The Happy Medium

Château Léoville Barton

Saint-Julien Red Bordeaux Blend 2019

Already so lovely, but still so young. Medium ruby red in the glass with long, lusty legs and a wide brim. The nose is exactly what you think a classic Left Bank Bordeaux should be. Cassis, plums, and tobacco immediately upon opening. New leather and oak with just the right amount of earth. Very nice.

Big, powerful, and virile. Amazing balance and purity for a wine so young. Still a bit tannic at times but decanting certainly helps with that. Pretty fruit on the palate with blackberries and cherries. Soft vanilla undertones from start to finish along with licorice and more earth on the tongue.

Very impressive with such depth and such personality. As good as this is today it will be so much better if you can show patience. Put these away and try your best to forget about them and you will be rewarded.
— 5 months ago

Douglas, Ruud and 12 others liked this
"Odedi"

"Odedi" Influencer Badge

Very nice wine

Château Léoville Poyferré

Saint Julien Red Bordeaux Blend 1986

Medium deep ruby garnet with wide garnet rim . Open and classic on the nose with tobacco , grafite , herbal , mint , seaweed and some mixed summer fruits . On the palate this is quite fresh and slightly lean in style , quite rustic , bitty tannins and a herbal touch. Mixed summer fruits on the mid palate and a reasonable earthy tobacco tinged finish . Best drunk now and over the next few years on the basis of this bottle . — 6 months ago

Tom, Shay and 9 others liked this

La Rioja Alta

Gran Reserva 904 Rioja Tempranillo Graciano 2015

Happy New Year!

94 points
— 7 months ago

Andrew, Bob and 13 others liked this
Ron R

Ron R Influencer Badge Premium Badge

Right back at ya 🎈

Beaulieu Vineyard

Private Reserve Georges de Latour Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2021

Deep ruby color. Red fruit, black currant, and cedar on the nose. Dry and bold. Flavors of blackberrt, chocolate, oak, and coffee. Medium+ tannins and acid with a great finish. Number 2 in top 100 in Wine Spectator. — 9 months ago

Bob, Ron and 2 others liked this

Silver Oak

Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2020

Deep ruby; medium plus aromas of new leather, coconut, cocoa nibs, ripe red and black plums; high alcohol, high tannins — 10 months ago

Juan, Dave and 1 other liked this

Liquid Farm

Vogelzang Vineyard Mourvedre Rosé 2019

Still our fave — 5 years ago

Eric, Shay and 25 others liked this

Ruinart

Brut Rosé Champagne

Somm David T
9.2

A lot can happen in three weeks. Cheers 🥂 to that!

Top photos, April 11th. Bottom photos, May 1st.

Happy May Day all. Hope yours was as nice as ours.

Numerous notes still stand.
— 6 years ago

Sofia, Neil and 47 others liked this
Severn G

Severn G Influencer Badge Premium Badge

I used to go skiing on May Day, in New England that's becoming a rarity unless you head far North now, perhaps the climate has evolved?
Somm David T

Somm David T Influencer Badge

Wait, I thought you were skiing in your backyard last weekend or was it the one before? ❄️
Severn G

Severn G Influencer Badge Premium Badge

Two weekends ago, but I've stopped counting days, mostly.

Heitz Cellar

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2006

A very smooth cab. Cherry flavors with moderate tannins and a medium finish. This was good to drink immediately upon opening so no waiting! Will definitely look for this again. — 9 years ago

Caymus Vineyards

Special Selection Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 1983

JKT
9.5

What a nose! Fruit but strongly tinged with spice and hints of cigar? Medium body with fruit and acid but latter lingers into finish which RC says should note be for Napa cab and sign of post prime by 5+ years. But still great to drink. Next day under agon the nose lost that spicy note but the palette holding very nicely. More rounded today. — 10 years ago

Star Lane Vineyard

Happy Canyon of Santa Barbara Cabernet Sauvignon 2005

Opened an old one for Mother's Day. It decanted for an hour and it was amazing! — 10 years ago

Stag's Leap Wine Cellars

Artemis Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2019

2019 vintage. Better than expected as the last few assorted vintage Artemis bottles I’ve had have been less than good. Medium-heavy body. Decent spice and tea flavors on the caboose. 2.12.26. — 5 months ago

Somm, Dave and 15 others liked this
Dave

Dave

I thought 2018 was very good. You?
Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego

Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego Premium Badge

@Dave 2018 a great vintage along with 2019. 2019 is more approachable tho. Can't remember if I had the 2018 but this steady producer/effort had lost my trust. This example semi-restored my faith.
Somm David T

Somm David T Influencer Badge

Marchesi Antinori ownership now.

