Jeff Leve

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  • moguls says:

    3/16/2024 3:06:00 PM - Thank you for your tasting notes, very thoughtful and informative. cheers, Dennis

  • Jeff Leve says:

    10/5/2023 10:46:00 AM - If it was me, I would not decant Angelus or Le Pin. Petrus should get about 90 minutes if the bottle has been well stored. Not sure about the Burgs, but 2005 is a fairly backward year, and those and some big, baddass bottles!

  • cephomer says:

    10/4/2023 3:02:00 PM - Jeff: I follow you here regularly and trust your palate. We're doing a wine dinner on 10/11/23. Some of the wines: Petrus, Angelus, Le Pin--all 1989s. And, DRC La Tache, DRC Richebourg, and Jadot Bonne Mares--all 2005s. Your advice on decanting each? Thanks in advance if this reaches you in time. CEP

  • WineGuyDelMar says:

    11/7/2022 3:11:00 PM - Thank you

  • Jeff Leve says:

    10/30/2022 1:45:00 PM - Wineguydelmar For drinking today, it is Bellevue. Clos des Sarpe takes a lot more time to soften up.

  • WineGuyDelMar says:

    10/29/2022 12:54:00 PM - Hi Jeff would you rather drink a 2015 Clos de Sarpe or Bellevue? Thanks

  • WineGuyDelMar says:

    10/6/2022 1:24:00 PM - Thank you Jeff. Bought Clos Fourtet.

  • Jeff Leve says:

    10/6/2022 10:14:00 AM - Of that pair, Clos Fourtet.

  • Jeff Leve says:

    10/6/2022 10:14:00 AM - Of that pair, Clos Fourtet.

  • WineGuyDelMar says:

    10/5/2022 6:08:00 PM - Jeff Thank you for the response about Berliquet & Fleur Cardinale. I ended up buying both of them. One more question. If you could only buy one would you buy the 2016 Clos Fourtet or 2016 Canon la Gaffeliere? I know Clos Fourtet has a higher percentage of Merlot. Thanks.

  • Jeff Leve says:

    9/15/2022 10:46:00 AM - Yes. But they are all different in style with Berliquet showing more minerality and Fleur Cardinale offering the most richness. But they are all good.

  • WineGuyDelMar says:

    9/15/2022 9:48:00 AM - Hi Jeff. I’m curious about the 2016 Ch Berliquet. Is it in the same league as the 16 Fleur Cardinale and 16 Bellefont Belcier? Thanks

  • BuckeyeBenS says:

    8/3/2022 7:00:00 AM - Hi Jeff. Sending a note of thanks to say how much I appreciate the effort you put into your Wine Cellar Insider website, as well as adding your notes here in Cellar Tracker. I'm a bordeaux enthusiast too, and your site is a perfect compliment to CT. I use both all the time, especially when I'm considering whether to purchase new bordeaux wines for my collection or if I'm tempted to open something a little early. Great work. - Ben S.

  • Tooscrapps says:

    4/1/2022 5:45:00 AM - Jeff, I appreciate you taking the time to add your '19 Bdx notes to CT. And I really appreciate you making a first-time EP value-buyer feel like a rockstar. :)

  • Addeatum says:

    3/4/2022 7:25:00 PM - Really appreciate your notes. When considering a Bordeaux purchase I always look to see if you have reviewed it Cheers from Vancouver Island. (yes a left coaster) Thank you

  • Jeff Leve says:

    1/31/2022 9:20:00 PM - Thank you Ben. It is always nice to receive a nice word, or two. Hey, do you read my site?

  • BenSlivka says:

    1/31/2022 4:58:00 PM - Jeff Leve: Thank you for all of your wonderful tasting notes. They are a true service! Cheers from Clyde Hill! --Ben

  • Jeff Leve says:

    1/31/2022 9:54:00 AM - Brucerob, I have no idea how the board works. Sorry. Ask for their Facebook or Insta and reach out there if you are worried.

  • brucerob says:

    1/30/2022 8:48:00 AM - Thanks Jeff. So how to “ you will need to post your Email, and later remove it”. Can I go back and remove a post at any time?

  • Jeff Leve says:

    1/30/2022 8:38:00 AM - Brucerob... From this board, as there is no private message, you will need to post your Email, and later remove it, or ask him if he is on Facebook, Insta, Berserkers or other media that offers PM. Write your Email like Brucerob at offline dot com and spammers will not harvest it. Have fun. The best thing about these boards is meeting and making wine friends.

  • Jeff Leve says:

    1/30/2022 8:38:00 AM - Brucerob... From this board, as there is no private message, you will need to post your Email, and later remove it, or ask him if he is on Facebook, Insta, Berserkers or other media that offers PM. Write your Email like Brucerob at offline dot com and spammers will not harvest it. Have fun. The best thing about these boards is meeting and making wine friends.

  • brucerob says:

    1/30/2022 6:40:00 AM - Hi Jeff - There is a CT member in my area with similar wines in common and we want to do a tasting together. What is the best way to share our contact info (phone or email) short of permanently sharing it on the public message board?

