Purchased on release around 2003 and from the cork code of M251, it appears to have been disgorged September/October 2002. A little nutty and lemony, but with piercing and intense minerality, still fairly young. I've had the 1996, 2000, and 2004 Krugs in the last month or so and this was comparable in quality to the 1996 and drinking better than the 2000 and 2004. A spectacular Champagne and proof of the ageworthiness of the Grande Cuvée, I've had it at least 15 years and have no doubt it will continue to excel for at least another 15.
An added bonus is that it has the beautiful old gold label, which I much prefer to the current iteration, so it looks as good as it tastes. — 6 years ago
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
1980. Last one. Fucking fabulous. What else is there to say. — 8 years ago
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
Loved it. — 10 years ago
Thanks Brad great last wine! — 12 years ago
Yep you saw that price tag correctly 😱!! My favorite wine stop in Iowa City decided these were not moving! So I ever so graciously took the last three off of his hands!
@David T I was slightly concerned...no temp/climate control..just sitting on the shelf (thoughts?). Chance it I did and nothing off with this Tempier!
Delicious as always previous notes apply!
Lucky I am! 👍😁🤷♂️ — 5 years ago
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
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
Fantastic length and grip, will last forever! — 9 years ago
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
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
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
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
half bottle last night. bit 'much' to start. wee dram of water and we've grand rioja, though. next go was fine without the water . purists, please forgive me for the initial transgression... — 8 years ago
Mild tropical flavors, fresh and crisp, it's fantastic! — 9 years ago
Great with these amazing filets we had last night — 10 years ago
Our wedding wine, fast-forwarded 20 years. My third-place wine last night. Lovely creamy mousse. — 12 years ago
Pooneet K
Beautiful, beautiful wine. The last 96 we had was maybe a smidge more together but it’s marginal. Quite dark in the glass. Deep restrained red fruit on the nose. Tannins are slightly dusty but overall very seamless. Excellent refreshing acid. Perfect with a dry aged strip steak. — 5 years ago