4/4/2024 - COWineLover wrote:

Acquired a half case just about seven years ago, and the wine has been sleeping in my cellar since acquisition. Decided to acquire the half case after a generally positive history with the 2009. This was the first bottle opened from the 2015 vintage. Upon review of my 2009 notes, I regret not tracking things better. After 5 years the 2009 was a lovely wine, but by the 8 year mark (a late 2017 tasting after I had acquired the 2015 earlier in 2017) the aging had not been kind. I find this bottle a consistent (and disappointing) experience with the 2009 at the 8 year mark. While one bottle does not condemn the vineyard and producer to purgatory, the trajectory from tonight’s tasting (especially in light of the exalted vintage) is headed to the “No Buy” category.

Good ruby color with no bricking. A dark ruby cork that was well sealed. Aromatically this offers the expected aromas with cherry, damp loamy soil, licorice, and red berries. On the palate, the attack is predominantly influenced by a tart cherry that overwhelms everything else. The mid-palate is very hollow with a quick transition through to the finish where the tannin dries out the tart cherry from the attack.

For the vintage, this lacks finesse, elegance, charm, evolution, and flavor. I should have paid better attention and consumed this earlier in the bottle life. I don’t see this undergoing a magical transition. I hope this bottle suffers from Burgundy variability, but my optimism is low this is solely bottle variation.

3/28/2024 - COWineLover wrote:

My first (and final) bottle of this in 5 years. Was expecting a lean tasting experience, but this bottle held a pleasant surprise. Good ruby color with only a slight bricking. Aromatically this has a lovely sous bois, strawberries and cranberries, with a deft touch of wood, cinnamon, and minerality. On the palate this has good lift on the attack with cinnamon and a chalky minerality. In the mid palate the acidity tapers off to let the strawberries and cranberry step forward where the polished tannins coat the inside of your mouth with enough acidity to keep this vibrant. Coasts into the finish with good length and the vibrancy that keeps this from being lean or dried out.

A pleasant surprise for a less than heralded vintage.

I could see this retaining vigor and enjoyment until 2029, though this bottle highlighted it can be enjoyed now.

2/23/2024 - COWineLover wrote:

A cellar juggling bottle as my pre-order was for 6 bottles but apparently one went missing so I opted to reduce the odd lot to 4 bottles. I never sample young Bordeaux, so this is a departure for normal consumption.

Color is completely opaque. Aromatically this leads with a strong menthol, anise, dark roasted coffee, cassis, clove, and incense. On the palate this has noticeable tannin as expected, but the merlot softens this to the point where this should be accessible at an early age. Has structure to be a good mid-term drinker (2025-2035) while others sleep. This leans into tart black fruit on the attack. In the mid-palate this fills in with a bitter anise, roasted espresso, sweet cassis, and dark cacao. There is great length on the finish where the anise, espresso, and clove fill every part of your mouth. The only flaw is this could use a little more lift - the acidity is overwhelmed by the tannin at this stage. Because of the lean acidity that frames my drinking window estimate.

Surprisingly approachable, but as noted I don’t open young Bordeaux so take my approachability note accordingly. Very good material and this checks the boxes from start to finish. Day 1 - 92-93

Day 2 - The aromatics have really opened up after overnight refrigeration. Loaded with plums, black currant, lavender, sweet clove, anise, and coffee. On the palate this has turned a bit angular where the anise and tannin have hardened up on the attack. Settles in the mid-palate where the plum and black currants attempt to file down the angularity of the attack. The finish remains pleasant with a smoke and espresso centric profile, though the length has diminished somewhat.

The wine shows quite differently between the days. No noticeable flaws (other than more lift as noted day 1), and the differences between the days highlight a good quality wine at this stage with a diverse tasting experience. No change in the overall score.

From my tasting over the two days, I believe the drinking window for me probably remains through 2035.

2/10/2024 - COWineLover wrote:

Pale yellow color. Aromatically this is predominantly stone fruits and Asian pear. This lacked the lanolin mouthfeel I frequently find with some Viognier with just enough acidity on the attack to keep this from leaning flabby. Primary flavor profile for me was limited to anise and a spicy butterscotch. Through the mid-palate this keeps the spiciness as the predominant flavor profile. This has an ok finish, but this never really evolves or penetrated my tasting with any nuance or finesse. This remained somewhat one-dimensional and never captivated me over the course of several glasses. Half the bottle to be consumed in day 2.

Day 2 there was a small expansion with honeysuckle, but this remained one dimensional without charm, verve, or character. No change in the overall score.

2/5/2024 - COWineLover wrote:

Acquired more than a dozen years ago, and stored in a temperature and humidity controlled cellar. First bottle in a number of years. Have also consumed the 2005, and own the 2007.

Poured about 90 minutes before consuming. Plenty of orange at the rim. Aromatically this offers tobacco, damp soil, and some floral. On the palate the attack starts with a sour and tart black cherry. A pasty blackberry moves this into the mid-palate without much fanfare. On the brief finish this offers more of the sour black cherry notes. Frankly a very puzzling tasting - no wow factor, no savory qualities, no energetic grip. Seems to plod along without direction, energy, or uniqueness. Comes across as something that has passed its best days. Just blah.

I recall the 2005 exhibiting similar ‘meh’ qualities after about 15 years, whereas the younger version had more drive and definition. Seems to be a good example of an entry level barolo that is better in the first 10-12 years. This is a pattern I am finding more frequently, even in well regarded vintages.

2/1/2024 - COWineLover wrote:

First bottle of a half case purchased about 8 years ago. Stored in a temperature and humidity controlled home cellar. I was very anxious about the contents after removing the foil seal noting the cork did not appear well sealed. Using an Ah-so to remove the cork I noted that wine had migrated about 5 mm up the side. I poured a glass expecting the wine to be corked, but happily that was not the case. The wine possessed a deep plum color with very little in the way of bricking. Wine served in large bowl Burgundy stemware.

