Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego

9.3

2020 vintage. 100% Grenache. Ripe, spicy biggie in need of a decade's worth of time or a serious decant. 4.19.23. — 3 years ago

J Chechik

9.3

Besides having a great, cool label - Herman Story wines are so spectacular. This is not your standard “red blend” & the Tempranillo/Petit Verdot give a great complexity. Easily paired w/ a huge range of food. — 5 years ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.4

The mouthfeel is a velvet glove. Just gorgeous and soft on the palate. Its hit a good phase & will still improve for another 7-10 years. Floral fruits with a raspberry heavy lean, blackberries, dark cherries, suppressed blackberries/black raspberries and a touch blue fruits. Soft graphite, used leather, dark rich soil, dry stone, crushed rock powder, fresh tobacco with brilliant florals that are purple, blue and framed in a field of violets. The acidity round & beautiful. The long elegant, well knitted & balance finish shows all the aged finesse & elegance that is classically Marqaux.

Photos of; Chateau Lascombes, modern & stylish barrel room and our Allen Brothers Ribcap, Crispy Potato Wedges and Caramelized Cooked Carrots. — 6 years ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.3

Pontet Canet tasting and dinner with Alfred Tesseron.

The 96 is a nice surprise add from Clyde’s cellar. Thank you Clyde.

This 96 is beautifully floral. The evolution is right around its peak. The body is medium full and the tannins soft. It’s an elegant beauty.

The fruits are ripe and delicious. Leaner blackberries, black raspberries, dark cherries, strawberries and shades of raspberries. Soft earth; dry top soil, dry rock, limestone minerals, old tobacco, soft leather, cedar with dry and withering red & dark florals. The acidity is like a waterfall. The long finish is well balanced fruit & earth and in a sweet spot.

Photos of; our dinner group, tasting room at Pontet Canet, the horse plows they still use in the fields and Chateau Pontet Canet. — 7 years ago

Mike Saviage

9.4

Tawny purple, opaque. With 3 hours of air the nose blossomed and exhibited the grace and power of a great Vosne. Notes of black cherries, Asian spice, some menthol, dark moist black soil, some sandalwood and a little rose petal. This powered up with air and showed its stuff over several hours of consumption. Great wine. — 7 years ago

Ron R

9.2

Superb SB.
From the cellar of @David L. Thank you, sir. Our love to you and yours! — 8 years ago

Alexandre Pagliano

9.0

Small vintage great wine type of story here. Really good length and balance on a very typical Lynch Bages. Wont make old bones but its great wine for the price. Instant gratification. — 8 years ago

with Adriana

Mike Saviage

9.7

Tasted blind. Reddish tawny, translucent and old looking. Awesome nose. Notes of leather saddle, pencil lead, currants, cherry, soil, and some toasted hickory. All guessed 61 Bordeaux. This got better through the night and was at its best in the last glass. — 8 years ago

Mike Saviage

9.9

Tasted blind. Tawny but still with a dark ruby core. Nose has diverse notes of dried cherries, brush, some soil and a little eucalyptus. Rich and has perfect balance in the mouth. With the last sip this wine had 9+ hours of air and it was still perfectly balanced. This started great and stayed on a plateau of greatness all night. — 9 years ago

Kyle Groombridge

9.3

"I make wine at Lafite and Latour, but my heart is at Calon"... I can see why Nicolas Alexandre Marquis de Segur said these iconic words after having this wine in my glass. The nose is so inviting with warm spice, cigar smoke, embers, and toast. Raspberry syrup, plums, vanilla, and toffee on the palate. Nice thread of smoke throughout with nice balancing fresh fruit. What an enjoyable wine! 20 months in new oak - obviously the more accessible style the new owners are going for... the Pinot the other night gave an experience, this one tells a story. — 10 years ago

Rob Klafter

9.4

The delight of a well aged wine. Pine and underbrush. Soil and peat. Sweet fruit wrapped in earthy structure — 11 years ago

