4/2/2020 - Jamie Manley wrote:

This is spectacular! From pristine storage, at first I thought that it may be too young. But after a few hours the wine completely opened up to absolutely stunning levels of complexity and sheer enjoyment. Soaring nose of peat, cassis, blueberry, tobacco, wet earth, black tea, and pencil. The nose was absolutely singing, approaching Northern Rhone territory. The palate is every bit the match of the nose. Rich earth and soil, dark fruits, tobacco, charred wood, more black tea, and a long pencil finish. Sorted tannins and an extremely long and layered finish complete the package. Wow, just wow! Mid neck fill and cork halfway soaked, I must stress the importance of provenance. At current pricing, I would not buy more of this unless I knew exactly how it had been stored and I could inspect the bottles. If those measures were met, I would buy as much as I could afford. This is right bank Bordeaux at its finest. Bravo! 98 Pts

12/24/2019 - Jamie Manley wrote:

A fine wine for sure, but also a little frustrating. If this could just turn the corner to complexity/development it would be mind blowing. Beautiful black cherry, cassis, and oak on the nose and palate with a very long and velvet finish. Not much else...maybe a touch of pencil and tobacco. It displays the pedigree of Las Cases in structure and class, but is just short on tangible delineation of the wave of flavors that we all love. LLC can be so frustrating, you drink an amazing 85 or 90, and then get whacked on the palate by a stubborn 86, 95, 96...I still prefer Ducru and Gruaud Larose from St Julien.

12/24/2019 - Jamie Manley wrote:

This wine never disappoints and always seems to exceed my expectations. The nose is exceptional, almost a blend of Bordeaux and Northern Rhone. Aromas of wet moss, cassis, burnt rubber, forest floor, tobacco, earth, and pencil are downright sensational. From start to finish the nose is dynamic and complex. I actually like the nose on this better than 82 GL. The palate matches the nose on every front, wonderful old school complexity balanced by mature red and dark fruit. Superb mouthfeel and sorted tannins seal the deal. This was the 9th bottle from a case that has enjoyed perfect storage since release. Low neck fill and the cork was extracted wholly with three quarters seepage.

10/19/2019 - Jamie Manley wrote:

This needs another decade at least, but the goods are there. I don't see it rivaling the mind-blowing 1990, but it will become a fantastic wine. Right now, one is presented with aromas of cassis, oak, some earth, faint graphite, and tobacco. The palate has rich fruit and a wonderful mouthfeel. It's a little frustrating because you can feel the potential, but it's just not there yet. It improves with air, but if you only have a few bottles I would strongly recommend against opening one for at least 5 years, preferably 10. Patience.

10/19/2019 - Jamie Manley wrote:

This is monumental and really coming along nicely, though decades to go. From 375, perfect storage, cork half soaked and deep amber color to the wine. Soaring aromas of caramel, butterscotch, botrytis, orange rind, Earl Grey, and lanolin. The fruit is presenting a darker flavor profile and this follows through to the palate. Speaking of the palate...wow, just wow! Amazing delineation and wave after wave of sheer brilliance cascade down the throat. Similar flavors to the nose, there is a searing intensity on the tongue that goes on and on and is not soon forgotten. This is a breathtaking Yquem. One point short of the triple digit as it does not have the insane burn on the tongue that the 2001 currently possesses, but I am really just quibbling here. Brilliant!

8/10/2019 - Jamie Manley wrote:

Folks, if you are able to find perfectly stored bottles of this, grab them! 1990 was a hot year and I am convinced that the moist soil of St. Estephe was very kind to a good percentage of the wines. Haut Marbuzet was no exception. As soon as I pulled the cork the aroma wafted and filled the kitchen. Rich plum and cassis, tobacco, wet earth, forest floor, and pencil. More of the same on the palate, but with richer fruit. The delineation of tobacco, graphite, earth, and pencil was exceptional. A tad rustic as one would expect, but the tannins are sorted and this wine has a beautiful finish. It is at peak currently and should remain there for another 5 to 10 years. Bravo!

