Ray Vanderhoff

9.3

An incredible story as well a great wine. Back in the early 2000s, The Vineyard team at Feudi di San Gregorio discovered three bush vines in their Anglianico vineyards that were not Anglianico grapes. After DNA research, it was determined the vines were the ancient Sirica grape varietal. FSG propagated these vines and eventually ended up with one and a half hectares of this grape. First release of a Sirica Single varietal was back in 2009. This vintage is a terrific red wine. Aromas of dark berries, leather, herbs and violets. Flavors of black cherry, blueberry, black pepper and cloves. Velvety tannins and fresh tasting. Beautifully balanced. This one is special and will get better with age. I need to find more! — 7 years ago

with John

Jay Kline

8.9

Popped and poured; consumed over three days. Dark garnet bordering purple color. Bright aromas of fresh tart brambles which take center stage on the palate as well along with some minerals on the finish. Extremely primary at this moment in time. No shortage of structure with acid and tannin in ample amounts. Very little evolution over three days. Drink now or hold. — 8 years ago

Jody Scharf

9.2

Nice spice. Dark fruits. Rich alcohol. Color of dark burgundy. — 8 years ago

Aaron Means

9.2

This is dark, brooding, grainy, and deep. Not the best by TRB. I prefer his other wines, this was falling flat with me. — 8 years ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.4

Pichon Lalande is my favorite 2nd growth with a steak. Yup...it's #SteakandClaret night to quote my buddy Gary Westby. Further, it's certainly one of my favorite producers period. I've waited for this wine to be in the bottle for 10 years before finding out definitely how good it was or wasn't. You see, the 05 Bordeaux vintage was exceptional. It's drinking right now better than 00. 00 may turn out to be better, but not for some time. The real issue was the division of scores between RP & NM. Parker had this as low as an 86 and now has it at 89. Neil Martin has been consistently at 95-96. I found it simply inexplicable that Pichon Lalande could have bombed in such a great vintage. Tonight, I know they didn't. This wine is beautiful. Although, I don't believe it will cellar as long as their some of their very best vintages and many others I've enjoyed. On the nose, bramble, ripe blackberries, dark cherries, notes of blueberries, poached strawberries, graphite, baking spices, cedar, lightly perfumed violets and dark, fresh & dry red flowers. The body is medium-medium plus, tannins nicely resolved with 10 years to be completely resolved. Fruits of; ripe blackberries, dark cherries, notes of blueberries, poached strawberries and pomegranate with a whiff of spice. There's notes of dry bramble, soft leather, fresh violets, graphite, cedar, dry stones, dark rich earth, limestone, tobacco, spice-box, vanilla, very light cinnamon & nutmeg. The finish is very long, elegant, ripe, round, smooth, good acidity and beautifully elegant...50-50 earth & fruit. I bought more bottles of this at $85 after it's was first released in futures and I do not regret it. $85 is proving to be a steal for this wine when it normally sells for between $100-$150 a bottle and higher. Might heavy up further after tonight if I find more around the same price. Oh yes...I'm with NM on the scoring. Photos of the Chateau, estate vines, newer tasting room & the Virginie de Pichon-Longueville, Comtesse de Lalande. Forgive my long post, but my passion and love for this producer is profound. Producer history and notes...as I wrote in an earlier post for Pichon Baron, Pichon Baron and Lalande started as one entity. The first mention of what is now called Chateau Pichon Lalande was the creation of Pierre de Mazure de Rauzan. Pierre de Mazure de Rauzan is responsible for forming many of the top Bordeaux estates today. Pichon Lalande was given its name when Therse, the daughter of the founder received the estate as a dowry when she married Jacques de Pichon Longueville. Pichon Lalande was essentially managed by three women, Therese de Rauzan, Germaine de Lajus and Marie Branda de Terrefort. On the eve of his death in 1850, Baron Joseph de Pichon Longueville divided the property between his five children. His three daughters received Pichon Lalande and his sons Pichon Baron. What happened next was Virginie, the wife of the Count of Lalande took over the management of the estate under the name of Comtesse de Lalande. In 1850 she commissioned the popular, architect Duphot to build a residence inspired by the Hotel de Lalande, located in Bordeaux. Without heirs, Pichon Lalande passed down from aunts to nieces. Following World War I, the Miailhe brothers, bought Pichon Lalande in 1925. They were the ones who planted even more Merlot. May-Eliane de Lencquesaing, the daughter of Edouard Miailhe became the new owner and general manager of Chateau Pichon Lalande in 1978. She expand the size of Chateau Pichon Lalande from 40 hectares to it's current 89 hectares. Chateau Pichon Lalande remained in the same family for more than 250 years! In fact, over three centuries, only two families have owned Pichon Lalande. May-Eliane de Lencquesaing sold Pichon Lalande to the owners of Roederer Champagnein in January 2007. This family-run company is managed by Frederic Rouzaud who owned several other wine estates in Bordeaux; Chateau Bernadotte, Chateau de Pez, Haut Beausejour and Chateau Reaut la Graviere. He sold Chateau Bernadotte in December 2012. In February, 2011, Sylvie Cazes was named the director of Chateau Pichon Lalande. She replaced Gildas d’Ollone. Sylvie Cazes was replaced in 2012 by current Director Nicolas Glumineau, who was previously at Chateau Montrose. In 2012, Pichon Lalande renovated the estate with a budget estimated at over 15 Million Euros. The new facilities included; building of a new underground barrel aging cellar and several new buildings...one that houses their new tasting room as shown. This renovation provided numerous improvements in their wine making. Most importantly, in the vinification. They created a new, triple tiered, cellar where everything moves by gravity. They also added numerous new, stainless steel, temperature controlled, double skinned vats. These new vats allow Pichon Lalande to vinify on a parcel by parcel basis as well as get much softer & gentle extractions. The 89 hectare vineyard of Chateau Pichon Lalande is located adjacent to Chateau Latour and and across the road from Pichon Baron. The terroir of Chateau Pichon Lalande is deep gravel with clay and limestone soil and is planted to; 61% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc and 3% Petit Verdot. — 8 years ago

