8/8/2007 - jwgauthier wrote:

Decanter for two hours, but still needed another hour to really open and show its stuff. Performed better than I remember from my last bottle (12/2005), but I still think that the 94 is a better wine. However, that is the only negative I can give for the 97.

2/14/2007 - jwgauthier wrote:

Very impressed with this wine. Beautiful balance, just the right intensity, plush fruit, spicy complexity, long finish. Decanted for 90 minutes and consumed with foie gras, chateaubriand with pommes Lyonnaise & ratatouille, and chocolate-raspberry cake. Had the flavors and depth to match with all three courses. It did not overwhelm the foie gras or beef, and held its own against the chocolate.

8/9/2006 - jwgauthier wrote:

Balsamic vinegar on the nose. Way out of balance with alcoholic heat overhwelming the fruit. Sour finish.

7/30/2006 - jwgauthier wrote:

My first Summus. Decanted for one hour. This would have been a good wine for $20, but unfortunately it is much more than that. Nice fruit, but the middle is hollow, and the wine fails to excite. Did not improve over the course of the evening.

8/7/2006 - jwgauthier wrote:

Purchased at a restaurant. On the back of the bottle was written "Decanted 2004", so the cork was new and the bottle did not have sediment. The label was clean as well, so I am assuming this was re-bottled then, or was stored in casks then bottled in 2004. I am not familiar with this wine, so maybe some of the Barolo experts can help.

The wine had a orange-brown rim, but otherwise was a gorgeous red. The nose had the Barolo tar, with a hint of floral notes, not really roses but more like violets. It was smooth and velvety in the mouth , with sweet fruit, nice structure, and a long finish. An excellent wine and very food friendly, everything you would expect in a great, old Barolo. The only drawback was the insane winelist price.

8/7/2006 - jwgauthier wrote:

Decanted for two hours. (Tons of sediment). This is a fantastic wine, and is drinking beautifully, now. A big, complex, structured Cabernet, with a mint-spice finish that gives it and extra edge. I believe this wine has many good years ahead, as well. A generous gift from Scott J. to celebrate the birth of my son last year, we decided to hold it until his first birthday.

7/25/2006 - jwgauthier wrote:

Very good balance with dark cherry, blackberry, and jammy fruit, with peppery spice and a medium finish. Has enough tannins to give structure and fullness, but they are well-integrated. This has always been a favorite of mine, and I purchase a few bottles every vintage. It never disappoints.

7/10/2006 - jwgauthier wrote:

Poured a glass, then put the rest in a decanter. Consumed over a five hour period. Nose of dark fruit and tobacco. Blackberry and plums in the mouth, gaining complexity over the course of the evening. However, the tannins, throughout the consumption, were astringent (green and harsh). While the fruit blossomed and the midpalate strengthened, they never overcame the harshness of the finish.

I have had this wine on two previous occasions, and neither time showed like this. The only other HSS I have tasted with this tannic profile has been the 2000 (on three different occasions), and I have tasted all vintages from 1990-2001.

Hopefully, this was just an awkward time for the '93. Anyone else tried it recently?

6/11/2006 - jwgauthier wrote:

Nose of dark fruit and a whiff of bell pepper. Medium-bodied with tastes of plum, peppery-spice, and bell pepper. A little dry and short on the finish, but is otherwise balanced and drinking well. A bargain at $20.

12/7/2005 - jwgauthier wrote:

This one was almost identical to the 1999, although I would say it is a better wine by just a hair. Although easy to drink now, the flavors are very primary, but it has a rich, velvety mouth feel, and a very long finish. WOTN for some.

12/7/2005 - jwgauthier wrote:

This is the third time I've had this wine I have been disappointed on all three occasions. The flavors are a bit too green for me and I think it is less balanced than the 98.

12/7/2005 - jwgauthier wrote:

Hard to evaluate this wine as it is so primary at this point. However, it was smooth with excellent balance and a long finish. A great wine.

12/7/2005 - jwgauthier wrote:

This wine was not showing as well as it did on previous occasions for me. Slight herbal flavors and not as smooth as I remember.

12/7/2005 - jwgauthier wrote:

A more intense version of the 1995, this was still a bit harsh and tannic at this point and again, needs a few more years before opening. 96+ points.

12/7/2005 - jwgauthier wrote:

A more intense version of the 1995, this was still a bit harsh and tannic at this point and again, needs a few more years before opening.

12/7/2005 - jwgauthier wrote:

Very similar to the 92 to although a bit smoother but less intense fruit and flavors. Drinking well now.

12/7/2005 - jwgauthier wrote:

This had the sweetest fruit of the night with berry flavors, but earthy flavors as well. Finish was shorter than the 91 but a bit better than the 1990.

12/7/2005 - jwgauthier wrote:

This wine had nice fruit and structure but was still tannic on the finish. This one probably should have been decanted. If you have some I would recommends cellaring this for a few more years before opening.

12/7/2005 - jwgauthier wrote:

This was my favorite wine of the night, and I think it benefited from the hour of air. Dark berry nose, it is silky smooth in the mouth with well integrated tannins and excellent balance. Long finish. Definitely a wine to have in your cellar, WOTN for some.