4/21/2019 - Jamie Manley wrote:

A.P. 25770500614 Oh man, just way too early to open this, but I am not sure that I will be around when this is ready to go. Regardless, still such a delicious and young Riesling. FH may be my favorite producer and this did not disappoint. A massive citrus driven nose wafts of lemon, pineapple, mango, peach, grapefruit, and a hint of slate. I was unable to detect any botrytis. The palate is rich and oozing as FH always is. There is significant fruit on the palate, but it is all kept clean by the bracing acidity. Really, a marvelous wine. Hold! 94 Pts

4/21/2019 - Jamie Manley wrote:

I will be in the minority here, the 88 LB is the best currently drinking LB right now. I had the 89 a month ago and once again it was too young. 90 still needs time. This 88 is stonking. Perfectly stored and cork saturated half way up, bottom neck fill. This wine is ready to go right from the start. Classic nose leaps from the bottle and glass. I mean, it literally fills the room. Plum, cassis, wet mulch, earth, iron, forest floor, tobacco, and pencil. I was struck by how this "average" year could deliver so profoundly. Palate backs up the promise and it was layer after layer of complexity. I love 85 LB, but some are starting to fade. This 88 is sublime. 95 Pts

8/12/2018 - Jamie Manley wrote:

What a beautiful wine, from first pop of the cork. Instant recognition of terroir (yes, I saw the label), Pauillac. I repeat myself, but...briar patch, cherry, cassis, menthol, pencil, tobacco, and a slicing finish of PENCIL. Wow, for a young Lalande this puppy is stacked. The palate is sensational, fruit galore and serious complexity already. Order up, friends, for future outlook you may either drink or hold. Either way, YOU win! 98 Pts

8/12/2018 - Jamie Manley wrote:

For me, this is the best young d'Issan ever. I will give my next bottle of this the Sauternes treatment...open 24 hours in advance of service. This wine loves air and it is transformative. There is gorgeous and lush red/black fruit upon opening and it never fades. It just coats the palate as nuance after nuance creep in with each passing hour. Man, I would love to own a time machine so that I could taste this 30 years from now...until then, here is what you have. Fruit dominated nose eventually allows others to play, and sure enough here comes campfire, burning embers, gun steel, flint, and a mineral/iron ore component. The palate flat out rocks. Sure, tannin must be sorted and it needs time to tame in general, but this is such an enjoyable young wine right now that Aqualung just cannot resist. For young wine buyers I cannot recommend this enough to buy and store, for an Olduvai Gorge like me...buy and drink it within 18 months. A stunner. 97 Pts

8/12/2018 - Jamie Manley wrote:

I did not take notes, but this wine was absolutely singing, another overlooked vintage? Right off the bat, nose of forest floor, tobacco, earth, sweet cassis, some nice bretty funk, and a little graphite. Palate matches the nose and has even more depth, showing some black tea, pencil, and mild pepper to boot. A real joy. 93 Pts

5/19/2018 - Jamie Manley wrote:

I am a major fan of Ducru and this 98 was really enjoyable. I believe that it falls significantly short of the 96 and 00, but there are still many treasures to be found. Very expressive nose of cherry, cassis, earth, and some pencil. Pretty much the same on the palate, though with less intense complexity than the nose. The typical nobility in the mouth that I love about Ducru, but just not on the same level as the 96 and 00. At its current pricing I would definitely buy more of this as I wait for my 03 and 05 Ducru to emerge from their shells. 92 Pts

5/19/2018 - Jamie Manley wrote:

One of my all time favorite bottles of wine, and this just confirms Lalande as my favorite Chateau. Wow, this was good. Quintessential Lalande on the nose, strong pencil, black cherry, cassis, tobacco, graphite, earth, briar patch, and more pencil. Fantastic fruit on the palate and sheer velvet in the mouth, I cannot say enough about this wine. Completely sorted and ready to go. PnP, perfect provenance, mid neck fill, and a cork that made me work. Consumed over 8 hours. Majestic. 97 Pts

4/21/2018 - Jamie Manley wrote:

I have had this wine a bunch of times and it is always perfect. A huge nose of botrytis, white peach, lanolin, cotton candy, Earl Grey, orange rind, apricot, and spice. One really could spend hours just sniffing and not even taking a sip. But a sip seals the deal, 01 Yquem is in a league of its own. The palate goes on and on with incredible precision. As with all great Yquem, the intensity is off of the charts. It is simply amazing how well this wine is coming along and it still has many decades to go. From 375, light golden color, and opened 24 hours in advance of service. 100 Pts

4/21/2018 - Jamie Manley wrote:

Wow! This is coming along in striking fashion and is in an absolutely beautiful spot right now. Stunning nose of stewed tomatoes, cassis, mulch, graphite, tobacco, soy sauce, and pencil. The palate is just as good and complex, offering generous fruit and tannins that are close to being sorted. A very aristocratic wine, this is one to be savored over many hours. Perfect storage, fill, and cork, this Margaux stunner was PnP and delivered the goods all evening long. Exceptional! 96 Pts

3/27/2018 - Jamie Manley wrote:

A really well made wine, for sure. At this age, I was hoping for more development and I remain seriously concerned about most Bordeaux from 2000 until now, except for a few, Ducru Beaucaillou and Pichon Lalande continue to amaze me. I actually enjoyed this LR significantly more upon release than right now. It had more complexity then, though now it is more suave. So, what do we have here...oak, cassis, oak, some earth, oak, you get the picture. I enjoyed this wine from a textural standpoint, but this was not one to ponder over. 89 Pts

3/27/2018 - Jamie Manley wrote:

Yquem just flat out rocks and the 88 is my favorite from the 88/89/90 trio, just as DBG has stated earlier, I agree. Simply sublime nose that radiates with nuance after nuance. Apricot, lanolin, orange rind, slight hint of lemon, botrytis, caramel, and butterscotch. The palate not only coats your mouth, it paints every crevice with sheer delight. The complexity of this wine befuddles the mind...wow! As with every great Yquem, there is this searing intensity that burns a landing strip on your tongue, simply unmatched. From 375 and in between moderate to dark amber in color. 99 Pts

3/27/2018 - Jamie Manley wrote:

This is a monumental Lalande, the best since 1982. Pull the cork and you know that you are in for a special experience. Pauillac through and through, the nose delights with hints of green pepper, briar patch, menthol, cassis, clear red cherry, tobacco, earth, and pencil. The palate has really filled out now and there is a massive infusion of fruit that was missing before. Velvet in the mouth and layer after layer of Pauillac complexity. I actually think that well stored bottles of this wine may continue to improve, my singular thought. 98 Pts

12/27/2017 - Jamie Manley wrote:

The hits just keep on coming, this is a fantastic wine...and then some. 96 Montrose is now entering 96 Lalande territory. What a stunning nose! Hot summer sun on steaming wet stones, drenched earth, tobacco, cassis, fresh black cherries, graphite, and pencil. And all of this is with incredible precision. The palate is rich and multi-layered with beautiful fruit and complexity. Velvet in the mouth with sorted tannins and a complete feel of regal charm. 1996 Montrose is not to be missed! 97 Pts

12/13/2017 - Jamie Manley wrote:

A fine wine for the vintage, I believe that this is one of the top left bank wines of 1998. Classic Las Cases, if missing some of the complexity of 85 and 90. Cassis, graphite, tobacco, and earth on the nose, I am not sure if there is any future development left. On the palate it is a typical LLC with big structure and a very long finish. If it gained some complexity on the palate this wine would really reach another level. Probably won't happen, but still a really enjoyable wine. 93+ Pts

12/13/2017 - Jamie Manley wrote:

During Thanksgiving, a fascinating Lynch Bages. Firing on all cylinders, this was an absolute treat. The nose drifted in and out of Bordeaux and Northern Rhone. Deep cherry and cassis, wet leaves, burnt rubber, earth, mulch, tobacco, and pencil. Many dimensions with the palate and a beautiful display of complexity and fruit. PnP, but consumed over eight hours with my dog by my side. The wine improved with every passing hour and was simply stunning at the end. From perfect provenance, a gorgeous Stanford Cardinal hue, surely majestic. 97+ Pts

12/8/2017 - Jamie Manley wrote:

