5/8/2024 - Winemaker51 Likes this wine:

At it’s peak. Exquisite notes of chalk, oak, oriental spice and red cherries. Indeed, a very silky, elegant style; so unlike Bonnes Mares of other producers with more extraction and firmer tannins. So inviting on every sip and so much alive with fruits. Does, perhaps not the concentration (as with a lot of 2001’s) but for those seeking grace over power; what a perfect example of Burgundy Terroir and pure silk.

4/9/2024 - Winemaker51 Likes this wine:

A very delicious Corton that is drinking really well now! Was a PNP, and it opened up nicely from the start. Does exhibit some Sauvage/Blood Sausage aromas and some Pinot spice. Bordering on being riper and atypical for Burgundy. It was stated 14% alcohol, and I could vouch for that. Medium bodied with tannins very much in check. Fruit was very attractive; on the darker cherry fruits direction. Drink now; but won’t show any serious decline either. Wish I had another bottle. Much better showing than a few years ago. Could stand up to Beef Bourgigone or a less marbled steak. Ideally, I’d have it with a pork chop.

3/31/2024 - Winemaker51 Likes this wine:

This wine is the most expressive of St. Estephe terroir I’ve ever experienced. Was even better the following day. Will improve with more age. Also, cassis, Cabernet spice and exotic oak. Not particularly rich and jammy; but classic Bordeaux black fruits. A few lingering tannins; yet not excessive. To fully enjoy; I’d give it a 6 to 8 hr decant. Better yet, overnight

2/24/2024 - Winemaker51 Likes this wine:

Was rated highly (95) in a 1982 Decanter retrospective tasting of 1982 Bordeaux’s. Did not decant. It actually opened up more in the glass and did not fade. Aromatics were Red Pepper (Calabrian Chili’s) Cabernet Spice, Rusty Pipe Pauillac earthiness. Oak is way in the background. A very elegant, light on its feet Bordeaux. Only 12% alcohol. Fruit (raspberry, bing cherry) very much alive. This wine is not showing decline. For claret lovers from yesteryear. Soft tannins. Not a style for those accustomed to more Modern Day Bordeaux’s. For Pinot lovers who could be charmed

2/22/2024 - Winemaker51 Likes this wine:

Felt it did improve with air (no decant). In retrospect; it should have been decanted. Like a lot of 2014 CdP’s; an earlier drinking more “charming” vintage. However; lacking some of the concentration and ripeness (as with the 2015 Vintage). Some shades of rasberry, jelly candy Grenache-like aromas and flavors. Did get a bit of Syrah spice. Soft tannins than being green. Felt like a really good Côtes du Rhône Village Red would be equivalent. Not a great value. Just entering its drinkability window.

2/21/2024 - Winemaker51 Likes this wine:

On the youthful side; but plenty of Minerality and Acidity! Not an opulent; but more of a “sleek” style. Never the less; it is an excellent Champagne that can be enjoyed now. Still has shades of of underripe peach and pear. I think the 2013’s are a more approachable style that may lack depth; but is more classic. I’m sure this will improve with time.

12/30/2023 - Winemaker51 Likes this wine:

Has really good color and aromas of damp earlth/lavender of St. Estephe typicity. Not a lot of oak; but it’s there. Medium bodied and charming style. Does finish with somewhat greenish tannins (though not excessive). Not particularly concentrated; but a good claret/drinkable style. A weekday wine. Decanted for 40 minutes. Recommend a longer decant and perhaps more age.

12/24/2023 - Winemaker51 Likes this wine:

Excellent. Did not decant; and I’m not sure it needs it. Wonderful, truffle, damp earth aromas! Yes, darker cherries and very good color also presented. Palate is more Sangiovese-like with really good acidity, and tannins that were a bit drying, but not excessive. Does need food and more on the steak/savory side. Enjoy the aromas and Tuscan Sangiovese palate. Qualiy stuff.

