4/18/2024 - djhammond Likes this wine:

Consistent with my note from 15 months ago,, I do feel ths is just entering the later stages of its prime drinking window. Blueberry and bell pepper are prominent, with a deeply aromatic nose and decent balance and depth on the palate. As noted last time, as the fruit has faded, the finish has been compromised, and is a little astringent. Minimal decanting is needed.

4/17/2024 - djhammond wrote:

Drank in a restaurant, this was a lovely surprise, and great value for money. Fully ready to drink straight from the bottle, it ticks all the boxes.

4/14/2024 - djhammond Likes this wine:

This was one of the good bottles from my case, which had been compromised at some point in its life prior to my purchase a couple of years ago. This is a big wine which punches you in the face with a fruit bomb of flavours. I really like the wine, but it is showing its age on the finish, and certainly with my case, I am looking to drink my remaining stock in the nearer term.

4/12/2024 - djhammond Likes this wine:

Tasting profile is as per previous note from a year ago. Once again the finish is the barrier to a higher rating, being clipped and with very faint bitter notes. I am starting to suspect that this should be consumed over the next 5 years to enjoy it at its best.

4/10/2024 - djhammond Likes this wine:

The last 15 months has been transformative for the wine. Everything in the wine has been accelerated in its development. It was glorious in its bloom of youth with fruit bomb nose and palate so typical of the younger 2003s. It went through a couple of years of restraint, but it now is exceptional. Fully secondary and tertiary, it is drinking like a wine twice its age, and it is such a treat if you love old Bordeaux. Everything is fully integrated with a smoky nose and a beefy palate. Possibly, the finish will further develop, and if it does, this will warrant another point or two. I did decant this for 6 hours; was it necessary? I'm not sure to be honest, and probably not. 96+

4/9/2024 - djhammond Likes this wine:

This has burst into life in the last 6 months, and is superlative. For myself, Gloria consistently outdrinks many Growth estates, and deserves the recognition. The nose is wonderful, deeply aromatic, and on its own would warrant another point or two. That said, it still performs excellently on the palate and finish, but the latter is on the shorter side. The other heartening aspect of the bottle, is that it is acting as a marker for the 2009 vintage in general. The vintage has frustrated me to date, and beginning to despair if it will come round at a relatively early age, but this gives me real hope that the heavy hitters will be beginning to hit their drinking window in the near future.

4/7/2024 - djhammond Likes this wine:

The last of 3 bottles, and it was the best of the lot. Fully mature with secondary and tertiary characteristics, the wine only needs 30 minutes in the decanter, to blow off any funk. Aromas of cherry and tobacco, are prominent on the nose, with hints of menthol. The tannin is fully integrated and the palate is silky smooth, with the finish the only barrier to a higher rating. It is a a little unbalanced and on the shorter side. I am starting to warm towards left bank Bordeaux's, which are consistently approachable and a relatively decent price

4/6/2024 - djhammond Likes this wine:

My second of 2 bottles, and this was near perfection. Fully tertiary, this was seamless from head to tail. The nose is a 100 pointer with beef blood and musty leather with deep red cherry popping up in the background. It is liquid velvet on the palate, and my only barrier to a higher rating is the finish which is on the shorter side. That said, for myself, this is the greatest L'Evangile, from the last 50 years, and, at present just ahead of the 1982 and 1998, but I do suspect that this could change with time. 98+

4/6/2024 - djhammond Likes this wine:

This is my first bottle for 4 years, and it is now at the top of its game, and I will probably look to consume my remaining bottles over the last 3 years. I am always fearful of premox with Louis Jadot whites. This is a stellar wine, and can match any brand Burgundy. Packed with citrus and lemon peel, with honeysuckle and hints of vanilla, the balance is impeccable. Likewise the finish is excellent with gravel and seashore lingering on the palate with perfect precision.

