Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.4

A 1/4 century in bottle…mmmm. I have had every 90’s vintage of Phelps Napa, except a 90 I think. Many of those multiple times at 15 yrs plus. This 99 is as good as any of the ones I’ve had. 98, not a great vintage but the 98 consistent with the rest and 99 better than many would expect.

Siting it, it has a dark core with little or no brickish edges. The fruit still very lively.

The nose shows; slightly candied to ripe & some slightly plummy fruits; blackberries, black raspberries, dark cherries, both plums, baked strawberries, pomegranate & raspberries. Cinnamon stick, nutmeg, clove, vanilla, anise to black licorice, sweet tarriness, dry tobacco, used leather, dry stems, dry crushed rocks with dry top soil, graphite, cocoa powder, dark cola, steeped berry tea, moist clay, dark & red bright florals framed I liquid violets with a touch of lavender.

This is still around its peak. M-M+ velvety, round tannins. It’s round w/ elegance defined. Nothing that bits back. Palate confirms the nose. Slightly candied to ripe fruits; blackberries, black raspberries, dark cherries, both plums, baked strawberries, pomegranate & raspberries. Cinnamon stick, nutmeg, clove, vanilla, anise to black licorice, sweet tarriness, dry tobacco, used leather, dry stems, dry crushed rocks with dry top soil, limestone, dark Asian spices with some palate heat, dry herbs w/ a sage lead, graphite, used charcoal ash, cocoa powder, caramel, dark cola, steeped berry tea, moist clay, dark & red bright florals framed in liquid violets with a touch of lavender, very round, beautiful acidity, well; made, knitted, structured, tensioned w/ excellent length and elegance-balanced finish that lasts minutes & lands on moist clays and ripe, evolved fruit.

Perfect w/ the Prime Ribcap. — 5 months ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.4

My continuing quest to taste as many 22’s as possible.

The nose shows, rich, candied and floral fruits that are: blackberries dark cherries, black raspberries, raspberries on the edges with just a touch of freshly picked rhubarb. Soft minerals & baking spices and bright candied dark, red and purple flowers.

The palate shows ripe, lush fruits of; blackberries, black raspberries, dark cherries, plum and poached strawberries. Dark chocolate, caramel notes, red cola & licorice, fresh & dry herbs, dark, smooth spices, dark, rich, forest floor w/ dry leaves, dry twigs, clove, cinnamon, nutmeg & vanillin, dry stone & top soil, barrel shavings, dry tobacco w/ ash, limestone, grey volcanics dark, red candied with some withering flowers with violets, excellent acidity with a round, lush, well made, balance, mid tension, elegant finish that last ninety seconds and lands squarely on spice, clove and dry minerals.

This should be cellared 8-10 and enjoyed over the next 15-20 years plus properly stored.

At $1,140 a bottle, a hard pass for many, but excellent wine with potential for another 2 points w/ age. — 2 years ago

Paul Masson

9.0

Off-dry. Mineral city — 6 years ago

Ned Gray Creed

9.5

W&S Top 100. I just had the 2016, now the 2017 appears. Blau is wow. — 7 years ago

with Mark

B

10

1993 Leroy Clos de Vougeot. Dinner at Ac House w A&S. Opened for 45 min but didn’t decant. Amazing. Plum, strawberry, cherry. Not too sweet. Excellent. — 8 years ago

Chris England

9.2

A surprising lighter style Pauillac for an 05 but @ £90+ it’s in a nice place, but a touch disappointing compared to others such as the amazing 2000 😁

🏵 92-93 points

🍇 64% Cab S, 29% Mer, 6% Cab F, and 1% Pet V

🍷 Blackened ruby

👃 Warm oak, soggy earthy leaves, gravel, minerals, pencil lead through dark berries & plum w/ mocha

👄 Med body of smooth rich blackcurrant, damson & red/black currants w/ a mineral mocha & mineral undertone

