Tree Of Life

Salon

'S' Blanc de Blancs Le Mesnil Brut Chardonnay 1982

A life affirming bottle of wine. — 5 years ago

Ira liked this

Marcel Lapierre

Morgon Gamay 2014

Somm David T
9.2

If you want to impress a Somm with a bottle of wine, bring a Grand Cru Gamay. I hate using the term Beaujolais. It gives a lot of people the lesser impression of Beaujolais Nouveau which, equates to the impression left by Blue Nun in the 70’s/early 80’s and Yellow Tail in and around 2000.

This is one of my favorite producers of Gamay, a member of the “Gang of Four”; Lapierre, Thevenet, Foillard & Breton. There is a fifth honoree member to the “Gang of Four”, Yvon Metras, who I enjoy equally. If you want to finally appreciate this varietal, look for one of these producers from Morgan or Fleurie.

The nose reveals; dark cherries, blackberries, dark plum, stewed plum, baked strawberries, blueberry hues, spearmint, granitic minerals/soil, dark berry cola, thyme, rich forest floor, touch of cinnamon, very light caramel, dark chocolate, Indian spices, berry bubblegum, touch of band-aid, steeped fruit teas, limestone minerals, a whiff of black pepper, dark red, purple fresh flowers with shades of violets.

The body is full, rich and guides over the palate. It shows some tannins. The structure & tension are still big. The length and balance are at the beginnings of truly rounding into butterfly form. Still will benefit from 5 plus years in bottle. Bright red florals are far more pronounced on the palate. Ripe/bright; dark tart cherries, blackberries, dark plum, stewed plum, baked strawberries, half baked rhubarb with lovely blueberry hues, blood orange & dry raisins. Spearmint, tree sap, granitic minerals/soil pressed in to the palate, dark berry cola, orange peel, thyme, rich forest floor, touch of cinnamon, very light caramel, dark chocolate, Indian spices, berry bubblegum, touch of band-aid, steeped fruit teas, limestone minerals, hints of black pepper, dark red, purple fresh flowers with shades of violets. The acidity is like a warm summer rain shower. The long, rich, ripe, well balanced, elegant finish is nicely persistent for minutes.

12% ABV 👍

Photos of; Domaine Marcel Lapierre, Marcel Lapierre (may he RIP-2010), Marcel’s son and current Winemaker-Matheiu Lapierre and their Morgan Vineyard.
— 6 years ago

Ellen, Severn and 23 others liked this
Somm David T

Somm David T Influencer Badge

@Dawn Emory Hold it a couple/three years, so much rounder/softer & complex. Yes, I thought as I was writing that, I am really dating myself. 😉
Ming L

Ming L

My experience with Cru Beaujolais has been so so. Will look for the bottles from the producers you mentioned.
Somm David T

Somm David T Influencer Badge

@Ming Liang I would never say a wine or varietal is for everyone. However, I think, if you give a few of the high quality producers (of said varietal) a try after letting them resolve in bottle awhile, then, it’s fair to say, “meh, not for me!” Look forward to your thoughts when you try one or two. Cheers! 🍷

La Rioja Alta

Gran Reserva 904 Rioja Tempranillo Graciano 1998

Everyone knows I’m a fan of LRA but I’ve not had the 98 for a long time!

As I just found some @ £68 I had to try & it’s lovely for the money with lots of life left 👍

🍸 Perfect in Zalto Burgundy 😎

🍷 Garnet ruby w/ brick edge

👃 Smoked dark balsamic oak in spiced black cherry w/ vanilla cocoa cream, herbs, smoke, leather, coconut & caramel

👄 Med creamy smooth body of dark cherry bathed in balsamic & vanilla cocoa w/ red berry tones

🎯 Long chocky cherry w/ touch tart balsamic thick linger
— 7 years ago

Chris, Serge and 33 others liked this
Juan Pablo Perez

Juan Pablo Perez

One my favorites as well.
Chris England

Chris England

@Juan Pablo Perez we have great tastes 😉👍🍷

The Dreaming Tree

Crush California Red Blend 2014

One of my favorite "go-to" wines! Medium body, smooth finish, nice and fruity. — 8 years ago