11/13/2023 - Winemaker51 Likes this wine:

Yeah, that’s about right. 91. If you like that earthy terroir of St. Estephe, coupled with drinkability then this wine delivers. Definitely some dried leaves, slight Cabernet spice. Not much oak. Medium bodied and that nice, claret elegance. Darker cherry and modest concentration. A bit of a grip at athe end; but only means upside. Very well made; if not on the modest side. Could get to 92 with a few more years. Excellent QPR. 2014 continues to be impressive vintage for St. Estephe.

10/27/2023 - Winemaker51 Likes this wine:

Aromas of Oak, spice box, plumb sauce and earth. Did not detect any green, nor herbaceous notes. Yes, I agree oak was a bit too dominant in the aroma. Flavor was darker fruits and still plumb and ripe blueberries. Yes, tannins, but a good level to reign in the delicious fruit. Chalk/limestone terroir was also on the finish. Overall, a fine example of St. Emilion from a vintage that was about balance. 2008 Right Banks are drinking beautifully now.

10/24/2023 - Winemaker51 Likes this wine:

Big fan of Lafleur. This is a less concentrated, more “elegant” style overall that is going thru a phase now. Decanted for two hours and paired with lamb chops. Red fruit (mostly Rainier cherry) with some blueberries in the mix. Oak very much in the background with excellent winemaking. Almost a Burgundy Texture and Softness. Did not detect any green, nor botrytis aromas. I thought it need a few more years to express more Lafleurness. The best 2013 Bordeaux I’ve tasted to date.

9/6/2023 - Winemaker51 Likes this wine:

1 hour decant. Perhaps 2 hrs is better, but certainly not 4+ hours. Like a lot of 2009’s, they are ready to drink! Thought though, a bit overdone with ripeness and oak. For those who like fruit forward Cabernet’’s, this is your style. Still, lovely aromas upon the second and third pour. Red compote, but not excessively jammy. Did present a St. Julien elegant personality. Really good acidity and tannins completely in check. Medium concentration.

8/27/2023 - Winemaker51 Likes this wine:

Simply outstanding and full of Pomerol Terroir! It is not a modernist style; but still presenting red to dark fruits (rasberry, blue and black berry). Only a 30 minute decant at a restaurant (recommend 1hr +) but it did open up in time for the steaks. Everyone at my table loved it. Oak is very much integrated and in check. Slightly chewy tannins in the beginning; but was erased once steaks were eaten. Yes, not a jammy/concentrated style. Rather; more of a Bordeaux that’s not all dolled up.

8/3/2023 - Winemaker51 Likes this wine:

Yes, I drank a lot, and it was very quaffable. Was it complex and moderately ripe no. Could have some upside though. Red cherry and some earth and some sauvage ness if you let it air out. Would recommend a decant and slight chill. A very elegant style and tannins are in check. I’ve had better vintages of this amazing vineyard.

8/2/2023 - Winemaker51 Likes this wine:

Circling back to this wine from my review 2 years ago. Definitely had upside and increased my rating to 95 (from prior 93). Think this wine is at its apogee; but in no fear of declining soon. Thought the tannins have resolved and more aromatic development. Decanted for 1 hour; but believe 2+ hours is better. A St. Julien for Napa Valley Cabernet lovers!

5/14/2023 - Winemaker51 Likes this wine:

I don’t get it. Only 92 points on average? A GREAT Vintage Port. Like a lot of 2009’s; ripe, extracted, super rich, hedonistic and delivers after a few hours of air. Concentrated black fruits aromas, nice delicate touch of oak (but there). Perhaps I’m a bit new world, but love this Port now in a half bottle. Has classic, earthy Port flavors that are derived with stomping on grapes and earthiness of indigenous cultures. Also, their grape spirits (always the best with the Vintage port) lends more complexity. Yes, there are some serious tannins to reign in the luscious fruit and sugar. Hedonism now, perhaps softer and more complexity later. Clearly arriving at an apogee.

