Still maturing at 11 years, but very drinkable. Oak is still a bit strong, but not dominant. Well integrated and pleasurable with a dry mouth finish. Tasted of dark cherry, tea leaf, and tobacco
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Decanted for 1hr and returned to bottle 2 hours prior to service. Clear with moderate amount of very fine sediment. Dark purple w/deep ruby edge, no sign of bricking. Long stained legs. Rotten cork which initially showed in the taste but blew off with time. If not for the cork, this would age years yet as the tannins were still pronounced at the finish. Full throttle juice with no rough edge up front and middle with some firm tannins. Very long finish. $60 winery direct.
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With DM, EM, Steve. I liked this initially, but when I came back to it later in the night, it seemed big and sweetish, and I lost interest in it. The 94 Diamond Creek was much more to my liking.
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PnP'd & was ready to go. Fruity nose. Dark berries, cassis, spice flavors. Integrated tannins - really drinking well. Lots of life left in the this one - DRINK or HOLD.
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Excellent wine for a BV GdL. In its prime with sweet blackberry and plumb. Strong but integrated tannins. Looking forward to drinking the rest over next two to three years.
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Friday Group Brown Bag Tasting (R&D's): Double blind. Aromas of incense, dark berry fruit and chocolate. Full-bodied with a bit of a tannic bite. Flavors of black currant, plum and chocolate linger on the finish. Excellent. Easy to pick out as Napa cab sauv. (R&D)
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A beautiful wine. Lovely ripe and singed bouquet of scorched earth, black cherries, eucalyptus, and fresh herbs. The palate is spicy and complex, with a succulent richness that makes it comes across as resolved, but it possesses power and tannic structure in spades, which will help it grow and evolve even further over the next decade. Long and sapid on the mineral-inflected finish. Drink with a 2+ hour decant or hold another few years.
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Good bottle. I got what I expected for the 2008 GDL. After a short decant the very slight prune vanished showing wonderful bouquet of roses, cherry pie, and black currant. Palate had wonderful and complex structure with a very long finish. I look forward to trying another bottle in 5 years or so. DJV
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Last of a 6 bottle lot. I’ve been positive, if not effusively so, on prior bottles (I gave 2 away, and a third was consumed before I came on CT), but there’s something about getting to the end of a lot I’ve held for a while, whether wistfulness, development of the wine, or something else, that makes me more observant and appreciative of the bottling, and this was no exception. The cassis, black cherries, blackberries, black currants and plums seemed richer (prior writer’s point that this could be seen as verging on pruniness at least somewhat well taken), the secondary notes of chocolate, tobacco, anise, forest floor and leather a bit more finely etched and deeper, than prior bottles. Highly enjoyable on its own, and a more than solid complement with leftover steak one night and gnocchi another. Yet from the first, this has been a wine with a profoundly mature feeling, something to drink in an overstuffed armchair, beautifully balanced and not without power, but not holding a candle in energy and intensity to the recent, cheaper Capezzana. Continue to recommend drinking sooner than later. 93+
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Huge disappointment for big wine, properly aged from excellent vintage. Seemed pruney and over-the-hill. Can’t guarantee provenance, so maybe something there.
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Dark fruit, pepper, mushrooms. Bolder than the '07, without the smooth long finish. I still liked it a lot and enjoyed it with our charcuterie board. Paired really well with manchego cheese and calabrese.
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A true representative of a California Cab. It's still young and can drink for another 10 years. A full bodied Cabernet. Garnet colored with cassis and blackberry flavors and a smooth finish. Loved it!
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93 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate "This was the first vintage made in Beaulieu’s new winery, dedicated to Georges de Latour Private Reserve. Composed of 95% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Petit Verdot and 2% Malbec, 40% of the 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon Private Reserve Georges de Latour was fermented in barrel. It was aged in 100% new French oak barrels for 27 months. Deep garnet in color, the nose opens with earthy, dried herbs, smoked meats and tar notions over a core of warm plums, fallen leaves and blackcurrant cordial plus a touch of dried mulberries and cranberries. Full-bodied and packed to the gills with black fruit and earthy layers, it has a very firm, chewy texture and just enough freshness, finishing with an herbal lift. (LPB)" (5/2019)
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First wine drank from major 00 retail purchase. Good condition all around. Middle of fairway flavors, but may be a little less going on complexity-wise than I'd prefer. May get better, but not sure.
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EatDrinkRepeat nailed the notes although I got no alcohol that was noticeable or prevalent. Consumed amongst about twenty five other bottles and while this was great we had a few that shined a little brighter. Deep purple and had a youthful vibrancy to it. On the palate, I got black and red fruit profiles with dark chocolate, blackberry, and just a hint of leather. This can still improve potentially but for me it is at or near peak now. Great wine from a historic Napa producer. Glad to see them making great wines again after a gap.
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Fruity and round on the nose and palette. So youthful for a 12-year-old bottle. A big wine with alcohol peeking through as the night went on. Structured and well supported by soft tannin. Very enjoyable (if one finds that 15.1% alcohol agreeable).
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Decanted two hours. Sturdy, classic Napa Cab with dark fruit, slate, moderate acid, fine herbs, medium finish. These remain some of my favorite California wines with their firm tannins, purity, and density, and this one is starting to peak in a long drinking window.
Similar to 12/31/19 note, but this time I did a small PnP, and the wine was surprisingly tannic. After about an hour and some vigorous swirling, the wine integrated for an otherwise similar tasting experience. 92-93 scoring. Drink sooner than later.
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Pop and poured this one had very noticeable oak tones with a woodsy and herbal nose. Picking up some berries in the rear. On the palette the licorice and star anise come thru for me. Fruit remains hidden making it a more “powerful” forward wine to me. The finish is long lasting a good 45-60 seconds before lingering off. Enjoying will write more as it opens up.