Château Cantemerle

Haut-Médoc Red Bordeaux Blend 2023

Château Cantemerle 2023 – Haut-Médoc, BDX, France 🇫🇷

Overview
A beautifully expressive Left Bank blend of Cabernet Sauvignon 71%, Merlot 18%, Petit Verdot 7%, and Cabernet Franc 4% that delivers immediate charm while retaining classic Haut-Médoc structure and aging potential. The wine shows vibrant fruit purity, polished tannins, and a well-judged touch of oak, making it approachable young yet capable of evolving gracefully over the coming decade.

Aromas & Flavors
Ripe blackberry, black cherry, cassis, and plum layered with subtle cedar, vanilla spice, graphite, and a gentle floral lift. Fresh berry brightness carries through the palate, framed by light savory notes and a refined oak accent that enhances rather than dominates.

Mouthfeel
Medium-bodied with supple texture and finely integrated tannins. Juicy, energetic entry with excellent balance between fruit concentration and freshness. Smooth mid-palate flow and a clean, persistent finish that stays lively and inviting.

Food Pairings
Grilled steak, roast chicken, lamb chops, mushroom risotto, charcuterie boards, aged Gruyère or Comté, and classic bistro fare. A versatile table wine that shines across a wide range of savory dishes.

🍷 Personal Pick
Cantemerle never disappoints, this is pure drinking pleasure wrapped in Bordeaux elegance. Juicy, polished, and instantly enjoyable, yet grounded with just enough structure to remind you why Haut-Médoc remains timeless. A perfect bottle when you want serious pedigree without serious effort.

Did You Know?
Château Cantemerle is classified as a Fifth Growth in the historic 1855 Bordeaux Classification and is known for producing some of the most consistently approachable and age-worthy wines of the Médoc, often offering outstanding value relative to its pedigree.
— 6 months ago

Tom, Vanessa and 4 others liked this

Château Léoville-Las Cases

Grand Vin de Leoville du Marquis de las Cases Saint-Julien Red Bordeaux Blend 2009

2 hour decant. A marvelous medium garnet color (decent fine sediment). On the nose: dark berries, cassis, forest floor, sandalwood, pencil shavings, chocolate, and cigar box. Taste: layered, balanced, still young wine with dark cherry/plum, cedar, dark chocolate, charcoal, and a lingering tobacco/leather finish. YUM! No hurry, a long distance Las Cases. — 8 months ago

Brenda Terzich-Garland
with Brenda
Andrew, Iwan and 18 others liked this

Billecart-Salmon

Brut Rosé Champagne Chardonnay Blend 2010

Happy New Year from Felix! — 3 years ago

Jody, Paul and 3 others liked this

Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin

Yellow Label Brut Champagne Blend

Ming L
9.0

It’s fun to have a Jeroboam to celebrate a very special occasion!Wine tastes better on happy days. — 5 years ago

Severn, Bob and 2 others liked this

Daou Vineyards

Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon 2017

Medium garnet with medium plus tears. Pleasantly sweet and semi floral in the nose with strawberry, rose, and cherry. On the palate, strawberry, cherry, cranberry. Mellow tannins and medium acid with long, smooth finish. Beautiful. — 7 years ago

Olga Raffault

Les Picasses Chinon Cabernet Franc 2011

Really nice, and showing quite well with 7 years of age. Medium color, extremely well balanced. Dark earth, black olive, savory notes for sure. Long finish with great acid. Excellent food wine. — 8 years ago

Ira, Jason and 15 others liked this
Jason Gelman

Jason Gelman

fan of olga.

