8/10/2019 - Jamie Manley wrote:

Folks, if you are able to find perfectly stored bottles of this, grab them! 1990 was a hot year and I am convinced that the moist soil of St. Estephe was very kind to a good percentage of the wines. Haut Marbuzet was no exception. As soon as I pulled the cork the aroma wafted and filled the kitchen. Rich plum and cassis, tobacco, wet earth, forest floor, and pencil. More of the same on the palate, but with richer fruit. The delineation of tobacco, graphite, earth, and pencil was exceptional. A tad rustic as one would expect, but the tannins are sorted and this wine has a beautiful finish. It is at peak currently and should remain there for another 5 to 10 years. Bravo!

8/12/2018 - Jamie Manley wrote:

What a beautiful wine, from first pop of the cork. Instant recognition of terroir (yes, I saw the label), Pauillac. I repeat myself, but...briar patch, cherry, cassis, menthol, pencil, tobacco, and a slicing finish of PENCIL. Wow, for a young Lalande this puppy is stacked. The palate is sensational, fruit galore and serious complexity already. Order up, friends, for future outlook you may either drink or hold. Either way, YOU win! 98 Pts

5/19/2018 - Jamie Manley wrote:

One of my all time favorite bottles of wine, and this just confirms Lalande as my favorite Chateau. Wow, this was good. Quintessential Lalande on the nose, strong pencil, black cherry, cassis, tobacco, graphite, earth, briar patch, and more pencil. Fantastic fruit on the palate and sheer velvet in the mouth, I cannot say enough about this wine. Completely sorted and ready to go. PnP, perfect provenance, mid neck fill, and a cork that made me work. Consumed over 8 hours. Majestic. 97 Pts

3/27/2018 - Jamie Manley wrote:

This is a monumental Lalande, the best since 1982. Pull the cork and you know that you are in for a special experience. Pauillac through and through, the nose delights with hints of green pepper, briar patch, menthol, cassis, clear red cherry, tobacco, earth, and pencil. The palate has really filled out now and there is a massive infusion of fruit that was missing before. Velvet in the mouth and layer after layer of Pauillac complexity. I actually think that well stored bottles of this wine may continue to improve, my singular thought. 98 Pts

4/7/2017 - Jamie Manley wrote:

My first time with this and I am truly impressed, maybe my favorite 1985. Gorgeous nose of peat, earth, black tea, plum, cassis, cinnamon, tobacco, and a hint of pencil. When you whiff a truly mature, multilayered nose like this, it is so difficult to go back to the younger wines - really seems like nothing more than an exercise in futility. But, hell, I am one of the biggest offenders (with young wine) so let's move on to the palate. The palate really took me by storm and even bested the incredible nose. Fantastic expression of fruit with a big blast in the mid palate, and followed by a long, layered finish. Brilliant complexity, this is a contemplative wine. Impressive Stanford Cardinal hue with very little bricking. This 1985 is at peak, right at the top of the hill with no worry of any foot forward down the other side, will hold for years. Absolute bliss! 97+ Pts

7/8/2017 - Jamie Manley wrote:

Coming right after the 85, I was expecting a major drop off here. I would be wrong...are you kidding me?! Given the vintage, this wine should be fading quickly, but not so. They must have made better corks in 1981, because every fill in this case was/is mid neck or better. Case of 85 from exact same provenance had significantly lower fills, though the 85 is still clearly the better wine, but not by as much as you would think. I was really taken by this wine, maybe it is the underdog status. It is a classic Cordier Gruaud Larose, just on a slightly smaller scale, and not a lot smaller. All of the hallmarks of 80's era GL, great fruit, tobacco, earth, graphite, black tea, and pencil. A great package for south of $70 per bottle, so much better than similarly priced "Smuckers for Snowflakes" bottles these days. 93 Pts

2/23/2017 - Jamie Manley wrote:

Folks, I am now more convinced than ever that perfectly stored 1996 Bordeaux (top chateau) still need more time. This is my 3rd bottle from an immaculate case and these puppies need, possibly, another 5 years. Perfect cork, fill, label, color, and also a ton of sediment, this still needs to flesh out some more nuance and tertiary flavor. Having said all of that, this is a blockbuster of a wine. The expression of cabernet fruit is exemplary and this is a massive wine. A little shy on the nose, but textbook young Lalande - hint of green (good), cassis, cherry, briar patch, and pencil. The palate is the star with dominating red fruit followed by light tobacco, that hint of green, cedar, and fine pencil. Significant tannin and a large frame, this should all come together over the next half decade. Currently, 89 Lalande is drinking significantly better, but the 96 has the goods to surpass it. For now, 96+ Pts

12/15/2016 - Jamie Manley wrote:

Does this wine ever disappoint? Seriously, ever?! Sixth bottle out of a case and the consistency is downright remarkable. Oh man, this is why we sit on this expensive grape juice for so long. Just approaching its peak, this is a spectacular wine. Pauillac through and through, what a beauty. Soaring nose of pencil, briar patch, cassis, plum, earth, tobacco, and more pencil. The palate is even better, rich fruit and seamless from start to finish. I am partial to Lalande and this 89 is now my security blanket. Just when I am about fed up with the deep valleys that we sometimes experience with wine, I open one of these puppies and the wine gods are smiling again. Great stuff! 97 Pts

6/30/2016 - Jamie Manley wrote:

Wow, what a nose! This wine just confirmed that 1985 is my favorite Bordeaux vintage for aromatics, especially left bankers. Wafting notes of cedar, tobacco, cherry, cassis, earth, black tea, and pencil. Never faded and was delightful all night long. The palate holds up its end of the bargain, though without the fireworks of the nose. Pretty similar from a flavor standpoint to the nose, the palate is rich and offers very nice layers of complexity. Not a blockbuster, but this is a contemplative wine and is well worth taking your time with. Highly recommended. 95 Pts

6/4/2016 - Jamie Manley wrote:

Bill Parcells has his five Ps (Proper Preparation Prevents Poor Performance.) If he had an 01 Yquem with 24 hours of air, he would have another P (Perfection.) Instantly upon cork extraction the perfume of this great wine wafted...and then I poured a small glass and put the rest in the fridge to visit a day later. I cannot encourage this protocol strongly enough. This was my darkest (in color) 375 from a case, so I pulled it. Medium gold/copper, the flavor profile mimicked the color. This particular bottle was just entering a young phase, moving up from infancy. On the nose, defined notes of caramel and butterscotch, but you are still slayed by the orange rind, botrytis, apricot, Earl Grey, and lanolin. The palate is the show stopper - read my notes from earlier years regarding this wine. Searing intensity on the tongue and palate with a velvet lift. Layer after layer and then a 60 second gravity defying finish. As I have said before, this wine is not light years better than the others, but it does everything that a legend is supposed to, and that makes it perfect. 100 Pts.

8/22/2015 - Jamie Manley wrote:

In a great spot right now, 10 yards shy of the top of the hill and in no danger of going over any time soon. Great nose of mild green pepper, cherry, cassis, tobacco, earth, and pencil. More of the same on the palate and nicely delineated. Sorted tannins and a long, smooth finish. Well done. 93 Pts

8/22/2015 - Jamie Manley wrote:

From 375, absolutely beautiful golden color. Where do I begin? For me, this is the best wine that I have ever had (and I am not a fan of the word "best" in this context, but I have no choice.) This wine is not light years ahead of everything else, but just an incredible package with virtually no fault. The nose radiates from the glass and fills the room. Honeycomb, lemon curd, lanolin, Earl Grey, fresh orange peel, botrytis, grapefruit, beeswax, and on and on it goes. The palate gives you even more, but with this razor searing intensity that almost burns the tongue and beyond. Simply emblazoned on your taste buds, but with a lightness that is completely majestic. Still a pup, this has ages to go. You are fooling yourself (and friends?) if you do not open this at least 24 hours in advance. This wine is a singular experience and worth every penny. 100 Pts