The 2000s are really starting to strut their stuff. Not close to maturity, but exceptionally fine wines. They should equal, and in many cases, surpass their 89 and 90 counterparts. I was a skeptic in believing that these newer wines were too clean, not enough "funk" for me. I stand corrected. Like an 00 Ducru recently, this Lynch really opened my eyes, though gentlemen still prefer Ducru. Lynch nose dominated by graphite, cassis, earth and tobacco. Palate has wonderful fruit and that is the basis for my enthusiasm regarding the 2000s. These puppies have a long way to go. Enjoyable now, but if you are short a few you should hold off. Enjoy the brilliant 88 currently for a lot less cash. 00 will reward patience. 97 Pts

12/6/2017 - Jamie Manley wrote:

I do not even know how to describe this, I need to find some new descriptors. As always, starting with the nose I continue to find this stewed tomato quality in great years of Ducru. This may be the best yet. It is subtle and adds a nuance that I find truly unique. Then add in rich cherry, cassis, tobacco, earth, leather, and pencil, and you are in for a wild ride. It is a nose of nobility that oozes class and breeding. One of my all time favorites, though still short of 78 La Chapelle and 02 Le Bourg. The palate is spellbinding on delineation and complexity alone, then followed with this velvet sixty second finish and you are submitted. How this chateau has not been elevated to first growth status is beyond me. This bottle was from perfect provenance with cork, color, and fill all in pristine order. If you only have a few, you may want to hold off for several more years. This will develop more and the 96 Ducru is in a beautiful place right now. I cannot recommend this enough, well worth seeking out. 98 Pts

9/15/2017 - Jamie Manley wrote:

Has not really budged much since my last try, 5 or 6 years ago? The goods are there, it just may take a while. Classic young Lalande nose that gives off aromas of briar patch, cassis, tobacco, and pencil. Not overly expressive, but one has a reasonable idea that maybe this is a young Pauillac. I was more encouraged by the fruit on the palate, significantly richer than I remember and absolutely proper. IMHO, this needs at least another 10 years, hell, I still believe that my stash of 96 Lalande could use that much. But make no mistake, this is a fantastic wine and I would encourage younger buyers to stock up at the current prices...under the radar. 95 Pts

7/8/2017 - Jamie Manley wrote:

Coming right after the 85, I was expecting a major drop off here. I would be wrong...are you kidding me?! Given the vintage, this wine should be fading quickly, but not so. They must have made better corks in 1981, because every fill in this case was/is mid neck or better. Case of 85 from exact same provenance had significantly lower fills, though the 85 is still clearly the better wine, but not by as much as you would think. I was really taken by this wine, maybe it is the underdog status. It is a classic Cordier Gruaud Larose, just on a slightly smaller scale, and not a lot smaller. All of the hallmarks of 80's era GL, great fruit, tobacco, earth, graphite, black tea, and pencil. A great package for south of $70 per bottle, so much better than similarly priced "Smuckers for Snowflakes" bottles these days. 93 Pts

7/8/2017 - Jamie Manley wrote:

I love 1985 Bordeaux and I love Cordier from the 80's. The wine gods were looking over me as I was able to pick up a pristine case of 85 (and 81) GL at auction very recently. When I say pristine, I mean virtually unopened since release and only then opened to show photos for the auction. Angelo M helped out with some of the photos too, so big thank you to him. What I have noticed with a number of 85's (not just GL) is that many of the fills are just a little less than one may like. Even with perfect provenance, three (now two) of my bottles are TS, five are VTS, and four are BN. I mention this only so that people are not hesitant if they see a less than stellar fill. Watch out for any leakers though, I attempted a MS fill leaker (from an unknown source) this past weekend and it was DOA. Ok, so I pulled my lowest TS fill bottle and gave it a try. A little mold on the top of the cork, but the soaked cork came out firmly in one piece and the aroma instantly started to waft. Wow, just wow! A soaring nose of dense earth, tobacco, wet leaves, cassis, cinnamon, black tea, and pencil. Everything that you could ask for, and then some. Similar on the palate but with fruit that almost reminded me of good bottles of 89 Montrose! Deep plum, rich cassis, a hint of sour cherry - and all wrapped up in delineated complexity. The color is a dark ruby with very slight bricking. Well stored bottles of 85 GL are in no rush of needing to be consumed now. If you can find it, buy it! 96+ Pts

