June 18, 2023 - Decanted clear, 15 minutes of fresh air cause it to bloom. A breezy, light attenuated frame is filled with flavors an aromas of meat, pencil shavings, black currant, and broken bedrock. Sporty, adhesive tannins and fresh acidity help mark this as something fairly early in its optimum drinking period. Time open dilates the core, which gradually produces alluring sensations of coffee, porcini, and spice.
February 24, 2023 - I decided to reward myself for making it through a difficult week (only Thursday but I expect Friday to be relatively calm) and it didn't disappoint.
3 years after my last bottle this is starting to come into its own.
Beautiful nose, loam and ripe cherries on the palate. Has the harmonious purity and minerality which is the CRB trademark.
Only problem is that after 4 months of almost no alcohol a single glass put me to sleep. But it was a happy sleep.
August 29, 2022 - In a really nice spot, but doesnt seem like it's going to fall over anytime soon.
July 24, 2022 - Just a summary to say that, compared to my last 2011, the 2013 is still in prime shape and has a wonderful silky texture with classic Loire cab franc notes that lean more to fruit than vegetal. This could hold a bit if you want to preserve the magic, but it is a fine drink today.
June 24, 2020 - great nose loaded with earth and berry. palate is tart! cranberry and underripe raspberry. this starts to soften and round out a bit with air, developing attractive leathery notes but never quite gets there. Tasty with lamb chops but as it reminds of young 1998 Cot or young 2011 Pif both of which eventually became magical I'll hold off any any more bottles for a few years.
February 26, 2017 - Opened Feb 25, 2017; Finished Feb 26, 2017.
September 10, 2015 - Finally a perfect bottle after two that were corked. Rustic elegance..just full of pie fruit, flowers and spice on the palate with good minerality and acidity. My last bottle from this vintage
September 9, 2015 - 2nd bottle purchased corked
August 27, 2015 - Corked
July 9, 2015 - Smooth, balanced, savory, medium bodied without any hint of the dreaded bell pepper. Nice