3/29/2024 - fclarity wrote:

The medium yellow color and persistent effervesce suggest this is a young wine but it is not. The lemon custard, apple, quince, and white stone nose was quite attractive.

This wine went up and down in quality while it was open. However, it was still going striong after 3 hours of air with its firm acidity, rich fruit, and very good length.

This was surprisingly good and should stay at this level for 5-10 years.

3/23/2024 - fclarity wrote:

From a perfect looking bottle, this wine had a deep red cemter and tan/yellow rims. After a few hours of air, this wine had a high intensity nose of roses, cherries, tobacco, plum, and some VA.

The mouth was rounded with very light tannin, firm acidity, and good length. It had significant fruit as well as flavor interest and complexity.

This was not a wine for those who like young wines. This was a touch past its peak. However, it was certainly fun to drink. I would be interested to learn more about the Canubbi reference on the label of this Barbaresco.

3/15/2024 - fclarity wrote:

This wine was lovely again and I was struck by how smooth and integrated it appeared. It was so drinkable, this wine might make one think it was at or near its peak.

However, the reality was that it was not even close. While certainly lovely to imbibe now, it will pick up a couple points with 10-20 years of additional cellar time when additional nuance and flavor impact will be revealed.

3/15/2024 - fclarity wrote:

When first tasted, this surprisingly deep colored wine was quite fruity and almost too sweet. After a few hours of air it became more balanced with light rounded tannins, and very good length. It still retained a solid core of fruit.

This was a very nice wine that was certainly at its peak if not slightly beyond. It showed lovely integration and flavor detail. Drink soon!

3/15/2024 - fclarity wrote:

Another lovely bottle. It was just a little past peak maturity but still tasted great with its lemon, light toffee, white stone, and apple flavors.

In the mouth, the acidity was light at first but firmed up and became gorgeously integrated with the fruit.

This bottle was in perfect condition so drink up ASAP.

3/7/2024 - fclarity wrote:

Lovely as usual. Please see my prior notes.

3/6/2024 - fclarity wrote:

This was nice but a little lean and zingy for the first couple hours. After 6 hours of air it showed cherries, raisins, minerals, and tan spices.

In the mouth, this was gorgeous with rounded tannin, firm acidity, and excellent length.

While this is drinking very well now, I am confident it will last at this level for a couple decades. Oustanding!

2/25/2024 - fclarity wrote:

Tasted blind, this wine had a deep purple/red center and puce rims. The high- intensity nose put forth notes of cola, violets, minerals, and plums.

In the mouth, this wine was gorgeously balanced with loads of fruit, rounded tannin, firm acidity, and excellent length.

This was a stunning bottle that was obviously still too young to show all its majesty. It is a shoe-in to pick up a couple points in 10 years. Could it be perfect?

2/25/2024 - fclarity wrote:

Tasted blind from magnum, this wine had a medium red center and puce rims. The medium intensity nose offered up rhubarb, violets, and minerals.

In the mouth, this was medium bodied with rounded tannin and very good length.

This wine exhibited very good winemaking but, overall, still seemed a bit young. My guess is it will pick up a couple points in 10 years or so.

2/25/2024 - fclarity wrote:

Tasted blind, this wine had a deep red center with light red rims. The medium+ intensity nose featured red fruits, violets, soil, and tan spices.

In the mouth, this wine was medium bodied with light rounded tannin, solid acidity, and good length.

This wine seemed surprisingly subdued given the greatness of the producer and the vineyard and the intensity of the year. My guess is that this will pick up a couple points with time but may not reach the heights it should.

2/25/2024 - fclarity wrote:

Tasted blind, this wine has a red purple center and redish rims. The medium+ intensity nose showed plums, black cherries, anise, and minerals.

In the mouth, this wine showed great fruit, rounded tannin, firm acidity, and excellent length.

This wine appears to have all the elements for excellence. I suggest 10-15 years in the cellar unless you prefer primary fruit. At that time my score should improve by a point or two.

2/25/2024 - fclarity wrote:

This wine had a deep yellow/light gold center and clear rims. The moderate+ intensity nose generated fresh apricot, lemon, white stone, and honey notes.

In the mouth, this wine was rich and ripe with firm acidity and very good length. Its intensity moved up and down a bit over time.

My view is that this bottling is starting to slide over the hill due to the extreme ripeness of this vineyard. Other 92 Leflaives are still going strong. Thus, I recommend drinking this wine up.