5/10/2023 - Winemaker51 Likes this wine:

Utterly spellbinding aroma; with the unique earthiness of Cheval Blanc coming thru! I hour decant, but I think 2+ hours is more ideal. Just approaching it’s drinkability window. More on the Red Fruits, but still some warmth and darker fruits there. Elegant, but not a thin wine. Glad i bought 6 bottles, and this is the first one to try. I’ve been amazed how Cheval Blanc can deliver in less than ideal vintages. The 2007 was also ethereal when younger.

5/1/2023 - Winemaker51 Likes this wine:

Opens with classic Sauvignon Blanc varietal of Gooseberry, pungent and herbaceous aroma. Some White Bordeaux kicks in later, although mildly done with minimal oak accents. Crisp, fresh style on the palate with medium intensity. Nothing heavy about this wine. Has very good and balanced acidity. A very good rendition of a 100% Sauvignon Blanc from Pessac-Leognan, but not as engaging as other Whites from that appellation.

3/11/2023 - Winemaker51 Likes this wine:

The wine opened up after a 30 minute decant. After having some tannins; it’s finally softened up and reveals a classic, St. Julien Bordeaux! Exotic spices, blue and dark fruits. Lovely aromatics. Medium bodied, elegant. Velvety. What a wine! Drink now

12/29/2022 - Winemaker51 Likes this wine:

In short; superb and classic Bordeaux at it’s peak. Wonderful; Red fruits aromas (melange of rasberries, cherries) forest floor and blue fruits and oak in the background. This is NOT a Bordeaux for Napa Cabernet drinkers. It IS a Bordeaux for Pinot and Red Burgundy lovers; or for those who long for classic, elegant Bordeaux’s with age. Medium bodied; silky tannins and palette. Of course; could use some more intensity and perhaps alluring complexities. But, really; what is perfection without a small flaw?

12/21/2022 - Winemaker51 Likes this wine:

Glad I bought it! Super elegant, drinkable and well crafted Rioja! Decanted with shy notes of brown sugar. Opens up to spice, dark fruits and mild oak. Earthy, Haro terroir in both aroma a pallet. Silky fruit and mild tannins. Drink now or hold

12/16/2022 - Winemaker51 Likes this wine:

Drank way too young. This wine needs time. Expected more depth and Mouton-ness. Perhaps will come around with more decant time. Aroma was not particularly intense (shy); but more cranberry to cherry spectrum at this time. Thought the tannins were a bit too rough. I’d give it another 2 to 4 years.

12/6/2022 - Winemaker51 Likes this wine:

Coming to it’s apogee. A short decant (1 hour) but enough to lift the aromas). Opens more on the red fruited; cherry to dark cherry spectrum. Does show Pauillac typicity and cooler, almost saline. Thought oak was a bit heavy handed on the aroma; but not a minor flaw. Medium bodied; the 2011 greener tannins seems to be dissipating. Had it with Herb Roasted Chicken and thought a cooler, more spicy/leafy vintage would work; and it did! A real success for 2011 and glad I have more! Drink or hold for a few more years; but not a lot of longevity (as with the 2010)

12/4/2022 - Winemaker51 Likes this wine:

Very dark, ruby color. Decanted for 30 minutes; which was enough time for fireworks to start. Lots of plumb Asian sauce; boysenberry and black cherry fruit; interlaced with beguiling limestone minerality with oak in the background. Rich, but not excessive heat (as I was expecting) with balanced tannins that paired well with steak and pasta with Bolognese Sauce. Was pleasantly surprised the overripe ness of Right Bank 2009’s weren’t there. Yes, more dark fruited; but I believe Canon managed to harvest prior to shriveling.