12/7/2005 - jwgauthier wrote:

Although closed at first, after a while in the glass it started to open. Much stronger fruit than any in this flight, with a smooth finish and velvety texture. I was very impressed with this one and for some at the table, this was their WOTN.

12/7/2005 - jwgauthier wrote:

Dark fruit on the nose with medium body and a slightly hot finish. Still had a touch of tannins.

11/27/2005 - jwgauthier wrote:

Followed this wine over the course of three hours. It was splash decanted, and at first, was very closed in both the nose and mouth. Also, probably still too cool right out of the cellar (storage cabinet). As it warmed and breathed, the fruit emerged, mostly dark flavors of plum, currant and jam. The midpalate picks up licorice a just a little spice. Still tannic, although getting softer with air. This probably needs a few more years to age. Certianly not drinking like a $100 bottle should, so if you have some, I would recommend holding for a few more years. 89 points (at this time).

11/7/2005 - jwgauthier wrote:

A very good zin blend with a nice nose of plum and raisin, ripe fruit in the mouth, balanced, and a little spicy on the finish. Tannins reared their head initially, but softened after an hour of air.

11/6/2005 - jwgauthier wrote:

Not deacanted, but I do not think decanting is necessary for this wine. Dark fruits on the nose. Although nicely balanced with integrated tannins, the currant and blacberry fruit is somewhat sour, probably a deficiency of the 2000 vintage. No green flavors; however, none of the lush ripe fruit flavors of better CA vinatges. It does pick up bittersweet chocolate on the midpalate. A good, but not great wine.

I tried a 2000 Melbury last spring that was far superior, and was far more expensive. Still, if this (The Matriarch) is what one would consider the entry level wine in the Harlan portfolio, and from a weak vintage, it shows what a great job the Harlan team is doing.

10/28/2005 - jwgauthier wrote:

For many at my table, this was the wine of the night. The nose was slightly muted and the finish still tannic, but the structure and intensity are a notch above the Conteisa. This was the darkest wine the night and had the deepest and richest fruits. I believe this will be a spectacular wine at maturity. Paired with beef blade roast braised with Barolo, with spinach polenta and vegetables.

10/28/2005 - jwgauthier wrote:

This one had the most floral nose of the evening. Again, very approachable now, it is smooth and rich in the mouth with a great finish. The balance and intensity are top-notch.

10/28/2005 - jwgauthier wrote:

It has the classic Nebbiolo nose of roses and tar, with a bit more sweetness. This wine has intense fruit with great structure. A little closed at first, after a few hours it began to open and show its true greatness. It was paired with ravioli stuffed with pork, veal, and rabbit braised with Barbaresco, along with Swiss chard, and garnished with white truffles shavings.

10/10/2005 - jwgauthier wrote:

Consumed over two nights. The first night, a much better wine with nice raspberry fruit with a touch of sour cherry. Tannins are well integrated, but a little heat on the finish. By the second night, the heat is more pronounced and disturbs the balance.

10/10/2005 - jwgauthier wrote:

The Houston group met for a tasting of Leoville Bartons, with one Poyferre thrown in for good measure, and a separate flight of Chateau Tayac. Unfortunately, I misplaced my notes so hopefully others who attended will chime in. I brought the 82 LB, so I will post a note from memory.

The 82 LB was very good. The color was outstanding for a 23 year old wine, with just a bit a orange at the rim. I double decanted this about 1.5 hours before serving. The nose was classic Bordeaux. Beautiful fruit, nice balance, and still a hint of tannins on the finish. Sadly, my only bottle.

10/1/2005 - jwgauthier wrote:

Nice deep gold color with a nose of bisquit and nuts. The fruit is very good with citrus and apple. The nuttiness comes through on the midpalate and the finish is smooth. I was impressed with this vintage Champagne and this was my first Pommery Louise. Paired well with phyllo triangles stuffed with lobster and bags stuffed with smoked salmon.

10/1/2005 - jwgauthier wrote:

Decanted for two hours. This is drinking very well at this time. Smooth, rich merlot flavors of plum and coffee balanced by the backbone of cabernet franc, with well integrated tannins and a long finish. Powerful enough to get your attention, but has the elegance to hold it.

9/17/2005 - jwgauthier wrote:

Decanted for 3 hours. This wine is gorgeous! Everything about it exudes elegance and grace. Not overpowering, the fruit has finesse that coats your palate and will not relinquish its grip. The tannins are nicely integrated but their presence is enough to give the wine the structure to pair well with beef tenderloin in a claret-reduction sauce. Beautiful, smooth and clean finish.

I am not sure of the blend, but I would bet that Merlot is a significant component, as it did not seem to have the intensity of a predominantly Cab blend.

9/17/2005 - jwgauthier wrote:

Floral/perfume nose, beautiful rich gold color. Well-balanced with apricot and lemon, and maybe a hint of kiwi. Spicy and mineral midpalate, just a touch dry. I paired it with some southwestern-styled appetizers, and the fruit and acidity held up well. Nice, clean finish.