Shaun McGregor

8.9

Dark berries, strong bold flavor, has a nice peppered spice to it. Delicious. — 9 years ago

with Elaine

Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego

9.0

2004 vintage. Drinking a little "hot" but brooding and still showing oodles of dark fruit-predominantly plum-and cedaresque tannins. Much fresher than anticipated. — 9 years ago

Mark Buchanan

9.2

Black pepper and herbs dominate rich, spicy dark fruits, cedar and fruit on the long finish — 10 years ago

Kellie Dolan

9.0

Very dark cherry with black cassis and hints of vanilla on an oaky nose. Strong tannins with a peppery finish. — 11 years ago

Jay Kline

9.3

High shoulder fill. Cork just short of being completely saturated. Poured into glasses about an hour prior; consumed over a three hour period. Color is a dark garnet with maybe the slightest hint of bricking on the edge. Intoxicating aromas of crème de cassis, tobacco, cedar, baking spices, and forest floor. On the palate, the fruit was remarkably fresh and vibrant for 35 years of age. Zippy, black currants, plums, leather and a touch of earth. Tannins are still holding fast! Finish lasts for a minute, plus. Stunning bottle. Honestly, it’s hard to think of a producer in Bordeaux that punches this far above its class. There was more than enough structure for this to easily go another 10 years...maybe even longer. Wow. — 8 years ago

Jay Kline

9.1

Popped and poured; consumed over four hours. Needed some time to open but already entering a much better, more pleasant place than when these were released. The nose is loaded with fresh brambles and underbrush. After about three hours of air, it also added a sort of spiced meat element. Lip smacking dark forest fruits on the palate. Wonderful balance. This is my sort of Zinfandel. Still a young pup...the future is bright for these. Drink now with a long decant or hold. Best after 2019. — 8 years ago

Ryan M

9.6

WOW at first pour this was incredibly smooth. After 2 hours this tastes like one of the best cabs I’ve ever had. Dark red, tart raspberries, cinnamon, spice box, cherry early but subsided over the decant, clove, pine tree, chocolate early, french oak intensified over the hours. — 8 years ago

