Charles Hackett

9.1

I bought this Malbec for two reasons.

(1). I love a great Malbec and willing to try as many as it takes to find the best.
(2) My wife loves Llama’s.

I bought this bottle 3 years ago and stored it in my “cellar”. I poured the first glass through aerator.
This wine has legs, this wine smells of Blackberry, has subtle notes of spice, but not over spice. Yes there is a hint of oak at the end, but it is not over Oaked.
Having it tonight with Steak, it should be even better.
— 5 years ago

Lyn Farmer

9.5

Rich, deep Ruby color with pronounced songs of blackberry, cassis, violet and dark chocolate. There is a subtle and beguiling earthy note here as well and the wine is surprisingly drinkable now with supple tannins. It will be better still in two or three years but already a dazzling powerhouse. Big yet still elegant — 7 years ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.1

Tonight we went to La Brigada. Think the Owner likes Fubtol? He sponsors two teams from Buenos Aires.

On the nose; bright perfume red & blue floral fruits of; dark cherries, cherries, blackberries, blue fruits and black raspberries. Sweetened vanilla, very light spice, soft dark minerals, dry soil & clay, just a touch of red & black licorice/cola, berry fruit candy and bright red dark florals with violets.

On the palate; the body is medium full. The tannins are dark and fine with just a touch of stickiness. After an hour in the decanter, the wine blossomed from dark and mineral driven into bright, ripe and floral. The fruits are bright & floral; blackberries, dark cherries, blue fruits, cherries and strawberries. Loamy dry soil with clays, dark grainy minerals, vanilla, raspberry cola, dark fruit candy, notes of black licorice, hints of graphite, dark rich soils, beautiful, lovely bright red florals, red roses with candied violets, round acidity and a well polished, elegant, balanced finish. This wine needs another 7-10 years in bottle and will drink for another 5-8 years beyond that. Excellent QPR.

Photos of; the La Brigada’s outside window. The Futbol on top of the “Captain” decanter. My wife’s steak and the barstools all fitted with Fubtols. There isn’t a square inch of the restaurant that didn’t have Fubtol items or memorabilia, floor to ceiling.

The steaks more tender here than Don Julio. 50,000 bottle wine cellar. — 7 years ago

Neal Schaffer

9.3

Phenomenal. Super refined and developed on the palate. A burst of bright cherries and smashed, oozing red raspberries is lifted by edgy acidity. It retains earthiness without going dense. A firm minerality of wet stone keeps it grounded, and fresh red and green bell pepper pumps life through just about every drop. Where this wine excels is through its finish... long, structured tannins covered in dark cocoa, vegetal, tingly pepper, sage, smoked paprika, sweet tobacco, and pure fruit. You continue to taste this wine for over two minutes. This is serious, complex, juicy, and versatile all at the same time. Reminds me of just how fun the wine world really is. — 7 years ago

Hernan L

9.3

Great blend from Argentina! Deep, long and very elegant. Silky, with matured tannins. Shared it with two wine loving friends, who were as ecstatic as me. Finished it, and ordered a case. 8 years in, it tasted fantastic. — 7 years ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.5