7/1/2017 - Jamie Manley wrote:

retty much as Bob and others have described, though I think that time has been more generous than originally anticipated. Bottom neck fill and beautiful Stanford Cardinal color, this bottle was in great shape. A very nice and mature nose that gives one hope that maybe they have purchased that one bottle that is the exception for Mouton in this vintage. Cassis, cedar, tar, tobacco, and faint pencil are a delight to take long whiffs of in anticipation of the palate. And the palate is where the dream ends, though not a nightmare. The palate incorporates much of the nose flavors, but it is just way too light and uninspiring to generate any excitement. A nice mature Bordeaux for sure, but woefully short given the origination. I must add, perhaps I was influenced in a negative way by the label. So many times we are in awe of certain labels as we drink great bottles of wine, maybe this time the label worked against the wine. I have my flaws and sometimes it is label adoration. Had this been a bottle of 90 Ormes de Pez, do I have the same thought process... 89 Pts

6/8/2017 - Jamie Manley wrote:

Found 3 perfect bottles of these locally and grabbed them. What a wonderful Pomerol, completely exceeding my expectations. At point now, but there is no rush as there is still plenty of fruit. Everything that you could ask for on the nose, impossible to put down. Spice, graphite, burnt rubber, plum, cassis, tobacco, earth, and pencil. In fact, the burnt rubber reminded me almost of 02 Le Bourg! I was shocked to discover that the Cab Franc was only around 3% in this wine. On the palate the show continues. All of the complexity of the nose, but with a fine fruit display of plum and dark cherry. And there is an underlying spiciness that really adds to the character of this wine. If you are able to find well stored bottles of this wine at a fair current market price (< 180), I strongly recommend giving it a try. I had a smile on my face all night long, and isn't that really what it's all about...95 Pts

4/7/2017 - Jamie Manley wrote:

Now we're talking, oh my. I remain content that proper 85s are my favorite vintage (90 nipping at heels), and this Lynch solidified my feeling. The nose, just wow! Black tea, wet forest floor, plum, cassis, old tobacco, deep earth, and fine pencil. A nose that you do not soon forget. The palate sealed the deal and is still displaying a richness that is to be cherished. Tannins are completely sorted and this is pure velvet. A very complex wine, this is at peak and I would recommend drinking up over the next 10 years. Bravo 96 Pts

Very generous Boston friends (one in particular) poured me a glass of 02 Clos Rougeard Le Bourg a few weeks ago. One of the most remarkable wines that I have ever tasted, with a mind blowing nose. While not the same, this 85 Lynch nose was not too far behind.

4/7/2017 - Jamie Manley wrote:

My first time with this and I am truly impressed, maybe my favorite 1985. Gorgeous nose of peat, earth, black tea, plum, cassis, cinnamon, tobacco, and a hint of pencil. When you whiff a truly mature, multilayered nose like this, it is so difficult to go back to the younger wines - really seems like nothing more than an exercise in futility. But, hell, I am one of the biggest offenders (with young wine) so let's move on to the palate. The palate really took me by storm and even bested the incredible nose. Fantastic expression of fruit with a big blast in the mid palate, and followed by a long, layered finish. Brilliant complexity, this is a contemplative wine. Impressive Stanford Cardinal hue with very little bricking. This 1985 is at peak, right at the top of the hill with no worry of any foot forward down the other side, will hold for years. Absolute bliss! 97+ Pts

3/26/2017 - Jamie Manley wrote:

Well stored examples of this wine remain packed and stacked. I really do miss these 80's Cordier wines. This bottle was singing right off the bat, no decant needed. Soaring aromas of forest floor, tobacco, cassis, wet earth, graphite and pencil. Same on the palate, but with a deeper expression of fruit that also included some plum. This is a big, rustic wine and it makes no excuses. With that, you get fantastic complexity and a wine that offers new discoveries hour by hour. I could have smelled and tasted this all night, but it was so good that I finished it in just under 4 hours. What a winner! 97 Pts