The first glass was aromatically shy. The second glass over 2 hours later was starting to release some of the aromas, but this remained aromatically reserved. The wine did start to open up with aromas of bing cherry, sous bois, cut evergreen, and strawberries. On the palate this has a refreshing acidic lift on the attack with tart cranberry and cinnamon. This has a lingering chalkiness in the mid palate where cherry and strawberry accent the persistent cinnamon and Asian Five spice. A fine length on this with restrained and dusty tannin and minerality. Overall, this has a certain rustic charm to it that works well for the vintage. In light of the color, acidity, and palate experience, this should capably reach 2032. I do worry modestly about the corks used for the bottling.

This has good material, and for the $79 paid, I am happy to have 5 more bottles. Drink now if you haven’t tried a bottle to check the cork.

1/22/2024 - COWineLover wrote:

After recent reviews I decided to make an assessment of my first bottle (four acquired). The wine has been cellared for over seven years in a temperature and humidity controlled cellar.

The cork was tightly sealed and there was no wine migration up the cork neck. When I poured the first glass (no decant), the color looked as if there was noticeable bricking. However, after studying the color in more detail, I believe the color is appropriate for the wine and age (closely resembling a comparably aged Burgundy), and remains on the lighter spectrum as one might expect from this age of Barolo. Aromatically this is a bit shy (perhaps owing to no decant), but with coaxing this does offer rose petals and thyme, with more subdued notes of sage and tobacco. On the palate, the attack is a tannic centric tar and espresso. The mid-palate was shallow and somewhat hollow for the first glass, and offered up the faintest hints of cherry. The second glass 3 hours in offered more depth in the mid-palate, with anise and herbs joining the cherry. The finish offers a bit more length owing to the herb influenced character that remains after the tannins settle. This does not have bright acidity at this stage, and after consuming a bottle tonight I believe it is best consumed over the next 3-5 years.

Overall this is an inexpensive Barolo and it lacks the nuance and complexity one can reasonably expect from higher end producers. Having said that, I found this to be a wine that can be consumed now with any combination of Italian food (e.g., pizza, spaghetti, lasagna) that does not rise to the complex or gourmet.

Wines experience different bottle storage conditions, retail distribution variances, and most of all different palate experiences. Drink this for what it offers.

Initially I shorted the score (89) a bit for the mid-palate hollowness, but settled on a score of 90 after the second glass. For the price ($30), I am happy with how it paired with dinner.

1/14/2024 - COWineLover wrote:

My second bottle of this in about 2 months. I didn’t compose a note on the first bottle, but from memory it was enjoyable so I decided to try another to confirm. While I did not take notes from the prior bottle, my general recollection is tonight’s bottle is strikingly similar in profile and character.

Aromatically this is open and generous after the cork pull - a decant was not required. Classic Northern Rhône with textbook earthiness including garrigue, barnyard loamy soil, hints of iodine, cracked pepper, scorched earth, and incense. On the palate this is open for business. Overall, the wine is not profound on the palate, yet it provides immense pleasure right now for what it offers. The attack belts out a mouthful of black-fruited juiciness that hangs on until the mid-palate appearance of pepper, bacon fat, thyme, and iodine. The finish is strung out with a subletly that contrasts with the juiciness of the attack offering a primary incense and iodine focused conclusion. Tannins are well hidden and this has enough acidity to work with the underlying material.

I would not expect this to be a long-timer for the cellar, but in light of a juicy and satisfying pour, why wait? At $37 paid, this hits the mark for a tasting that I don’t expect to bring a lot of complexity or nuance. Drink this when you want a juicy wine without massive tannic dryness.

12/23/2023 - COWineLover wrote:

Final bottle of six. This bottle was a magnum. Decanted over 90 minutes before the first glass. Good color though this has an accelerating bricking from my last bottle about three years ago. Aromatically leans toward the tertiary notes of dried herbs, cigar wrapper, tobacco leaf, leather, and dried fig. On the palate this is a savory wine that is headed toward retirement. The attack impressions align with the aromatics with just enough acidity to carry this through the mid-palate where a bit of pasty raspberry peeks through. The finish was brief and probably the most underwhelming portion of the tasting experience for me.

No flaws with the wine and frankly a more enjoyable experience than I have had with other 2005’s. Having said that, with the fainting acidic backbone and resolved tannins, I probably wouldn’t keep this too much longer unless I had a lot of surplus cellar space that I could devote to gambling on a working class wine that should be enjoyed while it offers some pleasure.

The remaining portion of the magnum to be consumed on day 2, with updates for any overnight magic or deterioration.

11/13/2023 - COWineLover wrote:

First bottle of six, and my first Latour-Martillac since I finished the 2009 vintage about two years ago. The cork was stained like pen ink and was well sealed. No decant but aerated the first glass about 45 minutes prior to consumption. I found this aromatically stingy. My recollection from the 2009 vintage is that wine offered the Pessac crushed stone that is absent here. The aromas that did emerge leaned black - black plums, black raspberry, black cherry, and clove. Given the stingy aromas I was prepared for a mouth puckering dryness that never appeared. On the attack this gallops along nicely offering a tart yet juicy burst of the same black fruits that presented aromatically. For me this has the minimum acidic backbone needed to provide lift, but there is not much reserve on that front. In the mid palate this turns decidedly toward smoke, clove, and a tart dried black cherry. Not as much length as I would have liked, and the tart cherry carries a bit of pastiness toward the conclusion.

Solid overall and for the price a nice QPR. In another 12-18 months the tart fruits should start to fan out with more elegance and nuance. From my bottle experience tonight, the remaining 5 bottles are probably best consumed on an 18 month schedule through about 2030.

