4/23/2024 - BellevuePhil Likes this wine:

PICKED TOP BY MY STUCK UP LIBERAL FRIENDS IN SEATTLE (WHO KNOW WINE) OVER AN OPUS 84, AND LAFITE 79!

In the dimly lit cavern of a cellar, nestled amongst the treasures of time, lay the 1966 Château Bellerose Figeac, a wine born of a vintage that whispers tales of elegance and refinement. As a man of refined tastes, a musician who finds symphonies in every note and nuances in every chord, I could not resist the allure of uncorking a bottle that has aged as gracefully as I aspire to. It was on the day of my birth that my grandfather, a connoisseur in his own right, acquired this exquisite nectar, foreseeing the day when it would grace my lips with its divine essence.

"Do not drink until your 50th birthday" scribbled on the bottle by the shaking hands of an old man. Pops.....with you were here.

Upon pouring, the wine unveils a deep, garnet hue, reminiscent of the velvet curtains that part ways to reveal the stage of a grand ballet. The aroma dances delicately, teasing the senses with notes of black currant, leather, and a whisper of tobacco, a nod to my penchant for a good cigar. Each sip is a journey through time and terroir, as layers of flavor unfold on the palate like the movements of a meticulously choreographed ballet.

But beyond the sensorial delight lies a story woven into the fabric of this wine, a tale of adventure and intrigue. Like a world traveler exploring uncharted lands, the 1966 Château Bellerose Figeac has journeyed through decades, its character maturing and evolving with each passing year. It speaks of sun-drenched vineyards, of hands that tended to the vines with care, and of a legacy that transcends generations.

As a lover of beautiful women, I find parallels between the complexities of this wine and the allure of a captivating muse. Like a femme fatale, it captivates with its seductive aroma, drawing me into its embrace with promises of forbidden pleasures. Each sip is a dalliance with destiny, a rendezvous with the essence of time itself.

Yet, beneath the veneer of sophistication lies the heart of a scoundrel, a rebel spirit that refuses to be confined by convention. The 1966 Château Bellerose Figeac challenges tradition with its boldness, its defiance of expectations leaving a lingering impression on the palate. It is a wine that dares to be different, a testament to the spirit of adventure that resides within us all.

In the quiet moments of reflection, as the last traces of wine linger on the tongue, I am reminded of the fleeting nature of beauty and the impermanence of time. Like a fading melody or the final curtain call of a ballet, the 1966 Château Bellerose Figeac reminds me to savor each moment, to embrace life's symphony with passion and grace.

In conclusion, the 1966 Château Bellerose Figeac is more than just a wine; it is a journey of the senses, a testament to the enduring legacy of craftsmanship and tradition. As a musician, a lover of fine cigars, and a connoisseur of life's pleasures, I raise my glass to this timeless treasure, grateful for the opportunity to partake in its splendor. Santé!

NOTE TO SELF: 5 HOUR DECANT MANDATORY. STUNK LIKE THE BARN FOR 4 HOURS AND THEN WOW!!!! BLEW EVERYONE AWAY.

4/23/2024 - Putnam Weekley Likes this wine:

Schinkenrauch, dried fruits, sea spray. Dripping with carbohydrate, remaining aspirated, lofted with mint, girded with pistachio/honey steel. Ash dry. Marzipan; maraschino; avanti anise cigars. Pretty cool.

3/4/2024 - mac-eye Likes this wine:

Quite dark, pure, balanced. Still quite young. Opened up somewhat after an hour or so. Well-liked. I think it will be better in about 2 or 3 more years.

4/23/2024 - LindsayM Likes this wine:

6yo polished elegant balanced
drank from a 375ml bottle , still very much primary fruits on the nose and palate
very nice

4/23/2024 - alanr Likes this wine:

Medium golden color, has a lovely nose of crushed fruit, touch of red apple; nice medium intensity on the palate, has the typical touch of Alpine “honey”, not in a sweet way, but in its richness. If only there was a bit more salinity, but that’s not a trait I find as much in the Rhys Chards.

4/23/2024 - rbfoote Does not like this wine:

Not my favourite. Deep red brick colour. Bouquet of earth and slate. Flavours are very light, and with certain foods, almost tastes fishy. Not very complex.

4/23/2024 - Mootsie Likes this wine:

Spectacular Grenache. Vibrant acidity with red fruits, herbs de Provenance, big pepper notes, elegant and big simultaneously. Very enjoyable now, probably will settle in with another year plus in the bottle, but so good right now.
I love Grenache and this one is a great one. Drink or hold.

4/19/2024 - tomoem wrote:

A rich and terrific 9 year old Barolo. Wild cherry fruit and some licorice amidst very soil driven flavors. Underbrush of soil, mushroom and wet leaves make this wine rise up to the level of complexity for me. I loved it.

6/10/2023 - mac-eye Likes this wine:

On the first day it was good but not as good as I remember earlier vintages of Granit 60. A matter of preference. Slightly sharper and less fruit than I was hoping for. Still very good.

