July 5, 2018 - Maison Ilan @ Medlar: Bright ruby, a little lighter. Some evolution. Harmonious. Not much more substance here than the Chaffots. Nice, but that’s slightly faint praise in the context. A bit more stuffing cf the Chaffots 11 but I prefer the latter’s delicacy. ***1/2
February 21, 2015 - Death by Lobster (Four Seasons Hotel, Atlanta): Not bad, but lacking intensity and complexity with most of the interest generated from a not unpleasant stemminess and aromas strangely reminiscent of a Varsity chili dog.
October 25, 2014 - This is a WOW wine. The aromas are beautiful even at this young age. Darker fruit. Spicy. There is some elevate char at this point but to me it is integrated.
The interplay of fruit and acid is perfect here as in most better 2010s. Very long finish. This is young and absolutely extraordinary.
July 28, 2014 - ON THE PATIO @ OEGSTGEEST: Wow complex flavors and aromas of red and black cherries, plum, spice and earth. On the palate perfectly focused and balanced with stunning grip on the very pure and intense finish - what a gorgeous wine this is.
November 19, 2013 - Rotating Dinner Series-Wines Jimmy Likes (Acadia, Chicago IL): Nose: The nose has a quiet power to it with dark red fruits, earth, dark red cherries, violets, and some perfumes. This is very well balanced with excellent depth and it relies more on nuance than power.
Taste: Medium/full bodied with medium/high acidity and very youthful tannins. The structure doesn't seem too imposing, but it's very sneaky as the tannins become more pronounced with air. Even with the palate showing size, there is deftness to the tones of dark spices, dark red fruits, violets, and some perfumes on the back end.
Overall: I would love to see where this goes with age. The balance and depth is completely there and brings about a quiet confidence in the wine. It seems a bit shy now, but this has loads of room to grow.
October 4, 2013 - A little reduction that blew off. Intense red fruit. Complex. Nice grip. Powerful, but not heavy or tiring. Savory, not sweet. Very enjoyable. I drank it to test its character: young and juicy at this point...all about potential, for me.
May 30, 2011 - Very tight and closed but the wine feels good and feels right. It has great line in the mouth and builds to a crescendo where the wine drives right through the finish and fans out. Enormous potential here.
May 23, 2011 - Barrel tasting with Ray Walker May 2011
This has less overt body than the Charmes right now, but more depth to me, with an beautiful inner perfume. Loads of finesse, beautiful poise, all the time being deceptively powerful and simultaneously deft. A wine that impresses by getting out of the way between the soil and the taster. nicely done! Outstanding.