Tight Lines

Château Léoville-Las Cases

Grand Vin de Leoville du Marquis de las Cases Saint-Julien Red Bordeaux Blend 2006

Not sure I’ve had any other 2006 Bordeaux but decided to pull this to give it a go at nearly 20 years of age. Nice wine but perhaps not one that justifies the price point. At first quite tight, but after a 5 hour decant this really comes into its own. Lots of leather and dark blue and black fruit. Oak is really only apparent in structure now. Great acid. 13% which is nicely balanced. — a month ago

Severn, Andrew and 15 others liked this
Severn G

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Oh yeah! Our favorite S-J producer ❤️
Jay Kline

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@Severn G That’s a big statement!

Château Cos d'Estournel

Saint-Estèphe Red Bordeaux Blend 2005

Jan A
9.5

Already some nice development and drinking well. Still ample tight tannins that are partially resolved. Wait a couple of years for the next bottle — 3 months ago

Jelle, Roman and 27 others liked this

Château Latour

Premier Grand Cru Classé Pauillac Red Bordeaux Blend 2009

Blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (91.3%) and Merlot (8.7%). A bit tight and unexpressive right out of the bottle. After a 45 minute decant, this wine was awake and very alive. Dark ruby color. Aromas of graphite, forest floor, wet gravel and dark black fruit. Flavors of black currant/cherry/berry/plum, tobacco, baking spices, dark chocolate and minerals. Distinct notes of smoky oak and wet earth on the long and lingering finish. Tannins were a bit lighter than expected at first but developed with aeration. Quite savory, rich, full bodied and powerful. Beautiful texture. Exceptional (once it opened up) but not the bottle of near perfection that I had heard so much about. Thanks for sharing, Petey and Happy Birthday, Kase! — 5 months ago

Austin, DAD and 11 others liked this

Château Grand-Puy-Lacoste

Pauillac Red Bordeaux Blend 2005

Still tight. Let em sleep. — a month ago

Bob, Austin and 18 others liked this

Château Léoville Poyferré

Saint Julien Red Bordeaux Blend 2002

Such a deep and youthful colour!! Black fruit, ink, leather, cedar. Still tight and tannic, yet sufficient fruit, freshness and stuffing to go on for another decade…
Remarkable wine.
— 3 months ago

Dave, Jan and 7 others liked this

Tenuta San Guido

Bolgheri Sassicaia Cabernet Sauvignon Cabernet Franc 2015

Lucid and supple. Rounded fruit. Contained. Not too hot with lovely purity. Great stuff. A little tight. Some dried herbs. Delicious. — 4 months ago

Rick K
with Rick
Jay, Shay and 10 others liked this

Château Lynch-Bages

Grand Cru Classé Pauillac Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2015

Blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (70%), Merlot (24%), Petite Verdot (3%) and Cabernet Franc (3%). Dark ruby/purple color. Aromas of plush black fruit, violets, graphite, leather, cedar and wet gravel. Jammy raspberry and blackberry fruit flavors with additional notes of plums, black currants, mocha, coffee, tobacco and baking spices. Beautiful hints of smoke and dusty earth on the long and precise finish. Rich and concentrated with great intensity. Medium-plus body and some noticeable tannins. Still a bit tight, but heading to a very good place. Thank you so much for the wonderful gift, Kasey and Pete! — 6 months ago

Paul, Jamie and 9 others liked this

Mommessin

Clos de Tart Grand Cru Pinot Noir 1990

My Second Encounter with Clos de Tart

The first time I drank Clos de Tart was a 1999 vintage. Back then, I knew nothing about this vineyard. The wine was opened too briefly—still tight and unyielding, with a bold, muscular structure and tannins that felt a bit harsh. It wasn’t to my taste, so I soon forgot about it.

This time, I stumbled upon a 1990 vintage by chance. The label was slightly worn, but the fill level was perfect. After 30 minutes of decanting, the aromas began to emerge. By the two-hour mark, a distinct ‘rouge fragrance’drifted from the bottle—a scent often mentioned by friends who’ve drunk Jayer’s wines. I’d never experienced it myself until now.

The perfume was utterly enchanting:not overpowering, but a delicate, vintage rouge—like a blend of snow cream and the subtle powder used by women in the Republican era. It was neither vulgar nor overly flamboyant, but perfectly ambiguous, lingering on the edge of allure. Captivated, I sourced more bottles of this vintage, eager to see how the next one might unfold.

I saved a third of the bottle for the next day. While the fragrance had faded, the wine held its structure beautifully—a testament to its aging potential. This vintage is drinking flawlessly now.

On the palate, it was luxuriously rich, with a body that defied its age. The color, still a deep ruby with hints of red fruit, could pass for a 20-year-old wine. Notes of cherry, raspberry, preserved fruit, rose, and a touch of hawthorn candy’s sweet-tartness unfolded in layers. The balance was impeccable—like a hidden garden within a Suzhou courtyard, blooming in quiet harmony. The finish carried a clean, lingering sweetness.

This wine was so hauntingly beautiful that it inspired me to write my first-ever tasting note—lest I forget its magic.
— 2 months ago

Dave and Henrik liked this

Cantina Bartolo Mascarello

Barolo Nebbiolo 2014

Nice Barolo with lots of limestone showing minerality and brightness. Still a little tight after 11 years, but it’s fantastic with a nice piece of beef. Floral on the nose with juicy choke cherry, leather, unsweetened coco, tobacco, raspberry preserves, and crushed blueberries on the palate. — 4 months ago

Scott@Mister, Ira and 7 others liked this

Ridge Vineyards

Monte Bello Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2005

Enjoyed with a Cantonese beef stew, dad's recipe. Decanted 3 hours before dinner and it still held tight graphite, cedar, and black fruit notes. A touch closed up or young right now, will revisit my next bottle in 5 to 10 years — 6 months ago