3000th post. 🎉 On the nose; sweet, lush; black cassis, liqueur notes, sweet tarry notes, rich, lush; blackberries, dark cherries, black plum, plum, caramel, mocha, caramel, baking spices, warm, moist, rich, dark soils and fresh dark florals. The body is M and the tannins are round and soft. She is a beauty. Ripe, rich; blackberries, black plum, plum, dark cherries, black raspberries & poached strawberries. liqueur notes, sweet tarry notes, dark chocolate, mocha, caramel, baking spices, menthol, warm, moist dark earth, soft leather, dry rock powder, sweet black tea, fresh violets, dark, red florals, perfect round acidity and a rich, round, elegant fruit driven finish that last and lasts. Photos of; Clos E'Lgise and estate vines, signage, Helen Garcin-Leveque and her husband Patrice Leveque and their barrel cellar. Producer history and notes...Clos L’Eglise is one of the older chateaux in Pomerol dating back to the 18th century. The same time the farmhouse that is still in use was constructed. At the time, Chateau Clos L’Eglise was a larger estate. It once had been apart of the Gombaude Guillot. Eventually the estate was split in half. On one side of the street, you had Chateau Clos l’Eglise; which was owned by the Rouchut family. Across the street sat Chateau Clos l’Eglise-Clinet, which was owned by the Mauleon family. After awhile, Clos l’Eglise Clinet eventually changed its name to Chateau l’Eglise Clinet which also simultaneously gave birth to what we know today as Clos L’Eglise. While the wines are now produced by Helene Garcin that was not always the case with Clos L’Eglise. At one point, the estate produced wines under a leasing arrangement held by the Rouchut family. The modern era of Clos L’Eglise began in 1975, when the property facilities were all redesigned and modernized by the Moreau family. The Moreau’s also owned Chateau Plince. The old, non temperature controlled wood tanks were replaced by stainless steel. The vineyards were also expanded. Instead of buying more vines, the owners simply planted land that was being used as a pasture. Imagine now, Pomerol land being used to feed cattle. In the past, the property was planted with a much larger percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon, near 20%. All the Cabernet Sauvignon vines were eventually ripped out and replaced by Merlot. The next step of it's evolution took place in 1997 when the Right Bank estate was sold to Sylvaine Garcin Cathiard by the Moreau family. If the Cathiard name sounds family, she is the sister of Daniel Cathiard, the owner of Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte. The sale set a new benchmark price for Pomerol when it sold for 12 million Euros! Today that price would be laughable! Prior to 2000, that was considered a huge price for Pomerol. Further investment was needed to replace the aging concrete vats and again modernize the facilities. In fact, the first vintage of Clos L’Eglise made by Helene Garcin was produced at Haut Bergey in Pessac Leognan. Helene Garcin also manages two estates in St. Emilion, Chateau Barde Haut, Chateau Poesia (Mendoza, Argentina) and Branon, which is situated in Pessac Leognan. Helene Garcin was put in charge of the property. She hired Michel Rolland as a consultant and a complete renovation of the facilities took place. Michel Rolland was eventually replaced by Alain Raynaud. Starting with the 2015 vintage, Thomas Duclos recently replaced Alain as the consultant. Their property is nearly 6 hectares. L’Eglise soils are rich clay, gravel and iron. It's located on a sloping hill near Chateau Clinet, Chateau L’Eglise Clinet and Chateau Trotanoy. Clos L’Eglise is planted to 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc. On average, the vines are 35 years of age. There is one old parcel of Cabernet Franc that was planted in the 1940’s. Vinification of Clos L’Eglise takes place in 55 hectoliter, insulated, stainless steel tanks. The new steel tanks replaced the oak vats in 2012. Malolactic fermentation takes place in barrel. Clos L’Eglise is aged in 100% new French oak for between 16 and 18 months. The property also has a second wine, Esprit de L’Eglise. On average, about 1,200 cases of Clos L’Eglise are produced every year. — 8 years ago

Jan A

9.4

Adrianna Catena and Alejandro Vigil project in Mendoza Argentina. Single Vineyard Cabernet Franc botteling. 100RP / 99JS. Spicey, green pepper, extracted, oak, drying tannins. Dark fruit. Could use some additional time to smoothen the rough edges. 93+
Edit day two: much softer, would store this away for at least 5 years. Solid but not 100points like Parker and JS gave to this wine — 5 years ago

Dr. Owen Bargreen

9.5

The 2014 ‘Nicolas Catena Zapata’ is a gorgeous blend of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon with the remainder Malbec, as this wine was first made with the 1997 vintage. Sourced from the La Pirámide Vineyard (3,117 ft) as well as the Nicasia Vineyard (3,593 feet) and the Adrianna Vineyard (4,747 feet) the wine starts off with a gorgeous bouquet of dark currant, blackberry pie, mocha and spicecake that all marvelously combine in the glass. The dazzling minerality and texture to the wine really creates a seductive edge to this beautiful wine. Blueberry pie, black tea, Asian spices and dark chocolate shaving flavors all come together as the long, mineral and dark fruit driven finish delivers a lasting effect. Delicious now, be sure to give this a two hour decant if enjoying in its youth. Drink 2020-2040- 95 — 6 years ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.4

This bottle is now part of the Don Julio wine bottle ring of honor. Noted and signed by the two of us.

