and stone Rhône emerged. Not a flawed bottle but an expression I haven’t had before. Perfect with chicken Marsala. — 12 days ago
+3 hour decant(some chunky/fine sediment). A remarkable dark garnet color. On the nose: dark plum/currants, forest floor, touch of mint and leather, smokey brisket. Taste: layered, structured, dry wine with plum, cassis, tobacco, cedar, currants and a tangy spiced raspberry medium plus finish. YUM! No hurry, time to go. — 6 days ago
1986 vintage. 5 bottles tasted for a 1986 vintage BDX dinner @ Mister A's-San Diego. This was up against other 1986's Pichon-Lalande, Beychevelle, Gruaud-Larose, Montrose and Cos. Double decanted and tasted over 5 hours. Respectable sed. Effin pop and pour now. Right right now. The clear winner. So good with balance and enough fruit without having to reach or rationalize. If you're not able to access for 7-10 years, you should be okay. Delicious. 3.14.24. — 14 days ago
2016 vintage. Always understated style. Lean throughout. Light-medium body with dedicated, yet delicate, push. Distinctive producer. Enduring delivery currently. Obviously not for everyone but for those that get it, borders on obsession. Mushrooms. Drying earth. Light cedar. Cassis. Subdued sandalwood. Very close to being the Burgundy of St. Julien. Last tasted 9.20.21 and scored same. 3.16.24. — 12 days ago
Ron Siegel
Such a great wine, perfect balance, acidity showing citrus, orchid fruit with a stony, mineral, chalk & saline finish — 7 days ago