5/16/2024 - Echinosum Likes this wine:

Much as last summer. Still very enjoyable and no hurry.

5/16/2024 - Scott4227 Likes this wine:

I agree with Robbie K and would add I believe this is early days for this one, might be a different wine in 3-5... worth leaving a few for 5 years I believe... especially at $11AUD!

5/16/2024 - Tgood wrote:

From list at Fagollago in the hills above San Sebastien - great resto - easy cab to and fro and well worth the sojourn - anyway the wine - roasted pruneaux and coffee notes - luxurious structure - no hurries on well-cellared bottles but pulling a cork now is rewarding too. Seems to buck my impression of ‘14 being perhaps a cooler vintage relative to ‘03,’05,’10 and ‘15 but warm tones dominate - nicely.

5/16/2024 - smenzies wrote:

Has developed beautifully as an aged Riesling …

5/16/2024 - Fchurl Likes this wine:

Great now (at peak ?), at least better than few years back.

5/15/2024 - liber Likes this wine:

6th of 12, decanted 45 minutes, perfect cork and level, another big step up since last bottle in July 22, nicely nuanced bouquet with usual Morra attributes including rose, still slightly tough on palate if with fine and sweetish tannins, just a little on the thin side but could yet round out, if so upside, 10+ years. VG+ (16.5).

5/16/2024 - Tgood wrote:

Banana and lemony aromas and flavors on faint yeasty background - crisp fuller body and clean as a whistle finish - 100% chard - a real treat and a steal

5/14/2024 - AGELVIS Likes this wine:

One hour decant. Very deep magenta color. Caramel green apple and black cherry dominate. Very smooth, dry palate. Firm, lower intensity tannins on the longish finish.

This needed more air time. It’s more acid-driven than I expected. Paired very well with my lamb at Brennan’s in New Orleans. It had stiff competition at the table (‘16 Hourglass Blueline and ‘16 Diamond Creek).

5/16/2024 - DanielAVTL Likes this wine:

* Wine 4/4 (BDX spring tasting dinner). Opened 5 hours before serving (no decant).

Lovely aromas of nutmeg, damp earth, rhubarb and spices right from the start. A few hours in the wine fully unlocked revealing intriguing notes of toffee, caramel and game. Beautiful nose, very promising.

In the mouth - at peak with many years of prime drinking ahead of it. Medium bodied, soft velvety tannins, lovely red fruit and spices. Nice delicate sweetness on the finish, with slight tertiary port notes.

Just a lovely, well rounded and balanced effort. 91 points on the night. Drink now through 2032

5/16/2024 - gparker777 Likes this wine:

The 2002 Seppelts sparkling red wine displays a deep garnet color in the glass. The nose reveals aromas of Marasca cherries, plums, tawny notes, cedar, and baking spice. On the palate, it offers a touch of sweetness balanced by remarkable freshness, soft tannins, and a medium texture. The long, dry finish is marked by flavors of cola, licorice, and herbal undertones. Overall, this wine has developed exceptionally well given its price point and drinking very nicely.

5/13/2024 - AGELVIS wrote:

PNP. Deep ruby brick red color. Cinnamon, chamomile tea, chocolate, blackberry, and cassis. Smooth, dry palate. Firm, but soft tannins on the longish finish.

5/16/2024 - syoungrv Does not like this wine:

Disjointed. Less of that peppery spice I have come to expect from this grape. Won't buy again. Kool Aid artificial flavors too in my view

5/15/2024 - aaronmphoto Likes this wine:

Was fine. Nothing special. Kinda plain

5/16/2024 - WyattTheSomm Likes this wine:

Sight: Vibrant medium Ruby color

Nose: This was very closed at first, so I let it sit in the decanter for 2 hours and regularly agitated it. Afterwards, it blossomed like a flower in spring and I was very relived as I thought the wine may have been completely shut-down at first impression. The nose filled the air with Dark cherry cola, Bitter cocoa, Raspberry pop tart, and dusty oak with a wine wonderful touch of vanilla. I love that concentrated red cherry note I find in Peju and it’s here in full swing after two hours. I appreciate that it’s never medicinal always clear and focused like a fresh “Filthy” candied cherry for a old fashioned.

Taste: At first the tannins were way too tight and really gripped; the fruit wasn’t very focused. But yet again after two hours this completely transformed to the point someone who didn’t know about wine would of thought I served them something different haha. The wine became full and round on the palate with ripe tannins and a lush texture making it a joy to drink being 14.4% ABV. The fruit is fresh and focused like a raspberry torte, Dark cherry Cola, Cocoa nib dust, And vanilla. The acid really lifts providing focus and balanced everything making this complete with a delightful spice filled finished.