🎯 Med red & dark berry kick w/ touch dry minerals, light mocha & liquorice

— 8 years ago

Chris England

9.2

Nicely evolved Figeac @ £100 that’s a bit overpriced but nevertheless a yummy drop 😎 4.25⭐️

🍇 35% Cab S, 35% Cab F & 30% Mer

🍷 Ooaque garnet ruby

👃 Smokey pruned oak, damp cellar, mashed dark plum & berries over crushed minerals in soggy earth w/ spicy tea, leather, mint/herbs, liquorice & choc cherry gateaux

👄 Med body of creamy smooth earthy dark fruits w/ chocy mocha & liquorice

🎯 Med+ earthy mocha liquorice plummy dark berry w/ some red berry/cherry choc gateaux tones & a stone mineral linger — 9 years ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.2

This 2006 was a tale of 1/2 of the bottle decanted in a wide decanter and the other 1/2 left in bottle. The bottom 1/2 bottle better than the 2 hour decant. The decanted part lost complete Bordeaux character, mid palate and depth. A shorter decant was in order, but that doesn’t mean this 06 is waning. It has another 7–10 yrs from bottle.

2006 was the vintage that followed the grand 2005 vintage, not an entirely fair growing seasons. Based on the 2005 vintage, the Bordelaise overpriced the 2006 vintage. The Bordelaise disappointed in the price they sold 2005’s looked to make up their perceived losses in 2006. Except, the quality wasn’t the same. Not even close.

The nose shows brambly, ripe; blackberries, black raspberries, both plums, dark cherries and lean raspberry edges. Dark, rich earth with dry leaves, dark chocolate bar, mid berry cola. steeped black tea, charcoal, graphite, soft, fresh tobacco, used leather,. softy layered baking spices, black licorice-tarriness, dry river stones, dry limestone powder/bits, dark, red florals with fresh, blooming violets & understated lavender.

The palate is ripe, juicy w/ medium, rounded tannins. Ripe; blackberries, black raspberries, both plums, dark cherries, strawberries and lean raspberry. Dark, rich earth with dry leaves, dark & slightly melted chocolate, mid berry cola. steeped black tea, charcoal, graphite, soft, fresh tobacco, used leather, softy layered baking spices-nutmeg, clove, cinnamon & vanillin, mid dark spices w/ some palate heat, black licorice-tarriness, dry herbs, dry river stones, dry limestone powder/bits, dry top soil, moist, grey, volcanic clay, dark, red florals with fresh, blooming violets & understated lavender, very nice acidity, nicely balanced, well structured/tensioned w/ an elegant finish that lasts a minute plus and lands on earth & spice with mid intensity palate heat.

92 decanted. 93 the bottom 1/2 of the bottle, not decanted. — 6 months ago

Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego

9.4

1985 vintage. Decanted. Underrated vintage and port. 70's and 90's declared years got all the pub and ridiculous ratings. Still über-grapey but with decent structure. Another decade and a half should find this maximized for pleasure. 8.19.23. — 3 years ago

Dan Cobb

9.1

Heavy spice, some anise. W MIchelle Carr — 5 years ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.4

It has taken a long time for this 95 Calon Segur to settle in. Finally, after two previous bottles. If you buy this producer, expect to wait 20 plus years for really good things with better vintages. While it’s very good, it has not revealed its best self. I think another 5-8 years before it peaks with another 15 years of good drinking ahead. Properly stored of course.

This still needed a two hour decant to settle it earthiness & funk.

The nose still reveals a fair amount of earth but, it has calmed. Classic Claret older nose. Ripe, candied & floral fruits of; blackberries, black raspberries, dark cherries, strewed strawberries, baked plum, macerated cherries, cooked rhubarb with hints of blueberries and raspberries softly over the top. Old tobacco, old, soft leather, limestone, dry stone, dark spice, nutmeg, vanillin, dry twig, graphite, dry crushed rocks, steeped fruit tea, forest floor, mushrooms, raspberry cola with withering to fresh, dark; red, purple, blue florals framed in violets.