  • I'd Rather Be Drinking Wine says:

    7/5/2021 8:55:00 AM - Thank you for the reply!

  • Jeff Leve says:

    7/1/2021 9:22:00 AM - IRBD… Scorched earth is not a term I personally use. But it should mean something like campfire embers, burning leaves, lit cigar or something along those lines…

  • I'd Rather Be Drinking Wine says:

    6/30/2021 2:38:00 PM - Hi Jeff, You are a professional taster, and as such, I assume you have talked with other tasters and read reviews....what exactly does it mean when a taster notes "scorched earth"? Does that mean smokey and earthy notes, or something else? (If you know). Thanks, Jason

  • Jeff Leve says:

    5/14/2021 8:54:00 AM - This coming week !

  • jmoon says:

    5/12/2021 5:45:00 PM - Hi Jeff, when can we expect to see your Bordeaux 2020 notes posted? I have used these as my main buying guide the last few years, I find them more reliable than most other professional tasters. thanks again.

  • COWineLover says:

    3/21/2021 10:48:00 AM - Thank you Jeff for your notes and insights. Always very valuable. Looking forward to your 2020 Bordeaux notes with the presumption the tastings will be air freighted similar to 2019.

  • Jeff Leve says:

    3/21/2021 10:32:00 AM - COWinelover... I like 2012 Chateauneuf. Though, it is a lighter, elegant, early-drinking style. I do not own any and I never see them anymore. My guess is, almost every wine is at peak and drinking over the next 2-5 years is probably a good idea.

  • COWineLover says:

    3/21/2021 9:15:00 AM - Greetings Jeff, Thank you for all the great tasting notes you have been posting for 2018 Bordeaux. Very valuable insight. I wonder if you can offer your experiences with the 2012 Southern Rhones? I have been universally disappointed thus far in most of the appellations (CdP, Gigondas) and different names I own. Are these worth holding or is the vintage one that is should be panned and cleared out of the cellar? Many thanks for your thoughts.

  • Jeff Leve says:

    3/11/2021 9:27:00 AM - Hi David Thank you for reading me. Your question is a good one, but quite long and difficult to answer on a BBS and I'd need to know more about your taste. That being said, you should read more on my site. You can peruse the appellations you are interested in, and find wines in your style and price range. There is also an article on starting a collection. It is semi-general in nature, but it does have solid giudance. When you see notes pop up I post on, feel free to ask about specific wines, I am alway happy to help

  • Davidh. says:

    3/11/2021 5:59:00 AM - Hi Jeff, I have been going through your notes and replies as if I'm reading a good book, absolutely enjoying it! Therefore I want to ask you my question as well. I am a 24 year old, non-millionaire (sadly), beginning wine collector/consumer. Everyone is telling me to taste a lot and not buy too much wine, due to changing preferences with the years. Somewhat affordable aged wines are not readily available in stores. What would you advise in means of building a collection so that in 5 or 10 years I have a nice variety of aged wines, that I will actually like? A lot of articles are aimed at consumers 35/45 and older. Also, my holiday in Bordeaux gave me the opportunity to taste 2008 Pavie. I was blown away. If you have any similar affordable suggestions I would be happy to hear! Best wishes, David

  • Jeff Leve says:

    1/31/2021 3:51:00 PM - I am sure they have. But I have no idea. Sorry, I cannot be more helpful...

  • Lahontan says:

    1/27/2021 8:43:00 AM - Hello Jeff, Lahontan again :) Thanks for your responses by the way, short & to the point. My question is this: has anyone attempted to create a 1855-style classification for Napa (and surrounding area) wines? I imagine this might be a risky endeavour, but I'd love to know if there is one or two out there.... as I am still figuring things out in re. cali wines. fwiw, Serge Valentin of whiskyfun.com has done this for sms, and it really has held up (though I am sure pissed of some distillery owners...) Merci d'avance mon bon monsieur,

  • Jeff Leve says:

    1/4/2021 9:58:00 AM - Lahontan... Today, most wines are shipped in reffers, "refrigerated" containers. Of course, that was not always the case.

  • Jeff Leve says:

    1/4/2021 9:58:00 AM - Lahontan... Today, most wines are shipped in reffers, "refrigerated" containers. Of course, that was not always the case.

  • Lahontan says:

    1/3/2021 7:37:00 AM - Jeff, Happy New Year! By the way, thanks for your advice on the Dom Perignon 2010, we had it and it was fine -- sans plus. Anyways, here is my question: the more I read about wine, the more I notice the emphasis on proper storage: the requirements are many: constant temperature, humidity, darkness, absence of vibration and so on... At the same time the wine is transported from the producer to the distributor, to the retailer in conditions that are surely not ideal when compared to storage recommendations... So if wine can withstand a boat trip from Australia to California, or from Bordeaux to California (or a plane trip), it must be on some level pretty indestructible.... I just can't reconcile the rough storage conditions wines endure in the first part of their lives with the storage recommendations on the consumer end.... Sorry for the long post.... I just see a disconnect there. Do you? Merci d'avance, Lahontan

  • Jeff Leve says:

    1/2/2021 1:34:00 PM - Hi Bruce... When things change, your best bet is to post a notice on the Offline section of Berserkers, as well as on here seeing if people want to get together, letting them what wines you like to drink. You'll get lots of responses....