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Cassis, dark cherry, a little graphite and tobacco leaves. There is a softness of the tannins, but still retains plenty of structure. To my palate, this is in a wonderful spot right now. Juicy fruit and cedar on the finish.
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Decantered for over an hour but the smoothness showed more post that time. It was somewhat tight initially and not as fruit forward w that long finish I was expecting. Have always enjoyed this producer but today set me back ...
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2nd of 6 (sold 2 to my sis) from a friends & family sale bought from the corporate parent about 5 years ago. My first tasting note on this, but in addition to the bottle I drank a few years ago from my stash, a friend bought several cases, and I've helped him get through several bottles, so I'm well familiar with this bottling and its evolution. Opened for an hour+ but not decanted before consumption, although I think that this wine would work well as a PnP. Intoxicating nose of dark fruit and dark flowers. On the palate, voluptuous blackberries, cherries, and currants along with notes of varying strength of earth, Rutherford dust, leather, tobacco, dark chocolate, violets and oak. Dark purplish brown, medium bodied, long legs. Medium+ acidity, silky smooth, totally integrated tannins, medium to long persistence. This is a delicious wine which stylistically splits the difference between the more Bordeaux styled cabs and the more intense cult cabs from, alas, a huge corporate producer which, in decent growing years, makes a super-reliable, above average qpr product (very comparable to its stablemate, the Beringer Private Reserve, which I usually slightly prefer but is a bit pricier). Worked well with spaghetti and meatballs, leftover rack of lamb and chocolate. Definitely in its prime drinking window, but I'm more inclined to go with Mel than Jordan and say that, for peak consumption, drink in the next few years (I hasten to add that it won't suck for quite a while after that, just that the tannins probably won't continue to support the fruit as well they are now). Just ordered a bottle of the '16 for $70 from another f&f sale, and if you can do so with any other relatively recent vintage other than the'11, would encourage others to do the same. 92-93, and would add another point or two with a bit more structure.
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Dark center w/ minor bricking at the edge. Initially very closed. Tight muted bouquet of sweet cherries licorice, herbs and molasses. Still high in acidity but smooth palate with Rutherford dust. Long herbal finish. 2 hours later the last sip was the best. Hardly any sediment. I will open the next bottle in no sooner than 2-3 years.
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Yowza! Great - I mean GREAT nose. Mostly plums, with hints of licorice on both the nose and the palate. Extremely - I mean EXTREMELY rich. With food, the tannins are barely noticeable, but they are still there. Very good finish, but the nose stole the show. Only negative was the oak, which was too obtrusive and too American. Another year or two may tame the oak, and the wine is certainly gonna keep that long.
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Excellent bottle. Was part of a tasting night. Other bottles were Ridge Estate Cab 2008, Blankiet Rive Droite 2008, Spottswoode Estate 2008 and Mondavi reserve 2004. Came on 3d place by a group opinion after Mondavi and Spottswoode. This is fully mature red with a deep beautiful color, aromatic nose, medium body, very balanced and dark fruit dominated. Finish is smooth and medium length. Drink within 2-3 years. Very lovely.
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Beautiful dark fruit, earth, cedar, texture, and velvety tannins after opening up in the glass. While this is not a blockbuster vintage, it is still very good and squarely in its window. Drinking well now but can cellar for a few more years easily. 93+ pts. PJP 2019.
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I decanted this about 45 minutes before starting to drink it as I grilled Sirloin tips. I find it tough in the summer to deal with 85 deg temps and a bold juicy red as this warmed up quickly from cellar temperature. After dinner I poured another glass added a large ice cube and headed to the dock to watch the sunset. Ahh, the wine expanded with flavor, the "burn" was gone and replaced by cedar notes with creamy tannins. I vacu-vinned about 1/2 bottle as the misses was sipping a vodka gimlet and will sample it later.
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Pop and pour. This needed two hours to open up, then a lovely full-bodied Rutherford Cabernet with earth, chocolate, chewy tannins, dark fruit. Upside from here.
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A year later and it has recharged. Drank with a dry brined tenderloin - delicious wine. Good dark druits and well integrated tannins and balanced acidity. Dark raspberries and black cherry, a very balanced wine with hints of cedar. Delicious as usual.
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Long smooth finish, decanted for an hour and it opened up differently every 15 minutes after ... Worth it and blended perfectly with a Sunday Cantonese dinner. Bordeaux Napa combination which will suit many ....
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My first time tasting the '08 and like all other vintages I have tried of this wine, it did not disappoint.
Elegant and beautiful nose of dark fruit,mocha, and tobacco. Similar flavors washed down with a fabulous velvety texture and a long finish. This checks all the boxes for a world class cabernet.
Thanks to Bomba for sharing.
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Five years later, this Cab has become more concentrated, fruit forward and delicious! Deep, dark blackberry fruit with silky smooth tannins, perfectly structured with secondary notes of mocha, chocolate, cassis and a touch of tobacco. This has become a world class wine and is materially better than in 2014. Must decant for at least an hour.
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4th Saturday Group (M/M thelostverse): Double blind. Dark fruit- currants and plum- along with a strong bouillon note. Plummy dark fruit on the palate with medium tannins and a medium finish. Guessed cab sauv.
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Cherry nose, slightly bright, followed by currant and cherry tones with a softened tannic finish and an occasional raisiny hint as others have pointed out. Started opening up after ~2 hours of air and holding consistently over the next day. Enjoyable but a little underwhelming considering the price point when released.
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A little flabby. Decanted and drank with grilled leg of lamb. Getting round, decent primary black fruit and soft tannins but it has lost a lot of acidity and is starting to break down. Drink up.
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Just a faint hint of cork taint. Beyond that, this was pretty good, with dark fruits and some earthiness. A bigger wine than we normally prefer, but this is well balanced.