2/23/2017 - Jamie Manley wrote:

Folks, I am now more convinced than ever that perfectly stored 1996 Bordeaux (top chateau) still need more time. This is my 3rd bottle from an immaculate case and these puppies need, possibly, another 5 years. Perfect cork, fill, label, color, and also a ton of sediment, this still needs to flesh out some more nuance and tertiary flavor. Having said all of that, this is a blockbuster of a wine. The expression of cabernet fruit is exemplary and this is a massive wine. A little shy on the nose, but textbook young Lalande - hint of green (good), cassis, cherry, briar patch, and pencil. The palate is the star with dominating red fruit followed by light tobacco, that hint of green, cedar, and fine pencil. Significant tannin and a large frame, this should all come together over the next half decade. Currently, 89 Lalande is drinking significantly better, but the 96 has the goods to surpass it. For now, 96+ Pts

12/15/2016 - Jamie Manley wrote:

Not only is this a great wine, this is a great Pauillac. My last review of this, I believe that I said that I would not touch another for at least 5 years. That is still true from a development standpoint. However, I was just able to pick up some more perfectly stored bottles and could not resist. I will not be able to wait 5 years to pop another. Probably the youngest 1990 that I have had to date, this is still showing so much that it is impossible to resist. Already displaying remarkable complexity, the nose and palate are stacked with rich cassis and plum, briar patch, graphite, tobacco, earth, and pencil. Brilliant delineation and wonderful structure, I am convinced that this will get even better. My favorite Baron by a country mile. 98 Pts

12/15/2016 - Jamie Manley wrote:

Very shy upon opening, but after 4 hours this was absolutely singing. Massive complexity on the nose - cigar ash, forest floor, earth, cassis, cherry, tobacco, and pencil. Really, an intoxicating nose. The palate seals the deal with the same complexity and wonderful presentation of fruit. Sorted tannin and the finish is sheer velvet with a good 60 second finish. When 90 Poyferre is on it absolutely rocks my world and I am going to score it appropriately. 99 Pts

12/15/2016 - Jamie Manley wrote:

Sublime...and then some! The quintessential gentleman's claret, this lives up to the reputation as the Lafite of Saint Julien. Divine nose of graphite, cassis, mild spice, earth, and pencil shavings. The palate is sheer class with a mouth feel that is rarely experienced in the world of fine wine, simply magic. More complex than the nose and with fine delineation, the palate moves the goalposts. The 2000 is still a bit young, not equaling the development of the 96, but will surpass it in another 10 years. My score is based on current consumption, this wine has plenty of room for improvement. 97+ Pts

12/15/2016 - Jamie Manley wrote:

Utterly sublime. From perfect OWC provenance, this wine still has room for further development. Magic on the nose - graphite, ripe cherry, cassis, tobacco, mineral, earth, and pencil. More of the same on the palate with a wonderful expression of fruit. Velvet in the mouth with fantastic complexity and a finish that goes on forever. This wine gets better by the hour and loves air. This is now my favorite vintage of Lynch. 98+ Pts

12/15/2016 - Jamie Manley wrote:

Does this wine ever disappoint? Seriously, ever?! Sixth bottle out of a case and the consistency is downright remarkable. Oh man, this is why we sit on this expensive grape juice for so long. Just approaching its peak, this is a spectacular wine. Pauillac through and through, what a beauty. Soaring nose of pencil, briar patch, cassis, plum, earth, tobacco, and more pencil. The palate is even better, rich fruit and seamless from start to finish. I am partial to Lalande and this 89 is now my security blanket. Just when I am about fed up with the deep valleys that we sometimes experience with wine, I open one of these puppies and the wine gods are smiling again. Great stuff! 97 Pts

7/2/2016 - Jamie Manley wrote:

I just love this vintage of Lalande. I always feel like I am coming home when I drink this wine. Incredibly consistent, the 1989 always delivers exactly what I expect from a mature Lalande. Yes, the 82 is a legend and the 96 should follow along, but the 89 always brings a smile to my face. Very underrated IMHO, the 89 Lalande is just behind the top tier 89s of HB, Lynch, Montrose, Angelus, and any that I missed. Classic nose of deep earth, tobacco, rich cassis, menthol, and distinct pencil. Everything that you would expect from a great Pauillac. The palate is equally as good and is sheer mouth filling joy. Sorted tannin, velvet, very long finish - everything that you could ask for. This wine should hold for quite some time and I give my strongest endorsement to well stored bottles. Bravo! 97 Pts