  • brucerob says:

    1/1/2021 7:58:00 AM - Hi Jeff, I live in Los Angeles. I would like to find some fellow wine enthusiasts to get together and taste with (one it's safe) Is there a way to find people in same geographic area and reach out to them on the website? Thanks, Bruce

  • Sjjordan says:

    12/30/2020 7:37:00 PM - Jeff, thank you. And you are correct: your article about Langoa Barton suggested 2-4 hours for young vintages.

  • Jeff Leve says:

    12/30/2020 8:29:00 AM - Sjjordan - It is not a simple answer. On my site, I am not sure I said 4+ hours, that is a lot of air IMO. But some powerful, tannic wines can take that. Langoa Barton is a tannic wine, but 2009 is a hot, sunny vintage, so the tannins are ripe and lushly textured. Personally, 2 hours should be more than ample.

  • Sjjordan says:

    12/29/2020 9:23:00 PM - Jeff, on Wine Cellar Insider you recommend decanting young Bordeaux vintages for 4+ hours (and note that older vintages need little to no decanting). What do you consider to be young? I have a few bottles of 2009 Langoa Barton. How long would you recommend decanting if I opened a bottle now?

  • Lahontan says:

    11/25/2020 9:06:00 AM - Many thanks Jeff, I shall. And keep up the great work! Also the IG site is a visual treat. Aurevoir monsieur,

  • Jeff Leve says:

    11/25/2020 8:39:00 AM - Lahontan Never had the wine. I've heard it is not at the level of the 08, 09 or 12. Me, I would drink it.

  • Jeff Leve says:

    11/25/2020 8:39:00 AM - Lahontan Never had the wine. I've heard it is not at the level of the 08, 09 or 12. Me, I would drink it.

  • Lahontan says:

    11/25/2020 6:40:00 AM - Dear Jeff, What a tremendous resource your notes and site are -- many thanks for this. It's a public service for us neophyte wine drinkers -- and this one is most grateful... I have a question about the Dompe 2010 -- I just read the reviews and they seem unexciting (even the add copy in the box!)... I only have one bottle. Should I age it instead? Would it gain anything from a few years in my cold cellar? (I was thinking of opening perhaps a Pol Roger 08 instead). Many thanks in advance, happy thanksgiving and chapeau bas again for the site!

  • camben says:

    11/23/2020 12:56:00 PM - Jeff, Thank you for everything you do. At one point in my life I made wine. Now I’m a swim coach. Cheers!

  • Doni.Bertolami says:

    6/18/2020 5:35:00 AM - Hi Jeff, Thanks for publishing the Bordeaux Primeur tasting notes on CT. These are a very important source for me to make my buying decision. Seems like 2019 will be a good year to buy looking at reasonable prices. With Chateau Laroque and Chateau Labégorce there seem to be two extreme value picks. Anything else in the lower price range one should not miss? Pontet Canet and Domaine de Chevalier seem to be no brainers in the mid-price range. Best regards, Fabio

  • Jeff Leve says:

    5/31/2020 1:42:00 PM - Laz4 Not sure if you were asking a question. But 18 and 19 are quite different vintages. I am not sure 19 will alter prices on 18 across the board. Perhaps with some wines, who knows? There is no way to tell.

  • Laz4wine says:

    5/30/2020 11:31:00 AM - Thanks Jeff, I googled yesterday and several sites (WS, JS, etc.) reporting / commenting about PC pricing and likelihood of 19 releases coming in 30 - 50% less during EP. Big win for the consumer, wonder if 18 prices will hold firm since 19 appears comparably excellent, much less the weak 17, after the re-set. Deliberately passed on 18 EP opting for retail discounts later, perhaps that will pay off and I'll go long on 19 as well.

  • Jeff Leve says:

    5/29/2020 8:36:00 AM - Laz4wine I will have tasted over 500 wines by next week. But not Pontet Canet. It is one of the few I missed

  • Laz4wine says:

    5/28/2020 7:08:00 PM - Hi Jeff - just saw first 2019 en primeur offer of Pontet Canet @ $79 and my jaw just about hit the floor. Wondering if you have insights or comments coming on WCI and/or could share a sneak preview on what might be going on (JS98-99 Barrel rating suggests usual quality) and what we might expect to see elsewhere? Perhaps post-COVID luxury/restaurant wine surplus and price re-set, rogue Al T. shaking up the world, or French egalitarianism??? Would love to hear your take!!

  • Jeff Leve says:

    4/29/2020 4:53:00 PM - Harvey... Do you read my site? That is really the best place to discover wines similar to what you mentioned. There are countless, delicious wines in your range.