6/8/2015 - Jamie Manley wrote:

Oh my, when this wine is on, is it magnificent or what!? First off, a huge "Thank You" to Peter at Marty's for finding this local stash. So far, this is the best lot of 86 GL that has ever passed my lips. Before the cork was even completely out, I could get a small whiff of the heavenly aromas that lay in wait. I could smell this wine all day and night and die happy. Soaring wet tobacco, black tea, plum, cassis, rusted iron, summer rained earth, leather, and pencil. The nose is downright habit forming, no kidding. The palate is massive and just drenches your mouth with all of the above flavors. Layer after layer of 29 year old delight cascade down your throat. This is an 86, so the tannins are present, but they are completely integrated. This was a special bottle and I am biased toward the great Cordier wines of the 80's. But if you like this style of wine, then start searching for good examples of this wonderful 86 GL. I hope that all of your bottles perform like this beauty. 98 Pts

4/5/2015 - Jamie Manley wrote:

Simply spectacular. Pop and pour, and this was absolutely singing. Soaring nose of peat, earth, plum, black cherry, cinnamon, tobacco, and pencil. A nose that only time can produce. The complexity of the palate was mind blowing. Layer after layer of rich black fruit, tobacco, graphite, moist earth, leather, and a long pencil finish. The wine coats every crevice of your mouth, and this particular bottle had completely sorted tannins. A beautiful, clear crimson color, I stared at the glass for quite some time. This stunning 1990 Angelus has convinced me to stay away from my 2000 Angelus stash for at least 5 to 10 years. What a complete winner! Those of you with the 1990...open away, and I hope that your bottles show as well as this one did. 98+ Pts

12/2/2014 - Jamie Manley wrote:

Somebody show me some love here, my last note on the wonderful 2000 version of this was met with crickets...this 1999 is even better. I am still a novice with Italian wine, but this is my favorite producer so far. I don't know if it is because the wine in unfined and unfiltered, or because the grapes mimic Bordeaux. Regardless, this stuff hands down rocks!! Phenomenal complexity through and through. The nose is gorgeous with notes of volcanic ash, stewed tomatoes, tar, menthol, cassis, toasty oak, and pencil. The palate is wildly rich with everything above and that classic Italian licorice that we all love. I smelled and sipped this for hour upon hour. The tannins are completely sorted and the finish goes on for 45 seconds. I know that there is not huge production of these wines, but I strongly suggest tracking them down - especially those with some age. 97 Pts

12/2/2014 - Jamie Manley wrote:

A wonderful sleeper of the vintage, this wine never disappoints. Still a bit tropical on the nose with pineapple, lemon, citrus, botrytis, and honey - and I use the word tropical with complete refulgent intent. The palate is rich and delineated, and finishes with a nice acidic bite. Total winner! 94 Pts

12/2/2014 - Jamie Manley wrote:

The "full monty", 88 Yquem has taken another step toward maturity, though with ages to go. This bottle was darker in color and darker in flavor than bottles from a few years ago. Great bottles of Yquem never cease to amaze me, the velvet fist, if you will. Aromas of Earl Grey, wet stones, candied crème brulee, orange rinds, apricot, and deep honeyed botrytis. On the palate, this is nothing short of amazing. Insane intensity, yet so light on its feet. I know that the previous sentence is so often used to describe Yquem, yet every time that I experience it I just sit and stare at the glass, and wonder how the hell they did that! What else can I say...? Thank God that all of my Yquem is not stored at home, otherwise there would be nothing but empty bottles and a trail of tears. 99 Pts

9/24/2014 - Jamie Manley wrote:

Wow! From impeccable storage and with perfect fill and cork, this is the second best Lalande that I have ever had, trailing only the immortal 1982. I still contend that the 1989 is currently in a better place, but the 96 is clearly the better wine and will be mind blowing upon full maturity. Based on this bottle, well stored examples should sleep for at least another 5 years. That said, this is textbook Pauillac and just beginning to show secondary notes. Screaming nose of black cherry, cassis, cedar, briar, menthol, and pencil. Swirling brings out hints of earth and tobacco. The palate is rich and lush, and clearly representative of the high percentage of cabernet used in the 96. Fruit driven currently, with all of the flavors of the nose, your palate is immersed with sensory overload. Long and layered, this is a Lalande that you will not soon forget. I was amazed at how fresh this was. 97+ Pts.

11/29/2013 - Jamie Manley wrote:

First off, the color on this wine is absolutely glorious - crystal clear ruby red with no signs of bricking. Very rarely do I get excited about a wine's color, but I could not help but hold this up to a light and admire its beauty. The aromas are all that I love about the 1985 vintage. Black tea, wet stones, sweet red fruit, earth, tobacco, mint, and pencil. The nose alone is worth the admission price. The palate is not a blockbuster, unlike, say 1982 or 1990. But it delivers the goods and offers all of the wonders of the nose in a style that any Burgundy lover would appreciate. A gentleman's claret if you will. Completely sorted tannins and a long and clean finish. At peak, well stored bottles should hold for quite some time. 95 Pts

8/31/2013 - Jamie Manley wrote:

Had these side by side over 2 nights. First off, let me say that these are 2 fabulous young, repeat YOUNG, Bordeaux. If you have just a few, please let them sleep.

2003 Cos - A little tight on the nose, but it does come around a bit with air. Cassis, graphite, leather, oak, and pencil. The palate definitely has more to offer. A sweet entry with candied cassis, plum, dry earth, and toasty oak is finished with hints of tobacco and pencil. A very nice mouth feel with prominent tannin and more acidity than I expected, given the year. 2003 Cos is a complete winner with nothing but upside. 95 Pts

2005 GPL - A nose that screams Pauillac. Cassis, cherry, briar, menthol, burning embers, and pencil. Rich palate of black cherry, cassis, cigar ash, briar patch, and pencil. Exquisite mouth feel that unfolds like a gentle waterfall. I love this wine and I love GPL in great years....the little train that could! 96+ Pts

8/24/2013 - Jamie Manley Likes this wine:

This is a massive Lynch. Still young and a little tight, but this puppy is headed for greatness. Reserved beginning for the nose, but eventually aromas of sweet plum, cassis, charcoal, flint, graphite, and menthol fill the air. The palate is more open and is truly loaded. Lovely fruit on the palate, plum, cassis, tobacco, wet clay, leather, mulch, and moist earth (though I had hoped for more pencil.) This is a bully of a wine, but air tamed the beast - to the point of elegance. I have to comment on the sweetness of the tannin - oxymoronic, maybe - but Lynch has sweet tannin, unlike any other. This was fabulous, true pleasure in every sip. Another 20 years and 2000 Lynch Bages will approach perfection. 97+ Pts

11/24/2012 - Jamie Manley wrote:

Like the 82, this wine just goes from strength to strength and always delivers the goods. Stunning nose of fresh tobacco, iodine, black tea, earth, cassis, black cherry, cinnamon, and pencil. I could not keep my nose out of the glass - man, I love Pichon Lalande! The palate fulfills the promise of the nose, and then some. Incredibly complex with all of the aforementioned flavors and a wonderful sweetness to the fruit. Medium bodied with sorted tannin, this wine is not quite the bruiser that 89 Montrose and Lynch Bages are, but more of an ethereal and intellectual wine. I was spellbound the entire six hours that it took to finish this, and although my score may seem atypically high for this wine, on this night it earned every single point. Amazing! 97+ Pts.