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Drank in August 2018 with whale steak. Slightly over the hill, a little raisiny. Lots of sediment but still rich dark purple color and lots of black fruit. Tannins were soft and acidity was in perfect balance. Good wine, but time to drink up. Doesn't have the longevity of the 2007.
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Was the finishing bottle at dinner behind a Kosta SLH pinot and it was a great way to close out the evening. Drinks medium bodied and tannins are smoothed out and even at this point. Still a good nose with a balance of oak and spice.
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Most interesting bottle. Decanted :45. Cab tannins noticeable at first. Then became a more bordeaux type with fruit less prevalent. Then, the fruit came back into balance. Interesting evolution over 2 hours. Not sure how this will change over time so hard to say drink or hold.
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Wow. This is ready with a pop and pour. The better 2007 vintage of this is in a closed state and at the moment doesn't compare with this...I had an 07 a few weeks ago. This is loaded with fruit and strawberry jam. The tannins are mellowed out and the acid very tame...it is simply quaffable. I'm not sure it has the stuff to age another 10-15 years like some believe....but it is drinking wonderfully now.
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750ml; PnP; Big fruity nose with very round flavors of dark red berries and currents; Tannins well integrated but still slightly "at large" - good for pairing with our Beef Wellington. Still needs more secondary development but I am not sure the acidity is there to support it long term. I would recommend sampling/drinking this now or in the next few years to get your gauge on this wine. Still - fun with beef!
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Exceeded my expectations. Opened about 2 hours before tasting. Tremendous nose - plums, black cherries, red licorice, tobacco, and a little vanilla. Plums and black cherries dominated on the palate. Full bodied and extremely rich. Wonderful finish, where the tobacco notes re-emerged. Needless to say, it was a big boy. Very well balanced right now, and it should continue to improve over the next few years. BV Reserve was the first "high end" wine I ever bought, back in the early seventies. It's as good now as it was back then; possibly even better.
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We had a taste off with the 2008 BV Latour Reserve against the 2006 Stags Leap the Poetry and 2009 Frank CS. Hands down the BV was the winner with a more integrated, rounded taste and pleasant lingering taste. The Stags' Leap Poetry was a close 2nd and Frank a distant 3rd.
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Ann and I both enjoyed a glass of this, despite it's size and our preferences now. Hard to drink much more though. I preferred the 2010 Senejac that followed this.
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Opened in bottle for a couple hours and in reality needs several more years or a 5 hour decant. Starting to show some nice stewed mature notes but remained dominated by dusty tannin and sharp acidity. Sweet palate of raspberry liqueur, chocolate cherries, and sweet tobacco. Ideally needs 5 more years as this is barely middle aged. Upside potential here.
Second Day- pumped overnight and was unfortunately dominated by soy sauce and prune. Would give this 88-90 day 2.
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Score 92 (excitement) - 93 (quality/craftsmanship) - more about well made and mature, less about fireworks. Much improvement since 2 yrs ago. Will still benefit from more time and while smooth still has noticeable tannin. Tasty to drink now and predict considerably better as it ages.
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Decanted and served, but this needs a two-hour decant at this point in its life. Sturdy and concentrated, I suspect this beauty will evolve gracefully for 20+ years. Normally I drink well-aged vintages of this, one of my favorites for taste and value, but occasionally I open a younger bottle out of curiosity. It's remarkable how long they have kept the quality up and the price down.
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Decanted thru a venturi then let sit for about 2 hours. Maybe my taste was off because there were about 20 different cabs and nothing really tasted great--even a bottle of overture, which I have had in the past and really liked. Thought this was ok but nothing special. Just didn't do it for me.
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From Magnum, purchased on released. Waited a long time to try these. First of two. Decent wine with some tannin left. Not worth the price. I would wait another two years before I opened another. I enjoyed it but expected more.
Deep flavors of black current, blackberry, pencil shavings. More of a bordeaux profile than a fruit forward Napa cab. It was much more balanced and the oak has integrated a lot since last time I had it in 2013. Very good.
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2008 Napa Valley Cabernet Night (Lincoln Squre Steaks, Amsterdam Ave, New York City): Had this as part of a 2008 Napa Cabernet tasting dinner. At first, when we poured it into a decanter, we were worried it was past its prime. It smelled (and tasted) devoid of fruit and very acidic. We should not have worried....After an hour in the decanter it turned into a great wine. Much less fruit than the other Napa Cabs we had. It could very well be confused for a Bordeaux wine. This went over very well with our group.
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Decanted for an hour and drank over next two hours. Definitely got better with air. Dark red fruit profile, great mouthfeel and long finish. Not showing any age yet. Was good with food, but I also think this is just fine on its own. Drink now thru 2025
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4th Saturday Brown Bagger (Rich's & Dana's): Opens with a perfumed floral note, followed by dark fruit and blackberry. It is initially very pretty but as it sits aromas of ripe, raisined fruit emerge. The palate shows black fruit and bouillon cube qualities and is a bit acidic. Guessed Napa Cab Sauv.
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Medium ruby in the glass with aromas of black cherry, red currant, anise and turned earth. Teeth staining tannins take over on the palate with a rich, glycol mouthfeel. Finishes with some back end heat and of course Rutherford dust. If you like your Cab ripe, hot and chewy, then drink up, otherwise lay down for 5 years. Potential is there for a couple more points.
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Good modern cab with no major flaws, just nothing to distinguish from the pack and not a great QPR at retail. Dark red fruited wine that needs lengthy decanting. Good body and well integrated. Fruit dominates. Not much complexity at this stage.
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Should have decanted for an hour or two, the last glass was certainly the best. Soft tannins, black berry fruit, enjoyable but not as good as I was expecting.