4/4/2024 - djhammond Likes this wine:

Second bottle from a case, and last tasted over 2 years ago, this is in a perfect spot. This does benefit from aeration, and the bottle was opened a couple of hours before drinking, and this was perfectly adequate. Grapefruit and lemon are the primary flavour notes on the nose and palate, with a graphite and citrus finish. It struggles to balance, but gets there in the end, leaving an excellent final precision. I actually find the wine performs better chilled. In terms of potential longevity, I will probably look to consume my stock over the next 5 years.

4/3/2024 - djhammond Likes this wine:

Constructed to drink at a young age, this still needs a few hours in the decanter to really come alive. One of the best value estates from St Estephe, it always punches above its weight. This is no exception, and is a bridge between Cru Bourgeois and growth Bordeaux wines, generally both in terms of quality and price. It is very approachable and easy to drink.

4/2/2024 - djhammond Likes this wine:

One of my favourite St. Émilion estates, I have been champing at the bit to try this. Although it really needs another 2 or 3 years to develop further, you can already sense its greatness, and with sufficient aeration, it is already very enjoyable. The nose is already a fruit bomb with heady wine gum aromas of blackcurrant, strawberry, and raspberry, underpinned with vanilla. Likewise, front palate is luscious and silky, but unresolved tannin inhibits the wine end palate and on the finish masking its richness and complexity. Once this has been addressed, I can see myself giving this another 2 or 3 points, and it challenging the superlative 2005 for the top spot. A post script; I left a couple of glasses for the next evening, and it had further aerated. However, I will not revisit this for another couple of years.

4/1/2024 - djhammond Likes this wine:

This is an often overlooked vintage of Palmer, which is just starting to shine. The nose and palate are first rate with all the typical qualities of a Palmer. However, I find the finish is on the harsher side, and prevents a higher rating, and I am not convinced that this will be resolved with time.

3/30/2024 - djhammond Likes this wine:

A BYO in a restaurant, this was in it's perfect spot. Taste profile is as previous. Absolutely top notch. 97+

3/30/2024 - djhammond Likes this wine:

Drank in a restaurant, this was a revelation, and despite the absence of any Chardonnay grape, this was remarkably Burgundesque, but with a smokey background.

3/29/2024 - djhammond Likes this wine:

A BYO in a restaurant. This delivered as always. Tasting profile as previous notes.

3/29/2024 - djhammond Likes this wine:

Drank in a restaurant, this is a good solid Bourgogne Blanc, and ready to drink.

3/26/2024 - djhammond wrote:

As per previous note, this is such a dark horse, and remarkably forward for a Las Cases.

3/26/2024 - djhammond Likes this wine:

As per previous note, this is such great value for money, and with a structure that will mean this should stay at this level for at least the next decade. It is a classic Cru Chablis with citrus and seashell, and a perfect balance and precision. The finish is particularly impressive. Serve at the cellar temperature.

3/25/2024 - djhammond Likes this wine:

This is such a great wine, and such great value, which punches way above its weight with a grand cru quality. The nose is aromatic with lemon, burnt lemon, and ripe mango. The palate is rounded with great depth and complexity, but for myself the highlight is the finish. The precision is faultless with great length with the burnt lemon lingering, but totally harmonious. This has at least a decade ahead of it at this level. 95+

3/24/2024 - djhammond Likes this wine:

The first bottle of this was shot, so decided to cut my losses and open a second. Thankfully, this bottle was healthy. Interestingly, as with a lot of older wines, this does need half an hour in the decanter to blow off its rougher edges. It is a revelation, how, in a great vintage, even the most lowly estates can produce great wines. It is tertiary, with a sensuous nose that is its best feature. The St. Estephes were the weaker of the left bank wines in 1982, and this is no exception, and shows a leanness on the palate and finish. A post script a couple of hours later. This improved considerably with time in the decanter, with the wine developing a roundness on the mouth, and losing its anguarity. 93+

3/24/2024 - djhammond wrote:

First of 3 bottles purchased recently. Unfortunately it was corked.