6/30/2016 - Jamie Manley wrote:

Wow, what a nose! This wine just confirmed that 1985 is my favorite Bordeaux vintage for aromatics, especially left bankers. Wafting notes of cedar, tobacco, cherry, cassis, earth, black tea, and pencil. Never faded and was delightful all night long. The palate holds up its end of the bargain, though without the fireworks of the nose. Pretty similar from a flavor standpoint to the nose, the palate is rich and offers very nice layers of complexity. Not a blockbuster, but this is a contemplative wine and is well worth taking your time with. Highly recommended. 95 Pts

6/30/2016 - Jamie Manley wrote:

All of the usual suspects, and the hallmark of a great vintage. Aromas of spicy botrytis, ripe banana, caramel, orange rind, and mild Earl Grey. The palate was richer and more expressive, and very precise in delineating the flavors of the nose. Long and layered, this is a top 01, if a bit short of Yquem and Rieussec. I do see room for improvement. 95 Pts

6/22/2016 - Jamie Manley wrote:

Hands down, probably the most unique and dynamic Bordeaux that I have ever had. And make sure that you take your time drinking this puppy, as it is constantly changing and adding new dimensions every hour. No need to even get your nose close to the glass, a good 3 or 4 inches away and you can smell everything. What started with aromas of baked cherries and cinnamon, kept adding more and more and I almost lost count. Volcanic ash, earth, leather, stewed tomatoes, roasted plum, cassis, beef blood, tobacco, pencil...on and on it goes. Simply sensational. The palate is just as mind blowing as layer after layer of sensory glory coats the tongue and mouth. Really a remarkable wine and one that will leave your friends with jaws dropped. An atypical Bordeaux for sure, but by the end of the night one should be certain of the genesis of this wine. Still seared in my mind. 100 Pts

6/4/2016 - Jamie Manley wrote:

Bill Parcells has his five Ps (Proper Preparation Prevents Poor Performance.) If he had an 01 Yquem with 24 hours of air, he would have another P (Perfection.) Instantly upon cork extraction the perfume of this great wine wafted...and then I poured a small glass and put the rest in the fridge to visit a day later. I cannot encourage this protocol strongly enough. This was my darkest (in color) 375 from a case, so I pulled it. Medium gold/copper, the flavor profile mimicked the color. This particular bottle was just entering a young phase, moving up from infancy. On the nose, defined notes of caramel and butterscotch, but you are still slayed by the orange rind, botrytis, apricot, Earl Grey, and lanolin. The palate is the show stopper - read my notes from earlier years regarding this wine. Searing intensity on the tongue and palate with a velvet lift. Layer after layer and then a 60 second gravity defying finish. As I have said before, this wine is not light years better than the others, but it does everything that a legend is supposed to, and that makes it perfect. 100 Pts.

6/4/2016 - Jamie Manley wrote:

Note to self, do not open any more of your big 03s for at least another 5 years. While thoroughly enjoyable, this is nowhere close to being ready; and I purposely opened this particular bottle as it was the only retail wine store display bottle that I owned. All my others have been stored perfectly. I figured that this bottle may be a bit further down the road. Nope. Rant over, this is a monster of a Bordeaux. A little shy and sinewy on the nose, one still gets notes of charcoal, massive red and black fruit, earth, and some toasty oak. On the palate, this puppy sings and it will hit triple digits one day...many days from now. This wine overwhelms your taste buds with a cascade akin to Angel Falls. Layer after layer of deep dark fruit, clay, cassis, oak, tobacco, graphite, and a hint of pencil. The texture, mouth feel, and balance are exquisite - really in a different league. The color is gorgeous Stanford crimson ( sorry Harvard fans, couldn't resist) with no sign of age at all. Audouzed 10 hours in advance of service. 99 Pts.

