brennan18

Tasting Notes

• 2010 Château Smith Haut Lafitte

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  4/21/2024 - brennan18 Likes this wine: 96 Points

  This was incredible, hands down best wine I've had in 2024 and perhaps in the last 5 years with the possible exception being a '96 Chateau Margaux I had at a friend's dinner party in 2021 (the SHL is a close contender tbh). No detailed notes but the previous review captures the essence of the '10 SHL perfectly. The wine was fresh, vibrant and full of life with a razor sharp acidity and a finish that lingered for nearly a minute. A silky magenta in the glass with a bouquet that just leaps at you (we could smell the wine amidst everything going on in the restaurant - Rumi's Kitchen here in Houston - on a very crowded Saturday night). My friend at dinner could not stop marveling how good this was. Just an uplifting experience. We opened at the restaurant and decanted for about 45 minutes prior to drinking over the course of 2 hours. Kept getting better down to the last drop. Has many, many years of life ahead but you only live once....
  
  Would I buy again: yes
  
  Value: enormous bargain at it's price point
  
  96+ points -- world-class wine
  
  NB: I should add the wine had very little sediment

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• 2016 Château Ducru-Beaucaillou La Croix Ducru-Beaucaillou

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  4/16/2024 - brennan18 wrote: 93 Points

  Garnet in the glass & very tight upon opening with a strong profile of red fruit on the nose & palate. I agree with previous comments this wine needs 2.5-3.0 hours to unfurl and show it's stuff. I decanted into an ehrlenmeyer flask and tucked into the fridge for 2 hours before redecanting back into the bottle. Poured a glass and waited 30 minutes. Cherry, plum and dark fruit with spice, very balanced with fine tannins and a soft structure. You can tell this is the close relative of a grand vin. Spec's was running a special a few weeks ago and I picked this up for around $50.00 and at that price it's a bargain. I think it's ready to drink if decanted like above.
  
  93 points -- excellent wine; sophisticated & multi-dimensional

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• 2020 Château La Croix du Casse

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  4/8/2024 - brennan18 Likes this wine: 90 Points

  Floral bouquet with herbs & tobacco, bright red fruit on the palate with more herbs, some chocolate, leather and a faint hint of minerals. Medium body, medium/low acidity & fine tannins that leave a slight chalky feel in the mouth. Finish lingers for about 25-30 seconds.
  
  90 points -- good value Pomerol; ready to drink but can age another few years w/out any challenges.

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