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This was great. Drank after a 2009 Hewitt. The Latour was slightly better. Probably due to the fact that it had an additional year under its belt. Overall there was better structure and finish.
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This is still a terrific wine. I have two bottle left that I will probably drink this year but I think it has 2 or 3 years left if the bottle is in good condition. This bottle had some scuffing but no condition issues to speak of. Cork was perfect. Big fruit. Good finish. Well put together. Great wine from beginning to end. Long finish. Terrific wine. Still has stuffing after all these years. Alcohol was well balanced. Really well done. Wish I had a case!
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Decanted for about two hours. A simple, fruity nose with some dusty accents. Tight, dark fruit, with some caramel and woody notes. Turns a little to cedar with more air. Perhaps a touch of raisin? Quite a bit of tannin and acid and surprisingly balanced for a big wine. Hold for at least three years.
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Robe rubis de moyenne intensité. Nez délicat de petits fruits (framboise, cerise) et chêne légèrement grillé. Attaque sur un soyeux enveloppant. Bouche fruitée, mais de belle concentration. Tannins enrobants et faciles d’approche. Pas une bombe de compétition, mais plutôt un vin fort élégant dans son ensemble.
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This wine was less than expected. Nothing particularly wrong but didn't overwhelm either. Definitely ready to drink with little structure left for aging.
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Rich, structured Cabernet with active yet smooth tannins. Very nice dark fruit with powerful notes of tobacco, mint and chocolate. Must decant for at least an hour to fully enjoy this wine and expect it to develop over the next 10 years.
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Friday Night Double Blind Tasting $40+ (Bin 75): Dark core with thin bright garnet rim; classic old school Cabernet- Napa, green pepper, ripe cassis, anise, slight weedy eucalyptus note; dark berry, cassis, cedar, ripe and spicy, nice structure; good; called wine but missed vintage.
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looking at all the 90+ scores for this wine I'm wondering of I had an off bottle. There was nothing youthful or sweet about it. I've had a lot of Latour over the years and this was a bit flat and dull. I hope this was just that. An off bottle.
Multiple tastings with consistent notes. A bit overpriced in Texas. Strong aromatics, nice fruit. I do like the 07 BV clone 4 better, but you can tell they are cut from the same cloth.
Tough wine; good flavor but so high in alcohol, 15.1%; a 3 person bottle; some complexity, not totally balanced; good mouthfeel; drank with veal chops; you want to drink more but you can't because it is so big; we can appreciate the wine but not our favorite; what is the purpose of wine; what role does it play in a meal? Should we try to be impartial or should we have a bias when we review a wine; do wine writers consider whether one can drink several glasses of a wine when the write glowing reviews after 1 sip?
Dark fruit and leather on the nose, with spice, smoke, and earth notes. Rich and juicy on the palate, with dark fruit and leather, some spice, and a nice smoky finish.
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Very dark purple, almost oil. Nose has a leather quality. Tannins are fine but still aggressive, still young. Excellent dark fruit and black currant. Slight drying finish. Super wine with a long life.
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Too young still. Wait at least another year to let some of the heat blow off. Drank over two days and while it shows nice red fruit, the heat just didn't go away.
Nose of dark berries, some oak, brown sugar and syrup. Medium bodied, young tannins that are still big, but it has a fairly smooth finish given the age. The oak and fruit is a little off balance right now, I would prefer a little more fruit. It will get better, but is really good now.
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I have to say I was a bit disappointed when I had this. Reading all the reviews got my hopes up. I'm not denying that this is a good bottle of wine, but it isn't a great one just yet. It really needs some time in the cellar. Be patient and be rewarded.
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I just had a very small sip from my wife's glass late in the night at a friends house. Very tight and primary. I will wait 3-5 years before opening one of ours.
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Rouge rubis, nez de cassis , fruit noirs. Bouche soyeuse de framboises et mûres , cuir et une longue finale de creme de cassis . De style Bordelais. Très grand vin 95+.
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PnP w/15 min decant. Bottle was leaker that BV was kind enough to replace. Luckily the wine was still sound. Although young, the wine was very approachable. Nice big nose of Cab fruit, med body, clean, wonderful finish. Has plenty of time yet. Nothing off, $64.
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Popped and poured at a really dark restaurant. I tried but couldn't tell the real color of the wine. Wine smells wonderful and fresh even for not being decanted. Lots of black fruits, some spice and no oaky/vanilla taste. Strong tannins but not overwhelming. Fairly long finish for such a young wine. I actually like this vintage better than '07 when drinking with food. Had it with some bbq ribs. The only wine I like better on this price range with the same vintage is the 2008 Groth Reserve.
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I've tried every GDL since 97 and this is my favorite, even at this young age. Much more bordeaux in character than the typical napa cab/blend, it has balanced and elegant spice, black fruit, cedar and a touch of sweetness. On night two, it was more round and indicated a few years would serve this well. Drink or hold at this point.
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Aerated into decanter and rested for about 5 hours - opened up very nicely. Well balanced, slight tannins in the background (which I like). Fruit on the nose, smooth mouth feel, definitely tasted cherries, not too chewy but has good body. Still a little young, but delicious.
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Had a small pour. Sweet fruits and smoky, very nice finish that build up, much sweeter than other wine in the tasting which I do not quite appreciate. 90-91pts.
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Decanted and rested for almost 3 hours - opened up perfectly. Well balanced, slight tannins in the background (which I like). Fruit on the nose, smooth mouth feel, not too much grip but definitely has body. Will age well - I recommend laying down a bit longer but if you must - it's beautiful.
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Weak considering the asking price, but I remember past vintages being way better so I think it's just the fact that it's 08. The oak dulls it out a bit, but there's some nice plum and red currant going on, and it's quite fine, just dull and piss boring.
