March 20, 2024 - An oldie, but a goodie. A bit of green that blew off and a little of the earthy and smokey I generally associate with Cantemerle.
January 25, 2024 - This bottle was lovely. 60 minute decant. Beautiful soft tertiary fungal flavors and farmyard smells. Seemed to be at a peak. I drank through a half case of this vintage years ago, and it was never this great in its youthful primary phase. If you've kept bottles this long, I hope you strike magic like we did tonight.
January 13, 2024 - Medium deep brick red.
Aromas of cedar, blackcurrant jam, ripe plum, tobacco, scorched earth and mint.
Dry sanded tannins. Blackcurrant acids and black tea bitterness.
Palate of cassis, sloe, leather, cloves, cardamom, black pepper, black coffee and autumn leaf.
A rather mature, rustic and one-dimensional medoc with fading black fruit, coffee and peppery aromas and a tight, slightly dry finish. Drink within 3 years. Tasted 2024.
Tasted alongside Tignanello 1995 and the matched wine was vital, complex and more generous than the present wine.
October 27, 2023 - Funk. Barnyard and more funk. For the first hour it just lingered. Pretty tight and tannic upon opening with the fruit being very reluctant to reveal itself.
Poured a 1/2 glass, aerated and decanted the rest. At around the 1 hour mark, the funk was gone, revealing clean earth, mushroom, and green pepper on the nose. The palate showed tart red cherry, spice, excellent structure, round and integrated tannins, and full-body. Definitely give this some time. Highly recommend a decant to let it unfold.
October 20, 2023 - P&P. While not the most profound Bord that has past my way lately, it could well be the most relaxed and comfy claret in recent memory. Mature, but still with crisp acidity and gentle, caressing cassis fruit, lots damp soil, great balance and precision. Perfect with one pot sage stuffing and chicken thighs.
October 16, 2023 - Left bank bordeaux 2008 and older (BLVD): This seems close to peak, but not quite there. An old world bordeaux frame that punches above its price.
October 15, 2023 - Monthly Tasting Group: Bordeaux 2008 and Older (BLVD Kitchen & Bar, Wayzata, MN): Small pour. Drinking well, not sure if this further. 90(+?)pts.
September 24, 2023 - Garnet. Nose of tobacco, hint of anise, some black fruits. Taste of black fruits, hint of licorice. A delightful wine drinking well now, but can age a while longer.
July 6, 2023 - Wow, this bottle was even better than last one because we gave it more time to breathe (2,5 h). This is why I love mature Bordeaux!
June 17, 2023 - Very enjoyable classic left bank at peak!