  • hps7751 says:

    4/29/2020 1:29:00 PM - Hi Jeff: I take note of your comments about Cap de Faugeres and Clos Manou; I really enjoy these particular wines as "mid-week"/ready to drink Bordeaux. I'd appreciate your suggestions from these properties or others w/a price point less than $30. you see as go-wines. Thanks. HARVEY P. SACKETT

  • JEP007 says:

    2/5/2020 9:51:00 PM - Hi Jeff, I've enjoyed reading your reviews of recent vintages of Chateau Rayas Reserve. I've never had it, so wanted to know from your experience if this grenache is leagues above something like Clos Erasmus? That is the only high-end grenache I've had experience with. Thanks, John

  • Jeff Leve says:

    1/12/2020 9:07:00 AM - Wren, Thank you for such a nice note. I am happy to have helped you buy better wines. Hopefully, for less money too! You have asked a long and complicated question and I do not know enough about you to provide a detailed answer. Honest, the best thing for you to do is just to browse my website and read about the estates, and tasting notes. If things look good to you, feel free to ask me specific questions. I do not only write about wine. I am also a consumer. You can tell what wines I buy when you see repeated tasting notes, as those are some of the bottles that come from my cellar. I hope that helps a bit as well.

  • wren460 says:

    1/11/2020 2:15:00 PM - Hi Jeff, I´ve been enjoying your reviews for many years and I have asked you in the past a few questions that you kindly answered. Many of the wines that I have in my cellar from Bordeaux are basically recomendations from you. My knowledge of tasting Bordeaux is extremely limited and I have been buying quite a lot of bottles that I won´t open in 8-10 years minimum. SO, my problem is to identify which bottles to buy that in 10 years when I start opening them I will not be dissapointed if I bought to little or to many ! I don´t know if in 10 years I will like more a La Conseillante 2015 or a Canon 2015 ( both I bought a case ). I want to ask for your help in recomending a few bottles of wine in the 100-200 usd to store for no longer than 15 years and that when I open them I will fall out of my chair :) I don´t like austere wines, the old style Bordeaux, the farm smells...the manure, funk. I enjoy more the hedonistic style than the intelectual. I am the Caymus SS, Buccella, TOR, Melka wines type of guy. The problem is that other than Chateau Pavie I struggle to know which wines should I buy from BDX if I like my BDX to be "happy and cheerful" so to speak. I currently own Conseillante, Pavie, Canon, Troplong Mondot, Cos D Estournel, Giscours, among quite a few more. Can you please recomend me 3 or 4 wines that are elegant, sexy, hedonistic ( not fruit bombs!) that I will enjoy in 7-10 years from now ? I don´t know what else to add, I just want to make sure I am perfectly stocked for the future and I know I will gravitate towards BDX much more in 10 years than what I do today. Favourite wines from BDX that I have tasted : Trotanoy 2006, Pavie 2003, La Clémence 05. Worst wines that I have tasted : the wines from Pesac-Leognan. I hope you can help identify a few bottles that I should buy and drink em in 2030-2035. Gracias and salud from Mexico

  • Jeff Leve says:

    10/10/2019 4:55:00 PM - Angus, you got me! A double mag... WOW. I imagine it is still quite youthful. You can as you suggest wait several more years, or make sure you allow it 3-4 hours of air. Easy to do, just pour half into a magnum decanter or into 2 separate decanters which will have close to the same effect on the wine in the bottle and the wine in the decanters. Or double the entire bottle.

  • Vinterest Angus says:

    10/10/2019 11:30:00 AM - Hi Jeff. Big fan, love your notes and always seem to agree with your views and scores. So, a quick question - I have a double mag of '86 LLC that has been impeccably stored; should I drink or wait? My guess is from the larger format it could still wait a few more years until tannins completely resolve. Bottles are drinking beautifully of course. How far behind the bottles do you think it would be? Best, Angus

  • Jeff Leve says:

    6/11/2019 6:39:00 PM - Jace... Yes, there are a few estates making 100% Cab in Bordeaux. You can find them listed on my page about Cabernet Sauvignon on my website. Just use the search function

  • Jace says:

    6/11/2019 11:25:00 AM - Jeff, Or others reading - does any (classified) BDX use solely cab sauvignon?

  • BillyT says:

    4/7/2019 7:17:00 AM - Jeff, Mansavage says it well. I often think we must be brothers from another mother because your palate aligns so very well with mine. While others if consider to have similar palates provide great recommendations your notes are those I weigh most highly and actually use in my decision making process. Can't thank you enough for you insights and love Wine Cellar Insider as well.

  • Mansavage says:

    2/12/2019 12:53:00 PM - I have been in the wine business for 35 years. Reading other professionals' notes and writing notes for myself and to share with colleagues. The professional notes on Cellartracker are valuable but often made upon release or even before. Community notes are more current assessments of the wine but one needs cut through the chaff to get to the kernels. Jeff, you are one of my go to guys.

  • Vinomazing says:

    12/26/2018 5:07:00 PM - Glad to be a fan and reap your wine expertise this year. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year Jeff!

