Drank over two days, alongside the same vintage Domaine de Chevalier.
This has not softened as much as the DdC. Rather, it has retained its original, velvet gloved iron fist character. Delightful fruit, high-order expression of (Pauillac) place, exceptional structure and grip. The finish reveals no conception of quit.
My preference over the DdC, on the strength of its rusticity. Tanninphobes might want to give this a wide berth through 2035. Indeed, even the tannin initiated might find holding bottles through 2030 rewarding. 97-98.
The intoxicating nose wafts out of the glass with abundant notes of floral dark fruits - dark raspberry, black rose, blueberry pastille, blackberry coulis, parma violets, with suggestions of graphite, incense, dusty lavender and hot crushed rocks. Ultra-fine, sleek, polished tannins, with a medium weight, sweet-toned mouthfeel - youthful, but lovely already without decant. The finish is long, silky and airy, with a peppery bite and firm, grainy tannins. With ribeye and garlic rosemary potatoes.
While I liked the bottle, it was not ready. Still very tannic. Decanted for 2 hours, poured it back into the bottle and enjoyed it at a local restaurant.
A bit disappointed, but patience is a virtue - so I'll wait.
Cassis, blackberries, tobacco, liquid rock and flower shop. Like many ‘15s, this is ready and open. Yet, it will last and be an engaging study for at least another two decades. Decanted for an hour, the body is full and the microfiber tannins just caress. The finish sails on for some time. A plush middle palate and redolent. This is a baby ‘09. Drink now - 2040.
From 375ml, decanted and swirled vigorously, started drinking right away.
Beautiful velvet purple color.
Initially some off putting CatP, blew off very quickly but came back a little bit. First half glass had remarkable graphite notes, really pleasant, reminded me of Lafite. Strong cassis, velvety but not fuzzy soft. Elegant, round, still very tannic.
Second half glass aerated for an hour, strong cassis, notes of incense a tiny bit of spice, hints of an elegant aristrocratic countess' perfume.
Juicy, fruity, soft, round, still a little chewy on the tannins even an hour and a half in. Nose isn't explosive but it's still extremely intoxicating. Finish is juicy and still very primary fruit.
Professional reviews have copyrights and you can view them here for your personal use only as private content. To view pro reviews you must either subscribe to a pre-integrated publication or manually enter reviews below. Learn more.
3/17/2024 - Motz wrote: 97 Points
Drank over two days, alongside the same vintage Domaine de Chevalier.
This has not softened as much as the DdC. Rather, it has retained its original, velvet gloved iron fist character. Delightful fruit, high-order expression of (Pauillac) place, exceptional structure and grip. The finish reveals no conception of quit.
My preference over the DdC, on the strength of its rusticity. Tanninphobes might want to give this a wide berth through 2035. Indeed, even the tannin initiated might find holding bottles through 2030 rewarding. 97-98.
13 people found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comments (9)
3/16/2024 - Sun_Ship Likes this wine: 95 Points
The intoxicating nose wafts out of the glass with abundant notes of floral dark fruits - dark raspberry, black rose, blueberry pastille, blackberry coulis, parma violets, with suggestions of graphite, incense, dusty lavender and hot crushed rocks. Ultra-fine, sleek, polished tannins, with a medium weight, sweet-toned mouthfeel - youthful, but lovely already without decant. The finish is long, silky and airy, with a peppery bite and firm, grainy tannins. With ribeye and garlic rosemary potatoes.
7 people found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comments (1)
2/28/2024 - ilvineyard Likes this wine: 85 Points
While I liked the bottle, it was not ready. Still very tannic. Decanted for 2 hours, poured it back into the bottle and enjoyed it at a local restaurant.
A bit disappointed, but patience is a virtue - so I'll wait.
6 people found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comments (13)
2/24/2024 - Matt Scott Likes this wine: 96 Points
Cassis, blackberries, tobacco, liquid rock and flower shop. Like many ‘15s, this is ready and open. Yet, it will last and be an engaging study for at least another two decades. Decanted for an hour, the body is full and the microfiber tannins just caress. The finish sails on for some time. A plush middle palate and redolent. This is a baby ‘09. Drink now - 2040.
11 people found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comments (2)
1/30/2024 - solarpivot Likes this wine: 94 Points
From 375ml, decanted and swirled vigorously, started drinking right away.
Beautiful velvet purple color.
Initially some off putting CatP, blew off very quickly but came back a little bit. First half glass had remarkable graphite notes, really pleasant, reminded me of Lafite. Strong cassis, velvety but not fuzzy soft. Elegant, round, still very tannic.
Second half glass aerated for an hour, strong cassis, notes of incense a tiny bit of spice, hints of an elegant aristrocratic countess' perfume.
Juicy, fruity, soft, round, still a little chewy on the tannins even an hour and a half in. Nose isn't explosive but it's still extremely intoxicating. Finish is juicy and still very primary fruit.
4 people found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comments (1)