Daniel P., Shawn and 5 others liked this

The Dreaming Tree

Crush North Coast Red Blend 2012

One of my favs I love all of Dave Matthews wine — 9 years ago

Château Cos d'Estournel

Saint-Estèphe Red Bordeaux Blend 1966

Really special, still plenty of life, eternal tannins and acidity — 10 years ago

Chateau Montelena

The Montelena Estate Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2001

Bright, fresh, tons of life left in it. Great fruit, crisp acid, silky tannins. Yum! — 10 years ago

Josh liked this

Corison

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2011

From my little house to yours... Drink this wine and life will be better. Young now, but don't worry. It just shines of pretty red currant, fresh herbs, violet/
lavender, potpourri, chalk dust (something mineral) very uplifting! Just lovely 😊
— 10 years ago

Cathy and Troy liked this
Cathy Corison

Cathy Corison Influencer Badge Premium Badge

Thank you, Lynne. Cheers!
Lynne Bryant

Lynne Bryant Influencer Badge

Cheers, Cathy Corison! Thank you!

Château Calon-Ségur

Saint-Estèphe Red Bordeaux Blend 1989

Blake Leja
9.5

Amazing, still has a ton of life. — 12 years ago

Château Pontet-Canet

Pauillac Red Bordeaux Blend 1990

This was the last bottle from a case I bought in about 1997. Over the 29 years since the wine was made, the noteworthy tar and tobacco notes that Pontet Canet is known for softened to an ashy-ness that is a softer version of a Mouton Rothschild. Still plenty of life left in this outstanding vintage, but the wine won't improve much (if at all) from this point. I enjoyed this bottle with Lucas Comfort, a day after his 29th birthday (1990). — 6 years ago

John and Anthony liked this

Château Cheval Blanc

St. Émilion Red Bordeaux Blend 1971

Wonderful example of how there can be surprises in these under rated vintages. This was full of life. — 7 years ago

Shay, David and 11 others liked this

The Dreaming Tree

California Pinot Noir 2016

One of my favorites. Just the right amount of fruit, wood, and terroir. A bit acidic but not too much. Pairs nicely with cheese and charcuterie. — 7 years ago

Olga Raffault

Les Picasses Chinon Cabernet Franc 1979

Seth Morgen Long
9.4

Quite elegantly red fruited, a bit of musk and savory notes, but surprisingly primary. Compared to the ‘89, this is lighter in structure, almost airy, but with years of life left. — 7 years ago

Abiel Garcia
with Abiel
Velma, Brendan and 8 others liked this

Dunn Vineyards

Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon 1999

This bottle was singing, with decades of life left — 8 years ago

Severn, Doctor and 8 others liked this

Château Ducru-Beaucaillou

Saint-Julien Red Bordeaux Blend 2009

#KWN Wine 7. Obvious Bordeaux from the bouquet. Full of life and energy. Full-bodied and unctuous, bursting with blackberry, mineral, barnyard, Haro's gym socks, mushroom and leather flavors. So smooth. Like drinking liquid silk. Damn close to perfection. After much reflection, not just the #WOTN but the best wine I have ever tasted. Moff you have earned the right to attend another #KWN. — 9 years ago

Andrew, Valerie and 1 other liked this

R. López de Heredia

Viña Tondonia Reserva Rioja Tempranillo Blend 1913

Eduardo Bolaños
10

Will most likely in my life never have again. First vintage of Lopez de Heredia 1913 — 10 years ago

Scorewine, Anthony and 12 others liked this

Harlan Estate

Napa Valley Proprietary Red Blend 1990

The first vintage release from Harlan estate. Now I can say I have been lucky to try every vintage of this wine. Long finish, with a lot less of a ripe attack than anticipated. Long life ahead of this wine made in a different era in napa. #timetraveling — 10 years ago

Drew, Maxence and 8 others liked this
Jason Heller

Jason Heller Influencer Badge

Have you had the 1987-1989?
Marty Winters

Marty Winters Influencer Badge

@Jason Heller I have had the 89 but no 88 or 87 yet.