  • Jeff Leve says:

    10/1/2018 8:07:00 AM - KJ, Thanks for the trust brother!!!

  • KillerJones says:

    9/29/2018 6:08:00 PM - Many thanks for all your extensive Bordeaux reviews. We have a release here in Vancouver but once a year, so I do much of my research based on your thoughts.

  • buchch2 says:

    9/28/2018 4:05:00 PM - Hey Jeff - just read your review of the 2016 Smith Haut lafite. I am curious do you prefer the SHL or the 2016 Haut Bailly. 2016 is a birth year for my son so I am looking to expand that vintage in my cellar. The price is close with the HB $10 more than the SHL. Both are reasonable in price. thanks

  • Jeff Leve says:

    6/28/2018 3:54:00 PM - Wine Grove... It depends on who has the wine available that you are seeking. I'd check with Wine Searcher as stock varies quite a bit. That being said, I like JJ Buckley and Wineex.

  • Wine G says:

    6/26/2018 3:41:00 PM - Hi Jeff - I have been meaning to ask you - here in California, who in your opinion are the best retailers / online sellers of Bordeaux and Rhone wines? I have two good sources for Bordeaux but have not been so lucky with Rhone, wondering if you have any recommendations. Thank you! Grover

  • Jeff Leve says:

    5/1/2018 6:25:00 PM - DYquembe, not sure yet as the wines are not bottled yet. But some potential candidates are Figeac and La Conseillante and Latour.

  • D'Yquembe Mutumbo says:

    4/30/2018 6:07:00 PM - Jeff, based on your tasting experience, what did you think was the "Wine of the Vintage" for 2016 Bordeaux? Thanks in advance for your answer!

  • Jeff Leve says:

    2/3/2018 1:15:00 PM - Fine... it all depends on the other wines and the palates and preferences of the other members of the tasting. That being said, in blind tastings, younger, richer wines usually win tastings. From your offerings, 03 Montrose or 96 Margaux would probably do better in a blind tasting than the other wines, which are either more delicate, or tannic.

  • fine137 says:

    2/3/2018 1:02:00 PM - Thanks for answering my question on decant strategy for 2005 Chave Hermitage. As I said I am considering taking it to a super bowl party, where it will be blind tasted against wines of similar quality. It is a contest and I’m not ashamed to say I would like to win! I have limited options at this price point and I understand it will come Down to the bottle not the wine, but dare I ask what you would go with if you were choosing between the Chave, 2000 or 2003 Montrose, 1986 Mouton, 1996 Latour or 1996 Margaux or 1990 Las Cases or 1982 Lalande?

  • Grinner says:

    12/31/2017 5:26:00 PM - Jeff, I'm years late in saying I really appreciate your notes and our overlap in tastes. If you're ever forced to come north, there are some things in my cellar that need opening. Of course you've had them ten times, but the eleventh could be good too! Cheers, Mark

  • D'Yquembe Mutumbo says:

    6/29/2017 6:29:00 AM - Question for you; if you had $1000 to spend on one bottle of wine that is currently available commercially, which bottle would you get and why?

  • aquaman says:

    2/9/2017 7:10:00 PM - Thank you. How long should I decant it

  • Jeff Leve says:

    2/9/2017 4:53:00 PM - AQ... 2000 Lynch Bages is the best of wines, and it should also offer the best drinking of the Bordeaux you wrote about. My guess is, 82 Duhart Milon is over the hill. You should pop that sooner than later.

  • aquaman says:

    2/9/2017 3:48:00 PM - Hi Jeff. I am having dinner soon at cava in costa mesa. I have 3 wine to choose from to bring there. Can you tell me which one will be a better tasting with the over all food. 2001 or 2002 chateau mouton Rothschild Or 2000 chateau lynch bages Or 1982 chateau duhurt milon My friend is bring a 1992 caymus special selected

  • Jeff Leve says:

    12/16/2016 8:11:00 AM - GH... Best to look at my notes and see which if the 2 wines meets your style preferences. That being said, on an overall quality basis, for my money, 2003 Leoville Barton is a much better wine today than LLC.

  • G.H. says:

    12/15/2016 9:48:00 AM - Hi Jeff, I wanted to thank you for your fantastic wine reviews! I am a fan! I am about to host a tasting of 2003s and wanted to either include Leoville Barton 03 or Leoville Las Cases 03. Which one do you think is the better wine / more interesting tasting experience?

  • Jeff Leve says:

    8/30/2016 9:21:00 AM - X, Thanks for the nice words. Always glad to help. If you have questions on your visits to Bordeaux, feel free to post on my site and I'll try to help, or offer tips.

  • XYTD says:

    8/30/2016 1:01:00 AM - Hi, Jeff, just wanted to say thank you. We are planning our first Bordeaux trip and your website and tasting notes have been really helpful! - XYTD

  • Jeff Leve says:

    7/11/2016 8:09:00 AM - If you're going to spend the money for Ausone, you are better off buying it in the best vintages.... For 2014, it's a very good wine. But in the years to come, 2015 will be the wine to own. I hope this helps.