On the nose; burnt ambers, incense, touch of charcoal, ruby dark currants. Ripe, deep, ruby; blackberries, dark cherries, black raspberries, some black plum & plum, black cherry cola, light vanilla & cinnamon, caramel, soft spice, tarry notes, some black licorice, rich loamy soil & clay with dark red florals & violets.

On the palate; the body is full. The tannins are still a little thick and dry. The wine is gorgeous & elegant now that it’s opened up. Ruby dark currants. Ripe, deep, ruby; blackberries, dark cherries, black raspberries, some black plum & plum & some cherry & strawberries on the longer set, black cherry cola, black raspberries liqueur notes, light vanilla & cinnamon, caramel, soft spice, some black licorice, hint of burnt ambers, sweet tarry notes, just a touch of charcoal, graphite, dry loamy soil & clay, dry dark soils, grey minerals, with dark red florals & violets. The acidity is round and beautiful. The wine is starting to hit its groove. The texture, balance, length and tension are lovely but will continue to evolve for another 8-10 years. The long finish is; beautiful, elegant, sexy and lasts minutes.

The wine really dropped some of its minerality on the last glass after nearly two hours in the decanter.

Photos of, one of, if not the best Steakhouse in Buenos Aires, Don Julio. Our signed bottle, now famed, sitting above the center bar. My ribeye 🥩 and the cooks grilling steaks directly behind the bar.

We left at 11:30p and there were still people waiting outside to be seated for dinner. — 7 years ago

Andrew Davidoff

9.2

Bigger and bolder than the last two vintages I have tasted. This one needs time in the glass to open. Fruit comes on strong initially but not overly oaky - super soft tannins. Once open it’s delightful - Malbec should always taste like this. — 7 years ago

William Bonard

8.9

Haven’t drunk a Malbec in ages so this was a nice change. Gave two hours to breathe, it opened up nicely and was laden with rich fruity flavours. — 7 years ago

Aaron Means

9.3

Great first wine to break a two week drinking hiatus. Delivers the goods in a elegant package. Red and black currant, fine herb, tobacco, bay leaf. Explosive nose. Spot on delicious somewhere between old world and new world. — 7 years ago

Greg Ballington

Co-Founder of Millennial Drinkers Wine Blog

8.9

Second of the blind Chardonnays for this quarter's S&E Wine Club. Theme was Chardonnays for white wine and red wines you can purchase at grocery stores.

Pale yellow. A touch of hay and dirty on the start of the nose. Quite a bit of stone fruits, a touch creamy and minerality in the finish. Medium plus acidity (6.5/10) and light bodied. Seems to have only a touch of new oak on the palate (came through a lot more on day two). Layers of peaches, lemon and stone throughout. Medium plus finish. Drink till 2021. — 8 years ago

with Sean

Al Shikoh

9.5

medium ruby, prominent glass staining tears; blackberry, bitter dark chocolate, violets, herbs; sappy red berry fruit, long finish; full bodied, medium+ acidity, surprising tannic grip, medium grained, 14% ABV; made from 100% Malbec sourced from granitic soil blocks of Catena Zapata’s two historic vineyards Adrianna (Gualtallary) and Nicasia (Altamira) in the Uco valley — 5 years ago

JKT

9.0

CVed 10/18/19 Acker buy 17b for fun. Two to JG after house inspection. Surprisingly balanced with deep inky color but lively texture and dark red berries and fruits and some earth and acids underneath. Got better sitting in glass. Good find. — 6 years ago

Matt Shirley

9.0

Fantastic, dry, not fruity Malbec. I drank it over two days, it started wonderful with my asado, and went perfect with my tablas! — 7 years ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.3

This is 14 Pont Leveque Legende Unique from Bodega Estrella of the Andes. I’ve asked Delectable to add the label.