The body is round & leaner from age. It’s clean wire to wire. The structure, tension, balance and length are just starting to hit their stride. It is gloriously lush on the palate. Ripe, candied & floral fruits of; blackberries, black raspberries, dark cherries, strewed strawberries, baked plum, macerated cherries, cooked rhubarb with hints of blueberries and raspberries softly over the top. Old tobacco, old, soft leather, limestone, grey volcanics, dry stone, dark spice, nutmeg, vanillin, dark chocolate, some caramel, shades of black licorice, dry twig, graphite, sage, hint of cooked green pepper, sweet tarriness, dry crushed rocks, steeped fruit tea, forest floor, mushrooms, raspberry cola with withering to fresh, dark & candied; red, purple, blue florals framed in violets. The acidity is dead on. The long finish is; balanced fruit & earth, elegance that slides into persistent earth and dark spice with just the right amount of heat.

Paired with New York Strip w/ Root Vegetables Tain, Cipollini, King Trumpet & Peppercorn Demi-glaze & Duck Fat Fries.

Have yet to have anything but a very good meal @Compline Napa. As well, they have a very nice selection of reasonably priced wines in their retail shop. Owned & operated by Master Sommelier Matt Stamp & partner(s). — 6 years ago

Mike Mayer

9.1

Another wonderful Merlot. Mountain wines are known for beautiful dark color, intense aromatics and full bodied flavors. This Howell Mountain wine does not disappoint. Beautiful ruby red color and great aromas of blue fruit, cedar and a little earthiness. The tannins on this young wine are very apparent but seem to integrate nicely with the intense flavors of blueberries and baking spices while in your mouth. I am sure this wine will improve with age but it drinks very well today. — 8 years ago

with Lisa

Chris England

9.6

I very rarely say this for an expensive wine but this Graves is worth every penny @ £117+ as it will just kept getting better & better but is already divine 😍

🏵 96 points

🍇 64% Cab S, 30% Mer, 5% Cab F & 1% Pet V

🍷 Opaque ruby

👃 Minerals & pencil lead through spiced black berry/currant & blueberry w/ soft char-smoked oak, mocha & gravel

👄 Med+ dark plummy silky smooth body of gloopy blackcurrant in chewy liquorice & creamy mocha goo

🎯 Long dark gooey fruity plummy sticky liquorice linger w/ mocha & mineral hit — 8 years ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.2

I need to start w/ a little preamble.

For me, Pessac-Leognan was a late comer Bordeaux region. The last one I gravitated to in my 26 yr Bordeaux experience.

Nearly all the previous 2000 Bordeaux’s I’ve had up to this point needed a lot more cellaring. Mostly 1st & 2nd Growths, some 3rd. This 2000 started lean…lacking depth & a bigger tannin profile. But that is not entirely uncharacteristic for older Pessac’s. It seemed slightly more late in its drinking window. It picked up weight in the decanter at 2 1/2 hours and then showed more weight & depth w/ my Ribcap.

This started elegant w/ soft Bordeaux characteristics. Beauty & elegance as I understand it in Bordeaux’s from this region and this kind of age. But lacked 2000 earthiness & depth. For me, this is a 3rd tier Pessac producer, my terminology. Not up there with Haut Bailly or Pape Clement and of course Haut Brion.

2000’s up to this point have shown great depth & deep characteristics. Most needing longer than anticipated aging.

This was beautiful, elegant but lean based on previous definitions. Early on it seemly felt like it was a drink up in the next 3 yrs w/o the steak. With a longish decant & steak, more 7-10 yrs.

The nose shows muddled to slightly stewy; dark currants, blackberries, black cherries, both plums to pudding, poached strawberries, black raspberries and haunting blueberries, red cola, dark chocolate, dry herbs, dry leather-tobacco, softened graphite, moist clay, hints of pepper, some mushroom notes, rich, darkish soils with dry leaves, steeped tea, limestone/sandstone, dry twig, dry pebbles-top soils with dark, red, withering flowers.