11/9/2023 - COWineLover wrote:

Opened and poured a glass about two hours prior to consumption. Opaque and dense color with no bricking. Aromatically pleasing with a rich red currant, damp earth and brush, and orange rind that are primary with more subtle incense, leather, and dried herbs. On the palate the attack presents cashmere tannins with tart red currant and orange peel being supported by good acidic lift. In the mid-palate this pivots to a pasty tart blackberry with a deft touch of iron and tobacco leaf. The finish was a little hollow with a trace of heat that shaved the overall pleasure ever so slightly.

Overall a quality wine with a well rounded appeal that can be consumed now through 2030+.

Day 2 - Remains well rounded where the cashmere tannins balance the sweet fruit. It retains a vibrancy that keeps this fresh and rich.

11/3/2023 - COWineLover Likes this wine:

Acquired directly in Porto after a tasting at Quinta do Noval back in June 2023. I pulled the cork with an Ah-so and that still did not save the cork from crumbling badly - used a Vinturi to catch the cork pieces. Overall, this was what I remembered from Porto with chocolate, black plum, dried prune, and a bit of heat overtaking the fruit. About a coffee cup full of sediment. Nothing magical but likewise nothing out of place. A relatively good bottle.

11/4/2023 - COWineLover wrote:

Second bottle of four and first in about 10 months. Decided to pull the cork on this without consulting my prior note to use in a spaghetti sauce that slow cooks most of the day. Before pouring in the sauce I took a small taste to ensure the wine was not corked. It was not corked, but it wasn’t the most impressive wine either. Decided it might need some time to open up with dinner, so poured all but a cup used in the sauce into the decanter.

When it came time for dinner the time in the decanter did not help this out. Similar to the small taste before cooking, this lacked any wow factor considering the expectations for the vintage. Noticeable bricking with wine migrating up the cork despite being stored horizontally for eight years. Some acidity on the attack with a predominant dried herb character in the mid-palate along with tobacco leaf. An acceptable drink with dinner where the acidity was a good mix for the meat heavy (lamb, venison Italian sausage, and bison) sauce. While the acidity was palate cleansing, the wine flavor profile really left me wanting anything that stood out.

After consuming I went back to my prior note and found similarity in the tasting experience. Overall I would repeat this has no wow factor for me. I don’t see further aging transforming this into a great wine. For me, the remaining two bottles will be cellar clearing selections over the next 12-16 months.

9/22/2023 - COWineLover wrote:

First bottle of a half-case that was opened to sample before deciding to gift a bottle. I was apprehensive after a recent experience with the 2015 Guigal Cote Rotie Brune et Blonde. The apprehension was misplaced as the wines are very different, and this bottle demonstrated Guigal Hermitage is a winning vintage for 2015.

Opaque with no bricking. The wine was aromatically generous upon opening. No decant. Allowed the first glass about 60 minutes of aeration. Lots of smoked meats, garrigue, violet and lilac, iodine, and only a faint whiff of alcohol. On the palate this has a vigorous burst of acidic lift on the attack, followed by the chewy tannins coating the black fruits, grilled meat, iron, pepper, herb de Provence, and iodine. Fine length with a savory chewiness that is persistent though not overbearing. There is a finesse here that glides along effortlessly from attack to finish with great weight and balance. An excellent combination of smoked meats, black fruits, herbs and minerality.

Enjoyable now, yet this has plenty of vigor and complexity for a lengthy drinking window. Drink now through 2035.

Day 2 - Half the bottle was stored overnight in the refrigerator. Aromatically retains the lavender and garrigue aromas from day one with some incense peeking through. On the palate this is showing more tannic density, but the savory herb qualities and the black fruits make it a pleasant palate experience. The mineral qualities from day one persist on the finish with a chewy tannic length that really hangs on. This did not lose any vigor or appeal from day one and the overnight evolution demonstrates this wine has good length in the cellar. If you have a small collection, I would strongly recommend you open a bottle of this and enjoy it.

8/26/2023 - COWineLover wrote:

First ever bottle of Lascombes. Historically I felt this commanded a premium price relative to the unimpressed and diverse CT user universe. However, with a goal of drinking all 1855 classifications in my lifetime, a 2015 Lascombes seemed to be the safest bet (and the most reasonable relative price) of vintages in the last 15 years or so.

Opened and poured a glass to breath about 90 minutes before consumption. I found this aromatically shallow - though this had a limited array of cassis and chocolate. The aromas were most prominent on opening and seemed to fade over time. On the palate this was a bit more generous with cassis, coffee, and smoke. The tannins were not obtrusive, and the acidity struck a reasonable balance overall. I was intently focused on trying to discern more nuance or complexity, but really could not identify anything beyond standardized aromas and palate impressions. Perhaps the remainder of the bottle on day 2 will change my view and if so I will update the note accordingly.

Generally I found nothing out of place, but likewise nothing noteworthy. As the time wore on the bottle seemed to lose more vigor. This bottle confirmed my bias the tariff (US$85) is better spent on the vast array of wines that are not in the 1855 classification, or on those in the 1855 classification that have continually focused on improving their wines. A fair tasting experience. However, based on my bottle experience the Lascombes was not compelling enough to drive my exploration into other vintages.

I have consumed a number of bottles of 2015 Chateau d’Issan (including a bottle in the last two weeks) and have consistently found that wine (same vintage and appellation) to be a superior tasting experience compared with this bottle of Lascombes. I have three more bottles along with many other 2015 Margaux appellation wines and will wait another 2-3 years to revisit and calibrate the Lascombes against the other 2015’s.

7/31/2023 - COWineLover wrote:

Pnp with about 30 minutes of aeration before drinking. Opaque. Aromatically unmistakably Northern Rhone with the garrigue, violets, hint of iodine, crushed black fruit, incense, and smoked meats. On the palate this has a beautiful complement of juicy black fruits, energetic acidity, chewy yet fine tannins coating the salted meats, herb de Provence, and other dried herbs. Good length with fine balance with the wine evolving from attack to finish and nothing out of place. I have found many St. Joseph wines can be rustic and unbalanced, but not this bottle. Absolutely blows away a 2014 Chateau Gloria I had the day prior. Likely quite enjoyable through 2030 with the acidity and great fruit.