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Let this decant for 6 hrs. Tasted it every 2 hrs & this thing opened up beautifully. The tannins softener the acidity became subtle & the finish lingered on for over 30 seconds. Velvety smooth on the palate with the softness of silk. Beautiful dark inky purple colors & something to drink after cellaring for a few years.
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Strawberry tones on the nose with wonderful berry undertones. Lingering finish with mild tannins & low acidity. After decanted for a few hrs I'm truly glad I have 3 more bottles to tuck away. These will truly age gracefully.
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My wife loved it and she has the better palat. it needs a bit to open, but a good hour or 2 does this wine well. Great fruit, will stand up well to some time in the cellar
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Wine Spectator's Grand Tour, Las Vegas NV 2012 (Grand Ballroom Mirage Casino, Las Vegas NV): Light on the front with a great finish. Some mild bitterness. This wine is way too young for prime drinking. Really nice wine but I was disappointed that it was not better.....I enjoyed the 06 much more about 2 years ago. One person leading the pouring indicated they believed any vintage should held for drinking until it was 10 years after the vintage date
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Served chilled to us at a wine tasting. Fruit and flavors were bursting though the tannins. One of the best young wines I ever tasted. Flavors include chocolate, vanilla, bold spicy berry's, cherry and oak. Have 3 more bottles. Hope I can resist opening those for at least a few years.
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BV Georges de Latour Private Reserve Vertical Tasting: Dark purple almost a black core. Big minty notes fly out of the glass with chocolate, baking spice and vanilla galore. The dark berries are a little hidden under all the debauchery. Big tannins, but smooth and round, silky. Big bold dark berries, vanilla, mint and forest floor notes. This is just a baby at the moment.
91+pts.
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3/28/2024 - Rusdry wrote: 94 Points
Still maturing at 11 years, but very drinkable. Oak is still a bit strong, but not dominant. Well integrated and pleasurable with a dry mouth finish. Tasted of dark cherry, tea leaf, and tobacco
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3/22/2024 - manny651 Likes this wine: 93 Points
aging beautifully
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12/27/2023 - Winiac wrote: 94 Points
Plush fruit with balanced structure and mature flavors. Nice mouthfeel with long length and pleasant finish.
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12/16/2023 - asplatt19 wrote: 95 Points
At its peak.
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8/18/2023 - Barry Notes Likes this wine: 92 Points
Decanted for 1hr and returned to bottle 2 hours prior to service. Clear with moderate amount of very fine sediment. Dark purple w/deep ruby edge, no sign of bricking. Long stained legs. Rotten cork which initially showed in the taste but blew off with time. If not for the cork, this would age years yet as the tannins were still pronounced at the finish. Full throttle juice with no rough edge up front and middle with some firm tannins. Very long finish. $60 winery direct.
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7/1/2023 - Nomadirish wrote: 84 Points
Maybe something wrong with my bottle given other comments but this one lost its structure - drinkable but zero body.
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6/18/2023 - Blackwa Likes this wine: 95 Points
Delicious. At its peak right now. Drink up!
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6/17/2023 - redsonly wrote: 94 Points
Patience rewarded
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6/15/2023 - Rklee4 Likes this wine: 95 Points
Fantastic!
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5/28/2023 - garygailkrivan Likes this wine: 93 Points
Smooth Tannins, Dark Fruit, and notes of Leather, Tobacco and Vanilla
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3/11/2023 - Outplaying wrote:
With DM, EM, Steve. I liked this initially, but when I came back to it later in the night, it seemed big and sweetish, and I lost interest in it. The 94 Diamond Creek was much more to my liking.
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2/25/2023 - WilliamF17 Likes this wine: 90 Points
Cork leaked but still viable. Good finish, moderate body with solid fruit and even tannin.
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12/30/2022 - AAJR Likes this wine: 94 Points
PnP'd & was ready to go. Fruity nose. Dark berries, cassis, spice flavors. Integrated tannins - really drinking well. Lots of life left in the this one - DRINK or HOLD.
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9/26/2022 - Dmjmd wrote: 93 Points
Tannins balanced. Just about prefect fruit and earth balance
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7/18/2022 - Quiet Lion Likes this wine: 94 Points
Decanted briefly. This is showing beautifully. Classic aged Napa Cab with plenty of fruit left and well-integrated palate. A perennial favorite.
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5/2/2022 - Janstan Likes this wine: 92 Points
Almost aCoconut taste, delightful. Went well with roasted strip loin of beef
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4/26/2022 - ruppdavey@yahoo.com wrote: 93 Points
Excellent wine for a BV GdL. In its prime with sweet blackberry and plumb. Strong but integrated tannins. Looking forward to drinking the rest over next two to three years.
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4/15/2022 - AllRed wrote: 93 Points
Friday Group Brown Bag Tasting (R&D's): Double blind. Aromas of incense, dark berry fruit and chocolate. Full-bodied with a bit of a tannic bite. Flavors of black currant, plum and chocolate linger on the finish. Excellent. Easy to pick out as Napa cab sauv. (R&D)
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3/20/2022 - Baron Slick wrote: 94 Points
A beautiful wine. Lovely ripe and singed bouquet of scorched earth, black cherries, eucalyptus, and fresh herbs. The palate is spicy and complex, with a succulent richness that makes it comes across as resolved, but it possesses power and tannic structure in spades, which will help it grow and evolve even further over the next decade. Long and sapid on the mineral-inflected finish. Drink with a 2+ hour decant or hold another few years.