The palate shows beautiful elegance with nothing that bites back. Perfectly resolved velvety tannins. Ripe, juicy, somewhat ruby fruits. Yet, have slightly stewy characteristics. Dark currants, blackberries, black cherries, both plums to pudding, poached strawberries, black raspberries and haunting blueberries, red cola, dark chocolate, softly layered & even baking spices; clove, nutmeg, cinnamon & vanillin, mid, dark, Asian spices, dry herbs, dry leather-tobacco, softened, nearly sweet graphite, moist clay, hints of pepper, rich, darkish soils with dry leaves, charcoal, volcanic ash, steeped tea, limestone/sandstone, dry twig, dry pebbles, dry top soils with dark, red, withering flowers, near perfect acidity, well balanced w/ softened structure/tension, great length and an elegant finish that goes on and on and long sets on spice & clay.

Almost new cork and little to no sediment.

92-93 with a long decant & a rich, fatty steak-Ribcap. First taste after pouring into the decanter, 90.

Photos of; Haut-Bergey, Paul Garcin-Managing Director and Francois Prouteau-Cellar Master. — 8 months ago

ESF

9.2

Idiosyncratic orange wine that is now more rust/brown… dizzying nose - almost impossible to encapsulate: dried orange rind, yellow orchard fruit, potpourri, spice but more like herbal bitters, incense like oud, savory, burnt caramel, etc. Just amazing. Fleshy on palate, drinks bigger than one would expect. Structured if a bit lumbering, more austere on palate w/yellow pitted fruit & umami. Great length & persistence, grippy, bitter mixed w/sweet spice like cinnamon. Cerebral stuff — 5 years ago

Gina Puente

9.8

Celebration anyone? Or just u deserve it? Incredible drink now w full mouth and enough acidity + bubbles, such the satisfying experience. I feel blessed. — 6 years ago

Brian Reedy

9.2

Delicious. Classic Bob Cabral and W/S. Deep luscious fruit, bright acidity and balance. — 8 years ago

Chris England

9.4

II’ve loved all the Sandhi 2012 range of whites & this £65 S&B is superb 👍 Paired with enough curry to get a small village going regular for a week 🤣 💨 sorry I didn’t take pics of that feast 😁

📍 Sandhi Sandford & Benedict Santa Rita Hills Chardonnay 2012 @sandhiwines

🏵 94 points

🍷 Golden yellow

👃 Chopped pineapple, crushed rock mineral, lemon oil, key lime pie, honey gloop & white jasmine flowers w/ light oak, vanilla & apple

👄 Med+ body of creamy refreshing clean tropical & citrus yummyness without being overly syrupy & a hit of green apple, pineapple, honey & minerality in med acidity

🎯 Med+ fresh apple, citrus & tropical trickle w/ a dry mineral honeyed pineapple slapette — 8 years ago

B

10

2011 Clos St. Jacques Gevrey-Chambertin. Dinner w A&S. Didn’t decant and it was great, but next time, definitely note to decant. — 8 years ago

Chris England

9.5

😍 @ £31 this Musar is top & I’ve reviewed a few times 👍 personally i find it the best of many vintages I’ve had & not as funky as others 😉

🏵 495 points

🍇 Cab S, Cinsault & Carignan

🍷 Garnet cherry w/ brick edge

👃 Smokey oaky spiced leather infused cherry choc gateaux, red potpourri, prune compote, red berry jam, barnyard, mushroom risotto & herbs - gorgeous in a Zalto Burg 😎

👄 Med balanced body of earthy smooth red cherry in mocha, date & prune sauce w/ strawberry & redcurrant tones

🎯 Med+ earthy red berry/cherry gateaux💥 — 8 years ago