7/30/2023 - COWineLover wrote:

Third bottle of six consumed. Decanted for about 90 minutes prior to consumption. Aromatically this struck me as leaner than prior bottles with more herbal notes, tobacco, and cedar. On the palate this also came across as lean (bordering on astringent) with a coarse tannic structure overpowering the black fruited profile. The acidity that exists keeps this from an unpleasant angularity, but the wine offers little in terms of elegance or excitement for me. Fair length on the finish but nothing memorable.

My overall experience in tasting over 30 months or so is this has stayed relatively consistent, but without a showy performance yet. With three bottles remaining, and so many incoming futures from better vintages, I don't see any value in hoping for a miraculous transformation. Does not hold up to better performing wines farther north in the Medoc in 2014. If you are looking to create cellar space, pull a cork and decide if it makes sense for you to save this for later. I do not plan to sit on the remaining bottles beyond the end of 2023.

After pulling a cork on a 2016 Chave Offerus St Joseph (a $28 wine) one night later, there was no comparison of how that performed (91) relative to the Gloria reinforcing my view the Gloria is not a longer term keeper for me.

7/1/2023 - COWineLover wrote:

Two bottles consumed this past week in an effort to organize some regional space in the cellar. No decant for either bottle and this was ready to drink with a little glass aeration.

Overall, nothing profound, but likewise no flaws. This drinks exactly as you would expect from CdP and the fruit here is on the plump but not jammy side. Reasonable acidity and tannins that supported the fruit. Both bottles were very consistent.

Apologies for no more detailed notes given this was a two bottle recap. Solid and ready to drink. Served with grilled meats on both occasions and paired well as expected.

6/27/2023 - COWineLover wrote:

Decided to take this camping and serve with grilled chicken thighs and a vegetable medley. Stored in the trailer refrigerator prior to serving because it was very hot. Served in the low 40 degree temperature range allowing this to warm before serving. Aromatically predominant with green apple, lemon zest, and chalky limestone. Very refreshing with crisp (not bracing) acidity on the attack with the lemon zest predominant. The green apple fills in the mid-palate where a bit of chalky limestone and salinity comes in toward the back end. A solid finish with lime notes hanging on for 30 seconds.

The acidity worked well with the fattiness of the chicken, and offered a good overall balance to the meal. Refreshing enough to also be served as an apperitif. I think this could lean flabby if served too warm, and I recommend serving in the low 40’s if consumed during warmer days or evenings. Paid $38 so a reasonable QPR.

6/21/2023 - COWineLover wrote:

An “off” bottle. Aromatically this has good qualities with raspberry and lavender but the palate is thin and diluted with a heavy charcoal and not much else.

5/13/2023 - COWineLover wrote:

Two magnums served at a dinner party. Wines were acquired en primeur and were stored in a home cellar since release. Dinner included Bavette, grilled Sea Scallops, Porcini Risotto, Brussel Sprouts and Asparagus. One magnum was opened and decanted about 4 hours prior to being served. The second magnum decanted for 45 minutes during the middle of the meal. As the host I was unable to spend too much time studying and composing notes. Eight red wine drinkers who were very pleased with the wine. It should be noted all the wine drinkers are great friends, but would acknowledge they are not wine connoisseurs (save two).

Overall impressions from everyone was the wine was highly enjoyable. Apologies in advance for the limited notes. Good perfumed aromatics with cassis and incense riding along with some cedar and tobacco. On the palate the tannins were balanced with the acidity providing an excellent balance to the meal, particularly with the marbling of the Bavette. The wine also worked well with the spiciness of the scallops which had been marinated with olive oil and a seafood rub. On the palate the wine was full with black fruits (and a little sweetness) and a light accent of anise and smoke. Solid finish that was decidedly charcoal and anise centric.

The wine did not exhibit any rusticity in the larger format, and the second magnum with the more limited decant showed as well on the palate as the first though aromatics may have been insignificantly impacted from the shorter decant time. Overall a well made and enjoyable wine showing the ripeness of the vintage. In an enjoyable drinking window likely through 2035 (particularly in the larger format).

5/10/2023 - COWineLover wrote:

First bottle of four for this region, though I have enjoyed many other Aurelien wines from 2014. Immediately upon pulling the cork this blasted out sous bois on the first whiff. Other aromas remain buried underneath the sous bois. Decided to take a sip shortly after pouring to check in on the vibrancy and tannin. Based on that first taste, this does not require a decant. On the palate this has a light bodied acidity that does offer respectable lift to the cranberry, strawberry, and damp soil on the attack. In the mid-palate this turns decidedly spicy with cinnamon, cardamom, and allspice. In the finish this has a modestly dry limestone chalkiness.

Technically this has all the elements for an enjoyable tasting, and represents what you would expect from a good, but not great Burgundy vintage. A good representation of its terroir, I found the vigor a little on the shy side overall. Solid if unspectacular owing to its shortened finish, though as the breathing time wore on this improved somewhat while retaining the spicy characteristics.

Drink through 2027. Half the bottle to be consumed on day 2.

Day 2 bears a great deal of consistency with the impressions from day 1, including the shyness of the acidity with a modest increment of dryness on the palate. Enjoyable red fruits and spice. Neither improved nor deteriorated. Enjoyable and for the price relative to today’s Burgundy world a pleasant experience.

5/6/2023 - COWineLover wrote:

I have two 6 bottle OWC’s, and ordered two single bottles to test drive during the lengthy aging ahead. Decanted for two hours before the first sip. I acknowledge longer time in the decanter would have been preferred, but weekend activities took longer than expected. It will be interesting to compare half the bottle which is expected to be consumed with dry rub ribs on day 2.

