April 29, 2023 - Nicely balanced and fully mature, with impressive tertiary notes. I found it under fruited (which seems consistent with other notes) but enjoyed it nonetheless.
May 20, 2021 - Still drinkable, probably at similar level to even its peak. Good Rhone complexity, but a little flabby. Drink up, but not necessary to pour out.
March 30, 2021 - Two Rhônes Diverged in a Wood.... ("Chateau La Grange" - La Grange IL): Double(ish) blind in Northern Rhône flight. Very enticing aromas with mostly mature black fruit, with subtle background meat and spice. Similar flavors, just somewhat soft in the middle. at its peak now. My #6 for this flight (of 10), group's #7.
August 22, 2020 - Tasted blind, and I swore that it was an aged Alban Reva Syrah. Amazing nose and palate of bacon & funk. Based on the much lower CT scores, this must have been one hell of a bottle - - or maybe just my strong tasting preference! (96+)(Aug. 16, Gates Lodge)
July 25, 2019 - the lights fading, though gentle vanilla and leather on the palette. Some pepper and the ghost of fruit on the nose.
January 21, 2019 - Not much fruit left …. peppery, leather, earthy. Wishing for a bit more I guess. But still subtle, smooth and tasty.
December 16, 2017 - Drunk as part of a mini vertical with the 99, 98, and 88 versions of this wine, this was my least favorite of the four. Leathery and spicy, showing some woody notes flavorwise although the oak is texturally integrated (JLL says this was 35% new oak). Fleshy without great concentration, this could use more fruit. Not drying out exactly but starting to fade. I wouldn't hold this any longer.
November 2, 2017 - Magnum tasting, bottle #5: blackberry, creamy tones, beautiful caramel notes develops after an hour in the glass. Wild strawberries. Perfectly mature, round and rich in flavours, excellent fruit, warm.
June 21, 2016 - very smooth, yet youthful for its age. beautiful bouquet and a pepperiness on the palate. good balance and very regal in tone. not heading downhill at all.
March 5, 2016 - Drinking great. Still some tannins left.