4/12/2024 - Francois Le Mouel wrote:

Fantastic GG. Very classic in style, still very primary/secondary. Long and balanced. Enjoy now or cellar until 2028

3/22/2024 - Francois Le Mouel Likes this wine:

One of the best wine I had in over the past year. Just sensational. The nose is very intense and offering aromas of mocha, strawberries, chocolate and notes of tar. The palate is as intense and super silky. Long and balanced, this can be cellared for over a decade...but it's beautiful now.

3/22/2024 - Francois Le Mouel wrote:

Wonderful nose of hot strawberry pie, chocolate and spices. Deep and layered, with a long finish. Great wine but was eclipsed by Quintarelli's Alzero 2004.

3/22/2024 - Francois Le Mouel Likes this wine:

Very good and modern in style. I guess I was just expecting more. Keep in mind that I’m not a huge fan of Chateauneuf-du-pape.

12/1/2023 - Francois Le Mouel Likes this wine:

Very interesting wine. Aromas of eucalyptus, vanilla, cedar, forest floor in the fall. Substantial tannic structure (I was expecting someting smoother). I highly recommend to decant the wine for at least 2-3 hours…the second half of the bottle was a lot more interesting. Enjoy now or cellar for another 10 years.

12/1/2023 - Francois Le Mouel Likes this wine:

A very solid wine…but also extremely young and tight. Pronounced cassis aroma, supported by notes of crushed blackcurrant buds and tar. Needs at least a few hours in the decanter. Long life ahead of this seductive and masculine wine. Long finish.

12/1/2023 - Francois Le Mouel Likes this wine:

Definitely highlighting the cooler 2017 vintage with aromas of fern, laurel and red berries. On the palate you get tar and incense on top of the other aromas. Balanced, with polished tannins and a long finish. Enjoy now or cellar for 10-20+ years.

11/19/2023 - Francois Le Mouel Likes this wine:

Absolutely fantastic! It has the colour of a Syrah and a great example of the 2020 vintage in Burgundy. Intense nose of raspberries with notes of blueberries, spices, vanilla cake...I'd keep my nose in the glass all night:) As fabulous on the palate with a super long finish. Structured and very polished. Enjoy now or cellar for 10-20 years.

5/21/2023 - Francois Le Mouel Likes this wine:

This was much more impressive than at my last tasting 5-6 years ago. This is now ready to drink and has started losing some gas (which is no big deal for me). A lot more complex than the first time, with a lovely "young golden" colour. The nose is fabulous and intense, with the house signature, and offers some complex aromas of candied apple, nuts, lemon peel, wood and custard. Perfectly balanced and very long. To my taste, this is ready to be enjoyed and I wouldn't recommend to wait much longer. Cheers!

5/21/2023 - Francois Le Mouel Likes this wine:

I had high expectations for this bottle. This is an excellent and even impressive Syrah, but is it worth the price? I don't think so. The nose is not very intense, with beautiful aromas of cherries, blueberries, leather and spices. The mouthfeel is impressive on the palate. Showing perfect balance and a long finish. Enjoy now or hold for another 5-10 years.

5/21/2023 - Francois Le Mouel Likes this wine:

Excellent 33-year old Grange - mid-neck level and perfect cork. The nose was fantastic and very complex with aromas of cedar, exotic wood, incense, dark cherries, leather and another "je-ne-sais-quoi". The palate was excellent, but not as impressive. Balanced and very long. Still has the tannic structure and the stuffing to last 5-10 years, but will it improve? I don't think so. Enjoy now.

3/4/2023 - Francois Le Mouel Likes this wine:

Solid cabernet, with intense and complex aromas on the nose and palate. Unfortunately, very tannic right now and lacking some fruit to balance everything. Revisit in 2025-2026.

3/2/2023 - Francois Le Mouel Likes this wine:

Absolutely gorgeous. Intense, aromatic, refreshing, balanced, long and how much fun to drink. I could drink this every night for a long time.

2/20/2023 - Francois Le Mouel Likes this wine:

This wine was über impressive. I'm a huge fan of Black Sage Bench Carménère (i.e. Black Hills and Lariana), but this one is at another lever. This is extremely deep and dense and as I mentioned in my previous note...decant, decant and decant. Offering a style that is super polished, almost aristocratic, with a long finish. Do not hesitate to buy if you get accessed to a bottle. Enjoy now after a 3-hour decant or cellar for another 8-10 years.

