One of the wines I supplied for an annual lunch hosting (co-host this time). I was really hesitant to open this given the fanfare of this specific wine, but also how DrCrane can be an in-between wine for me (so explosive young, shut down at 5-10yrs, re-open 10+). Decanted two-three hours.
Classic deep purple-black DrCrane in the glass. Aromatics are immediate with ripe blue and black fruits, baking spices, mocha and graphite. Just a little bit of high-toned EA to make it pop, along with this roasted character I always get from DrCrane wines. Opulent and polished in every way on the palate, this is a tidal wave of flavor with no hard edges. It’s a towering wine in the sense of so much concentration and depth on the mid-palate, but it’s so incredibly polished at the finish…almost shockingly so. The ripe fruits and the dark chocolate linger longer than any Napa cab I can remember. Iron first in a velvet glove.
No need to worry, these are open for business. Plenty of structure to carry a while, but this window seems like it was made for how this wine is drinking now. — a month ago
Blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (54%), Merlot (34%) and Petite Verdot (12%). Dark ruby color with purple highlights. Aromas of ripe plums, black olives, dark chocolate and smoky cedar. Black cherry and plum fruit flavors lead the palate with additional hints of cranberry, black pepper, graphite and tobacco. Long, mineral laiden and smoky finish. Mouth coating structure and very firm tannins. Vibrant acidity keeps this wine pretty well balanced here in its youth. Very powerful and concentrated. Will continue to improve with more bottle age. — a month ago
A 90 minute decant and perfection! — a month ago
2016 vintage. Last tasted 11.21.21 (9.3), Body has thinned out from medium heavy/heavy body to medium body along with one of the best BDX noses I've ever scented still performing as such. The 11.21.21 notes still holding up. Sprinkle a little corn meal into that nose and we are golden. Wine is currently in a state of transition but still so giving. Ridiculous value BDX. Need to pick up another 4-5 bottles. This is going to be a fascinating journey. 02.17.25. — 2 months ago
Dark ruby coloration. On the nose, dark berry, cocoa and leather. On the palate, full bodied, dark cherry, dark berry, chocolate, and espresso. Medium tannins. Not complex, but Nice table wine. — 8 months ago
92-93 what a sexy nose. A bit austere on the palate but it’ll surely improve. Nice and long aftertaste. — 18 days ago
A 2nd respected wine label of Cos D’Estournel (a 2nd Growth of the 1855 Grand Cru Classification) with a blend of Cab Sauv at 44%, Merlot at 46,2%, Cab Franc at 5,8% and Petit Verdot at 4% brings out an opulent, intense, deep, yet refined and properly-balanced red. The V’15 is perfectly poised, seductive, and extremely enjoyable. Eruptive fruity, with powerful aromatics in baked red fruits. The level of ripeness and raisins in notably persistent. Pagodes V’15 seats among my top favorites from Saint-Estèphe sub-appellation that will never disappoints and/or falls short of expectations. Cheers! — a month ago
Another excellent btl that was consistent with my prior notes — a month ago
This bottle had been opened the night before. The 2021 pours a deep ruby/purple color with a near opaque core; medium viscosity with significant staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is developing with notes of tart and ripe black and red fruits: mixed brambles, purple flowers, olives, black pepper, stony earth and a mix of cool and warm spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium tannin and medium+ acidity. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is medium+ and peppery. True to the vintage, this is a cooler expression of Chave’s Saint Joseph and I really dig it. Drink now through 2041. — a month ago
The 1999 Clos de la Roche VV pours a slightly hazy ruby color with a transparent core; medium viscosity with no staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is developing with gorgeous notes of ripe red and black fruits: raspberry, bruised strawberry, black cherry, dried red flowers, licorice, mushroom, sous bois, all spice. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium tannin and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long and dripping with complexity. During the first couple hours, this was pretty locked up and willing to share its secrets. Towards the end of the night, this ended up being one of the wines what really started to pour it on. My favorite pairing with the boeuf Bourguignon. Drink now with some patience but better after 2029 and through 2049 with ease. — 2 months ago
Red & black fruit showing cherry, cassis, plum with mocha, spice, leather & sweet tobacco that seems to be fully mature — 4 months ago
My continued quest to try as many 2022 Burgundies as possible.
So, after my first sip, I stopped & went to grab one of these and got the last floor bottle. This is my red burgundy wheelhouse.
The nose is somewhat subtle at this stage. But is dark, somewhat big and definitely brooding. Slightly candied darker fruits with beautiful dark, fresh & withering florals framed in violets.
The palate shows beautiful, near perfect ripe fruits of; dark cherries, plum, poached strawberries with hues of purple & blue. There are fairly pronounced tannin profiles in all this wines in this tasting. This shows more than the others. The body/mouthfeel is excellent. Dry top soils, dry, crushed rock power, dry herbs, red cola, both licorices, soft, dark spices, light baking spices, used tobacco, dry leather, a bit of lightly grilled meats, dry river stone, dry brush, bright red & dark florals framed in violets, excellent acidity and a excellent finish that is well; structured, balanced with elegance and last two-minutes.
10 plus years of cellaring will yield another two points.
— 6 months ago
We think something has changed at Montrose after the departure of Jean Bernard Delmas. Its not a bad wine by any means but the style is modern and extracted. At ten years this ie very drinkable and great quality but does not speak to its terroir as it used to. Hope its just one year… — a month ago
Super earthy at first, but with air the fruit/earth balance is equilibrating. Loads of irony/clay notes in the nose, with dark plummy fruit. Tannins are integrating but still present. This presents more like a 20th Century right bank wine than what is usual now, with fruit and softness but no overripeness and a nice sense of restraint. — a month ago
We had the 2012 Vintage on 2/14-15/25. An excellent Syray with tastes of blackberry, plum, mocha, leather and spice. As time went on the bouquet developed eucalyptus. Full bodied, New World. Fruit forward. I’m glad I gave it 13 years in the bottle. — 3 months ago
Nose of red fruits, black cherries, white flowers, mild black pepper, smooth oak. Flavors of ripe cherries, black pepper, vanilla and black currant. Soft tannins. — 7 months ago
Amazing! Fruity yet not too sweet. Medium body. Easy to drink — 4 years ago
Ron Siegel
Off vintage that is drinking well with black fruits, dried herbs, spice, crushed rock mineral & tobacco — a month ago