with Larissa

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.6

If you thought Australian wine weren't for you or just weren't that noteworthy, you haven't had Dan Standish's wines. This is as good as any great producer I've had anywhere. On the nose, boysenberry, blueberries, black raspberries, olallieberries, raspberries, vanilla, nutmeg, clove, Asian spices, raspberry cola, dry stems and brilliantly fragrant violets. The mouthfeel and texture are liquid elegant heaven. 12 years in the bottle and it's just now peaking. On entry, it's a rush of ripe, lush; boysenberry, blueberries, black raspberries, raspberries &raspberry cola. Dark chocolate, darker but mellowed spices with uplifting heat, hint of pepper, loamy moist soils, dusty tannins, crushed dry rocks, vanilla, nutmeg, clove, blue fruit pie with crust, volcanic minerals, liquid fragrant violets, perfect acidity with a finish that doesn't fade and lasts minutes. The tension, length, structure and balance push perfection. photos of; estate with with Dan, wide side shot of the estate, a sample of the soil structure of the vineyard this wine is grown...under the top soil and Dan's estate vines. Producer history and notes...The Standish Wine Company was created in 1999. Dan Standish purchased a small parcel of Old Vine Shiraz from his parent’s vineyard in the heart of the Barossa Valley. The 96-year old vines are planted on the typical sand over clay soil profile characteristic of Vine Vale the sub region of the Barossa Valley. Dan never got a enology degree. He learned on his own traveling to the Rhone Valley. The influence definitely comes out in his wines despite the very different terroirs. He's worked in various regions around the world including; Napa, Sonoma and La Rioja. After he returned to Australia, he eventually became the Winemaker at Torbreck in the Barossa Valley. Interestingly, Dan worked as a chemical engineer prior to his career as a Winemaker. Meeting him for the first time in April was a pleasure. He is a true salt of the earth type of person, with a great sense of humor, who is absolutely passionate about making wine. He marches to his own drum...not at all a person who follows trends or changes styles if something or one becomes successful. His wines are beautifully special if you can find them on Winesearcher or other. He does not have, need nor want a US importer. He sells all his wine through his mailing list. You can order his wines from here but the shipping charges are hugely expensive from Australia. The shipping cost for three bottles were as much as the cost of the three bottles. The quality of his wines will stand in there with any producer world wide. Tasting his new releases in April was impressive. Finding a well aged bottle back in the US to enjoy tonight is simply fabulous! — 8 years ago

Greg Ballington

Co-Founder of Millennial Drinkers Wine Blog

9.1

Some more #whiteglovelove for you guys haha @David L @TheSkip @Bill Bender @Martin G Rivard @Shay Aldriedge @Shawn R @Ron R
@Carl Fischer @leon egozi


First wine in flight three for the Bordeaux Master's Class at Heart's Delight with all wines from Margaux.

Medium to deep ruby red. Layered nose with an attack of blackberries and cinnamon. Followed by an undertone of red cherries. Heavy tannins (7/10) with a touch gritty in texture, almost like a soft sandpaper. Quite a bit of a acidity but still balanced with notes of yeast, sweet spices, cinnamon, vanilla, and dark black fruits. Dry medium plus to full body with a long finish. Drink till 2037+. (91+) — 8 years ago

with Sean and India

"Odedi"

8.9

Very inky in color (almost black) with a short deep purple rim.

Fruity nose of blackberries, black plums, sweet cherries, dried figs, green vegetables, herbs, chocolates, leather, tobacco, earth, vanilla, oak, forest floor, cola, spices, peppercorn, smoke and alcohol.

Full bodied and bold with medium plus acidity and long legs.

Extra dry on the palate with blackberries, plums, cherries, currants, oak, vanilla, licorice, earth, spices, leather, smoke, tar, beef jerky, chocolates, mocha, dark coffee and peppercorn.

Medium plus in finish with hugh, green tannins and black pepper.

This teeth staining Petite Sirah, is still very young and austere for most drinkers. A little unbalanced, with big tannins.

Needs 3 hours to open up properly, and will be better in 3 years, when all of the component will come together. Still has some heat at the back of the throat.

A Great wine to pair with BBQ Meats. I enjoyed it all by itself with a gorgeous weather.

15.4% alcohol by volume. — 9 years ago

Stewart Higgins

9.2

Great dark ale, chocolate and nut/fruit flavored are very present. — 9 years ago

Adam Coy

9.1

Pretty tasty, nice balance between minerality and dark fruit. — 11 years ago

John Kemper

9.8

I dug deep in the cellar for this one, but the '93 Joseph Phelps Red Bordeaux Blend 'Insignia' amply delivered. Decanted for three hours, this dark purple/crimson blend was remarkably fresh and vibrant with lovely scents of black currant, red licorice and eucalyptus. Tons of black cherry, black pepper and cigar box flavors on the palate. Well-balanced and silky smooth on the long aromatic finish. Still plenty of life remaining and I luckily have two more bottles. — 12 years ago

Wade Chambers

9.5

Big backbone with ripe fruit (dark berries), currants, with finesse and elegance. Love! — 8 years ago

David L

9.2

11’ Realm Bard. This can’t be the same wine I had three years ago!?!
Slightly tight & needs a short decanting.
Color- Purple/ dark ruby. Big ,lush & graceful... all at once.
Dark berries, white chocolate, graphite. Soft tannins & moderate acidity. What an exceptional effort from this 2011 beauty. Drink them up in them next 6/8 years. What a wonderful surprise! — 8 years ago

Brandon T

9.3

Nice dark fruit. A notch below the GIII, but still excellent. — 8 years ago

Greg Ballington

Co-Founder of Millennial Drinkers Wine Blog

9.1

Second of the four year vertical we are trying out for #WAWineMonth. We had the 05, 07, 08 and 09.