  • ti_ric says:

    7/10/2016 7:05:00 PM - I Jeff! I want to buy an Ausone 2014. According to you, it is a good purchase for this vintage? Thank you!

  • Jeff Leve says:

    2/27/2016 4:26:00 PM - Nick... The best thing to do is to contact me through my website www.thewinecellarinsider.com or Facebook and we can take it from there brother...

  • nvandyk says:

    2/27/2016 10:41:00 AM - Hi Jeff! I've been a fan of your notes from some time and last night when perusing the list of those on the victim end of the Premier Cru fiasco, I noticed that you and I live about three blocks from one another. Let's get together and drink some wine! You can reach me at artisannvandyk@earthlink.net Best, Nick

  • Jeff Leve says:

    1/28/2015 4:08:00 PM - Thanks Acqua! Me too I al already counting down the days. I think you know, or probably do, but I also have my own website www.thewinecellarinsider.com See you soon and please send my best to everyone....

  • aquacongas says:

    1/28/2015 2:24:00 PM - Hi Jeff, nice to meeting you 9th April 2015 in Düsseldorf with Achim Becker and Rainer Schönfeld. I'm excited for killing some nice bombs

  • Jeff Leve says:

    1/13/2015 10:27:00 AM - Matt... My guess is, shipping from London will save you a lot of money! :D

  • Flennerz says:

    1/13/2015 4:33:00 AM - Generally in the UK but also Ireland - a feature of where I live really. Local merchant is James Nicholson and I tend to visit them during their annual sale, as otherwise it's all too expensive for my humble purse! In ROI I tend to use Mitchell & Son but again only really during their sale periods. I've picked up some nice bottles over the years with a good amount off them to make them worth a punt. Outside of those I'd look at Berry's in London and maybe Nickolls & Perks (though I'm yet to buy anything from the latter). Half the fun is researching and imagining though...I also have a spreadsheet...! Matt

  • Jeff Leve says:

    1/12/2015 4:29:00 PM - Matt.... Where are you buying wine? That is far too much money. I noticed you mentioned GBP. Get a subscription to Winesearcher pro. There are several UK merchants that sell the wine for close to 100 GBP

  • Flennerz says:

    1/12/2015 3:19:00 PM - Thanks Jeff! Really appreciate the advice. Local merchant has the 98 at £70/half bottle which is why I was intrigued (and suspicious of the vintage quality!). For reference the closest I can get locally with the 97 is £171/half! I got an 05 Suduiraut last year which I'm looking forward to trying (maybe when my kids grow up - they're four and four months!).

  • Jeff Leve says:

    1/12/2015 9:43:00 AM - Luis... You are better off contacting me on my website for these types of questions. www.thewinecellarinsider.com

  • Luisamaelvino says:

    1/12/2015 8:51:00 AM - Hi Jeff! This is Luis from Spain, a new member of Cellar Tracker. Are you a Rioja Wine lover? If you feel like it, I could send you some samples of Marques del Puerto Gran Reserva 2004, recently rated with a 92 by WE, how is that sounds?For the sake of clarity I am an Export Manager working for this winery (and a wine lover!!!). My email is l.guemes@mbrizard.com

  • Jeff Leve says:

    1/12/2015 7:32:00 AM - Because you asked Matt... Skip the 1998 Yquem. Look for 1996, 1997 or 2003. All are better vintages of Yquem and will provide you with a better Yquem tasting experience. I think they are all similar in price as well. Let me know what you buy and if you like it.

  • Flennerz says:

    1/12/2015 5:55:00 AM - Hi Jeff Happy New Year to you! I'm interested in your opinion on the 1998 D'Yquem - I'm aware it's by far and away the cheapest one around and fancy trying it on the basis that a good chateau rarely makes bad wine - but do you think it's representative of what the chateau can do? No point buying it if it's not really like their wines in better years, and certainly not if it's no better than a "better year/lesser estate" wine! Always in awe of your prolific tasting notes/collecting!! Matt

  • Jeff Leve says:

    12/22/2014 11:36:00 AM - Cantenac Brown... You are probably better off posting these types on questions on my site as you can get links etc... Canon-la Gaffeliere 2010 Beaucastel 2010 2009 grand puy lacoste 2010 Pichon baron are all super wines. Canon La Gaffeliere could be the easiest to drink now, but 2010 Pichon Baron is the best of the wines

  • _water.into.wine_ says:

    12/22/2014 11:32:00 AM - Hey Jeff Thanks for your quick response on the Pichon Baron 2006! I've double checked the wine stores and the wine I have available in budget is as follows: I'm looking for a wine to drink on Christmas Day and have the ability to decant as required. What are your thoughts on the best wine (s) from this list if you had to pick 2 or 3 to drink now? Thanks! Canon-La Gaffelière 2006 Canon-la Gaffeliere 2010 Beaucastel 2010 (cndp) chateau laroque 2009 lascombes 2009 grand puy lacoste 2010 Pichon baron 2006 Belgrave 2010

  • Halfeel says:

    2/26/2014 9:11:00 PM - Thanks Jeff, Opened a bottle this evening and agree that this is a very nice and refined white Bordeaux. Wish I had bought more than 4 bottles when it was on WTSO. Will be looking for more.You were definitely correct that this is a case buy.