11/26/2022 - Winemaker51 Likes this wine:

One of the finest of the second wines from the 2009 Vintage. From a magnum. It was a pop and pour. Has the familiar crushed stones terroir from Ducru; but perhaps in a more elegant style with more Red fruits than black fruits. Yet the color was dark and the body was seemless. I recommend an hour decant or two; then drink. Highly recommended

11/26/2022 - Winemaker51 Likes this wine:

Opens up with mineral and black cherries. Oak is in check. Very good fruit concentration; but the tannins are very firm; giving this wine a rustic edge. I’m sue there is still upside; but I don’t think these astringent tannins are going away with age. Here is a Red Burgundy to match with game, lamb or steak. Decanting could help; but I’d try to do a food pairing to reduce the tannin sensation.

11/26/2022 - Winemaker51 Likes this wine:

This wine is at it’s peak and really in a good place! Sandalwood, touches of oak; maraschino cherries, slight tertiary. Lots of fruit, good acidity and velvet texture. The 2006 was a good year for the Enfant Jesus; after all. Just needed time. Highly recommended for fans of Premier Cru Cote de Beaune

10/22/2022 - Winemaker51 Likes this wine:

They made a more elegant style for that vintage; and it was successful. Nice, Vosne spice and a bit of stems amplified that. Very light touch of oak. A cornicopa of blueberries, bing cherry, and raspberry. Definitely a cooler, red fruited vintage. Lighter, silky and elegance on the palate with exotic spices here and there. Thought nice, but this will be better in a few more years. Hold longer for another 2 to 5 years; then the score will go up!

10/15/2022 - Winemaker51 Likes this wine:

A bit of a disappointment; considering it’s a Mouton. Does does have shades of Mouton exoticness. However, was more on the tart red cherry and lower alcohol that indicates some underripe qualities of the 1983 vintage. Chateau Margaux and Latour are much better 1983,s than Mouton, and normally I’m a big fan of Mouton.

9/18/2022 - Winemaker51 Likes this wine:

This wine is at it’s apogee. Earthy, sl menthol Pomerol aromas that both complex and fresh. Not a fruit bomb (like the 09’s) but classic Pomerol at a very affordable price. 2008 Right Banks continue to impress me at this age and development. Indeed; 2008 was more of a right bank vintage. Medium bodied and silky/elegant fruits and forest floor. I recommend a 1 hour decant. Some sediment to clear off. Drink now; but it’s not fading. Glad I followed Steven Spurrier’s recommendation on this and bought it 10 years ago

9/1/2022 - Winemaker51 wrote:

This wine has sulfide issues that require a long decanti and an aerator would help too. It took about an hour to finally blow off. Once opened; the fireworks of boysenberry, Limestone earth, loganberry and oak too suite. Flavor indicative of it’s fruit aromas. One of the fuller bodied of the 2008 Right Banks. Does have firm tannins on the end. I would opt for marbled steaks, Lamb and other savory meats with this one. Given the sulfides; I think it should be drunk now and enjoyed with heartier meals

9/1/2022 - Winemaker51 Likes this wine:

In short; it’s in a closed period. Perhaps more than 1 hour decant is called for. I’ve been thru this with Palmer before; first bottle I open is not ready; but in a few years it’s extraordinary! I think it will deserve 93 to 95 in time. For now; it’s like a lot of 2008 Left Bank Cru Classe; not ready yet.

8/17/2022 - Winemaker51 wrote:

What a great wine; in a “classical style”. Arriving at it’s near peak. Has smoke embers, blackberries, blueberries, and elderberries. Oak in check and splendid winemaking to keep it in check. Medium bodied, but ample concentration. Soft tannins now. Tasting first class. This Chateau’s Red is really underrated. 2008 Graves are drinking splendidly. Drink or hold another 3 to 5 years.

8/13/2022 - Winemaker51 Likes this wine:

This wine has upside; but I see it’s apogee in 3 tp 5 years. Aroma is superb and fully developed. Some ripe, tertiary notes already. Yet; still true dark cherry and Huckleberry aromas with earthy/oriental spice Burgundy aromas that are intigruing to Burg Hounds. It is sleek and well balanced; leaning on the acidic and tannic side. It requires food; and the gamier; the better. Still think the palate needs additional softening; but our 2 hour decant did help. It is definitely a cut above the usual Clos de Vougeot. Hold if you can.