Medium to deep garnet with brick edges. Quite a bit of oak on the nose with notes of cigar boxes, dark spices, dried fruits and woody. Medium tannins (6/10) and medium plus bodied. Well integrated with quite a bit of earthiness compared to the other three vintages. Very dark throughout with notes of cocoa, herbs and some black cherries. Medium plus to long finish. Showed better on day two. Drink till 2022.

Made up of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23.5% Merlot, 3.5% Petit Verdot and 3% Cabernet Franc. — 8 years ago

with Sean and India

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.4

I have to say this is my favorite Chateau to stand in front of and gaze. On the nose, spice, wild blackberries, dark cherries, blueberries, black plum, plum, leather, cedar, dark moist soil, wet stones, mint, tobacco leaf and dark fresh & dry flowers. It's drinking nicely with silty medium-medium + tannins & full bodied. Ruby, ripe wild blackberries, dark cherries, blueberries, black plum, plum, leather, cedar, dark moist soil, wet stones, crushed dry minerals, mint, tobacco leaf and violets, dark fresh & dry flowers. The acidity is round and mouthwatering. The long finish has great elegance, beauty, length, tension & balance. It's just starting to hit it's stride and has plenty of life ahead of it. Another 15-20 years. Who said 04 was a difficult vintage? This will continue to improve and will stun with another 10 years in bottle. Photos of the the exterior Chateau front & side, tasting room and Christian Seely Managing Director. Chateau Pichon Baron and Chateau Pichon Lalande were originally part of the same estate. Pichon Baron got it's name when Therese, daughter of the founder, received the estate as a dowry when she married Jacques de Pichon Longueville the first President of the Bordeaux Parliament. Chateau Pichon Baron changed because of the Baron Joseph de Pichon Longueville. He took over managing Pichon Baron when he was only 19 years old! When the Baron passed away at 90 in 1850, he divided his Pauillac estate. The sons were awarded what became Chateau Pichon Baron and the daughters were given what later became Chateau Pichon Lalande. Pichon Baron went through three rough decades in the 60's, 70's and 80's. Part of the issues were, lack of investment and they machine harvested. The first really great vintages for them were 89 & 90 after Jean Rene Matignon, Jean-Michel Cazes join them and AXA Insurance Company purchased them adding capital. The 73 hectare vineyard of Chateau Pichon Baron are planted to 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot. However, the Cabernet Franc and the Petit Verdot are reserved exclusively for the second wine. The terroir is mostly deep gravel, sand clay soils. Pichon Baron uses 80% new French oak and rests in barrel 18 months. @ FogoDeChao

— 8 years ago

Greg Ballington

Co-Founder of Millennial Drinkers Wine Blog

8.9

Third wine in flight three for the Bordeaux Master's Class at Heart's Delight with all wines from Margaux.

Medium ruby red with a dark core. Honestly, was very surprised with this. Seemed more New World over Old World. Tons of sweet spices, loaded dark juicy berries, and definitely some oaky influence as well. Balanced acidity and heavy tannins (7/10). Light red fruit like red currants on the palate with some stoney and woody characteristics. Medium plus body with a long finish. Definitely a baby and needs some time to hopefully improve. Drink till 2035. — 8 years ago

with Sean and India

Spinning_spins

9.0

Immediately displays aromas of fresh raspberries, spice and roses. Zero alcoholic burn in spite of the 15.2% abv. Silky texture, dry, but with huge, bright fruit flavor. Probably will get better with a few more years in cool, dark and undisturbed conditions. Also a very good value. Paired nicely with pasta. — 8 years ago

Kim Stanbro

9.0

Great price. Coffee, dark chocolate, glass looks muddled. — 9 years ago

with Dave

Tom Casagrande

9.1

This ungrafted 100 year old vines Carignane is excellent. Nose has smoky dark minerally gravel and ripe black cherry fruit. Carignane can be coarse and angular, but this is deep and richly textured. Nicely tamed tannins. Not super complex, but pure and loaded with character. Will work great with stews and meaty pastas. — 9 years ago

Shawna McGeouch

9.0

On of my fave. Well balanced tannins and dryness.hits all parts of the mouth. Dark ripe cherry — 10 years ago

Chris Thomas

9.0

Celebrating tonight! This is a fun wine, dark, smooth, cherries and vanilla. Enjoy! — 11 years ago

Greg Beattie

9.7

Good California Zin. Medium bodies with great dark fruit. It opened up nicely after about 20 min. Great value @ $17 at Reno Costco!! — 12 years ago