Black cherry, rosemary, roses and warm earth, licorice, potpourri, compact structure, firewood, underbrush, black olive, thick, full, ripe. Mocha. Could use more balance. The fruit remains somewhat in the background compared to the still-robust tannins. — 5 days ago
Still youthful at 40 years. — a month ago
It's time for my #FridayCabernetfix.
Dark ruby in color with a wide reddish, cloudy rim.
Red fruits on the nose with light oak, tobacco leaf, herbs, earth and light chocolates notes.
Medium plus in body with medium acidity.
Dry on the palate with black currants, black plums, cooked cherries, herbs, light vegetables, earth, dark chocolates and peppercorn.
Nice finish with round tannins and tangy raspberries.
This 10 year old Cabernet Sauvignon from Saint Estephe is starting to drink beautifully now, but still feels young.
Needs a couple of hours to open up properly, and will continue to age nicely in the next 10 to 15 years. Showing good potential to become a 94+ point wine in 10 years.
Rich, but not extracted. Soft and elegant. Fruity and complex. Nicely balanced and interesting.
Good by itself as a sipping wine, and will pair nicely with food too.
A blend of 82% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Merlot and 2% Petit Verdot. Aged in all New French oak barrels for 20 months.
13.5% alcohol by volume.
92 points.
$180. — a month ago
My Second Encounter with Clos de Tart
The first time I drank Clos de Tart was a 1999 vintage. Back then, I knew nothing about this vineyard. The wine was opened too briefly—still tight and unyielding, with a bold, muscular structure and tannins that felt a bit harsh. It wasn’t to my taste, so I soon forgot about it.
This time, I stumbled upon a 1990 vintage by chance. The label was slightly worn, but the fill level was perfect. After 30 minutes of decanting, the aromas began to emerge. By the two-hour mark, a distinct ‘rouge fragrance’drifted from the bottle—a scent often mentioned by friends who’ve drunk Jayer’s wines. I’d never experienced it myself until now.
The perfume was utterly enchanting:not overpowering, but a delicate, vintage rouge—like a blend of snow cream and the subtle powder used by women in the Republican era. It was neither vulgar nor overly flamboyant, but perfectly ambiguous, lingering on the edge of allure. Captivated, I sourced more bottles of this vintage, eager to see how the next one might unfold.
I saved a third of the bottle for the next day. While the fragrance had faded, the wine held its structure beautifully—a testament to its aging potential. This vintage is drinking flawlessly now.
On the palate, it was luxuriously rich, with a body that defied its age. The color, still a deep ruby with hints of red fruit, could pass for a 20-year-old wine. Notes of cherry, raspberry, preserved fruit, rose, and a touch of hawthorn candy’s sweet-tartness unfolded in layers. The balance was impeccable—like a hidden garden within a Suzhou courtyard, blooming in quiet harmony. The finish carried a clean, lingering sweetness.
This wine was so hauntingly beautiful that it inspired me to write my first-ever tasting note—lest I forget its magic. — 4 days ago
Boom! From the first sip - this wine was explosive and delicious.
Dark and black fruits come out and then lend to some red fruit and while it has good depth, this wine is very smooth.
Seems like it’s in the drinking window — a month ago
Amazing fruit. The tannins have disappeared and left an amazing wine — 2 months ago
Saint-Joseph 2018 – Northern Rhône, France 🇫🇷
A bold, complex expression of 100% Syrah from a vintage that gifted power, structure, and finesse. The V.2018 shows off the Northern Rhône’s savory elegance with a well-knit depth that speaks of place and patience.
Aromas open with an inky burst of blackcurrant, plum, and blackberry, followed by savory black pepper, nutmeg, and hints of honeysuckle and dried herbs. Deep and inviting, with layers that continue to evolve in the glass.
On the palate, expect a symphony of smoked meat, tapenade, and roasted herbs de Provence. There’s a velvety interplay of dark chocolate, licorice, and a touch of oak. Earthy yet polished, with that unmistakable Rhône grip.
Mouthfeel overall: Full-bodied and structured, with round, supple tannins and great tension between ripe black fruit and savory complexity. Black tea, bay leaf, and meaty notes add intrigue and a lasting, soulful finish.
A wine with serious aging potential, ready to drink it now with a decant or cellar for 10+ years to let the tertiary charm fully unfurl. A standout for Rhône lovers.
Pair with roasted lamb, duck confit, or aged cheeses. Santé!
— 4 hours ago
Medium ruby garnet , garnet rim . This has a spiced , slightly smoky red cherry , raspberry and rose notes , elegant and perfumed. On the palate this is very refined , with sweet red fruits , raspberry , cherry , light touches of sous bois , velvety tannins and bright acidity . Good density and excellent balance , good saline , mineral edged length . This is really open and aromatic , velvety , and so well balanced ,a model of elegance and purity . This just got better and better with more time in the glass . Drinking well now , though still very fruit forward not showing a lot of development, and I would imagine it will continue well over the next 10 years . — 4 days ago
Perfectly drinkable — 21 days ago
It is time for some Merlot on this #MerlotThursday. Let's bring Merlot back!
Dark ruby in color with a wide reddish rim.
Very fresh nose of cherries, plums, light oak, licorice, spices, herbs, chocolates, tobacco, earth and minerals.
Full-bodied and smooth with medium acidity and long legs.
Dry on the palate with blueberries, black plums, fresh cherries, light oak, spices, chocolates, black tea, dark coffee, herbs and peppercorn.
Long finish with fine grained tannins and cherries.
This is a delicious Merlot from Saint Emilion. Rich and engaging. Elegant and fruit forward with a silky soft mouthfeel.
This 8 year old Merlot is still young, but already drinking beautifully.,and will continue to age nicely in the next 10 to 15 years.
Complex and interesting. Nicely balanced and spicy. Loved smelling on it for a while.
Good by itself as a sipping wine, or with food.
A blend of 77% Merlot and 23% Cabernet Franc. Aged in (56% new) French Oak barrels for 18 months.
14% alcohol by volume.
93 points.
$125. — 2 months ago
Louis Martin
Ruby red, cherry aroma, medium tannins, paired well with duck croquettes. — a day ago