2/25/2024 - fclarity wrote:

Tasted blind, this wine was rather tight and funky at first. However, it came on strong with air to show excellent richness and acidity. It's precision seemed to eb and flow. However, my impression is that this wine is still not quite in the zone yet (if certainly still imbibable).

I would opt to let this sit in the cellar for a few more years at which point it may improve by a point or so.

2/25/2024 - fclarity wrote:

This wine had lovely weight and balance. However, like most of Leflaive Folatieres bottlings, I found this wine to be a bit linear and lacking the drama of the other vineyards. This still seemed a bit tight and maybe it will get even better?

2/25/2024 - fclarity wrote:

This wine was still rather tight and not showing as well as the '02. I suspect this needs another 5-10 years in the cellar and should improve by a point or two.

2/25/2024 - fclarity wrote:

Powerful, effervescent, and long. This is excellent Champagne that is just about at it peak.

2/25/2024 - fclarity wrote:

From an impressive looking bottle (see photo) with a VHS fill, this wine was shockingly dark. It had a black center with some puce at the rims, even after a successful decant. The high intensity nose offered up blackberries, pine resin, black spices, plums, and minerals.

I gave this wine 3 hours of air before starting to drink it. I should have given it 6+ hours! It was rich and quite ripe with substantial rounded tannin, good acidity, and very good length. It tasted of old vines that were picked in a very ripe state and vinified for maximum intensity.

Well stored bottles like this are a monolith. It could easlly go on for another 30+ years. I doubt it will get better as this wine is a bit rustic and the balance is not perfect but wow, what a memorable bottle!

2/18/2024 - fclarity wrote:

From a nice looking bottle with a bottom neck fill, this wine had a deep red center and oranging rims. The medim+ intensity nose offered up raspberries, Provencal herbs, figs, minerals, and a hint of nutmeg.

In the mouth, this wine was light, round, and nice for several hours. However, after about 3 hours of air it moved up a notch. It was still very refined and round with light rounded tannin. However, it developed a subtle richness, gained length, and showed additional flavor nuance. In sum, zero edges and lovely flavors.

This was an outstanding wine, especially if you appreciate subtlety. It is certainly ready now but will probably last at this level for a decade or two. Arguably 96 points.

2/17/2024 - fclarity wrote:

Another great bottle. This wine had a deep yellow/light gold center and clear rims. The cork was in great shape. The medium+ intensity nose generated lemon, creme brûlée, and white stone notes.

This wine was noce when first poured but it really took 3+ hours of air for it to hit its stride. It was crisp, gorgeously balanced, long and delicious!

This wine was certainly at its peak so look for opportunities to imbibe!

1/28/2024 - fclarity wrote:

Looking young with lemon/lime, brioche, and white stone.

ripe and yet great length and cut in the mouth.

Outstanding!

1/13/2024 - fclarity wrote:

This bottle had a htms fill but a very solid cork. The center was a very deep red with some puce/orange at the rim. The high- intensity nose impressively flashed raspberry puree, plum, chocolate mint patties, and minerals.

In the mouth, this wine was ethereal with light rounded tannin and firm acidity. It was ripe, juicy, balanced, completely integrated and very long. 3+ hours of air before imbibing certainly helped.

Wow, this bottle was nails! While at peak, it would have easily lasted another 10 years.

1/3/2024 - fclarity wrote:

I was surprised that this bottle, while attractive, seemed pretty soft at first. It was only scoring in the 91-92 point range. Fortunately, it did firm after about an hour of air. Hopefully, a downside outlier.

12/24/2023 - fclarity wrote:

This wine had a yellow center and light but persistent effervescence. The medium intensity nose was a bit tight at first but eventually showed brioche, lemons, and minerals.

In the mouth, this wine gave the initial impression of being a bit on the sweet side. However, as it aired it firmed up and then developed a strong chalky/mineral flavor that more than offset any sweetness. The finish became quite long. It was best after an hour of air.

This Champagne appears to be developing well. I am not sure it will get any better (but it probably will). I would be inclined to hold this for another 5 years and see what happens, if I can keep my hands off it.

12/16/2023 - fclarity wrote:

From an excellent looking bottle with a 2 cm fill, this wine had a purple center and red/orange rims. The high- intensity nose went through a number a phases but generally improved with air. It put forth black cherry, minerals, smoked meat, tan spice, and plum notes.

In the mouth, this wine was big and bold at first with a bit of an edge on it. After a few hours of air it showed intense fruit, rounded tannin, firm acidity, and great length.

This wine is still a powerhouse. It needed 5+ hours in a decanter to show its best. This is fantastic wine that needed quite a bit air to come into balance. It will easily last another decade or two.