3/21/2024 - djhammond Likes this wine:

Firstly, I would like counter balance recent reviews, saying this is in decline. It is actually only at the start of its peak drinking window. 1995 in general has notoriously dragged its feet in its development for nearly 30 years, but most are beginning to burst into life. However, it does need an hour or two in the decanter. Admittedly, it is not one the power hitters from the year, but it is a very enjoyable Bordeaux. The nose is delightful with cherry and strawberry aromas.The palate is excellent and silky smooth, and I would have rated this another point or two, but the finish is on the lighter and shorter side.

3/20/2024 - djhammond Likes this wine:

Remarkably advanced for its age, and with a reasonable 13.5% alcohol content, this a great choice for a decently priced pizza/BBQ wine. It has a growth pedigree which shows through, but is more attractively priced than some of the more noted Cru Bourgeois. The nose and palate are nicely fruited with cherry, strawberry, and chocolate, and it possesses a smooth mouthfeel. Only a short finish, which is also a little unbalanced, prevents a higher rating. An hour or two in the decanter is perfectly sufficient. 91+

3/19/2024 - djhammond wrote:

At present, this is my favourite Paulliac from 1995, and outdrinking the first growths. It is forward for the vintage, and is mature, and seductive, but with the tannic restraint typical of the year in general. The nose is aromatic with cherry and blackcurrant, with cedar and menthol. The palate is exquisitely balanced between a silky smoothness and a tannic punch; a real iron fist in a velvet glove. The finish is a little light initially but eventually kicks in and it pushes past 30 seconds. Absolutely tremendous, and the first decent premillenial vintage after the legendary 1982 and excellent 1986, but for myself pipped by the 1996. 95+

3/16/2024 - djhammond Likes this wine:

This, along with the 1989, is a duo of the greatest wines ever produced from the estate, leaving the 1961,1982, and 2000 in the starting blocks. I can only assume that some of the lukewarm reviews is due to a lack of aeration. This needs a good 5 or 6 hours in the decanter to be appreciated at this stage of its life. Once it comes alive, it is an astounding wine. The nose is a classical mature Paulliac, with old leather, beef blood, blackcurrant and plum, with hints of violet. Some bottles are more developed at this stage in its development, and to be honest this was less evolved end palate and on the finish, with residual tannin; hence, the lower rating. This is a classic Bordeaux, and I do feel we have to give it that special attention with preparation and research, rather than just treat as another decent Bordeaux. A post script; I left a small glass overnight and it was transformative. In future, I will decant this for 24 hours.

3/16/2024 - djhammond Likes this wine:

My last bottle, this is holding up, and is an excellent Corton-Charlemagne. No signs of oxidisation, the colour was perfect. Marzipan, mango, and lemon profile the nose and palate, with a citrus tang on the finish.

3/14/2024 - djhammond Likes this wine:

This is unusually developed for a 1995 wine, and has reached its optimum drinking window. The nose is glorious and deeply aromatic with blackcurrant, beef blood, and old leather. Likewise the palate is excellent with an integrated mouthfeel, and good balance and depth. The finish is good, but on the shorter side, and prevents a higher rating. As per Dream's note, Beychevelle gets there in the end; just look at the superlative 1982.

3/13/2024 - djhammond Likes this wine:

Nearly 2 years since last tasting, this has moved into a great spot, and is nailing itself as one of the heavyweights from 2003, and probably the best Pichon Baron drinking after the 1989, 1990, and 2000. I personally think this benefits from a couple of hours in the decanter, to release its aromas, and blow off excess tannin. The nose is mature and aromatic with blackcurrant, blackberry, and tobacco, with spice on the palate, and the finish is perfectly balanced, if on the shorter side. This should stay at this level for the next decade at least.

3/13/2024 - djhammond wrote:

Drank in a restaurant and opened at the table, this really could have done with more time to aerate. However, that said, it was a decent Bourgogne Blanc which really improved after it lost its initial chill, and spent time in the glass. This should have a good few years at this level.