After a few days it was AWESOME! Opened up - much more fruit, a bit of sweetness, very nice. Similar to what I remember from other vintages of the same.

4/23/2024 - Jeremy Holmes wrote:

Quite earthy to begin with and showing some pine needle sap. Really got going in the glass, with liqueur cherry intensifying at its heart. It had plenty of flavour and some chalky grip and was still quite youthful.

4/23/2024 - sample user Likes this wine:

Salty apple, nice body, lovely with cauliflower

4/23/2024 - Giggs wrote:

Anne Krebiehl’s excellent review from 2016 in WE is dead on. Apples and citrus. Now the herbal character on the nose presents as freshly cut weedy grasses, and there’s a mature, beeswax component to the palate. Years of life left.

4/23/2024 - Portland Seth Does not like this wine:

Bottle 3 out of 3 that suffers from secondary fermentation. Undrinkable. Avoid!!

4/19/2024 - tomoem wrote:

One of the wines I liked tonight. CBCC wine tasting of Piedmont wines. This one was a good one.

4/23/2024 - NoahCap wrote:

Smells rich and lemony with a light touch of creme fraiche in the background. High acidity, without being shrill. Body is medium with a small amount of viscosity that is nonetheless noticeable. The initial flavors are where this wine shine- fresh and baked lemons, custard, slate rocks, a wonderful subtle caramel that is starting to creep in that is super delicious. Very well made and just starting to move out of its primary phase. Perfect spot to drink for my palate, though it will hold for a while yet.

4/23/2024 - beeg612 Likes this wine:

Light purple bowl to rim. Plums, blackberries, vanilla, some oak on the nose. Palate is tart blackberries, chocolate chips, vanilla, and oak. Medium plus tannins and acidity. Fine for what it is.

4/23/2024 - DBenke wrote:

Creamy, Fresh, a bit one dimensional. But very enjoyable

4/23/2024 - Dobrie10 Does not like this wine:

Strawberry, blood orange, white peach. Very low effervescence. A bit disjointed with noticeable alcohol on the finish.

4/19/2024 - tomoem wrote:

An aromatic wine which follows with a fruit forward in mouth flavor. Now for the weaknesses, the wine is medium weight, medium acidity and largely fruity. Boysenberry, some cranberry, but mostly sour oriented grapes.

4/23/2024 - wineian Likes this wine:

An icon year for Grange. Deep dark colour. Powerful berry/oak combination still, with rich plum, chocolate and licorice notes coating the tongue. Must have been a brute when young. 1st class.

4/23/2024 - wineian Likes this wine:

Purple and black fruit from Waiheke Island. Displayed a degree of plushness in a mixed new world old world way. Has developed nicely - drinking well now, no risk of falling over just yet. Not as structured as the 2010 Ornellaia consumed at the same time, but was a different blend, with some minerality reflecting its island heritage.

4/23/2024 - WineJ2019 Likes this wine:

By my taste, this was spot on. Smooth, cool California climate profile. Balanced across acidity, fruit, and oak with a med+ finish. I like it!

4/23/2024 - Vlamentino wrote:

Not my favorite farmer fizz.

4/19/2024 - tomoem wrote:

A very nice wine that is hard to dislike. Medium weight, medium fruit, medium finish. A lot of money for a wine of this type.

4/23/2024 - RoosterBird Likes this wine:

Love this wine for the $$! It's just plain delicious but also delivers a ton of aromatic complexity and a blend of red and black berries, minerality, and baking spice on the palate. It's likely towards the end of its peak drinking window now, but I had a 2016 this weekend that was still absolutely fantastic.

3/21/2024 - mac-eye Likes this wine:

Very good indeed! After opening this one I got some more.

4/23/2024 - wineian Likes this wine:

25th anniversary wine for the Estate. Opened with blue/red fruit bouquet and was initially tightly wound. With time in the glass the aromatics opened and the wine became silken. Purity freshness and intensity framed the palate. I liked it more and more as I spent time with it. A beautiful wine.

4/23/2024 - AMC Eagle wrote:

Pnp. Dark ruby-purple in colour. Nose of blackberries, wet black tobacco, lavenders, and some black peppers. On the palate, plum and blackberry compote dominate the taste buds along with some black cherries and cocoa. Medium-full bodied with a medium finish. Excellent qpr. Drink with some air or hold.

4/23/2024 - KC Wine Enthusiast Likes this wine:

15.1% ABV Dark dense color, blackberry, blueberry.

4/23/2024 - Rscholtz Likes this wine:

Screams Grenache on the nose. The VA/nail polish that I get on young LC wines has faded, and the fruit is starting to show. On the palate, all the red fruits you expect from Grenache, with some of that bacon fat from the Syrah starting to show up. This is in the beginning of its drinking window, and I would drink it sooner rather than later out of fear of smoke taint showing up.