2/20/2023 - Francois Le Mouel Likes this wine:

Always as impressive and very much aligned with previous notes. Unfortunately, this was my last bottle...now I have to wait for my 2015 and 2019 to mature slowly in the cellar.

1/7/2023 - Francois Le Mouel Likes this wine:

This is fantastic and so complex. Intense aromas of Fern, tobacco, cherry, strawberry, black and white pepper on the nose...just fantastic. Extremely well balanced, with as much complexity on the palate...just lacking intensity and substance, due to the vintage. This is the ONLY reason why I don't score this 98 points. On the other hand it has sooo much class. Unfortunately, my last bottle of Rougeard...I'm crying.

12/26/2022 - Francois Le Mouel Likes this wine:

Finally decided to open my magnum (only 30 made). Took time to open, but when it finally decided to open up, it was fabtastic; decant for at least 2 hours. You would have told me we were drinking Hermitage from Chave, I would have believed you. Meaty, spicy, leathery and flowery (violet)…absolutely fantastic. Perfectly balanced and fresh. Doesn’t look 13 years old. Even though it will last at least 5 years, I don’t see how it could improve, especially from a 750ml, so my recommendation is to enjoy it now; very close to its peak.

12/13/2022 - Francois Le Mouel Likes this wine:

Still in great shape after 32 years and so much fun to drink. This is a classic old school Bordeaux as I like them (12.5% abv); unfortunately not often enough. Cedar, cigar box, pencil shavings, sweet tobacco, mint and strawberry pie. Still offering a good tannic structure. Significant length and excellent balance. Enjoy now or over the next 5 years.

12/5/2022 - Francois Le Mouel Likes this wine:

Slightly less interesting than the 2010 from a few months ago, but still solid. Complex aromas of cherries, cedar, leather and notes of tobacco. Significant depth and length. Can be enjoyed now or still be cellared for another 5-7 years without any problem.

12/2/2022 - Francois Le Mouel Likes this wine:

Fantastic value! This is concentrated and layered, with amazing aromas of biscuit and blackberries. Lots of fun and significant length. Bravo!

7/25/2022 - Francois Le Mouel Likes this wine:

Amazing example of a cool vintage Okanagan Syrah. Even better than my last bottle. Long Long finish and perfectly balanced. Smooth tanins with a complex nose & palate (black & with pepper, leather, spices with floral notes...). Lovely and as good as the best Northern Rhone examples (more Côte Rôtie like than Hermitage). At its peak, but you can definitely wait another 3 years. I guess I should open my 2009 magnum soon.

7/23/2022 - Francois Le Mouel Likes this wine:

Very good Côtes de Castillon, although I preferred L'Hêtre 2019 from the Thienpont family a week ago. Didn't pay much for this wine, so I'd call it an excellent QPR. A nice combination of structure and elegance with classic aromas of cassis, plum and notes of cedar. Enjoy now or within the next 3 years.

7/23/2022 - Francois Le Mouel Likes this wine:

Unfortunately, not fun to drink. Too much heat on the middle palate and the finish...quite unbalanced because of that. The underlying aromas are interesting (strawberries, currant and chocolate), but it will never compensate for an unbalanced wine. I believe this was my last bottle, so I won't be able to compare. I was expecting a lot more from this bottle after 8 years.

7/20/2022 - Francois Le Mouel Likes this wine:

Definitely at its peak. This is awesome. Still the perfect mixed between the primary fruit (strawberry, bramble fruit) and secondary aromas (chocolate and vanilla). This is still quite bold, even though the tannins are now very polished. Love the underlying acidity that makes the wine very fresh. This can be enjoyed now or cellared for another 3-5 years. The highlight of the night.

7/3/2022 - Francois Le Mouel Likes this wine:

BB needs to produce more reds, because they are always excellent. Unfortunately, the actual production is minuscule. This Pinot Noir is once again a success. Even though it's light-bodied, I was pleasantly surprised by its sexy tannic structure and its pronounced red cherry aromas + Sweetarts candies flavours. Super refreshing, it's been a pleasure to drink. Enjoy over the next 2-3 years.

6/30/2022 - Francois Le Mouel Likes this wine:

Absolutely stunning! A concentrated version of cassis and spices. Very structured, but with highly polished tannins. This can be cellared for another 10 years without any trouble. Unfortunately selling at a not very healthy price:)

6/23/2022 - Francois Le Mouel Likes this wine:

Different experience than Kevnzworld, with a 2 hours decant time. This was phenomenal and a treat to drink last weekend. Deep garnet colour. Very complex and intense on the nose (cedar, cassis, blackberries, notes of forrest floor, earthy...). Polished tannins and very balanced. Long finish. This is just entering its peak drinking window...enjoy now or for the next 10-15 years.