André Guérin

Manager Ambassador Wines & Spirits

10

True story: at some point in this bottle's 23 years of aging, the cork sank into the bottle. When I saw that that had happened, I thought I'd lost this treasure. I thought it had to be bad, but nope. This legendary wine withstood the test of time! Even without a cork intact, the wine stayed really, really good. Thank goodness and yummmmm-y! — 13 years ago

Brandon Boesch

9.7

Second bottle was outstanding. Olive brine, blackberries, crushed dried flowers, plum, more forest/woodsy flavors. Lingering finish. To me this is better than pax Sonoma hillside 2018. It has more fruit but still this awesome herbal, flower, olive component. Less game. — 3 years ago

Ryan Vento

9.2

An enjoyable cab with plenty of oomph, yet enough nuance and finesse to keep things interesting. Baking spices, blackberry cobbler, worn saddle leather, and some sweet tobacco. — 6 years ago

with Becca and Krystal

Fredrik Finn

9.2

As the summer is slipping out of our hands, its time to to pop those complex reds that we’ve been lastning for. Produttori del Barbaresco is considered one of the best cooperatives in the world and its 2016 Barbaresco is a solid proof of that statement.
Restrained at first and needs a couple of hours in the decanter to reach its climax. True to its provenance its clasically crafted, and puts up complex profile of red cherries, rose hip, strawberries, spice, bitter orange and a volatile dried floral lift over a canvas of wet soil.
An offensive approach on the palate with a high acidity and a generous portion of mouth coating tannins that is well accompanied by a pronounced fruit profile with an evolving finish. Very good indeed, but is a couple of level behind to reach the higher tiers. — 6 years ago

Kirk F

9.2

A richly textured wine aging gracefully. A slathering of almond, honeysuckle and tropical flavors coat the palate entirely. Still so delicious! — 7 years ago

Jean-Francois Pelletier

9.6

Beautiful ruby color with a garnet rim. Red and back fruit, soil, lead pencil, clay and dry herbs on the nose. Same on the palate with hints of white pepper that lasts on the lingering finish. Almost rated it on the nose only. Such a treat, all class and elegance. — 7 years ago

with Frankie

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.2

If you want to impress a Somm with a bottle of wine, bring a Grand Cru Gamay. I hate using the term Beaujolais. It gives a lot of people the lesser impression of Beaujolais Nouveau which, equates to the impression left by Blue Nun in the 70’s/early 80’s and Yellow Tail in and around 2000.

This is one of my favorite producers of Gamay, a member of the “Gang of Four”; Lapierre, Thevenet, Foillard & Breton. There is a fifth honoree member to the “Gang of Four”, Yvon Metras, who I enjoy equally. If you want to finally appreciate this varietal, look for one of these producers from Morgan or Fleurie.

The nose reveals; dark cherries, blackberries, dark plum, stewed plum, baked strawberries, blueberry hues, spearmint, granitic minerals/soil, dark berry cola, thyme, rich forest floor, touch of cinnamon, very light caramel, dark chocolate, Indian spices, berry bubblegum, touch of band-aid, steeped fruit teas, limestone minerals, a whiff of black pepper, dark red, purple fresh flowers with shades of violets.

The body is full, rich and guides over the palate. It shows some tannins. The structure & tension are still big. The length and balance are at the beginnings of truly rounding into butterfly form. Still will benefit from 5 plus years in bottle. Bright red florals are far more pronounced on the palate. Ripe/bright; dark tart cherries, blackberries, dark plum, stewed plum, baked strawberries, half baked rhubarb with lovely blueberry hues, blood orange & dry raisins. Spearmint, tree sap, granitic minerals/soil pressed in to the palate, dark berry cola, orange peel, thyme, rich forest floor, touch of cinnamon, very light caramel, dark chocolate, Indian spices, berry bubblegum, touch of band-aid, steeped fruit teas, limestone minerals, hints of black pepper, dark red, purple fresh flowers with shades of violets. The acidity is like a warm summer rain shower. The long, rich, ripe, well balanced, elegant finish is nicely persistent for minutes.