Served with grilled lamb sirloin. The cork is stained like pen ink. As expected this is aromatically dense, with smoked wood predominant, clove, mint, black raspberry, anise, and iron. Gripping tannins with energetic acidity on the attack give notice this has a long way to go before settling down. The chewiness of the tannin worked well with the fattiness of the lamb. The tannic grip on the attack is accompanied by a bolt of iron, anise, and chalkiness in the mid-palate. As this moves toward the finish there is a faint note of iodine that coats unripened blackberries before turning back toward the anise and smoke on the chewy lengthy finish. The first glass was bold and heavily influenced (but not objectionably so) by the oak. Good material here. Not a fruit driven experience - first glass is all about the tannin, acid, and earth influenced character.

At the 4+ hour mark I poured a second glass. I would say the additional two hours has not evolved from my first glass. On the palate the fruit that shows up is decidedly black, but remains behind the wall of anise, smoke, and iron/chalky minerality. I really appreciate the acidic lift that strikes a great balance with the tannin. Day 1 - Score 94. Update to follow after recorking and storing overnight.

Day 2 - Strikingly similar to day 1 with a tannin influenced tasting experience with a touch of additional dryness. Retains the chewy character on the palate with the iron and iodine notes predominant. Aromatically this retains a pronounced anise and smoked wood.

Overall impressions are this has good material, but fruit had a cameo appearance with this bottle and nothing more. Having tracked this with decanting and multiple glasses at different intervals, this bottle offered a classic Bordeaux (and Barton) tasting that I would never confuse with a New World wine. Holding until 2030+.

5/3/2023 - COWineLover wrote:

First bottle of a half-case owned and stored about 4 1/2 years. No decant, but aerated a glass over 90 minutes before consuming. Opaque plum color with no bricking. Very confusing aromatically, and if served blind I would have picked Margaux region with the pronounced crème de cassis and violet. A somewhat alcoholic presence does render the aromatics muddled. With swirling this does start to offer some smoked meats and a trace of iron. On the attack this presents a slightly charged acid release before quickly settling with a very chalky dried plum. The tannins seem balanced enough on the palate, but the flavor profile is lean and hollow overall with very little in the way of fruit. This bottle seems to be lacking the fruit, smoked meats, and savory chewiness that I recall on multiple occasions from the 2010 vintage. A brief and uninspiring finish, this bottle did not capture the rapture expected from the vintage. You can pick up on my disappointment. Half the bottle to be consumed on day 2, and note updated if warranted. Day 1 score 87.

Day 2 - Retains the very Margaux region aromatic profile from the first day. A little more vigor on the palate today with a bit of chewiness on the palate and blackberry preserves. An improvement, but not significantly in any one area. Add 2 points for an 89. For the price this is not what I expected particularly given the vintage and producer.

4/9/2023 - COWineLover wrote:

First bottle in 4 1/2 years and really forgot I had a half case in the cellar until I saw a tasting note from ZWEDER. My thanks to ZWEDER for the inspiration to pull a cork and a tasting note that captures the essence of my experience this evening.

4/6/2023 - COWineLover wrote:

After a recent experience with the 2015 that left me underwhelmed, I decided to pull a cork on the 2016 to draw comparison. Opened and poured approximately 60 minutes prior to drinking the first glass. Opaque with no hint of bricking. Aromatically this is strikingly similar to the 2015 with a stingy aromatic profile. The limited aromas coaxed out are primarily black fruited.

On the palate this is more generous than the 2015. On the attack this has very good balance between acidity and tannin with a combination of juicy blackberries, plums, and black raspberries. In the mid-palate this coats your tongue with tart blueberries and lighter hints of clove and finishing with a chalky combination of the black and blue fruits and an accent of anise. Solid length.

My guess is this is moving into a solid drinking window for the next 5-7 years. While it may gain a little weight, this bottle was an accessible wine with drinking pleasure now with a desirable combination of fruit, acid, and tannin. Own but have not consumed the Lalande for this vintage. Will be enjoyable to track the vintage through this bottling.

Day 1 score 91 for the fine balance of tannin and acidity and luscious black and blue fruit. At $38 paid this represents an excellent QPR.

3/28/2023 - COWineLover wrote:

From a 375ml owned over 10 years and stored in a temperature controlled cellar. Amber in color with expected viscosity on pouring. Aromatically this presents a sense of heat with the first whiff. Plowing through the alcoholic scents this displays orange marmalade, butterscotch, crème brûlée, caramel, and baked apple. On the palate there is heat from the alcohol that overtakes the caramel and crème brûlée on the attack. The flabby acidity was one of the biggest surprises of the tasting with a surprising dearth of vibrancy or lift for the wine. Very viscous mouthfeel with an almost honey like consistency in the mid palate. Butterscotch on the short finish. Overall a cloying wine tasting experience today.

My expectation before pouring was elevated, and I must admit some disappointment with the bottle. This bottle seemed to miss in a lot of ways (acidity, alcohol weight, length) tonight. One bottle remaining, and I can’t say I look forward to popping the final cork.

After composing this note I referred back to my April 2020 note. I dare say this wine bears little resemblance to that wine. Perhaps the format has accelerated this development, but the evolution or bottle variation is pronounced. My earlier prediction was for a long life ahead. Judging from this bottle I missed that forecast by a large margin.

Will pour the second glass two nights from now and update as appropriate.

Day 3 - Generally consistent notes from day 1 with the exception the orange marmalade is replaced by candied apricot. Remains flabby and cloying.

3/8/2023 - COWineLover wrote:

First bottle of this vintage, and only my second bottle opened from the 2016 vintage (which I own a lot of). Previously owned and consumed the 2009 and 2010 vintages. Decided to pull a cork as I am getting a large quantity of 2018, 2019, and 2020 that are starting to ship. No decant, and allowed the wine to breathe about 45 minutes before the first sip. Very open aromatically when poured, this presents lavender, clove, vanilla, cassis, and lighter notes of smoke and coffee. On the palate this leans a bit flabby and the tannins are fully resolved. On the attack this presents a predominant plum followed by black raspberry. In the mid-palate there is anise, coffee, and a light iodine appearing as this moves into the finish. A reasonable length on the finish where coffee and anise close this out.