Overall: Classic Peju and if you like a red Fruit Cab with focus and freshness this will be a great wine for you! They are not shy on the Oak, which is French and American for 18 months but the wine holds it lavishly. I didn’t find this wine too dissimilar from their Rutherford expression as my notes for this almost lined up identically. The only thing I’m sure of is the Rutherford had more oak perception and 1 more month in new oak and it was noticeable. Overall great wine, especially in 2017 this hides the heat of the vintage well.

5/16/2024 - Scott4227 Likes this wine:

Deep dark red, translucent purple at the edge, nose of red berries, black olives, bramble, pencilshavings, licorice, medium weight body and acidity, red and black berry fruit flavours, good sour berry acidity, pomegranate flavour and nice olive notes on the finish lasting longer than it should for a $11AUD wine... great QPR... totally a new house red blend! Will be great in 5 and will be interesting in 10 years given the heritage and the wine maker's skills... buy more!!!

5/16/2024 - Collector1855 wrote:

Dinner in Reims. Discrete nose at first, then opening up with bruised apples and spices, lime. The oxidation is gentle, not intrusive. Dense palate, dry, feeling brut nature almost. Definitely a food chamapagne. Can keep further. 94-95

5/16/2024 - mark.gularte@gmail.com Likes this wine:

Nice midweek sipper.....flavors of cherries and red berries, nothing complicated, but a nice overall blend

5/16/2024 - Collector1855 wrote:

Dinner in Reims. Fantastic as always, This has so much aroma and chalkyness on the palate, you can see that they picked top quality grapes here. The nose has yellow and red fruit, spice box, red flowers. The palate very good density and a wonderful low dosage feeling.

5/16/2024 - Collector1855 wrote:

Domaine visit. Disgorged à la volée for the lunch. What a generous gesture from the house as this is a four digit bottle by now. Showed fresh and absolutely spectacular, combining champignon notes with lemon and yellow fruit, also some nutmeg, forest floor. Perlage only petillant making this like a sublime, old Montrachet. Wonderful experience

5/16/2024 - Collector1855 wrote:

Domaine visit. Discrete nose, needed some swhirling. Raspberry notes intertwined with lemon and spices. Light on the palate with lovely dry extract on the finish. Solid, but not the last word on complexity.

5/16/2024 - Collector1855 wrote:

Domaine Visit. Edition 6 MAG. Like the Inattendu this was a very good BdB. Loved the citrus nose with brioche. Fresh and saüpy. They did not go overboard with the dosage.

5/16/2024 - Collector1855 wrote:

Domaine visit. Another good bottle. Lots of ripeness on the palate with yellow apples, spices, gentle oxidative notes combined with the racy 2013 acidity.

5/16/2024 - Collector1855 wrote:

Domaine visit. A big step up from the base line BdB. Wonderful nose here with brioche, lemon rind and cooked butter. Shows the linearity and generosity of Avize. 94+

5/16/2024 - Collector1855 wrote:

Domaine visit. Precise and citrussy, a little light. I preferred the Brut Souverain NV entry level.

5/16/2024 - Collector1855 wrote:

Domaine visit. A bit thin and sweet with 9g dosage. At this quality and price point I would choose Cremant de Bourgogne.

5/16/2024 - Collector1855 wrote:

Domaine visit. Nice middle of the road NV. Expressive nose with citrus zest and brioche, good freshness, not too thin.

4/25/2024 - forceberry wrote:

The wine is a blend of traditional Port varieties (mainly Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Tinta Barroca, Tinta Roriz and Tinta Amarela) harvested from the five Symington quintas in the Douro Valley: Quinta dos Malvedos, Quinta do Tua, Quinta das Lages, Quinta da Vila Velha and Quinta do Vale de Malhadas. Bottled unfiltered in 2002. 20% alcohol, 110 g/l residual sugar and 4,58 g/l acidity.

Dark yet still moderately translucent black cherry color. The nose feels sweet, brooding and slightly perfumed with dark-toned aromas of ripe black cherries and blackberry jam, some fragrant minty and floral tones, a little bit of dark chocolate, light dried-fruit notes of dried figs and raisins, a hint of exotic spices, a touch of coffee and a whiff of blueberry liqueur. The wine feels rich, balanced and - true to the Graham's style - quite sweet on the palate with a full body and intense flavors of overripe bilberries and boysenberry jam, some cool, fragrant minty tones, a little bit of bittersweet dark chocolate, light stewed strawberry tones, dried-fruit hints of raisins and dried figs and a touch of dark-roast coffee. Not only is the wine moderately high in acidity, but also pretty stern and chewy with its ample and still moderately grippy tannins that make the wine feel pretty robust and muscular. The finish is sweet, quite warm and moderately grippy with a long, powerful aftertaste of cherry marmalade, some blueberry liqueur and boysenberry jam tones, a little bit of minty greenness, light notes of ripe strawberries, a hint of dried figs and a touch of coffee. The wine ends on a warming, grippy note.

