Paul T- Huntington Beach

9.5

Lunch 🥪

K&L notes as follows, Grand Pontet is an interesting property, positioned in the neighborhood of other stars of the appellation such as Châteaux Canon, Beau-Séjour-Bécot and Clos Fourtet. It is, however, a small estate, a mere 14 hectares, and its prices are much better than some of its more prestigious neighbors. In 1980 it was purchased by Gerard and Dominique Bécot, owners of the neighboring Beau-Séjour-Bécot. They have applied the same high standards to both Châteaux in their possession, and their winemaking team crafts Grand Pontet alongside the Beau-Séjour-Bécot wines. Recently purchased in 2021 by Domaines Clarence Dillon (Haut-Brion, La Mission Haut-Brion, et al.), the property was combined with and incorporated into Château Quintus. Full-bodied and luscious, this Grand Pontet is laden with ripe blackberry fruits, savory tobacco, licorice notes, and ripe, softened tannins. It’s seamless and bold, not shy. It’s going to require something decadent to pair with, such as filet mignon or some other black-tie dish with plenty of flavor and rich umami presence. — 2 years ago

Mike Jones

9.1

Tie with Markham — 4 years ago

Mike R

9.5

Wine Nerd Herd Thursday lunch which we like to call Sauvignon Blanc on steroids - the wines are delicious and the friendship is even better - this is usually a get rowdy event with just the gents but mixed it up a little and was a blast and definitely a little slice of Heaven

This was a tie for WOTL (lunch) with the Salix - loved ever sip — 5 years ago

with Aaron, David and 3 others

Shay A

9.2

I debated giving this a NR for its rating as this tastes like a wine that is made to taste a certain way rather than a wine made to express its region, but there is a tasty factor in play. Bordeaux blend. Michel Rolland consulted on the winemaking. 2nd vintage.

This is real suave and sexy in style, but I could see this being from a multitude of places. Ripe and decadent fruit that seems to just now be calming down 13yrs later. Mostly red and black fruits (black cherry compote), and cherry vanilla pipe tobacco both aromatically and on the palate. Stops short of being hedonistic, but the mid palate is dense. Finish brings some currant and herbal flair to tie back to Italy. Tannic but not a monster.

Decanted an hour and finished the next day, it didn’t experience much change. I’d consume these in the next 3-5yrs. — 2 years ago

Joe DAscoli

9.3

Out scored the Paul Hobbs Richard dinner by my fathers account but I think it was a tie. This was more clean and robust but with a touch less vanilla and lemon curd. Overall. Still a winner — 3 years ago

Chris B.

9.2

Third Nero d’Avola in as many weeks and this was the best one. Amazingly smooth and long lasting - a little whiff of black pepper, a beautiful mouthful of raspberry sauce and black cherries, with fig, carob and licorice to tie it together, plus seamless tannins... it’s 100% organic as well. Super impressed. — 5 years ago

Tree Kilpatrick

8.9

Cool bottle shape. Stands out. Lighter color. More of a clear copper color with just a wisp of pink. Smells extremely fresh and bright. Flowers and wild strawberry. Flavors are lovely. Mineral water, 🍓, apples, pears, and citrus. Ends with a spicy-incense hit. Smooth with a big body for rosé. This is a nice wine. Drinks like nice whites think Albariño or warm climate Sauv Blanc. Tastes worse after hearing about the tie to Brangalina and the divorce mess… — 2 years ago

David Kline

9.0

2012 vintage. Chocolate brownie with dried raspberries and tie red cherries. Baked black currant, dried blueberry, moist banana bread, violet in bloom, blackberry, vanilla, cinnamon.
Nice entry weight gives way to rich dark chocolate, dried strawberry, Cuban coffee, blackberry reduction, dark baked blueberries, grippy tannins, big fruit and density with a lingering depth.

#opusone #napavalley #napavalley2012 #Napa #robertmondavi #baronphilippederothschild #oakville #napared — 2 years ago

Robert Torretti

9.0

Heck of a Napa Cab. 15% (stated) ABV, but didn’t taste quite so alcoholic. Some earth and good black and dark red fruits. Enjoyed with a bone-in ribeye and assorted mushrooms as the main, and three assorted cheese course. Like much of California wine, just doesn’t tie into the food the way old world wines do. At Charlie Palmer Steak - Napa (not coming up on Foursquare?!?). — 5 years ago

Gordon Smouther

9.2

2013 varietal. Side by side with Rochioli Pinot. Slight favorite. — 5 years ago