I recall the 2009 and 2010 having more lift and vibrancy, particularly at this stage of development, and those vintages seemed to have more structure than I experienced tonight. For the price, this remains a solid wine for early drinking in my opinion, particularly with the high level of merlot. I would drink this through 2025 to enjoy the aromatics and flavor profile while waiting for your 2016-2020 to mature in bottle. Others may find aging this further is warranted, but cellar space is always at a premium and I’m not unhappy with pulling a cork.

After composing my note for the 2016 I went back to review my notes from the earlier vintages noted. My written notes confirm my recollection of structure at this stage with far more noticeable tannin compared to my 2016 bottle.

Storage note - Wine stored in a 55 degree cellar since acquisition as part of an En Primeur purchase.

1/28/2023 - COWineLover wrote:

First bottle of this wine. Cellared for over 10 years in a temp and humidity controlled cellar. On opening this has a light translucent ruby color with a light orange hue. Opened and poured about an hour before consuming. Aromatically pleasing with floral notes, dried cherries, dried herbs, tilled soil and charcoal. On the palate this has retained a fine and energetic acidity on the attack that pulls together orange rind, dried herbs and white pepper. The tannins present very well in the mid-palate with a soft toasty oak paired with tobacco and anise. The age of the wine allows this to finish with solid vigor but with a lighter handed dryness that balances well with the tasting experience. For the $28 I paid in early 2012, this was an outstanding drinking experience for the money.

Nothing overpowering, the winemaking here was deftly managed to put this is a sweet spot with great overall balance at this age. The likely drinking window will extend another decade.

Drink now through 2032.

1/21/2023 - COWineLover wrote:

Aerated about one hour before consumption. Good plum color. Never having had this I had elevated expectations for serving with a grilled Tri-Tip. Aromatically this was stingy offering a whiff of tobacco and coffee, but not much else. On the palate I found this coarse and slightly bitter with an overpowering anise that I found made the tasting experience unbalanced. The finish is loaded with incense and charcoal. A surprising lack of acidity given the relative youth of the wine.

Feels heavily extracted and not yet in harmony. Not sure where this is headed. I paid $33, so I can’t say that the quality to cost was disappointing to me but I have found the Smith Haut Laffite Le Petit to be a better made second wine, though admittedly one bottle is an incomplete comparison. Two bottles remain, and my gut is telling me to wait another 3 years before drinking the next bottle.

1/11/2023 - COWineLover wrote:

First bottle consumed from purchase that has been in the cellar for 4 years. Opaque purple with no evidence of bricking. With classic Northern Rhône aromas this bursts forward with stable/barnyard, sweaty saddle leather, iodine, and smoked meat. On the palate this has an earthy foundation and a strong base of smoke and iodine, black olive tapenade with lighter components of blackberries and bacon fat. Tannins stay in the background with enough acidity to keep the wine fresh and in balance. Not a particularly noteworthy finish, but does present pasty blackberries and smoke.

A solid wine overall with no flaws, but no flash either. Ready to drink now. This unlikely gains complexity from here. Drink now through 2028.

1/2/2023 - COWineLover wrote:

Purchased a number of 2010 Brunello’s and have been sitting on them since release given the high praise for the vintage. First bottle of this wine. No decant, but first glass poured and allowed to aerate about 45 minutes before consumption. Good ruby color with a very light orange rim. Aromatically this opened predominantly with black raspberry, dried herbs, and plum. After allowing the glass to sit the aromas had largely faded. On the the palate this has a zippy burst of acidity, but when the acidity settles there is a surprising dearth of flavor profile. Does offer some orange peel, plum, and dried cherry in the mid-palate. Tannins do not interfere with the tasting as they let the acidity ride through the pasty finish.

Overall a solid performance, but I can’t say the wait had any wow factor for me. Served with chicken Parmesan and the acidity of the wine was a reasonable pairing. Will need to look at my other 2010 Brunello’s for a vintage comparison. I must say I am hoping for a little more thrill.

Half the bottle to be served on day 2 with updates posted. Drinking window on this is elusive for me - acidity has some good backbone, but the fruit and aromas don’t seem to have much staying power.

Day 1 score - 89

Day 2 - No appreciable change from day 1 except the acidity was a bit more subdued.

12/21/2022 - COWineLover wrote:

Revisiting this after an ‘off’ bottle consumed three weeks prior. Tenth out of a case, this bottle is more consistent with my prior tasting experiences. This bottle had far less bricking. Aromatically this has plentiful vanilla and cassis, lavender, loamy soil, cigar wrapper, smoked cherry wood, and incense. On the palate this has more vigor on the attack to lift up the blackberries, tobacco, and espresso notes before settling in with a rich plum and anise combination. Glides into the finish with a combination of black fruits and an accented sour cherry note that works well with the dark black fruits. Not a long finish, but solid given the age and the overall tasting experience. From tonight’s experience the remaining two bottles should drink well for the next 3-5 years.

Day 2 - Retains the attractive aromatics with the lavender and vanilla pronounced with the palate showing more of the sour cherry note today though the black fruits and a softer anise close out the finish. Solid.

12/4/2022 - COWineLover wrote:

First bottle in about 20 months and 9th bottle of a case. Noticeable bricking on pouring with an orange hue. This has noticeably changed since my last note having lost much of its vibrancy. Aromatically presents cedar, tobacco, and damp leaves. On the palate this has predominant notes of tobacco and prune. Time to finish these up.