5/23/2022 - Francois Le Mouel Likes this wine:

Lovely discovery from the Cowichan Valley. Enjoyed it several time this week with lunch (by the glass). Very Burgundian in style, it's just well made and so refreshing. Red cherries, strawberries and notes of oak. Enjoy now.

5/23/2022 - Francois Le Mouel Likes this wine:

Decanted for 5 hours...and the end result was fantastic. The second I put my nose in the glass, I knew it would be a memorable experience. Served at 16C, it was close to perfection. Extremely fragrant and very complex on the nose with explosions of cassis, blueberries, incense, cedar, aromatic herbs and dark chocolate...it was just fantastic. The palate is almost as impressive with a deep, layered, structured, but velvety mouthfeel. Even though this is a BIG wine, the acidity and the fruit perfectly balance the beast. The finish is also quite impressive...its so looong. First experience with Cardinale, but hopefully not my last one. Enjoy now or cellar for another 10-15 years.

4/10/2022 - Francois Le Mouel Likes this wine:

A nice Sauternes in its prime drinking window. Deep old gold in colour. On the nose and palate you get some wild honey, lemon and cedar aromas. High acidity that balances the sugar level to perfection. Enjoy now or cellar for several more years.

4/10/2022 - Francois Le Mouel wrote:

Surprisingly, still quite young and pretty much on primary and secondary aromas of cassis, blackberries and notes of butterscotch. Less dense and less complex than the 2005 Ducru-Beaucaillou we had at the same dinner. Perfectly balanced with a medium+ finish. Honestly, the wine is nowhere near its peak and I would wait to open another bottle. I was debating a score of 95 points, but this bottle lacked the WOW factor I need to give such a high score.

4/10/2022 - Francois Le Mouel Likes this wine:

Amazing St-Julien at the same quality level as 1er GCC. Deep garnet colour with a pronounced nose of cedar, forrest floor, pencil shavings, stewed strawberries...and heaven:) You could spend the entire night with the nose in your glass. The palate is extremely focused, dense and multi-layered (same aromas than on the nose). Perfectly balanced, with a long finish. A memorable wine once again. One bottle left, that I'll try to keep for another 8-10 years.

4/10/2022 - Francois Le Mouel Likes this wine:

A very solid white burgundy. I was very concerned about oxydation, but it was in perfect shape and probably at its peak. Aromas of pastry cream, vanilla, almond and notes of ripe lemon. Medium acidity with a silky mouth feel. One of the best white I had in the past few years. Enjoy now or hold for another 5 years without any problem, albeit I don't think it will improve much.

4/10/2022 - Francois Le Mouel wrote:

Still very fresh and very consistent with the Bollinger style. As usual this wine offers a touch of oxydation (in a positive way) with a masculine profile. Fine bubbles, refreshing acidity and a long finish. Only negative point, used to be a much better QPR. Still tasting quite young, so no need to rush if you have a few bottles left.

4/8/2022 - Francois Le Mouel Likes this wine:

One the best Gamay I had in the past year (yes, I'm a huge fan of Gamay and Trousseau!). This one is vibrant, pronounced and full of energy. Low alcohol (12.2%) and very fresh, this is amazing on it's own or with food. Very distinctive aromas of red cherries with a twist of cranberries. Enjoy over the next 12-18 months to capture the intense crispy primary fruit.

4/8/2022 - Francois Le Mouel Likes this wine:

Big wine with a significant tannic structure. Interesting aromas of black berries, leather and plum. But it lacks the focus I’m expecting at this price level. In the painting world I would refer to it as an “esquisse” or an “etude”. I have another bottle that I will decant fir several hours, just to see if it improves the experience. Stay tuned!

4/8/2022 - Francois Le Mouel Likes this wine:

The wine has evolve dramatically and positively in the past 2 years. It offers a fantastic experience with a non-conventional varietal. Explosion of dark cherries, espresso beans, mocha on the nose. Even more intense and refreshing on the palate...this is lovely. A touch of bitterness on the back palate, but it’s not an issue at all. Medium+ finish. Enjoy now or hold for 3-5 years without any problem.

