Philip Deibel

9.5

We enjoyed this bottle last night, but this is a much cooler picture. Earlier this year my sister was invited to a fundraiser in LA where a friend purchased every seat at Thomas Keller’s table. Not only did her friend invite her to come with her boyfriend, but he also invited her to bring our parents. After Christmas I wanted to let her take a bottle back to LA for the dinner. It was a hard decision, but I went with some old world class. It turns out that he knows the producer well and is a big fan! Phew! I’ll be honest, I was blown away by Alban’s Reva, but then we opened this and it just screamed class. Such a refined and elegant beast. Balanced/Seamless. — 5 years ago

Joe D'Angelo

9.9

Following last year's sensational vintage, 2016 was another stellar growing season in Bolgheri and expectations were once again set high for Sassicaia. The 2016 Sassicaia certainly does not disappoint, as it is an absolutely monumental effort that completely delivers, and in some aspects even looks to be more compelling than last years brilliant wine. Composed of primarily Cabernet Sauvignon with a touch of Cabernet Franc, the 2016 is all about elegance, class and purity. It begins to impress with its striking aromas of fresh blackberries, dark cherries, fresh florals, exotic spices and wild herbs along with a touch of licorice and mineral characteristics all coming together to complete the seductive nose. On the palate this is nothing short of extraordinary, as it displays outstanding overall structure and balance along with remarkable clarity and precision. This continues to dazzle with its beautiful expression of incredibly pure red and dark fruits, along with exotic spices and floral characteristics which all work their way seamlessly across the palate before leaving a lasting impression on the gorgeous finish. The 2016 is without question another all-time classic vintage for Sassicaia, as it clearly possesses the elements that indicate an extremely bright future ahead, with the potential to evolve into a perfect wine over time. — 6 years ago

Dave Schneider

9.2

I have tried several examples of Prieure Lichine over the years. Some were great and others not so good. I was skeptical about 2004 and I shouldn’t have been. What a beautiful example of a mid life Bordeaux that is likely at or near it’s peak. Dry, earthy and tannic with a solid core of fruit. Well done. This can easily last another decade — 7 years ago

Jared Elder II

9.1

Great wine in our room having some wine and cheese for dinner. It was a great buy and really hit the spot. I think this will be a trip of “risk and reward”. So what is the price point and how good is it???? This is a really nice wine. Would have it again for sure. — 8 years ago

Nate Redner

9.5

Crushable. Great summertime wine. — 9 years ago

with Michael

Nate Jolly

9.8

Loved it. — 10 years ago

Kathryn Ryan

9.7

Thanks Brad great last wine! — 12 years ago

with Bradley

Joe DAscoli

9.2

From the 163rd edition - big dark flavor with very refined bubbles. Very griping champagne. Quite the contrast from last nights Blancs de Blancs — 5 years ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.1

The community of Saint-Estèphe has it roots in the Gallo-Roman origins of this chateau. A blend of 78% Cab Sauv, 20% Merlot & 2% Petit Verdot. Deep Ruby with aromas of dense sweet black fruits with herb and earthy spice. On the palate flavors of black cherry and blackberry, currant like, with tobacco, tar and hints of vanilla exposing mushroom notes. Well balanced, ripe textured tannins, long finish ending with earthy character. Nice, has plenty of room to develop. — 6 years ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.3

It’s officially Summer! Time for Rosé. Tempier is one of my favorite Rosés. They’re even better when you let them round out a year in bottle before enjoying. The color darkens to a slightly rustic orange color.

On the nose, some sour notes with a little funk. Sweetness and sourness in the fruits. Strawberries, tangerine, cherries, Georgia peach, nectarine skin, juicy watermelon near the rhine, unbelievably just a touch of petrol, gummy character, chalkiness and fresh pink spring flowers and pink roses.

The body is round and full for Rosé. Sweetness and sourness in the fruits. Strawberries, tangerine, oranges, cherries, Georgia peach, nectarine skin, juicy watermelon near the rhine, well ripened rhubarb, just a touch of petrol, gummy character, spice, chalkiness, perfect intensity of crushed volcanic minerals with fresh pink spring flowers and pink roses. The acidity is like a waterfall. The length, structure, tension and balance are excellent. The long, rich, elegant finish is beautiful and lasts minutes. It’s delicious!!!

Photos from our 2016 visit. Domaine Tempier tasting room and cellars, shot of our barrel tasting w/ their assistant Winemaker (a sweetheart), the digging for their additional cellar; which I imagine is now complete and the view from the Domaine entrance — 7 years ago

Bob Yoon

9.5

Might have opened this 2-3 years too early. Opened it on the advice of a former distributor of this wine and the fact that it was poorly stored before I came across it. Drank over three days. Still a fantastic reminder of how great and complex a Napa Cab can be. This is also the last of my Krannert wines if that means anything to anyone. @Jacob Emberton, CSW — 7 years ago

Michael Pennington

9.0

Fruit has gone mostly, but some dark baked prunes and figginess remains. Nice old Bordeaux, on its last legs I think. Stood up really well for the last 45 years though... — 10 years ago

Jon Barreto

10

2013 is slightly richer than last vintage, showing stones, gorgeous floral notes, and (when chilled) silken toffee. — 11 years ago

Jeff Hasmann

9.5

Unbelievable wine that shows the best of traditional Rioja. Layer after layer of complex flavors evolve with each sip. Mid-palate is silky with pronounced acidity and lingering finish. The aromas and savory flavors are strong and varied - red fruit, sage, balsamic, cedar, lavender, violets, tobacco. The 2010 vintage in Rioja was magnificent and this wine shows it off very well. At 9 years old, this is completely enjoyable now, but will get even better with 10 years in the cellar. I’d expect this wine to last 3 decades or more. 2010 vintage on Dec 3, 2019 — 5 years ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.3

Just like the African Bush, don’t come to the Egyptian Desert without it.

Celebrating the ending of a great trip on the eve of our last day at The Old Cataract on the Nile River with one of our very favorite N/V Rosé Champange’s.

Photos of; the pano view of the Nile River from our terrace, Sofia holding our other 375ml bottle BSR we brought from the US, the lobby of the Old Cataract and the grounds of the Old Cataract Hotel.

9.3 on the Billecart-Salmon Rosé and a 9.9 on our trip! — 6 years ago

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. — 7 years ago

John Malcolm

9.4

An excellent wine. Smokey, Rich, powerful, blackberry, currants, and fig. Drinking beautifully now, but will last for years (just sorry I drank my last bottle). — 7 years ago

Amanda Rehn

9.8

1980. Last one. Fucking fabulous. What else is there to say. — 8 years ago

Thomas Hughes

9.5

I was disappointed with my last Caymus Special Selection vintage, but this beauty brought me back to a bottle that won Wine Spectator's #1 Wine of the Year ... Twice!! Incredible fruit and balance. This can be cellared and enjoyed for years to come. Cheers!! — 10 years ago

John Skupny - Lang & Reed Wine Company

9.7

Charlie & Chuck's 2nd vintage - still going strong - all parts Cabernet old school style. Last bottle from the cellar. Meant to try it last year. — 11 years ago