11/18/2022 - COWineLover wrote:

An excellent sealed cork. Good plum color with some bricking on the pour. No decant. Very aromatic on opening with a bounty of crème de cassis, cloves, black raspberry, mocha, and loamy soil. On the palate, the attack has a light handed burst of acidity accompanied by espresso, cassis, and smoke. The tannins are more pronounced in the mid-palate where this takes an angular and somewhat austere turn that deposits a bit of black raspberry before barreling toward an iodine and anise coated finish. Reasonable length, that is generally uninspiring and lacks any noteworthy character.

Overall impressions are this does not match the hype for the vintage. My own impressions of the 2005’s are the wines remain austere, and at least from the wines I have consumed, are unlikely to deliver their promised glory. This wine was very aromatically pleasing, but the experience on the palate was disappointing. I do not see this miraculously transforming.

Day 1 - Score 90. Half the bottle to be stored overnight. Will update the note with any improvement.

Day 2 - The additional air overnight has not appreciably changed this wine. The tannin subordinates everything on the palate and it remains austere, and lacking pleasure or charm.

Perhaps the 2005’s do need more time. And perhaps they will remain hard and never fulfill the promised glory, particularly for those of us getting on in years who use precious cellar space holding out hope for improvement.

11/3/2022 - COWineLover wrote:

First bottle in about 20 months, and second bottle of a half-case. Good plum color with no evidence of bricking. No decant, but this opens up with 30 minutes of aeration. Pleasant aromatic qualities present plum, Anise, cassis, and coffee, with lighter notes of clove and leather as this opens up with more air. On the palate I find the tannins remain chewy (similar to my first bottle), and predominantly influence the overall tasting experience. This opens with an Anise, coffee, and ground iron in the mid-palate. On the the finish the iron hangs on persistently with an Anise conclusion.

Overall a solid effort for the price, and a good QPR. I believe this remains hollow and lacking depth as the tannins own the show. A distant runner with a long way to catch up to other St. Julien’s. In some ways this reminds me of many 2005’s that I have consumed - tannic and lacking breadth.

Half the bottle to be stored overnight, and note to be updated on day 2.

Day 1 Score - 89

Day 2 - This retains the chewy tannic structure from day 1, with a continued strong presence of Anise and iron coursing through the palate. A bit of espresso making an appearance today in the mid-palate. Day 2 score keeps this an 89.

10/1/2022 - COWineLover wrote:

First bottle in about two years. A fair amount of bricking with brownish hues. Aromatically this has damp soil, garrigue, mothballed clothes, and incense. On the palate this attacks with a little bit of acidity that dries out rapidly from the tannin. This has managed to retain more of a finish than I would have expected given my last experience. The palate captures principally sour blackberries, lighter notes of fig, balsamic reduction, and faint notes of smoke and iodine. The smoke and iodine leave a chewy sensation with a bit of chalky bitterness lingering mouthfeel.

One bottle remaining that I note should be consumed not later than 2025. A little better than I was expecting after my prior bottle, but this wine is weary and it’s glory days are behind it.

Half the bottle to be stored overnight. Will update with day 2 notes. Day 1 - Score 89-90.

Day 2 - More of the same from Day 1 with the sour blackberries, iodine, and smoke keeping this chewy on the finish.

9/24/2022 - COWineLover wrote:

First bottle of two purchased more than a decade ago where it has been in my cellar. Lots of bricking. This does offer an inviting aromatic quality on opening with pine tar, roses, a touch of iodine, cigar tobacco, and smoke. The pleasure ends at the nose. On the palate this has a harsh and angular tannin with dried herbs and not much else going on. Very dry with a brief finish. Not up to the vintage.

Half the bottle to be stored overnight. Day 1 score 85.

Day 2 - The angularity of the tannins has moderated somewhat, but this retains a hard edge on the palate. Otherwise no appreciable improvement over day 1. Probably two full tablespoons of sediment.

9/19/2022 - COWineLover wrote:

Final bottle from a case+, and first bottle in 20+ months. The decline here seems to be on an accelerating path. Aromatically this remains inviting with sous bois, potpourri, red berries, a whiff of smoked cherry wood, and an old sweater. On the palate this retains an energetic level of acidity on the attack, though the wine is unbalanced in the mid palate as the acidity overwhelms the fruit and tannin that remain. The predominant mid palate experience is a soured combination of cherry and cranberry followed by a smoky dryness before turning into a pasty chalk note on the brief finish.

Overall, this wine provided drinking pleasure over the years. From my tastings over an extended period, this good quality wine demonstrates that even in a prodigious year, the wines of the Beaune are best enjoyed in their relative youth (7-12 years) when compared to the wines from the Nuits in excellent vintages.

Like me, the best days for this wine are behind it IMHO. Drink up.

9/14/2022 - COWineLover wrote:

As noted in my July note about “Drink Soon” I followed that advice. This remains a hot mess. Last bottle and I can’t say I am disappointed.

Similar attributes to that tasting note.

8/26/2022 - COWineLover wrote:

Pnp and ready to go. Served with filets. Immediately aromatic with minimal air displaying pronounced cedar, casssis, smoked alder, tobacco, and leather. On the palate, nicely integrated tannin where ripe black raspberry, anise, charcoal, and black plum fill in nicely on the attack. In the mid palate this thrusts an iron and cedar singed core rounded out by blackberries. A steady and persistent anise note returns on the finish along with a modestly chalky combination of black fruits.

Sadly this is my final bottle of four acquired en primeur. I have enjoyed the consistency and deft winemaking on display with every bottle I have consumed. I have not found this to be an 'elegant' wine, but more of a structured working class Bordeaux that was fairly priced ($38) and delivering a solid and reliable tasting experience.

Day 2 - The aromatics have really ramped up with cassis and violet owning the show tonight. On the palate the black fruits are on center stage with the charcoal taking a backseat and gliding into the finish. The anise is more restrained as the finish has been clipped somewhat. Good but a different experience than day 1.

I have had difficulty finding this with any of my normal purchasing channels, and I wish I could get my hands on more. Probably one of my favorite wines from 2010 to date.