12% ABV 👍

Photos of; Domaine Marcel Lapierre, Marcel Lapierre (may he RIP-2010), Marcel’s son and current Winemaker-Matheiu Lapierre and their Morgan Vineyard.
— 7 years ago

Oscar Rosales

8.9

Complex red, bold, semi dry, lots of flavor, strong red! — 9 years ago

with Celia

Sipping Fine Wine

9.1

Located in the communes of Macau and Ludon, Chateau Cantemerle, designated a great growth in the famous 1855 classification, has deep fine gravel soil. A blend of 49% Cabernet Sauvignon, 38% Merlot, 7% Petit Verdot and 6% Cabernet Franc. Black fruit aromas with spicy notes. On the palate dark berry flavors, a touch of pepper on smooth fine tannins. Long finish, well structured on a fresh ending. Needs decanting or a few more years in the cellar. Tasting Sample. — 10 years ago

Anthony Trumbo

9.1

Finishing off our second bottle of this meaty rosé with some sausage bolognese. — 11 years ago

Matt

9.2

Thought this would be dead but the cork held up! About 30 minutes of pleasure than quickly faded and ox’ed in the glass. Oh well. Dried sour cherry, tobacco, graphite, potting soil, green peppercorn, porcini mushrooms, cigar ash, worn leather. Light, vibrant acid. — 4 years ago

Daniel P. Drake

9.8

Yesterday late afternoon I had the pleasure of tasting the 2016 Luciano Sandrone Le Vigne Barolo. At first taste I knew this was a special bottle of wine. All boxes were checked on the nose as well as the palate.

On the nose were fully expressive notes of black cherry, strawberry, herbs, clove, clay pottery, rose petals, underbrush, tar and dusty soil.

On the palate were delightful notes of dark cherries, strawberry, red plum, licorice, truffle, herbs, dried roses, a good mineral note and dusty earth.

An outstanding wine from the word go, full bodied, well balanced with a smooth round mouthfeel, medium + acidity and medium + to high fine mouth coating grippy tannins that leaves you with a long pronounced fresh fruit dusty earth finish. This wine still has a lot to offer years from now. What a pleasure to have experienced this. I hope everyone's weekend is going well? Have a continued wonderful weekend. Please stay safe and healthy. Nostrovia! 🍷🍷🍷🍷🍷 — 5 years ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.4

When in doubt, a sure bet is a well aged, good vintage Heitz. @Eric Shanks

I intended to grab an 06 but, mistakenly grabbed an 07. I’ve not had one of my 06’s yet...next weekend.

The one thing I do every time I open one of my ten year or older Heitz Napa Cabernet’s is smile & think, this was sub $35 at Costco. It’s the wine feeling/definition of stealing candy from babies.

The nose is a beautiful harmony of fruit, earth and florals. Steeped, somewhat stewed, candied fruits of; dark currants/cassis, blackberries, dark cherries, black raspberries, mix of purple fruits; boysenberries, ollieberries, & mulberries. Dark, sweet tarriness, anise to black licorice, touch of incense, fire ambers, dark spices with violets palate heat, chocolate pudding, vanilla, light; cinnamon, clove & nutmeg, dark chocolate, caramel, sweet, soft, dark spice, dark berry cola, dark cherry kirsch, dark, rich earth, limestone, crushed, dry rocks, dry top soil, moist clay, understated herbs & dry brush, brewed coffee, mint, some sage & bay leaf, tobacco, dry, old leather with amazing, fresh & slightly withering & candied; dark, red, blue, purple with a violet & lavender frame. The acidity is splendid. The long, ripe, ruby, lush, elegant, well crafted balance of fruit & earth is delicious and persists endlessly with a dark spice on the long set.