7/30/2022 - Winemaker51 wrote:

Gave this a one hour decant. Certainly improved over 45 minutes. Bottom line; it is ready with the right kinda food and stemware. Was rated very high for the vintage. I still contend that 2008 Right Banks are ready to drink; whereas the better Left Banks could hold. Opens with a potpourri of oriental spices, plumb sauce and black cherry. Not shy on oak; but the wine handled it well. More milk chocolate and tobacco (Cabernet Franc?) came thru as the wine developed. Medium to full bodied. Definitely riper fruit; but not excessive. Not that new world. Generous fruit and earth/forest floor. Does have some grippy tannins; but the steak kept that in check. After the end of the meal; thought most of it’s charms were exhausted. Beautiful now and for the next 3 to 5 years. Not sure about 5 + years.

7/5/2022 - Winemaker51 Likes this wine:

Very Pomerol-like on the aroma; forest floor, blood sausage, pencil lead and a bit of green herbs. There was also ample oak; but in check from the massive black cherry fruits (that only Merlot can deliver). The 2008 Right Bank, in my opinion has approached prime drinkability (not so sure about 2008 left bank). Very silky and elegant; as with a lot of 2008’s. Needed very little decant time; unlike this same wine 4 years ago.

7/4/2022 - Winemaker51 Likes this wine:

This Chateau belongs in the Cru Classe and continues to impress! Popped it in a decanter. Improved after 1 hour after opening. At first, earthy, St. Estephe; then after awhile the black cherry fruit awakened. Oak very much in the background with cooler vintage; Anaheim chili there too. Palate is medium bodied, delightfully drinkable with slight green tannins. I would give the a potential 92 after another 2 to 3 years. 2014 was a sleeper vintage for St. Estephe

6/26/2022 - Winemaker51 Likes this wine:

Some Gevrey-Chambertin blood sausage/pencil lead earthiness; along with Red Cherryish fruit. Oak is in a nice balance; overall. Some ripeness and flesh on the nose and palate. Did improve with air. Bit short and lighter concentration (2011) but a nice; more elegant style that was priced right. Drink or hold. Some upside.

6/4/2022 - Winemaker51 Likes this wine:

This is a classic style Bordeaux; wherein more Red fruit expression; elegance vs power and restraint in it’s youth. For me; it’s going thru an inward phase, but does offer drinkability on the palate. I recommend “Hold” on your bottles in your cellar for a few years and find some 08 or 06 (or older) PC to drink now. I will say that the tannin extraction was spot on for a difficult vintage. Has promise

4/14/2022 - Winemaker51 Likes this wine:

This wine is very minerality driven. Certainly, with ripe blackberry fruits that have sufficient concentration. More acidity and green tannins than usual. Definitely requires food pairing. Yet; tannins are silky. Very well made. 2008’s are evolving a lot like 2001. Classic vintage and supreme elegance

3/18/2022 - Winemaker51 Likes this wine:

A fantastic Burgundy! The 2002’s Grand Crus are finally coming to a drinkability window. Aromas of Feral/Sauvage, Forest floor/damp earth, Oriental Spice, green herbs and oak. Very characteristic of Echezeaux/Grands Echezeaux earthiness. Palate was an elegant style; not weighty. Good acidity and cherry/berry fruits. Still fresh; despite some amber tinges on the color. I believe this wine has arrived at it’s peak.

3/16/2022 - Winemaker51 Likes this wine:

1 hour decant. A longer decant would have been better; because it had a sulfide/mercaptan aroma initially. This blew off (thankfully) after 15 to 20 minutes. Then, the aromatics of cranberry/cherry Sangiovese showed nobility. Definitely on the riper; but not overripe side. Flavor was concentrated and generous. Grippy, Sangiovese over extracted tannins persisted. I believe 2011 was a ripe, but tannic vintage for Tuscany. Would suggest steaks with marbling or with a red wine reduction sauce.