Lovely stuff for what I note, and plenty of stuffing remains for those with the patience to allow this to continue its evolution.

8/5/2022 - COWineLover wrote:

Pnp. Brilliant ruby color with no hint of bricking. Aromatically this is clenched, offering very little to hint what it holds on the palate. On the attack this offers a youthful vibrancy with bright and mouthwatering acidity. In the mid-palate this bursts forward with a tart cranberry, pomegranate, unripe strawberry, cinnamon, and Five Spice. The spice notes carry this through to the finish with a tangy tannic crescendo. Good overall length.

This has plenty of vigor under the hood with no rush to consume. Drink now through 2035.

For an unloved vintage, this was a pleasant surprise. Not flashy, suave, or sultry, but it comes together reasonably well for what if has to offer.

7/30/2022 - COWineLover wrote:

First bottle in several years (2015). A brief tasting note. Aromatically correct with garrigue and loamy soil. On the palate a bit jammy with tart black fruits, anise, smoke, and annoying levels of heat that detracted from the tasting experience. Given the persistent heat, there is no value to holding this any longer. One bottle remains for me in the ‘drink soon’ category.

7/25/2022 - COWineLover wrote:

First bottle I have consumed from Jerome Chezeaux. This bottle has been sitting in my cellar for over six years. Good ruby color with no bricking. PnP. Aromatically I found this has pyrazines on sterioids, and I can’t say I found that appealing. Not much else going on aromatically. On the palate the tannins are prominent on the attack though somewhat balanced with the acidity. The tannins drive a very tart tasting experience with notes of dried cherry and cranberry. In the mid palate the tannins retain an outsized influence with smoked cherry wood being predominant. A mineral infused and chalky finish with reasonable length.

Not sure I see this gaining any by holding, though this probably drinks reasonably well for what it is through 2027. Half the bottle to be stored overnight. Will be updated on day 2. Day 1 score 88

Day 2 - Remains very dry on the palate without much change from Day 1.

7/23/2022 - COWineLover wrote:

Recalling from my prior tasting experience this needed to be cooled down more than cellar temperature before consumption, this was stored in the refrigerator for about 90 minutes before serving with sushi. Serving temperature was about 48 degrees and it is probably better at 43-45 degrees. Aromatically generous with pronounced Meyer lemon, quince, Asian pear, and herbal tea. On the palate the acidity is not flabby, but it lacks the concentration of a quality Sancerre. This seems to be losing vigor from the prior bottle consumed several months ago. A solid attack with the Meyer lemon predominant but not much else going on. This turns abruptly in the mid palate into a limestone and mineral pastiness without much length.

For the price a respectable wine, but seems to lack the depth and complexity of other cool climate region Sauvignon Blanc. I continue to recommend this to be consumed by 2024, and possibly accelerating that timeline.

Day 1 - Score 88

Day 2 - Half the bottle was stored overnight in the refrigerator. Day 2 the wine cooled down and was served at 43 degrees after warming somewhat before serving. This temperature struck me as being in the right zip code. The acidity had a little more flashiness today where the Meyer lemon fans out on the palate allowing some lime notes to enter along with some salinity and more subtle limestone. A much better tasting experience.

Day 2 score 90.

7/18/2022 - COWineLover wrote:

Purchased a half case over 10 years ago. No decant. Plenty of bricking, this was immediately aromatic after pulling the cork with roses, anise, violet, alcohol, pine tar, and crushed blue fruits. On the palate the time in bottle has definitely tamed the tannins. On the attack there is an energetic lift of acidity, but no so bright as to wash out the iron, anise, blue fruits (oddly), and dried herbs. In the mid palate there is a smoked cherry wood that walks toward the finish, where a tobacco leaf lingers for 45+ seconds. A likable aged Nebbiolo that was not overextracted, and draws out a good middle aged drinking experience. Pull a cork now through 2030.

After posting my note I went back to review other CT reviews. Tim Heaton’s March 2015 note sums think up pretty well. Pop the cork and drink this.

7/13/2022 - COWineLover wrote:

Opened to serve with a thick cut filet on the grill. Very consistent with my December 2021 tasting note.

7/10/2022 - COWineLover wrote:

Opened to serve with a grilled Ono marinated in a lemon and olive oil mixture with thyme, garlic powder, salt and pepper, and Parmesan Couscous. Aromatically this presents white stone fruit, Meyer lemon, Gardenia, and a hint of lime. First served at 43 degrees. The wine did not have the acidity needed to match well with the fish. While served on the cool side, the wine was flabby, and a better pairing for the meal would have been a Sancerre. On the palate the wine is predominant with Meyer lemon with a salty limestone minerality. Good overall persistence, this was better after the meal, though still lacking in acidity for me given its relative youth.

This was a first-time purchase of this wine for me, and I would not expect a re-purchase in the future. Nothing technically wrong with the wine. For someone who values high acid wines, particularly during the searing summer heat, this was more of a quaffing wine for appetizers.

4/10/2022 - COWineLover wrote:

First bottle in approximately one year. So underwhelming it is not worthwhile to spend time composing a note. One bottle remaining out of six and I do not see value in retaining this for further storage after tonight’s experience.

4/2/2022 - COWineLover wrote:

First bottle of four stored for approximately four years. Pnp with a well sealed cork stained a rose color. Good plum color in the glass. Aromatically has a pronounced sous bois. Fainter notes of cut evergreen, red berries, cinnamon, and smoked cherry wood. On the palate this attacks with juicy acidity, cranberries, cinnamon, and unripe strawberry before transitioning in the mid-palate to a dusty mix of cooked cherries and spice notes that present subletly but persistently. The length on the finish is accompanied by a return of the unripe strawberry and more spice notes, with an accent of smoked cherry wood. Good overall length that has subtle and persistent cut that keeps great balance overall.

A nice Village level wine true to its terroir and the vintage. Excellent now and I believe comfortably enjoyable through 2028. A fine value at $40.