  • Jeff Leve says:

    2/26/2014 7:29:00 AM - Halfeel... The 2012 Clos des Lunes D'Argent Bordeaux blanc is a really nice wine. I would probably prefer drinking it sooner than later. It might get better in a year. But my guess is, it will probably be about the same. Did you try a bottle yet? For $15, it's really very good. Do you agree?

  • Halfeel says:

    2/25/2014 6:57:00 PM - Hi Jeff, Saw your excellent review of the 2012 Clos des Lunes D'Argent Bordeaux blanc. I was able to get it for $15/bottle from WTSO. Would there be any benefit of holding onto this for a year or so as suggested by one reviewer or should we just drink as we like is the next few months? Thank you, Dr. Halfeel.

  • Buckeye Jimmy says:

    2/15/2014 5:37:00 PM - Jeff, I just joined and added tasting note on Unity 2007 Cab. Saw your 2012 note -- agreed entirely. Also a big fan of Bordeaux, although don't spring for $$$ bottles. Have some year 2000 and probably will begin cracking this year. Looking forward to digging into your blog -- so thanks for all the help.

  • focus says:

    2/3/2014 6:34:00 PM - Many thanks! Will let you know how I make out with my process

  • Jeff Leve says:

    2/2/2014 8:58:00 PM - jfuria... I am a bit embarrassed to admit, but I use a simple excel program with the fields I deem to have value for my wines and cellar. Cellartracker is a much better choice, especially for more active buyers.

  • focus says:

    2/2/2014 12:03:00 PM - Jeff: Many thanks and apologies…do not want specific store recommendations to respect rules of CT. How do you virtually manage, update and display your collection? Do you use a scanner or manually enter your wines?

  • Jeff Leve says:

    2/2/2014 8:54:00 AM - jfuria... I am not exactly sure what you are asking. I cannot advise you on Cellartracker. As for buying the wine, if you were not vintage sensitive, I'd buy the wines from 2008, 2012 and 2013. Those will all be the least expensive vintages in the market.

  • focus says:

    2/1/2014 3:08:00 PM - 2014 project…obtain 1 bottle of each of the 61 classified Bordeaux wines. I have about 38 I believe. Has anyone ever done this? If so, where do you recommend searching for some of the less popular selections i.e. Rausan-Gassies, Durfort-Vivens, Chateau Pouget-Margaux, and some of the others? All vintages are acceptable. MANY thanks in advance for any advice…..CT is really the gold standard for wine enthusiasts!

  • focus says:

    2/1/2014 2:59:00 PM - Time to do inventory reconciliation. Looking for tips to make best use of CT. Just over 850 bottles in collection…..70% Bordeaux. My proposed strategy, go to the cold cellar, look at each bottle ( or unopened OWC case), record on paper or tape reorder, go to warm upstairs, open CT and do reconciliation with additions and deletions, save, then view on iPad with CellarVu. Any thoughts? How good are barcoding systems? This is intriguing.

  • EMAZurich says:

    1/18/2014 11:21:00 AM - Hi Jeff, sorry for answering only now, I didn't see your message... Thanks for your feedback, indeed, I opened 30 minutes before dinner just to clean out the depot and poured back into the bottle. The wine was immediately quite open and remained as it was in the beginning over several hours. In my opinion it's a nice and round paulliac, without any acidity but this is somehow ok as it's more on the sweet/choclat side combined with some banana. Medium finish. Thanks again for your feedback, looking forward to exchanging opinions also in future. Kind regards from Zurich, Edgar

  • Jeff Leve says:

    1/14/2014 11:08:00 AM - Edgar... For many 2003, pop and pour is fine, especially with the wines from Pessac Leognan. They have all IMO matured at a fairly rapid pace. Also, many of the 2003 wines I tasted in 2013 came from the properties, so they were perfect examples. Pop a bottle and let me know what you think.

  • EMAZurich says:

    1/14/2014 1:54:00 AM - Dear Jeff, you recently tasted Haut Batailley 2003. Would you reccomend to decant? What was your impression about the development with air? Thanks in advance for your feedback, best regards from Zurich! Edgar

  • focus says:

    1/10/2014 7:02:00 PM - Many thanks for the CNdP suggestions....it has been a wonderful journey! Loved the 2007 PegAu and 2001 Beaucastle, as well as the Janesse. Hope to become mOre active in the forums....this is really a great service.....thanks Jeff!!!

  • Jeff Leve says:

    11/4/2013 8:48:00 PM - Jfuria... Pegau, Charvin and Clos des Papes are other great examples of traditional Chateauneuf. Try Beaurenard, Cristia, Janasse and Clos St. Jean for more modern examples. I like both, each has its own style

  • focus says:

    11/4/2013 5:39:00 PM - I am dedicating Nov and Dec to really learning the differences among the traditional, modern, and mixed styles of southern Rhone wines, particularly CNdiP. Wish to drink some earlier vintages ( early 2000's) to get a feel for what style I prefer before purchasing the great recent vintages. Beaucastle for traditional, but what would others suggest as classic examples of the contrasting styles?