3/13/2022 - Winemaker51 Likes this wine:

It had at first; a Merlot-like aroma of sandalwood; kirsche, dark cherries; then an odd aroma (I suspect Brett) started to appear; along with a bit too much toasty/oak. The flavor was there and in no fear of having opened it up. Medium bodied; elegance and more Cos-like exotic ness. All in all; can be drunk; or aged longer.

2/19/2022 - Winemaker51 Likes this wine:

Opened it w/o a decant. Had in mind; herb marinated lamb chops with it; and what a great match! Doesn’t really need a decant; if for just removing sediment and presentation. It’s arrived early with a still vibrant, Aussie Shiraz black/blueberry fruits and spice. Oak is spot on and very complimentary to the St. Henri more restrained style. Only got better the first hour or so. Palate as both generous fruit and elegant/restraint. Nice; baking spices (St. Henri style) with good acidity and plenty of tannin to offset grilled steaks/lamb. It did start to fade towards the end of the bottle. I don’t think this will improve with further age; so drink up and enjoy an aged, elegant Aussie Shiraz

2/5/2022 - Winemaker51 Likes this wine:

Yellow color with shades of amber. Could be because the cork dried up. Aroma opens with more riper, orchard fruits (yellow peach, apricot) but some brioche and crème brûlée complexity too. Palate was super elegant and almost aged White Burgundy-like. Still the orchard fruits; but trimmed down enough to be beguiling. A Blanc de Blanc for those who truly love aged; Grand and Premier Cru White Burgundies.

2/4/2022 - Winemaker51 Likes this wine:

A marvelous example of Old Vines Grenache from CdP. Gave it a 2 hour decant. Opens with Kirsch, some baking spice and basil. Not smelling any overripe, nor hotness; although does initially smell Californian. Medium bodied and generously fruited. Tannins there, but in check. Mild heat; considering it’s 15.5% alcohol. Served with Steaks; which was ok. This can age and maybe arrive to a better wine. Just arriving at it’s drinkability stage.

1/18/2022 - Winemaker51 Likes this wine:

Needs a 3+ hour decant now. Yes, more aging will help, but not past 5 years. Opens with some earthy/lesss aromas. Blows off after 2 + hours. Sandalwood, tobacco, dark cherry, etc. Nice winemaking; no excessive oak. Flavors are there and very harmonious. Touch bitter/acid that requires food to offset at this stage. Palate is amazing, and overall this needs food pairing and those who appreciates Right Bank Bordeaux.

1/6/2022 - Winemaker51 Likes this wine:

Super elegant. Blueberries, sandalwood, faint oak. It builds to more complex aromas. Mouth is again silky and more blueberries and cherries. Finishes with mild acidity. It does have a long finish. This wine is at it’s apogee. We did not decant; and that was wise. A two person experience.

12/26/2021 - Winemaker51 Likes this wine:

Excellent and one of the best White Bordeaux’s I’ve drunk. Starts with herbaceous, assertive Sauvignon Blanc aroma’s without the excessive vegetal; nor New Zealand. The oak is in the background; but adding to the overall aromatic complexity and sweetness of the palate. Apparently, 30% from 100 + y.o. Semillon Vines; with the balance as Sauvignon Blanc. Generous acidity and freshness. Yes, it could develop more complexity; but the freshness is amazing for being 4 y.o.

12/18/2021 - Winemaker51 Likes this wine:

Read a really good review by Jane Anison, and she was right about this wine and 2014 Vintage in general for St. Estephe. I gave it a 3+ hour decant; and it was the right thing to do. Very classical St. Estephe aroma (earthy, lavender, etc). Really well done with oak treatment too. It kept improving in the glass; which makes be conclude extra aging will benefit this wine. An elegant style; with lower alcohol and Bordeaux drinkability. Not over extracted, and the tannins were not excessive. It does need food however. Very much a “classic style” of Haut Medoc. Definitely merits a “Cru Classe” designation for this vintage.