January 20, 2024 - Double decanted off quite a lot of sediment a couple of hours before consumption with a lamb and aubergine stew. Fully mature, gently spiced, red fruited and well balanced. Penultimate bottle, in a good place not sure it will go places so will probably drink up in the next few years.
December 4, 2023 - tertiary, savoury, complex and the fruit just about departed. Enjoyable but I think I would have liked it more 5 years ago
November 28, 2022 - Une autre bouteille en pleine forme lors de cette magnifique dégustation. Le nez, la bouche est riche, beaucoup de cerise rouge bien mure sans tomber dans le confit, un boisé présent mais élégant, légère touche fumée, acidité moyenne et tannins a point, une chaleur/rondeur typique des Chateauneuf sans aucune perception d'alcool. Tout est bien intégré et équilibré, un grand Chateauneuf dans son sweet spot en ce moment. Délicieux !
November 16, 2022 - From magnum courtesy of Gigabit. One of the top wines in the lineup that night. Garnet color. The tannins were holding up very well and there was no sign of decline in this wine. Round texture with notes of garrigue, twizzlers, smoke and raw meat. This was up there among the best La Crau's that I have had which includes the 1985, 1995, 2000, 2001 and 2006. 94 points.
November 11, 2022 - From magnum courtesy of gigabit. Opens with a nice Rhone funk followed by an abundance of red berry fruit. Softened tannins and acidity. Red fruit and garrigue elements with a lingering finish. Developed a terrific meaty quality with air. Drinking well with plenty of life in this format. 93+ pts.
December 31, 2021 - Tasted vis-a-vis the 2000, this is superior - a real VT. Quite full bodied, accents on the minerals, stone and blood here (almost a touch of Cornas), this is singing tonight. Glad to have more, but I think it is drinking a point with plenty of fruit left.
#NewYearsEve
December 6, 2021 - Very delicious. Drank this over two days and it lost nothing. Probably at its peak, but don't be in a rush to drink up.
October 27, 2021 - PnP. Riedel Syrah. Yum. This does seem to be at peak. Still some fine tannins in my, this last, bottle, so maybe can go a few more years. But how delicious it is now. Strong earthy nose with notes of roasted meat, white pepper, and dark tart fruits. Very smooth on the palate. Stronger notes of pepper, leather, dark cherry, earth and other nice savory flavors. A big hit with lamb chops.
Addition. Wow. The nose on this has gone full blown wet pine forest. Really intriguing. I just want to sit and sniff it all night. The palate, by contrast, has a stronger tar with sweet and bitter notes.
October 20, 2021 - Vibrant red with some fading at the edges. Cherry nose with some anise aromas. Precise, well delineated fruit, black cherry, licorice. There is a bit of heat here, but nothing bothersome. Fine tannins, acidity a bit sharp. Fine balance. Finishes long with dark fruits. Quite nice, but may be a bit past prime. It softens and becomes brighter with some air. I'd drink these in the short term.
October 10, 2021 - Drinking at peak, fully resolved tannins, smooth.