12/11/2023 - fclarity wrote:

Please see my prior notes. The medium intensity nose showed a hint of Provençal herbs at first, along with the usual flavors previously noted. This wine had great power without weight. It almost had a Graves-like gravitas. Impressive!

12/11/2023 - fclarity wrote:

Deep yellow center and clear rims. Dried apricots, vanilla, minerals, and apples.

Streamlined and a bit lean but long and fun to drink. I don't see any benefit to holding this wine.

12/11/2023 - fclarity wrote:

This wine had a deep yellow center with clear rims. The medium intensity nose put forth dried apricot, lemon, minerals, and some honey.

In the mouth, this showed powerful acidity and great length. It was fully mature and attractive! It needed 4+ hours to show its best.

12/11/2023 - fclarity wrote:

Tasted blind, this wine had a bright yellow center and clear rims. The nose was rather tight at first but blossomed to show lemon, toasty oak, minerals, and green apples.

In the mouth, this wine was very powerful and long. It was still very young but impressive and not absurdly oaky. It should improve by a couple points with 5-10 years in the bottle.

11/23/2023 - fclarity wrote:

Bottle looked pretty good with a 4.5 cm fill but the cork was recessed and dry. Unfortunately, while not total vinegar, this wine was advanced and the acidity had taken over. Disappointing

11/23/2023 - fclarity wrote:

This wine has a copper colored center, clear rims, and light effervescence. The medium + intensity nose generated citrus, white stone, plum, and brioche notes.

In the mouth, this was ethereal but with incredible balance and length.

This nectar appears to be at its peak. Outstanding!

11/18/2023 - fclarity wrote:

Tasted at TdA, this wine had a deep red center with light red rims. It looked young & strong. The high- intensity nose put forth black cherries, rhubarb, minerals, violets and a hint of almonds.

In the mouth, this wine was rich, ripe, and round with rounded tannins and huge length. It had old vine intensity.

These 1990 Ponsot's are great across the board. Outstanding!

11/18/2023 - fclarity wrote:

Tasted from 2 bottles at TdA, this wine had a deep red center and orange rims. The nose was a little closed at first, it grew to be high- intensity and displayed sautéed cherries, minerals, rhubarb, dark spices, and a hint of honey.

In the mouth, this wine was nice at first but didn't blow me away. However, after a couple hour it showed incredible balance, perfect silky integration, mild tannins and huge length. The power without weight was amazing!

The second bottle was even better (slightly younger looking) and the score was based on that bottle. First bottle was one point lower. Don’t make the mistake of drinking it too soon as the blossoming of this wine was something to behold. This was the classic Broadbent "peacock's tail" flavor panalopy. After 5 hours of air, amazing!

11/18/2023 - fclarity wrote:

Tasted from two bottles at TdA, this wine had a deep yellow center and clear rims. The color was quite impressive for a 40-year-old white. The medium+ intensity nose displayed egg shell, minerals, almond paste, citrus, and honey.

In the mouth, this wine was medium bodied with beautiful balance, great acidity, and great length. It also had great complexity and full integrated texture.

This was a fabulous white that, while at peak, showed no signs of slowing down.

11/18/2023 - fclarity wrote:

Tasted at TdA, this wine had a deep yellow center and clear rims. The high- intensity nose featured almond paste, citrus, white stone, and apples.

In the mouth, this wine had fantastic weight and richness for a primer cru. It also featured great acidity and length. However, the unique feature of the high-end 92 Leflaive wines is their almost three dimensional mouth-feel. It is all about texture and richness.

This kept getting better and better in the glass. Maybe it will even get better?

11/18/2023 - fclarity wrote:

Tasted at TdA, this wine had a deep gold center and clear rims. The high- intensity nose displayed light toffee, citrus, white stone, and almond paste flavors.

In the mouth, this wine was ripe with huge acidity and length. It was a touch lean and starting to fade. However, it was still quite impressive. Drink up!

11/17/2023 - fclarity wrote:

Tasted at TdA, this wine had a deep yellow/gold center and clear rims. The high- intensity nose of citrus, almond paste, toasted vanilla, and white stone was impressive.

In the mouth, this wine was rich and ripe with great integration, acidity, and length. Unlike some Niellon bottles, it did not display any of the leesy element that his wines often show. It improved the entire time it was open and really need a 5+ hour decant.

If you get a good bottle, this wine might have a point or so of upside if you don’t mind a little toasty oak. Outstanding!

11/17/2023 - fclarity wrote:

We tasted two bottles of this wine at TdA. It had a deep red center with some lighter red at the rim (i.e. dark and young). The high- intensity nose put forth cola, anise, plum, and mineral notes.