The body is; delightful, ripe, rich, lush & full. The structure, tension, length and balance are woven in a perfect tapestry. This 07 has another 10-15 years easily. The tannins are rounded, smooth but, still have a dark, chewy, tarriness with baby teeth. The beauty of the vintage is on full display. Steeped, somewhat stewed, candied fruits of; dark currants/cassis, blackberries, dark cherries, black raspberries, mix of purple fruits; boysenberries, ollieberries, & mulberries. Dark, sweet tarriness, anise to black licorice, touch of incense, fire ambers, chocolate pudding, vanilla, light; cinnamon, clove & nutmeg, dark & milk chocolate, caramel, sweet, soft, dark spice, dark berry cola, dark cherry kirsch, dark, rich earth, limestone, crushed, dry rocks, dry top soil, moist clay & dry brush, brewed coffee, mint, tobacco, dry, old leather with amazing, fresh & slightly withering & candied ; dark, red, blue, purple with a violet & lavender frame. The acidity is perfect. The finish is; rich, ripe, ruby, candied, well balanced fruit & earth, elegant and long sets into velvety, round tannins and mid dark spices.

Photos of; the winery, tasting patio, old basket press and wide shot of the winery & Estate vines. — 7 years ago

Brent Morgan

9.3

Nice black fruits with a little with of cocoa and a little bit of dust. — 8 years ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.6

This wine is made by Dan Standish who started his career by traveling all over the world learning the skill of winemaking. He returned to Australia to make wine at Torbreck. After making Torbreck, he starting his own project. This wine is produced from a vineyard with 100 year old vines with a yield of only a 1/2 ton on fruit per acre. In comparison to quality Napa producers, their yields are 2-3 tons per acre. Dan is absolutely one of the very best producers in Barossa.

On the nose, mulberries, olallieberries, blueberries, blackberries, black raspberries, black plum, plum, blackberries, black cherries, dark berry cola, vanilla, dark spice, black pepper, dry crushed rocks, limestone minerals, soft leather, saddle-wood, coffee grounds, black licorice, dark, rich soil, lavender and violets.

The body is full, rich, ruby, lush and very inky. The texture is elegantly sexy. The 06 is still youthful & fresh. It still needs more time but, it’s delicious tonight. The length, tension, structure and balance are just coming into it own. mulberries, Olallieberries, Boysenberries, blueberries, blackberries, black raspberries, black plum, plum, raisins, blackberries, black cherries, dark berry cola, vanilla, dark spice, black pepper, dry crushed rocks, limestone minerals, soft leather, saddle-wood, coffee grounds, black licorice, dark, rich soil, purple flowers, lavender and violets. The acidity is round and beautiful. The finish is long, thick, ruby, lush, elegant, well balanced with deep heat penetrating dark spices that rise off the palate and lasts several minutes. The 06 is still 5 years from it peak.

Photos of; The Standish Cellar Door, Owner/Winemaker Dan Standish, beautiful Barossa Vineyards and the old tasting room — 8 years ago

Shay A

9.2

Ali Story, of Smith-Story Wines, was in town and did a nice tasting at Classic today. A pleasure to meet and very unique and enjoyable wines.

This is an elegant style Pinot...lots of brambly notes, kirsch, and cedar bark. All red and black fruits here. Ali said that the barrels this pinot is done in comes from Russell Bevan. Quite the opposite style! — 8 years ago

Sarah Stierch

Food & Wine Editor Sonoma Valley Sun

9.6

Best rose of the year — 10 years ago

Young Bock Lee

9.4

deep, dense perfume of violet, lavender. dried cherries, hint of muddy soil. balanced among fruitness, acidity(med plus), structure. med plus tannin. lovely! — 11 years ago

Jack Finnegan

9.6

Delicious. Dark spice, black pepper, deep plum, earthy notes of leather and soil, a perfect compliment to a well-seared ribeye steak. Meaty, bold, assertive. Wonderful gift from a wine-snooty friend, @Jay Svoboda. — 11 years ago