5/27/2016 - Jamie Manley wrote:

This wine is a complete winner and Barsac all the way. Still young, this delivers on all accounts. A stony, mineral driven nose with beautiful aromas of botrytis, nectarine, pineapple, orange rind, lemon curd, lanolin, and light tea. It always amazes me what top Sauternes/Barsac can produce from a flavor profile standpoint. The palate moves the goalpost and just drenches the mouth with a flavor explosion. Crisp acidity cuts through it all and keeps everything clean. From 750, this was light golden in color and worlds better after 24 hours of air. Bravo! 97 Pts.

5/27/2016 - Jamie Manley wrote:

A textbook example of this vintage that is drinking wonderfully right now, though I still prefer 88 Lynch and Lalande. Mature nose of cassis, charcoal dust, earth, tobacco, and a briar and pencil combination. Lovely to sniff all night. The palate is even better, offering richer flavors, with more complexity and delineation. Sorted tannin and a nice feel to the mouth. I do not see this improving, but certainly no hurry to drink up. 93+ Pts.

8/22/2015 - Jamie Manley wrote:

In a great spot right now, 10 yards shy of the top of the hill and in no danger of going over any time soon. Great nose of mild green pepper, cherry, cassis, tobacco, earth, and pencil. More of the same on the palate and nicely delineated. Sorted tannins and a long, smooth finish. Well done. 93 Pts

8/22/2015 - Jamie Manley wrote:

Folks, this is a wonderful left bank 1998. Just entering maturity, you could not ask for more, especially considering the current price. I could whiff the nose all night long. Wonderful notes of faint green pepper, cedar, graphite, cassis, tobacco, and pencil that would do a Pauillac proud. Long, rich palate with everything above, plus intense fruit and a finish that lasted close to 45 seconds. I have always reckoned that Las Cases (and Ducru) should be elevated to first growth status, and this "average" year example only confirms my mindset. 95+ Pts

8/22/2015 - Jamie Manley wrote:

Going from strength to strength, 1988 Yquem continues to pick up more nuance and darker complexity. Light copper in color, from 375, this is a beauty. Soaring from the glass are aromas of caramel, botrytis, crème brulee, orange rind, honey, and lush apricot. The palate follows suit with even more intensity, and adding a multitude of tea choices to complement the fruit. A lithe, acidic lift cuts through everything. As with any fine Sauternes, I vehemently recommend opening this at least 24 hours in advance, no matter the format. The difference is profound. 99 Pts

8/22/2015 - Jamie Manley wrote:

From 375, absolutely beautiful golden color. Where do I begin? For me, this is the best wine that I have ever had (and I am not a fan of the word "best" in this context, but I have no choice.) This wine is not light years ahead of everything else, but just an incredible package with virtually no fault. The nose radiates from the glass and fills the room. Honeycomb, lemon curd, lanolin, Earl Grey, fresh orange peel, botrytis, grapefruit, beeswax, and on and on it goes. The palate gives you even more, but with this razor searing intensity that almost burns the tongue and beyond. Simply emblazoned on your taste buds, but with a lightness that is completely majestic. Still a pup, this has ages to go. You are fooling yourself (and friends?) if you do not open this at least 24 hours in advance. This wine is a singular experience and worth every penny. 100 Pts

6/8/2015 - Jamie Manley wrote:

Oh my, when this wine is on, is it magnificent or what!? First off, a huge "Thank You" to Peter at Marty's for finding this local stash. So far, this is the best lot of 86 GL that has ever passed my lips. Before the cork was even completely out, I could get a small whiff of the heavenly aromas that lay in wait. I could smell this wine all day and night and die happy. Soaring wet tobacco, black tea, plum, cassis, rusted iron, summer rained earth, leather, and pencil. The nose is downright habit forming, no kidding. The palate is massive and just drenches your mouth with all of the above flavors. Layer after layer of 29 year old delight cascade down your throat. This is an 86, so the tannins are present, but they are completely integrated. This was a special bottle and I am biased toward the great Cordier wines of the 80's. But if you like this style of wine, then start searching for good examples of this wonderful 86 GL. I hope that all of your bottles perform like this beauty. 98 Pts