Château Margaux

Premier Grand Cru Classé Margaux Red Bordeaux Blend 1934

1934 Château Margaux

Top shoulder fill. Semi-opaque at the core, almost like an old burgundy with its brownish hews. Beautiful and graceful bouquet of roses, raspberries that have been baked, very elegant and healthy nose. At first very dry, with the fruit barely hanging on for dear life, but after 15 minutes in the decanted it comes alive with sweet fruit, high acidity and just a kiss of tannin. This is very complex and sublime for about a period of 20-40 minutes, what else could you ask for from a 80 year old bottle of wine.
THANKS DAVE !!

50-5-12-13-5=85+
— 11 years ago

Château Montrose

Saint-Estèphe Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 1970

Donald Patz
9.5

Beautiful. Still plenty of life — 12 years ago

Marc, Ty and 6 others liked this

Château Léoville Barton

Saint-Julien Red Bordeaux Blend 1982

The 1982 Chateau Léoville-Barton red wine is a stunning bottling from this famed vintage in Bordeaux. Generously shared by some friends, and needing very little time in the decanter to evolve, the 1982 Léoville-Barton opens with a captivating nose of sour red cherry, cigar box with shades of white truffle and a striking herbaceousness. There is a wonderful, seamless quality to this wine that evokes a harmonious balance on the mid-palate. A bright saline streak dashes through this incredible wine. Showing a wonderfully soft mouthfeel, the wine slowly unveils layers of sour red fruits, exotic spices, red bell pepper, anise and hints of wild blackberry that all marvelously combine with the toasty oak. While absolutely delightful now, this stunning wine will has more than a decade of life left. Drink 2019-2035- 95

— 6 years ago

Dr., Ira and 34 others liked this
P A

P A

@Dr. Owen Bargreen Dr. Nice post Cheers 🍷
Dr. Owen Bargreen

Dr. Owen Bargreen Influencer Badge

@P A Thanks so much. It was a beautiful older wine 🍷👌
Hugh O'Riordan

Hugh O'Riordan

Good commentary

Dominus Estate

Dominus Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2005

A delicious fineness wine...truly a California Bordeaux. Nice balance, great structure, and many more years of life left in this one... — 7 years ago

Bodegas Faustino

Gran Reserva Faustino I Rioja Tempranillo Blend 2005

This has so much life left in it. Tastes like dark berries that got covered in dust after a rainstorm. Hints of vanilla and spices. Really well integrated tannins. An awesome wine. — 7 years ago

Pétrus

Pomerol Red Bordeaux Blend 1978

Best wine of my life thus far — 7 years ago

Debby liked this

Château Latour

Premier Grand Cru Classé Pauillac Red Bordeaux Blend 1945

Without a doubt the wine of my life. Elegant, dried cranberries, cigar box, beechnut tobacco, great texture. A truly magnificent bottle. 1/100 that would be perfect. — 8 years ago

The Dreaming Tree

North Coast Cabernet Sauvignon

Very nice. Jus enough hint of sweet — 9 years ago

Joseph Phelps Vineyards

Insignia Estate Grown Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 1980

Mitzi Inglis
9.4

Lots of life left in this wine. What a treat. From 3 liter. #josephphelps biased review — 9 years ago

Joseph Phelps Vineyards
with Joseph
P, Richard and 14 others liked this
P A

P A

A classic wine from a classic vineyard. Enjoy

Paul Jaboulet Aîné

La Chapelle Hermitage Syrah 1983

Tasted like it still has plenty of life left. What a graceful and elegant bottle. — 10 years ago

Hanif Perry
with Hanif
Hanif Perry

Hanif Perry

Phenomenal
9.6

Heitz Cellar

Martha's Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon

Still a lot of life! Nice fruit with smokey finish. Open that bottle night 2015 — 10 years ago

Simple Life

California Pinot Noir 2012

Fresh strawberry and rhubarb with a hint of spice; very smooth — 11 years ago