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1/30/2022 - DJ Veritas Likes this wine: 93 Points
Good bottle. I got what I expected for the 2008 GDL. After a short decant the very slight prune vanished showing wonderful bouquet of roses, cherry pie, and black currant. Palate had wonderful and complex structure with a very long finish. I look forward to trying another bottle in 5 years or so. DJV
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12/20/2021 - sfwinelover1 Likes this wine: 93 Points
Last of a 6 bottle lot. I’ve been positive, if not effusively so, on prior bottles (I gave 2 away, and a third was consumed before I came on CT), but there’s something about getting to the end of a lot I’ve held for a while, whether wistfulness, development of the wine, or something else, that makes me more observant and appreciative of the bottling, and this was no exception. The cassis, black cherries, blackberries, black currants and plums seemed richer (prior writer’s point that this could be seen as verging on pruniness at least somewhat well taken), the secondary notes of chocolate, tobacco, anise, forest floor and leather a bit more finely etched and deeper, than prior bottles. Highly enjoyable on its own, and a more than solid complement with leftover steak one night and gnocchi another. Yet from the first, this has been a wine with a profoundly mature feeling, something to drink in an overstuffed armchair, beautifully balanced and not without power, but not holding a candle in energy and intensity to the recent, cheaper Capezzana. Continue to recommend drinking sooner than later. 93+
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9/19/2021 - levinml wrote: 89 Points
Huge disappointment for big wine, properly aged from excellent vintage. Seemed pruney and over-the-hill. Can’t guarantee provenance, so maybe something there.
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9/11/2021 - Mdb1982 Likes this wine: 93 Points
Bottle seemed less impressive than the previous one.
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8/27/2021 - Jolayne0 Likes this wine: 94 Points
Dark fruit, pepper, mushrooms. Bolder than the '07, without the smooth long finish. I still liked it a lot and enjoyed it with our charcuterie board. Paired really well with manchego cheese and calabrese.
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6/18/2021 - johncontilightinginc@gmail.com Likes this wine: 96 Points
A true representative of a California Cab. It's still young and can drink for another 10 years. A full bodied Cabernet. Garnet colored with cassis and blackberry flavors and a smooth finish. Loved it!
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5/19/2021 - Mdb1982 Likes this wine: 95 Points
93 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
"This was the first vintage made in Beaulieu’s new winery, dedicated to Georges de Latour Private Reserve. Composed of 95% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Petit Verdot and 2% Malbec, 40% of the 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon Private Reserve Georges de Latour was fermented in barrel. It was aged in 100% new French oak barrels for 27 months. Deep garnet in color, the nose opens with earthy, dried herbs, smoked meats and tar notions over a core of warm plums, fallen leaves and blackcurrant cordial plus a touch of dried mulberries and cranberries. Full-bodied and packed to the gills with black fruit and earthy layers, it has a very firm, chewy texture and just enough freshness, finishing with an herbal lift. (LPB)" (5/2019)
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2/8/2021 - levinml wrote: 92 Points
First wine drank from major 00 retail purchase. Good condition all around. Middle of fairway flavors, but may be a little less going on complexity-wise than I'd prefer. May get better, but not sure.
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1/29/2021 - Dmjmd wrote: 93 Points
Soft tannins still good fruit great with pastrami
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11/1/2020 - travelme Likes this wine: 93 Points
EatDrinkRepeat nailed the notes although I got no alcohol that was noticeable or prevalent. Consumed amongst about twenty five other bottles and while this was great we had a few that shined a little brighter. Deep purple and had a youthful vibrancy to it. On the palate, I got black and red fruit profiles with dark chocolate, blackberry, and just a hint of leather. This can still improve potentially but for me it is at or near peak now. Great wine from a historic Napa producer. Glad to see them making great wines again after a gap.
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9/19/2020 - eatdrinkrepeat Likes this wine: 91 Points
Fruity and round on the nose and palette. So youthful for a 12-year-old bottle. A big wine with alcohol peeking through as the night went on. Structured and well supported by soft tannin. Very enjoyable (if one finds that 15.1% alcohol agreeable).
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8/24/2020 - Quiet Lion Likes this wine: 94 Points
Decanted two hours. Sturdy, classic Napa Cab with dark fruit, slate, moderate acid, fine herbs, medium finish. These remain some of my favorite California wines with their firm tannins, purity, and density, and this one is starting to peak in a long drinking window.
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8/20/2020 - Barry Notes Likes this wine: 90 Points
BNO, 65th B-day
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8/11/2020 - sfwinelover1 wrote:
Similar to 12/31/19 note, but this time I did a small PnP, and the wine was surprisingly tannic. After about an hour and some vigorous swirling, the wine integrated for an otherwise similar tasting experience. 92-93 scoring. Drink sooner than later.
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7/4/2020 - Beatsmith8 Likes this wine: 95 Points
Delicious, ready to rock and roll
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6/13/2020 - Wino from Michigan wrote: 92 Points
Smooth easy drinker with great fruit throughout palate. Not over the top but did well with red meat and potatoes.
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6/12/2020 - Vman Likes this wine:
Lively typical high end cali cab. Needs a steak and young in 2020. Blackberry ans leather.
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6/5/2020 - nrjessup Likes this wine: 93 Points
Pop and poured this one had very noticeable oak tones with a woodsy and herbal nose. Picking up some berries in the rear. On the palette the licorice and star anise come thru for me. Fruit remains hidden making it a more “powerful” forward wine to me. The finish is long lasting a good 45-60 seconds before lingering off. Enjoying will write more as it opens up.
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5/31/2020 - td1836 Likes this wine: 93 Points
Cassis, dark cherry, a little graphite and tobacco leaves. There is a softness of the tannins, but still retains plenty of structure. To my palate, this is in a wonderful spot right now. Juicy fruit and cedar on the finish.
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5/31/2020 - HelenANDTony Likes this wine: 94 Points
Very drinkable right now. Smooth tannins and illy integrated flavors.