I had tasted this wine some 11 years ago and back then I thought the wine wasn't as tightly-knit as many Graham's VPs are and maybe not among the most long-lived vintages. Well, now - having tasted this wine next to Graham's 1994 and 2016 VPs, I must admit that age has done some things to this wine! It seems that the wine must've come softer, sweeter and fruitier in its youth and now, after age has polished away some of the fruit and sweetness, the wine comes across as surprisingly muscular and structure-driven for a Graham's. Yes, the wine retains that richness and marmaladey sweetness of the house style, but the overall feel is still surprisingly firm and serious for such a rich wine. Ten years ago I wrote how one should wait until the wine is 20-25 yo before popping it open. Now, at 23½ years of age, the wine still seems surprisingly youthful and obviously on an upward trajectory - the other people in the tasting even said that this vintage wasn't particularly enjoyable compared to the more accessible 1994 and 2016! However, I was sold - and I admit that I was wrong with my initial, decade-old tasting note - this is turning out to be a very fantastic and long-lived vintage of Graham's Vintage Port after all! Superb stuff that really benefits from additional cellaring - expect the score to go up as the wine ages. This winery re-release may be a bit on the pricey side at 140€, but at least you get a wine with impeccable provenance straight from the Graham's lodge!

4/24/2024 - thewiz Likes this wine:

(Disgorged in 2023, base year 2018, 40% Pinot Noir mainly from Ambonnay, 20% Meunier mainly from Verneuil and 40% Chardonnay mainly from Oger, dosage 9 gr/l)
Light yellow colour with intense streams of fine bubbles leading way for the elegant nose showing cream, minerals and roasted notes in a tight expression, but with some time in the glass it opens up with seashells, yellow apples and a hint of tropical fruit in a very nice and pleasant way. Smoothing citrus acidity and minerals on the youthful palate at first with a creamy mid and a lengthy finish showing ginger and a citrus bitterness. Still very youthful and will keep evolving for many years to come for sure..
(Probably best with 2-8 years extra cellaring)

5/15/2024 - srmdrummer wrote:

Loved this wine! Maratro as Mouvedre can be known here is suck a lovely single variety in my opinion. Not overly heavy in body, spicy, a nice fruit hit, chocolate and fine tannins, all present here. Halliday's didn't like the finish, but I had no issue with it, quite the contrary.

5/15/2024 - chrispaw Likes this wine:

Nase: Alter, aber auch Himbeere/Erdbeere. Mund: wenig Tannin, schöne Frucht, zurückhaltende Süße

4/20/2024 - thewiz Likes this wine:

(Disgorged in January 2024, 80% Pinot Noir and 20% Chardonnay)
Yellow colour with a reddish hue and a lovely youthful nose showing baked bread, minerals and tropical notes of pineapple together with some hints of ginger before it opens up with a touch of cream as well. Smoothing tropical pineapples acidity with a touch of litchi fruit on the mid to late. Balanced finish combining the fruitful tropical sweetness with a lime zest bitterness in a very pleasant way.
(Best 2024-2038)

5/9/2024 - srmdrummer wrote:

A substantial wine. Dark ruby colour, unmistakably Cab Sav on the nose. Good dark fruit drive and oak. Well balanced and silky.

4/19/2024 - thewiz Likes this wine:

Classic Sauvignon Blanc notes showing fresh cut grass, black currant leaves, minerals and a refreshing acidity to back it all up. Well balanced on the lengthy finish.
(Best 2024-2028)

4/19/2024 - thewiz Likes this wine:

(Disgorged in February 2020, 60% Pinot Noir, 10% Meunier and 30% Chardonnay, dosage 10 gr/l)
Light yellow colour with fine streams of bubbles showing a lovely maturing nose with baked bread, minerals and yellow apples fruitiness at first and opens up with cream Nice and smooth on the palate with a fruitful sweetness combined with a lime citrus acidity on the lengthy finish. Already showing very well, but should keep well over the coming decade for sure.
(Best 2024-2034)

5/15/2024 - PSPatrick wrote:

Filled bottom neck, cork soaked. Medium yellow gold. Quince, nectarine, peach pit, dried herbs, honey, nuts, almond, and intense stony and slate-like minerality, with high-pitched acidity, pleasant bitterness on the finish, and good persistence. Full, waxy texture. Benefited from moderate aeration. Very fresh, and still going strong. I kept going back to the bottle. Consistent on day two. Impressive! Drink now.

5/15/2024 - Marc wrote:

Elegant and exceptionally well-made. His has mealy oak complexity, but does not hit you over the head with its butteriness It is crafted to a very refined degree. The Central Otago acids are bright, but supple. Even at this youthful stage, the wine is drinking well. Very fine.