Boundary Breaks Vineyard

Ovid Line North Medium Dry Riesling 2014

Great value, some of the more expressive fruit notes that I've had out of a Finger Lakes Riesling — 9 years ago

Severn liked this

Flowers Vineyard & Winery

Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir 2013

Light to medium bodied pinot. Bright cherry, and subtle cranberry on the palate. Smooth finish — 10 years ago

Caymus Vineyards

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2013

Really happy to find this 1 litre for only $129 especially considering 750ml sells for $100 in the store. First time for the 2013 vintage. Very similar to 2012 and another winner for me. — 11 years ago

Slava, Rick and 1 other liked this

R. López de Heredia

Viña Tondonia Reserva Rioja Tempranillo Blend 2012

Drinking this way too early, but it sounded good and it is good. Chewy, tart cherry juice, cedar, silky tannins. Happy Friday, friends!
Listening to Black Eyed Peas
— 6 months ago

Dawn, David and 31 others liked this
Tegan Marriott

Tegan Marriott

Which Black eyed peas album/song did you pair with the tondonia?
Dave

Dave

I got a feeling. Loading a playlist to DJ a wedding 🎶 @Tegan Marriott

Jordan Vineyard & Winery

Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2009

Splash decanted prior to service and presented to me double-blind. The wine pours a deep garnet color with an opaque core, moving towards a light orange garnet rim; medium viscosity with moderate staining of the tears and some signs of sediment. On the nose, the wine is vinous, with notes of ripe and slightly dried red and black fruits: plum, blackberry, raspberry, dried flowers, leather, cocoa, earth and some warm spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium tannin and medium acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is medium.

Initial conclusions: this could be a Cabernet Sauvignon-based blend or a Merlot-based blend from the United States or France. Due to the appearance and secondary characteristics, I think this has 15+ years of age. And, because this was leaning heavily towards its fruit, rather than its structure, I’m calling this being from the United States. Final conclusion, this is a Cabernet Sauvignon-based blend from Napa, valley floor, from a warm vintage like 2009. Dammit, I should have clued into the softer tannins from Alexander Valley. Scoring significant points though. Drink now through 2029.
— 6 months ago

"Odedi", Pooneet and 9 others liked this

G.D. Vajra

Albe Barolo Nebbiolo 2021

Really liked this but dont agree with reviews that it was heavy. In fact I found it medium bodied. A little high alcohol. Nice bite. — 8 months ago

Penfolds

Bin 389 South Australia Cabernet Shiraz 2022

Dark ruby color. Called the “Baby Grange” for a reason. Wonderful nose with aromas of dark fruit and spice. Dry and bold with medium+ tannins. Flavors of black fruit, mocha, toasty notes, and oak. Balanced acid with a wonderful finish. Great wine for the price. — 9 months ago

Château de Beaucastel

Châteauneuf-du-Pape Red Rhône Blend

Somewhat disappointing for a great producer in a great year. Medium body medium color, dark fruit hint of tobacco.
Hopefully a few more years will improve this wine.
— 4 years ago

Michael liked this
Michael Phillips

Michael Phillips

the Beaucastel was the 2007

Château Ducru-Beaucaillou

Saint-Julien Red Bordeaux Blend 1967

Decanted and really opened up in little more than half an hour. 54 years and still has vitality. There’s still some fruit but it is mixed with subtle acidity and soft tannins. A delight to drink and share with friends. Our friend was given the wine and wanted to share it. We all were quite happy.👍🍷🍷 — 5 years ago

Joe Becerra
with Joe

Château Montrose

Saint-Estèphe Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 1998

4h decanting
Dark ruby color, creamy
Dark berries, leather, tobacco at nose. Earthy notes
Medium long at palate, good acidity, full body
— 8 years ago

Agnese liked this

Dominus Estate

Dominus Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2003

Black olive on the nose, cooked plum, cassis, light tobacco leather. Medium tannin. — 9 years ago

Château Musar

Bekaa Valley Red Blend 2007

Absolutely amazing. Lots of good brett. Balanced and delicious. Great dark fruit aromas and flavors. So smooth. Medium high tannins and acidity. Perfect silky texture. A little funk on the nose and palate (positive). Aroma and flavors are out of this world. Leather bag full of cherries and raspberries. Blend: Cabernet Sauvignon, Cinsault and Carmenere. Complex. Delicious 13.5% abv — 10 years ago

La Rioja Alta

Reserva Viña Ardanza Rioja Tempranillo Garnacha 2004

Plum, black cherries, roasted figs, saddle leather, tobacco, pink peppercorns, iron, vanilla bean, baking spices. Perfect acid/smooth velvet tannin balance, medium bodied, elegant silky texture, long complex peppery/smoky/earthy finish. No brainer elegance. — 11 years ago

Anthony, Michael and 2 others liked this