Not surprisingly, this wine was rather tight at first and needed a lot of air. It was rich and ripe with great integration and length. It had old vine intensity.

This bottle was in the early part of its window. It was outstanding and should last a decade or two!

11/17/2023 - fclarity wrote:

From 2 bottles at TdA, this wine had a light gold color and clear rims. The high intensity nose generated fresh apricot, citrus, petroleum jelly, and mineral notes.

In the mouth, this wine developed extremely well and was rich and ripe with huge length. It seemed to be bigger and richer than all the other high-power whites on the table!

When this wine has been stored well it is a great white that can power to awesome heights with air.

11/17/2023 - fclarity wrote:

Tasted at TdA, this wine had a yellow center and clear rims. The medium intensity nose put forth white flowers, biscotti, citrus, and minerals.

This wine was very tight as a result of its perfect storage and took several hours to get going. It was gorgeously balanced in the mouth with great ripe fruit and firm acidity.

This bottle did not get nearly as much air time as I usually give it. It developed extremely well but still needed more air. When first poured it registered about 90 points. After a couple hours it had reached 95 points. I would bet it would have improved to at least 96 with more air. Other bottles I have had state-side have been more developed and some were even a bit faded. This is a great wine when it is in the zone. This bottle still had upside!

11/17/2023 - fclarity wrote:

Tasted at TdA in Paris, this wine had a gold center and clear rims, The high- intensity nose offered up crème brûlée, lemon, white stone, and almond paste.

In the mouth, this wine was rich and ripe with great acidity and lovely length.

Despite a hint of taint, this was outstanding but faded after a couple hours. An untainted bottle of this would likely have scored higher. My guess is that anyone holding this wine should be rushing to open it.

11/16/2023 - fclarity wrote:

This wine tasted great and was drinking well now. It developed citrus and almond paste notes. Surprisingly good!

11/14/2023 - fclarity wrote:

Tasted at Locanda in the Cannubi vineyard, this wine had a medium red center with orange rims. The nose generated black cherries, licorice, mineral, and some fennel notes.

This wine was ripe but gorgeously balanced in the mouth with light tannin, solid acidity, and sneaky length.

It will likely improve slightly over the next 20 years or so.

11/14/2023 - fclarity wrote:

Tasted at Locanda in the Cannubi vineyard, this wine had a deep red center and orange rims. Medium intensity nose of raspberries, minerals, roses, and some high toned notes.

In the mouth, this wine was big at first but mellowed quickly to be medium bodied with rounded tannin, good acidity, and very good length.

It will certainly last, and may improve, over the next couple decades.

11/13/2023 - fclarity wrote:

Tasted in Barbaresco, this wine was firm yet exuberant. While still quite young, this should pick up a point or so with 10-15 years of age.

Obviously, if you are going to open it now, either splash decant or (better option if you have time) open it at breakfast for service at dinner.

11/12/2023 - fclarity wrote:

Big, rich, ripe and fruity, this wine needed a lot of air. It lacked backbone at first but developed well. It will need decades to show its best.

This seemed to best for those that want a fruity Barolo.

11/12/2023 - fclarity wrote:

Tasted in Alba, this wine had a dark center, was still quite young, had a fragrant nose, and had significant upside.

11/12/2023 - fclarity wrote:

This wine had a deep red with light red/clear rims. The medium intensity nose showed dried cherries, sandalwood, minerals, and a high-toned note of licorice.

Super round and balanced in the mouth, this wine had beautiful round tannin and excellent length.

This wine was lovely now but will clearly improve over the next couple decades. It will likely pick up a couple points with time.

11/11/2023 - fclarity wrote:

Tasted at Piazza Duomo in Alba, this wine had a great medium+ intensity nose.

It was a bit watery in the mouth at first but developed well with 2+hours of air.

This wine was light overall but had integrated acidity that eventually gave it nice length.

Surprisingly good with air.

11/11/2023 - fclarity wrote:

Tasted at Piazza Duomo in Alba with the white truffle menu, this wine had a medium red center and some orange at rims. The nose put forth sour cherry, mineral, rose, and some camphor notes.

In the mouth, this wine was medium bodied with great balance, firm acidity, and good length.

While reasonably drinkable now with extended air, I would expect this wine to improve by a couple points with 20+ years in the cellar.

11/10/2023 - fclarity wrote:

Young, rich, and verging on overripe, this wine was attractive and reasonably balanced. After 2 hours of air, this had great length but not a lot of complexity.