3/31/2022 - Francois Le Mouel Likes this wine:

So, I need to say that the wine seems to have actually improved:) It's much more balanced than with my first bottle. The nose and palate are both a bit shy, with subtil aromas of leather, spices and black fruits. Next time I'll decant for 3 hours...there seems to be something even nicer hiding in this wine. Drink or hold until 2026.

3/31/2022 - Francois Le Mouel Likes this wine:

Lovely mature cabernet offering cedar, spices and plum aromas. Bill suggested a "Best After Dec 2021" consumption date and I need to say, this was spot on! Definitely at it's peak, with refined tannins; this wine can certainly be kept for an additional 3-5 years. There's no rush.

3/30/2022 - Francois Le Mouel Likes this wine:

Excellent Haut-Medoc and a good QPR if you bought it in 2016 during Bordeaux futures. Classic left bank Bordeaux, with cassis aromas, subtil secondary aromas, high quality tannins and a nice freshness that will allow this wine to evolve and improve for another 5-7 years. Decant for a few hours if you decide to drink now.

3/28/2022 - Francois Le Mouel Likes this wine:

Dark purple wine with intense aromas of black cherries, blackberries and spices. Highly concentrated with medium+ supple tannins. On the palate it reminds me of a "frankensteined Gamay". Had it with Osso Bucco and it needs food to balance everything. Natural wine, but without the funky aromas. If you're looking for a juicy wine around $25...

Drink now.

3/24/2022 - Francois Le Mouel Likes this wine:

Deep purple in colour; very young in appearance. Nose of medium intensity, with blackberries and raspberries and notes of whites pepper; not the most complex. Much more interesting on the palate. Tannins and alcohol are quite present (slightly hot on the finish), with high intensity aromas of white pepper, notes of pyrazines and toast. In the end a very good wine, sold at the wrong price. Black Hills and Lariana are mastering the art of Carménère and at a MUCH lower price. Keep in mind that this is super young and it will certainly improve over the next few years. I'll cellar a few bottles to see how it evolves.

Ok, I don't do this often, but the wine changed dramatically after 2-3 hours in the decanter. i got an explosion of aromas on the nose and the palate. Three words if you open a bottle now...decant, decant and decant!! Increasing my score from 91 to 93 points.

3/24/2022 - Francois Le Mouel Likes this wine:

Beautifully ripe Malbec and well balanced at the same time. This was a lot of fun to drink as it offered sexy blackberry aromas mixed with spices and some well integrated toasted notes. Tannins are polished and quite round. I feel this can age without any trouble for another 5-7 years. Decant for 1-2 hours.

2/27/2022 - Francois Le Mouel Likes this wine:

Excellent very lively Beaujolais, full of red berries and spices. Very refreshing, low in alcohol and aromatic. Great solution to many dishes...spicy food, roasted chicken, salmon or grilled meat...lot of fun, uncomplicated and at a great price.

2/27/2022 - Francois Le Mouel Likes this wine:

A more classic Pinot Noir, a mix of new world exuberance and old world restrain. High alcohol, but well balanced. Not very complex: red fruit and hints of oak-vanilla. Drink now.

2/27/2022 - Francois Le Mouel Likes this wine:

Beautiful Pinot full of red fruits, flowers and sweet spices. Seductive, uncomplicated Pinot Noir that will please many people. Drink now.

2/27/2022 - Francois Le Mouel wrote:

Not very volubile on the nose, with medium intensity cherry and red berry aromas; some VA. High alcohol on the palate with aromas of plum, raisins, kirsch and candied sugar. An ok pinot noir from Los Carneros. Drink now.

2/26/2022 - Francois Le Mouel Likes this wine:

Once again a solid 93 and I agree with Castle Peak, this is a great QPR. Also decanted for a good 2 hours. Still very young in appearance, the nose is very intense and full of blue and black fruits (cassis, blueberries), supported by secondary aromas. Very intense on the palate, but well balanced. Slightly too much oak. Excellent acidity and polished tannins. Enjoy now or for the next 5-7 years.

2/26/2022 - Francois Le Mouel Likes this wine:

After a first bottle that was corked, this second one is excellent. Purple in colour with medium intensity (slightly more extracted than usual if I'm not crazy). A good dose of white pepper on the nose with strawberries+rhubarb notes. On the palate, you get soft and refined tannins and a mix of cranberry and white pepper aromas. Medium, but very refreshing finish. Lovely! Enjoy before 2024.

2/6/2022 - Francois Le Mouel wrote:

The texture and colour of motor oil...Exactly like drinking molasse...don’t know what else to say.