2/24/2024 - mac-eye Likes this wine:

Deep, dark, intense. Seems a bit young, at least shortly after decant. Somewhat reminiscent of an Hermitage. I expect it will turn out great in a few years. Hard to give it a number now.

4/23/2024 - Mike1369 Likes this wine:

Wonderful wine. Bought at antinori and cellared for a year. Dried fruit and spices. Eucalyptus, mint and oak hints. Some greenish lumber from the cab franc. Nice tannin integrated. May benefit from a few more years of cellaring. I was surprised at how much I enjoyed.

4/23/2024 - hiker_guy wrote:

My first impression was that this was over the hill. Gold colored with oxidative notes.

After 30 minutes open:
Nose has a heavy lemon/cinnamon/honey note that isn’t bad but is unexpected.

Palate is rich, viscous, and full body. I have a hard time believing the 12.7% abv on the label.

Acidity seems low but not to the point of flabby.

Overall I’d say this is disappointing.

Purchased directly from the winery and stored in a temperature controlled cellar at 57 degrees since then.

4/23/2024 - ddemetri Likes this wine:

Really fantastic straight out of the chiller. Liked it a bit left after it breathed a bunch more. Complex and delicious. Paired great with a bland corn dinner.

4/23/2024 - enlujima Likes this wine:

-

4/23/2024 - linkswinelover6549 Likes this wine:

Delicious. crisp Prosecco

4/23/2024 - stayhappy21 wrote:

Drank this at Crystal Jade Palace with my wine mates. Theme of the evening: Wines that start with the letter Z.

Straw green-yellow in colour. Wine was pumped up and ready to go from the start. Shedding its fruit bomb image, this wine is more lean, focused and sharp. Diligent and does a good job delighting the guests and matching with the food.

If you need a go-to wine to start a party, this is the wine.

4/23/2024 - stayhappy21 wrote:

Drank this at Crystal Jade Palace with my wine mates. Theme of the evening: Wines that start with the letter Z.

Beautifully perfumed nose and sense of calm and charm on the palate. Did not decant this wine and it took a while to spring into action. Rich plums, black spices, dark coffee, with lots of berries in the finish.

One of the most underrated and undervalued wines.

4/23/2024 - Tundra Bacchus Likes this wine:

This is a great weeknight dinner wine. Light sweetness is balanced by high acidity, and this goes well with many dishes. Really outperforms its price imo

4/23/2024 - Tundra Bacchus Likes this wine:

My first Tavel - this is really great. Way better than most roses I've had. Lots of strawberry and minerality here with a clean finish.

4/23/2024 - Janda_42 Likes this wine:

Decanted off moderate sediment and aired for a little over an hour.

Eye: Medium purple center to medium ruby rim.

Nose: Cherry kirsch, crushed violets. Cool mint. Cassis. Still very young and fruit forward. Touch of sous bois. Lightly vinous.

Palate: This is claret! Good acid, delicate velvet tannin. Crème de cassis, crème de violet. Rosaceous earth. Kirsch cherries. Black Forest cake; cacao and all. Meat and steel. Still just a touch of mint. Soy sauce and the occasional pop of something tutti fruity.

Finish: Long: Lingering cherry and cassis. Cacao gives way to roasted coffee. Graphite on the back palate.

Enjoyed with: Brisket and roast potatoes.

Overall: Simply incredible.

4/23/2024 - mflesh wrote:

Wow. Nice wine. Classic Viognier. I have 2 of these on order and glad I do. I'll be drinking this exclusively in about 3 weeks when down there for my niece's wedding celebration!

4/23/2024 - Tgood wrote:

55F x 20 plus years - youthful dark crimson - peppery minty deep ripe fresh AF cherryish fruit - spicy tannins which are now largely polymerized into creamy velvet and sparky tartness keep the wine alive on the palate- tremendous success - Bravo

4/23/2024 - FrenchBistro wrote:

The tannins were kicking like a mule, even after an hour decant. This bottle needs either five more years, even then it may need longer.

4/23/2024 - MrOctoberfest Likes this wine:

Delicious Bourgogne Blanc. Not exceptionally complex, but satisfying. Also very young and affordable. Apples, citrus and light toast. Less impressive on night two, but still enjoyable.

4/23/2024 - mzimberg Likes this wine:

Still quite youthfully lavender ruby. Just right volnay aromas smoked meat and silky spider web. Red fruit on entry. Cranberry and wild strawberry. Cloves. Moss and damp earth. Crunchy and fresh.

4/23/2024 - Charlie C wrote:

Badly oxidized

4/23/2024 - ColoradoAg Likes this wine:

Still Drinking well.
Think we will finish off our one remaining bottle of thia vintage in the next 2-3 years, or maybe as a side by side with the newer vintages

4/19/2024 - tomoem wrote:

Ok so compared to the 2020 Vietti Timorasso tonight, this one is lighter. A softer flavor profile with a small amount of acidity with muted fruit.

4/23/2024 - bigpapasquid wrote:

Won't score....this particular bottle wasn't giving much. May need to revisit in a couple years.