3/13/2024 - djhammond wrote:

Drank in a restaurant, this was a decent bottle of Bourgogne Blanc, and at a relatively modest price. It does not feel that it has the legs for extended aging.

3/11/2024 - djhammond Likes this wine:

I have to reiterate my note from last year. A high street purchase 5 years ago at a modest price, I never really expected much from this. However, it has blossomed into an excellent Premier Cru Chablis, and now is drinking at its peak. Everything sits perfectly,

3/10/2024 - djhammond Likes this wine:

My third bottle of 7 bought from an impeccable source, this has delivered everytime. My favourite right bank estate, this vintage embodies the unique Merlot/Cabernet Franc profile of the wine. The nose is tertiary with beef blood and old leather aromas, with tell tale green bell pepper notes on the palate. With this bottle there was still some residual tannin on the finish that still needs to resolve, and prevented the extra half point. However, the finish is perfectly balanced and seamless.

3/10/2024 - djhammond Likes this wine:

This is in a perfect spot, and is a glorious Burgundy. Heavily perfumed with floral notes, the palate is impeccably balanced with a creamy mouthfeel with citrus and clove end palate. The finish is excellent and pushing 60 seconds, but I find it a little too robust. However, that is nit picking.

3/8/2024 - djhammond Likes this wine:

Now into my second case, this delivers consistently. For myself, this is by far the greatest vintage produced by the estate, with only the 1990 coming anywhere near. As with a few of the right bankers from 2000, this has been in its peak drinking window for the last 5 years, but with a structure that should keep it at this level for at least another decade. Tasted blind, you would swear it was a top Pomerol. It is liquid velvet with a deeply seductive nose of ripe red berry fruits underpinned with floral notes. The depth and balance on the palate are faultless, and if the finish was longer, it would merit another point. This, and the Bellevue are my favourite St.Emilions from 2000, and among the best priced, and great value for money.

3/5/2024 - djhammond Likes this wine:

Last tasted 4 years ago, and the ninth of a case purchased in 2006, i do have to reiterate my rant from then. When they are at the best, and in the right year, first growth wines live up to purchase value and reputation, and although it is uncomfortable on the pocket, it is worth it. Please note I have invested in many great first growths. However, in lesser under performing vintages, I resent having to pay nearly £500 including taxes for a merely good wine because it is an aspirational status brand for non wine aficionados. The VCC at a fraction of the price leaves this in the paddock, whilst the Palmer knocks it and the rest of the first growths out of the park, albeit at a higher price than the VCC. That said, this is a great wine, and one of the better performers in an average year. It possesses an excellent nose, and shows great initial promise but underwhems on the palate and finish. The latter is particularly challenging.

3/5/2024 - djhammond Likes this wine:

Second of 2 bottles, this is still drinking well,, but it is probably better to be consuming this in the nearer term. The nose and palate display flavours of burnt lemon and honey, with decent precision and balance, but the finish is on the harsh side.

3/4/2024 - djhammond Likes this wine:

My second bottle of 3, and once again it delivered, and could be mistaken for a first rate Meursault. It is showing its age, and its precision is waning, but great value. Also a piece of history as it no longer exists.

3/1/2024 - djhammond Likes this wine:

This was never going to set the world on fire, but as it's lost its fruit, its initial attraction has dissipated. What is left is quite an angular wine, which while well constructed, is an austere experience. Decanting does help, but treat it as an everyday cru bourgeois.

2/29/2024 - djhammond Likes this wine:

This really comes to life with time in the glass, and I will probably decant it next time. Once it loosens up and loses its initial chill, it displays a great complexity and shows an exquisite precision and balance. It has the qualities of a Grand Cru Chablis. The nose is classic with oyster shell, seashore, and citrus fruit. The palate has developed in the last year, and now shows distinct honeysuckle notes with hints of orange and a sharp citrus bite. With the right bottle, this should be good for at least another decade at this level, and was made just after the dreaded premox era.