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3/14/2020 - Wino from Michigan wrote: 90 Points
Good but has gotten really soft
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3/1/2020 - Kavine wrote: 91 Points
Decantered for over an hour but the smoothness showed more post that time. It was somewhat tight initially and not as fruit forward w that long finish I was expecting. Have always enjoyed this producer but today set me back ...
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1/25/2020 - Rbtrage wrote: 94 Points
Fantastic from start to finish!
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12/31/2019 - sfwinelover1 Likes this wine: 92 Points
2nd of 6 (sold 2 to my sis) from a friends & family sale bought from the corporate parent about 5 years ago. My first tasting note on this, but in addition to the bottle I drank a few years ago from my stash, a friend bought several cases, and I've helped him get through several bottles, so I'm well familiar with this bottling and its evolution. Opened for an hour+ but not decanted before consumption, although I think that this wine would work well as a PnP. Intoxicating nose of dark fruit and dark flowers. On the palate, voluptuous blackberries, cherries, and currants along with notes of varying strength of earth, Rutherford dust, leather, tobacco, dark chocolate, violets and oak. Dark purplish brown, medium bodied, long legs. Medium+ acidity, silky smooth, totally integrated tannins, medium to long persistence. This is a delicious wine which stylistically splits the difference between the more Bordeaux styled cabs and the more intense cult cabs from, alas, a huge corporate producer which, in decent growing years, makes a super-reliable, above average qpr product (very comparable to its stablemate, the Beringer Private Reserve, which I usually slightly prefer but is a bit pricier). Worked well with spaghetti and meatballs, leftover rack of lamb and chocolate. Definitely in its prime drinking window, but I'm more inclined to go with Mel than Jordan and say that, for peak consumption, drink in the next few years (I hasten to add that it won't suck for quite a while after that, just that the tannins probably won't continue to support the fruit as well they are now). Just ordered a bottle of the '16 for $70 from another f&f sale, and if you can do so with any other relatively recent vintage other than the'11, would encourage others to do the same. 92-93, and would add another point or two with a bit more structure.
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12/25/2019 - Night Train Likes this wine: 92 Points
One of five stellar cabs at a bodacious Xmas tasting. No detailed notes. Terrific, and will probably still improve with time.
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11/28/2019 - jordanj Likes this wine: 92 Points
Dark center w/ minor bricking at the edge. Initially very closed. Tight muted bouquet of sweet cherries licorice, herbs and molasses. Still high in acidity but smooth palate with Rutherford dust. Long herbal finish. 2 hours later the last sip was the best. Hardly any sediment. I will open the next bottle in no sooner than 2-3 years.
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10/13/2019 - Night Train Likes this wine: 95 Points
Yowza! Great - I mean GREAT nose. Mostly plums, with hints of licorice on both the nose and the palate. Extremely - I mean EXTREMELY rich. With food, the tannins are barely noticeable, but they are still there. Very good finish, but the nose stole the show. Only negative was the oak, which was too obtrusive and too American. Another year or two may tame the oak, and the wine is certainly gonna keep that long.
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9/23/2019 - melal41 wrote: 93 Points
Excellent bottle. Was part of a tasting night. Other bottles were Ridge Estate Cab 2008, Blankiet Rive Droite 2008, Spottswoode Estate 2008 and Mondavi reserve 2004.
Came on 3d place by a group opinion after Mondavi and Spottswoode.
This is fully mature red with a deep beautiful color, aromatic nose, medium body, very balanced and dark fruit dominated. Finish is smooth and medium length. Drink within 2-3 years. Very lovely.
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8/30/2019 - ppaluszewski Likes this wine: 93 Points
Beautiful dark fruit, earth, cedar, texture, and velvety tannins after opening up in the glass. While this is not a blockbuster vintage, it is still very good and squarely in its window. Drinking well now but can cellar for a few more years easily. 93+ pts. PJP 2019.
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8/9/2019 - Arch57 Likes this wine: 92 Points
I decanted this about 45 minutes before starting to drink it as I grilled Sirloin tips. I find it tough in the summer to deal with 85 deg temps and a bold juicy red as this warmed up quickly from cellar temperature. After dinner I poured another glass added a large ice cube and headed to the dock to watch the sunset. Ahh, the wine expanded with flavor, the "burn" was gone and replaced by cedar notes with creamy tannins. I vacu-vinned about 1/2 bottle as the misses was sipping a vodka gimlet and will sample it later.
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8/9/2019 - Quiet Lion Likes this wine: 93 Points
Pop and pour. This needed two hours to open up, then a lovely full-bodied Rutherford Cabernet with earth, chocolate, chewy tannins, dark fruit. Upside from here.
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8/5/2019 - vinorsk Likes this wine: 90 Points
A year later and it has recharged. Drank with a dry brined tenderloin - delicious wine. Good dark druits and well integrated tannins and balanced acidity. Dark raspberries and black cherry, a very balanced wine with hints of cedar. Delicious as usual.
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4/28/2019 - Kavine wrote: 93 Points
Long smooth finish, decanted for an hour and it opened up differently every 15 minutes after ...
Worth it and blended perfectly with a Sunday Cantonese dinner. Bordeaux Napa combination which will suit many ....
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3/30/2019 - Racer117 Likes this wine: 95 Points
My first time tasting the '08 and like all other vintages I have tried of this wine, it did not disappoint.
Elegant and beautiful nose of dark fruit,mocha, and tobacco. Similar flavors washed down with a fabulous velvety texture and a long finish. This checks all the boxes for a world class cabernet.
Thanks to Bomba for sharing.
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2/10/2019 - Schiffy Likes this wine: 95 Points
Five years later, this Cab has become more concentrated, fruit forward and delicious! Deep, dark blackberry fruit with silky smooth tannins, perfectly structured with secondary notes of mocha, chocolate, cassis and a touch of tobacco. This has become a world class wine and is materially better than in 2014. Must decant for at least an hour.