This is 100% Malbec in 80% American oak and 20% used...only 1800 bottles made.

We didn’t go the the Bodega as most are closed in Mendoza on Sunday. However, we did get a number of suggestions from Elizabeth from Vine Connections before leaving for our trip. Vine Connections is a South American Importer out of Sausalito. Go to their website. They have a nice Portfolio.

On her list of recommendations was Primula; which is owned by Bodega Estrella of the Andes, the maker of the Pont Leveque. It’s a consensus, they make the best Empanadas. I haven’t had them all yet but this is an OMG start.

When we arrived, they were just pulling the pork from their smoker. So, we could resist ordering the Empanadas and the pork. Both very good, but the Empanadas are better.

As for the vino, on the nose, ruby, ripe, lush, creamy, cassis. Blackberries, black raspberries, dark cherries, black plum, saddle-wood, leather, light smoldering ambers & savory meats, nice light; vanilla, cinnamon & softer but dark spice, some black licorice, semi-sweet, rich, dark soils, loamy dry soil & clay with fresh purple flowers.

The body is full. The tannins are softened, round and velvety. The structure is big, length excellent, tension is an even tug of war and well balanced. The fruits are fresh, ruby & ripe. Blackberries, black raspberries, dark cherries, black plum and add cherries & strawberries as it opens up. Saddle-wood, soft leather, light smoldering ambers & savory meats, nice light; vanilla, cinnamon & more softer but dark spice than the nose, some black licorice, semi-sweet, rich, dark soils, underbrush, loamy dry soil & clay with fresh purple flowers. The finish is beautiful, elegant and lasts minutes.

Photos of; the counter as you enter Primula, the meat smoker outside with the pork shoulder or loin, sample of three Empanadas, two different meats (traditional Argentine beef and an aperitif and Malbec/Mendoza marinated brisket), Jamon & cheese and the pork dish. Wow! If you are in Mendoza, don’t miss it. I highly suggest you make a reservation. — 7 years ago

Michael Mathews

9.6

Holy smokes. This is the best of Australian Barossa valley wine. This Shiraz was gifted to me 13 years ago by a good friend, Ron Candy - a gentleman of gentleman. A true Ozzie with a heart of gold. It was on this date too, while I was living in Sydney, 13 years ago that I lost my friend, my golf buddy, my business partner and father-in-law Herb Schimeneck to the wicked complications and consequences of cancer. If you’re drinking tonight, and so moved, raise a glass to Ron, and especially to Herb - two great men that helped me became a better version of myself than I could have imagined or hoped for. Cheers to you all.....my friends today and of tomorrow. — 7 years ago

with PJ, Sonia and 5 others

Marshall Todd Herron DPM

9.0

Achaval Ferrer Malbec 2015 from Mendoza Argentina . Bouquet is raspberry salt water taffy and chocolate in an ocean front candy store. The color is dark dark dark. The initial palate is so smooth as is the ending. It begins with dark currant and ripe blackberry. It is thick and heavy in the mouth. Love this! Pepper and spice take over the palate like an invading ARMY. There is also chocolate and fig. The finish is amazing leaving a hint of oak, peppermint, and cigar surrounded by a tiny bit of dryness. It leaves the palate thirsting for More More More!!!!! WOW. This is a perfect wine for me. I give it a ten. I will buy this again and again! However, now it is Thursday night- 24 hours later and I had to pour the second half of the bottle out. So, drink with a friend or the entire bottle. It is no good on day two. And I had it preserved in my red wine cooler at 65 degrees. — 8 years ago

Antonia Bergman

9.0

Tastes were true to the wine maker notes. I feel like it might be even better in a year or two. Would buy more! — 8 years ago