8/26/2005 - jwgauthier wrote:

Nice nose of currants and mint. Well-structured and full bodied, but still too tannic even with an hour of decanting. It has nice currant fruit and picks up licorice and mint on the midpalate, but then the tannins take over. Hold this one for a few more years. 90+ points.

8/7/2005 - jwgauthier wrote:

Opened a 1990, but it was corked.

Then tried the 1991.

Slight bricking at the edges but a gorgeous deep red color. Nose is dark fruit. This is a beautiful wine. Black currant with plum and black raspberries. Full bodied and smooth, it picks up earth and coffee on the midpalate, and has minimal tannins on the finish. Nice structure. Much different from the other QC's I have tried. A nice mix of old-world elegance and new world fruit.

8/7/2005 - jwgauthier wrote:

Big, oaky chardonnay but balanced by citrus fruit and a hint of butterscotch. Smooth finish.

8/7/2005 - jwgauthier wrote:

Corked! My one and only bottle! #**@&%!

8/6/2005 - jwgauthier wrote:

Nose is open with dark cherries and spice. Nice fruit intially, but in the midpalate and finish this wine reminds me of zinandel with grape flavors and ripeness. Has good spicy flavors as well and is slightly tannic on the finish.

Great price ($8.00). This wine exceeds many everyday drinking wines in its balance and strong fruit.

12/20/2004 - jwgauthier wrote:

This is a 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from the Mountain Terraces Vineyard in Sonoma County. It has a nice Cabernet nose with admixed oak. It is full bodied with a burst of plum and currant, and picks up some cherry on the midpalate. However, the dusty tannins and oak predominate in the finish, although the fruit is still strong. I would recommend lying it down for 2-3 years. It is a very good value at $33.00.

7/22/2005 - jwgauthier wrote:

The nose is plum and slight oak. In the mouth, black fruits - dark plum and blackberries, that have become sweeter and brighter after three glasses. Picks up some spice on the midpalate, and adds a touch of vanilla and chocolate. Very smooth with a touch of tannins on the finish. Not too complex but is very well-made and should be a crowd pleaser. Very drinkable now and a great value at $25AUS.

5/18/2005 - jwgauthier wrote:

Nose was surprisingly open with dark cherries and earth. Nice burst of fruit in the mouth, but again, this is a young wine with no secondary characteristics and it has a strong tannic finish.

11/8/2004 - jwgauthier wrote:

Beautiful nose of dark cherries. I, too, got a little fizz in the mouth. The fruit is full and rich, cherry, black cherry, and raspberry with a cola-feel (from the slight fizz). The midpalate gains some complexity with darker fruit and slightly bitter flavors (in a good sense). The oak is well integrated, and the finish has tannins that are just noticeable but still smooth.

1/30/2005 - jwgauthier wrote:

The nose is blackberry with spice. In the mouth, a mix of blackberry, plum, and earth, and the wine picks up a bittersweet chocolate taste on the midpalate. It has heat (15.6%) and acidity, but in balance. My only criticism is the finish is shorter than I had expected. The style is similar to Turley’s, but less intense.

5/2/2005 - jwgauthier wrote:

Wonderful pinot nose of cherries, raspberry and spice. This wine explodes with dark cherry fruit in the mouth and picks up earthiness and spices on the midpalate. It still has some dusty tannins on the finish, but is very well balanced and enjoyable with food. The best CA pinot I have tasted this year.

1/25/2005 - jwgauthier wrote:

This wine is all about fruit. It is medium-bodied, with a burst of grape jam, raspberry, and strawberry in the mouth, nice balance, and a smooth finish with a slight dusting of tannins. No real complexity, but a nice drink for around $13.00.

7/7/2004 - jwgauthier wrote:

I tasted this a couple of hours earlier, and again when we fist arrived at the restaurant. The fruit was much suppressed and I wondered about possible TCA. Gus, Scott, and George all tried it, and although they did not think it was corked, they all agreed that something was amiss. However, we decided to keep it and put it in the third flight. Wow, what a difference! By this time the fruit was much stronger with dark berry fruit and a full body. Smooth and elegant as well. Again, paired nicely with food.

4/11/2005 - jwgauthier wrote:

The color reminds me of pinot. The nose is dark berry with a hint of oak. Smooth and easy in the mouth, with flavors of cherry, plum, and a hint of licorice, the wine is well-balanced and very enjoyable. Nice finish, as well. This is a blend of 85% syrah and 15% cabernet. The best $20 wine I have had in a long time. Even Brian Loring will like this syrah!

8/18/2004 - jwgauthier wrote:

Complex nose of earth and cherries. Both cherry and raspberry emerge in the initial taste, with darker fruit (blackberry and dark cherry), earth, and well-integrated oak on the midpalate and finish (which, by the way, was the longest of the evening). I hope this wine will get even better with age.

9/22/2003 - jwgauthier wrote:

Decanted for two hours – A little brown at the edges. The nose is dark fruit with green olive and earth. The initial fruit is dark cherry, and the midpalate gains plum and adds spice and meat. Toward the finish, the fruit turns raisiny and the tannins emerge. I was disappointed with this wine. I thought it would show better. I did not expect the brown edges, and wonder if it had some heat damage.