4/25/2024 - grysanatomy Likes this wine:

Rolig duft av røde bær og aprikos. Smaker markjordbær, gele og sommer.

5/16/2024 - TulseLuper Likes this wine:

Incredible showing. Vibrant, aromatic.

5/15/2024 - DanielAVTL Likes this wine:

* Wine 3/4 (BDX spring tasting dinner). Opened 5 hours before serving (no decant).

Out of a strong lineup which included a ‘99 Domaine du Chevalier, ‘98 Leoville Barton and an ‘89 La Lagune, the ‘96 Cos was undoubtedly the winner (in my mind).

Right off the bat, a wild, wild nose of pine, sage, anise, minerals, jasmine and nutmeg, with strong floral notes and more subtle leather and cigar in the background. Stunning and complex, with immense development throughout the evening, meriting nonstop whiffs and note comparing. You could tell this was special right away.

In the mouth - pure, harmonious and balanced. Perfectly integrated, velvety tannins, medium bodied, round and layered, with evolving notes of fresh herbs, game and spices building up to a gorgeous and lengthy finish.

A truly wonderful showing of balance, depth, complexity and intrigue. 94 points on the night. Drink now through 2032

5/13/2024 - moxielady Likes this wine:

Drinking well, smooth dark fruit

5/16/2024 - jmoon wrote:

Soft and easy. Fading a bit now. Pop and pour was best, didn’t benefit from air.

5/15/2024 - Chuck Miller wrote:

I feel obligated to put up a TN on this wine despite the fact that practically no one has any bottles remaining. I’ve had several bottles of this recently, a couple drinkable but with some oxidation. This bottle showed a green/gold edge when poured, mostly golden. Fresh, great acid, no oxidation. A great showing for a 25 yeat old village Meursault!

5/15/2024 - Uff Da wrote:

First time trying a wine from Basque area, and a wine made from the Hondarribi Zuri grape. Can't explain why, but really enjoyed, intrigued with each sip.

5/15/2024 - DanielAVTL Likes this wine:

* Wine 2/4 (BDX spring tasting dinner). Decanted 4 hours.

Initially very tannic and locked up, so opted for a lengthy decant and by the time we sat down for dinner, the wine was already singing.

On the nose, gorgeous notes of pine and forest floor, smoked meat, black currant and leather, with subtle hints of rosemary and anise in the background. Seductive and complex.

On the palette, beautiful depth, layered dark fruit, pepper, spices and mocha, displaying robust secondary notes as well as some more subtle tertiary notes of sherry and toasted nuts. All this deliciousness supported by a round and opulent structure, medium to full bodied, and a 45+ second finish. Smooth, integrated, deep, complex and rich.

A brilliant 93 points on the night, definitely at peak now, and will likely remain there for the next decade at least. Drink now through 2035.

5/15/2024 - agsdlswine Likes this wine:

Aging nicely showing some secondary flavors w/noticeable minerality.

5/15/2024 - agsdlswine Likes this wine:

Still young but opened up nicely over 2 hours. Probably needs several more years to best show its well made potential.

5/15/2024 - kakpoo Likes this wine:

This is quintessential Comtes de Champagne, albeit one that has entered its prime drinking window. The nose has honeyed apple, lavender, sage, lemon sorbet and the aromas are generous in intensity. The balance on this is harmonious which is why I’m not convinced that there is a huge upside to another decade of aging (and depending on how aged you like your Champagne) but there is definitely no hurry to drinking this

5/15/2024 - DanielAVTL Likes this wine:

* Wine 1/4 (BDX spring tasting dinner). Decanted 4 hours.

Very tannic and mute upon opening, meriting a significant decant. 4 hours in, the wine was fully unlocked - displaying berries, cassis, espresso, black pepper and pine, adding to the freshness.

Structure rounded out nicely: medium to full bodied, slightly firm tannins that integrated gradually throughout the evening, 25+ second finish, showing a fruit-forward profile, with mostly secondary flavors and little sign of old age on the horizon. Good depth, decent complexity but not a jaw dropper.

Overall a very good Chevalier, with a long life ahead and more development to be anticipated. Would suggest holding for now and drinking from 2030-2035.

A very solid 91 points on the night.

5/15/2024 - Uff Da wrote:

Enjoyed more on day 2. Jammy, and more jammy, with some soft tannins.

5/15/2024 - 831900_ wrote:

The nose drew me in and captivated me. It’s deeply serious and warmly welcoming, complex and yet completely one pulled-together thing of roasted fruit, some leather, tinges of orange peel, and some rain in the woods. Just very Barolo. High tannic dryness in the first two hours after decanting, but forgiving yet serious afterward. Long finish.