2/28/2024 - djhammond Likes this wine:

Two years since last tasted, and this is now firmly in its drinking window. Although it is not one of the greatest years for the estate, it is typically Pomerol and a decent wine. The nose is a fuit bomb with ripe strawberry, raspberry, and red cherry aromas, and is deeply seductive. However, the palate and the finish don't match the initial impression, and are a little raw and lacking real depth. A couple hours of decanting is beneficial.

2/27/2024 - djhammond Likes this wine:

Top Bordeaux over 50 years old is incomparable, and this was no exception. That initial sensory rush of beef blood, old leather and full tertiary notes, combined with residual cedar and sweet tannin is overwhelming, and in itself, merits a perfect rating. Likewise, the mouthfeel is is exquisite, and is liquid velvet. However, the Pichon Lalande does not quite have the complexity end palate and on the finish of the heavy hitters from 1966, such as the Palmer. But, hell what a privilege! That by itself is worth another point.

2/25/2024 - djhammond Likes this wine:

Last tasted 5 years ago, and looking back it confirms my notes from then. This really doesn't have the legs for extended aging; the magic of the 1986 vintage didn't seem to travel further north than Paulliac and St. Julien. That said, it is a good wine with a decent nose and palate, but the finish is its Achille's heel with residual sourness.

2/24/2024 - djhammond Likes this wine:

This was decanted for 7 hours, and it paid dividends, but only really started to loosen up after time in the glass. That said, it is an Haut-Brion for earlier drinking, and far more advanced than the 1998 for example. The nose is integrated and has lost its youthful notes, and now is rich and deep with blackcurrant, leather, and cedar. The palate has great depth and balance, and has shrugged off the primary characteristics. It is not one of the heavyweights from the estate, and it shows in in its simplicity on the palate. The finish is good , but needs more time for the tannin to resolve. I'll probably revisit this in a couple of years, when I suspect it will be really hitting its stride.

2/22/2024 - djhammond Likes this wine:

Just to reiterate, this needs a good 3 hours in the decanter to be appreciated.

2/16/2024 - djhammond Likes this wine:

Drank in a restaurant, and contrary to some professional reviews, this is approachable now. It is a classic Chablis, with a razor sharp palate and finish. At present green apple and graphite are dominant. This, without doubt , will develop with age, but it is very enjoyable now.

2/14/2024 - djhammond Likes this wine:

Second of 2 bottles, and tasting profile is as per last September note. I do realise that contrary to my last commentary, the wine does need a couple of hours in an open decanter to blossom. I think that 1988 was a decent vintage for the regional Margaux estates, and the wines in general are relatively good value.

2/12/2024 - djhammond Likes this wine:

Consistent with my note from 18 months ago, this first rate and really hits the spot. I am a great fan of Henri Boillot, and it is one of the few Burgundy domains from the early century that doesn't seemed to be have been cursed by premox with its white wines.

2/11/2024 - djhammond Likes this wine:

My third of 4 bottles, and my best to date, I've realised this actually needs a couple of hours in an open decanter to blow off tannic funk and come alive. I see glimpses of the great wine that RP reviewed, and respected cellar tracker members have raved about. Another pertinent point is mine were bought at auction with uncertain provenance. The nose merits a 96 point score, and is deeply sensuous with tertiary notes. Blackcurrant is heady underpinned by old leather and cedar. The palate and finish are decent, but the wine struggles to shrug off all its harsher notes. A post script; I left a small pour overnight and the wine had greatly improved. With my last bottle I will decant it all day.

2/10/2024 - djhammond Likes this wine:

For myself, the wine of the vintage from one of the greatest Bordeaux vintages of all time, and it kicks the first growths out of the park. This is the first time I've had the chance to enjoy this by myself, and really focus on the wine. From nose to tail this is faultless. The nose is perfection with old leather, blackcurrant, plum and cedar with violet and orange hints. The palate is seamless and multilayered with perfect balance, and the finish pushes past 90 seconds, and somehow manages to carry robust tannin to the very end without any residual bitterness. Without doubt, my greatest wine I've ever drank, and my deathbed choice. If it was possible 100+