  • Jeff Leve says:

    10/5/2013 3:40:00 PM - Emzee, Thanks for the nice note and good words. If you need something, drop me a note on my board and let me know. Happy to help...

  • emzee.mc says:

    10/4/2013 8:24:00 AM - Just want to let you know that I love your website. The wine buying guide by varietal is superb and I love the winery profiles you have on there! Finally found you on cellartracker through the same tasting notes on the La Clusiere on your website!

  • Jeff Leve says:

    9/13/2013 9:43:00 AM - Sorry, but I do not know much about Italian wine or 1985 Sassicaia. This should not be construed as saying your bottle is, or is not real, but there are many fake bottles of 1985 Sassicaia in the market place. Best of luck with it.

  • Midde says:

    9/13/2013 1:06:00 AM - Hello Jeff. I have a question for you. I Hope you can answer it. I just bought a few bottles on auction here in Switzerland but im still worried about some of the might be fake.. especially the bottles of Sassicaia 1985. My Question is if you know any people that can confirm it, here in switzerland (near Zurich). If not. Thanks for reading it anyway! :)

  • Jeff Leve says:

    9/7/2013 9:56:00 AM - Claire... 1995 for all Bordeaux are a bit on the masculine, tannic side. To keep the freshness and aromatic complexity, give it 2 hours. Maybe up to 3 hours at the most and let it develop in the glass. Enjoy as it's one of the best wines from 1995.

  • Jeff Leve says:

    9/7/2013 9:55:00 AM - John... Thanks for the message and the nice words. I appreciate it!

  • clairenclarence says:

    9/5/2013 9:15:00 PM - Hi jeff,need help here.if u wud to drink haut brion 95,will u decant it??tks in advance.anyway u r power(your knowledge in wine n your writing skill)

  • focus says:

    9/5/2013 4:48:00 AM - Jeff: Many many thanks for the insightful reviews and incredible job with winecellarinsider.com! I am also a huge fan/collector of Bordeaux and have truly enjoyed your site. Many thanks for doing the community such a super service.JohnF

  • RockinCabs says:

    8/4/2013 1:31:00 PM - Hi Jeff, I was putting together a lineup of wines for a bachelor party attended by a bunch of winos and found your notes extremely useful as I worked to select the wines for the tasting. Thanks so much for sharing your tasting notes (without agenda) on the 1,000's of fabulous wines that you have the privilege of tasting. Your assessment of the Bordeaux wines in particular was helpful to really make the night special, and helped me avoid a few value traps along the way. Thanks, - RockinCabs

  • Jeff Leve says:

    6/2/2013 1:14:00 PM - Paulst... You can drink it now. If you do, give it 2-3 hours of air. Rauzan will age for years.

  • paulst says:

    6/2/2013 7:04:00 AM - Jeff-think the 00 Rauzan Segla is ready for another crack now? Paul

  • Ben Paquet says:

    2/13/2013 12:34:00 PM - Thanks Jeff. I think I will follow your advice and wait another 5-7 years. I really appreciated your help !

  • Jeff Leve says:

    1/30/2013 8:27:00 AM - Hi Ben... Thanks for the note. Sorry for the delay in answering, but I've been a bit under the weather. 1998 is not a great vintage for LLC. It does not really show the estate at its best. 1990 Leoville Las Cases is a stunner, You can drink it now. If you like it, you can buy another bottle or two, or look for other years. You can also age it for another 10 or 20 years. It's that good! Much of that depends on where you like your wine. I'm willing to pop a bottle now, but if I do not get to it for years, I know it's only going to get better.

  • Ben Paquet says:

    1/26/2013 8:53:00 PM - Hello Jeff, if you don't mind I'd like to ask you a question regarding a Leoville Las Cases 1990 since you seem to be a Bordeaux lover !!!! . I had a Las Cases 1998 about a month ago and it seems far from being ready. I also look at a lot of Cellartarcker notes about Las cases 1982-2009 and it seems that it takes quite a bit of time for Las Cases to open up. So my question is since I only have 1 bottle of Las Cases 1990, should I drink this bottle now or should I wait a couple of years before trying it ? thank you very much for your help !

  • Jeff Leve says:

    12/2/2012 8:56:00 PM - Thanks for the nice words Jeff. I appreciate it. If you like, feel free to post on our wine talk forum if you ever have questions or want to chat about wine. If I can, Id to try and get more people to use it. http://www.thewinecellarinsider.com/forums_new/forumdisplay.php?5-Wine-amp-Food-Talk PS. We agree 100% on 1990 Pichon Baron!

  • Jeffrey Silver says:

    12/1/2012 2:46:00 PM - Love your writings and Website. I opened a 1990 Pichon Longeville Baron yesterday. Simply put this wine is Subllime and all why I love Bordeaux.

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