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2/6/2019 - TomOfCT Likes this wine: 88 Points
A bit loose and losing structure. Still robust fruits...but not what I expected from this bottle.
My last of the ‘08s...
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1/26/2019 - AllRed wrote: 87 Points
4th Saturday Group (M/M thelostverse): Double blind. Dark fruit- currants and plum- along with a strong bouillon note. Plummy dark fruit on the palate with medium tannins and a medium finish. Guessed cab sauv.
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1/24/2019 - 422dbowlsby Likes this wine: 93 Points
A beautifully balanced wine at it's peak. Dark fruits and graphite on the nose; delivers same to the palate. Long finish.
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10/14/2018 - csklsc Likes this wine: 91 Points
Cherry nose, slightly bright, followed by currant and cherry tones with a softened tannic finish and an occasional raisiny hint as others have pointed out. Started opening up after ~2 hours of air and holding consistently over the next day. Enjoyable but a little underwhelming considering the price point when released.
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9/29/2018 - nowine4u Likes this wine: 92 Points
Well balanced wine. Dark color, subtle aromas, spice and dark cherry flavors that linger.
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9/3/2018 - wineoracle wrote: 92 Points
Decanted and let breath in cellar for about 3 hours. Dark fruits, very well integrated tannins,long finish. Wish I had more
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8/27/2018 - vinorsk wrote:
A little flabby. Decanted and drank with grilled leg of lamb. Getting round, decent primary black fruit and soft tannins but it has lost a lot of acidity and is starting to break down. Drink up.
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8/12/2018 - Outplaying wrote:
Just a faint hint of cork taint. Beyond that, this was pretty good, with dark fruits and some earthiness. A bigger wine than we normally prefer, but this is well balanced.
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8/10/2018 - vinorsk Likes this wine:
Drank in August 2018 with whale steak. Slightly over the hill, a little raisiny. Lots of sediment but still rich dark purple color and lots of black fruit. Tannins were soft and acidity was in perfect balance. Good wine, but time to drink up. Doesn't have the longevity of the 2007.
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8/4/2018 - juneau bob wrote: 91 Points
Favorite at dinner, served w tea rubbed grilled steak.
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7/28/2018 - nrjessup Likes this wine: 93 Points
Was the finishing bottle at dinner behind a Kosta SLH pinot and it was a great way to close out the evening. Drinks medium bodied and tannins are smoothed out and even at this point. Still a good nose with a balance of oak and spice.
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6/2/2018 - MDRwinos wrote: 89 Points
Most interesting bottle. Decanted :45. Cab tannins noticeable at first. Then became a more bordeaux type with fruit less prevalent. Then, the fruit came back into balance. Interesting evolution over 2 hours. Not sure how this will change over time so hard to say drink or hold.
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5/28/2018 - Tannic Monster Likes this wine: 93 Points
Wow. This is ready with a pop and pour. The better 2007 vintage of this is in a closed state and at the moment doesn't compare with this...I had an 07 a few weeks ago. This is loaded with fruit and strawberry jam. The tannins are mellowed out and the acid very tame...it is simply quaffable. I'm not sure it has the stuff to age another 10-15 years like some believe....but it is drinking wonderfully now.
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4/1/2018 - BornToRhone Likes this wine: 92 Points
750ml; PnP; Big fruity nose with very round flavors of dark red berries and currents; Tannins well integrated but still slightly "at large" - good for pairing with our Beef Wellington. Still needs more secondary development but I am not sure the acidity is there to support it long term. I would recommend sampling/drinking this now or in the next few years to get your gauge on this wine. Still - fun with beef!
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2/14/2018 - Night Train Likes this wine: 94 Points
Exceeded my expectations. Opened about 2 hours before tasting. Tremendous nose - plums, black cherries, red licorice, tobacco, and a little vanilla. Plums and black cherries dominated on the palate. Full bodied and extremely rich. Wonderful finish, where the tobacco notes re-emerged. Needless to say, it was a big boy. Very well balanced right now, and it should continue to improve over the next few years. BV Reserve was the first "high end" wine I ever bought, back in the early seventies. It's as good now as it was back then; possibly even better.
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2/6/2018 - dalemosier Likes this wine: 94 Points
We had a taste off with the 2008 BV Latour Reserve against the 2006 Stags Leap the Poetry and 2009 Frank CS. Hands down the BV was the winner with a more integrated, rounded taste and pleasant lingering taste. The Stags' Leap Poetry was a close 2nd and Frank a distant 3rd.
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12/16/2017 - manny651 Likes this wine: 92 Points
big beautiful cali cab
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9/10/2017 - cfarren Likes this wine: 94 Points
Drinking beautifully. Allowed to aerate gently in the glass...nice black pepper mid-note, plum (subtle) with red licorice on the nose.
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9/10/2017 - Wineson Likes this wine: 92 Points
Very smooth
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9/4/2017 - Outplaying wrote:
Ann and I both enjoyed a glass of this, despite it's size and our preferences now. Hard to drink much more though. I preferred the 2010 Senejac that followed this.
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4/27/2017 - MAXIMUM SATISFACTION wrote: 93 Points
Opened in bottle for a couple hours and in reality needs several more years or a 5 hour decant. Starting to show some nice stewed mature notes but remained dominated by dusty tannin and sharp acidity. Sweet palate of raspberry liqueur, chocolate cherries, and sweet tobacco. Ideally needs 5 more years as this is barely middle aged. Upside potential here.
Second Day- pumped overnight and was unfortunately dominated by soy sauce and prune. Would give this 88-90 day 2.
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3/26/2017 - kdregister wrote: 92 Points
Score 92 (excitement) - 93 (quality/craftsmanship) - more about well made and mature, less about fireworks. Much improvement since 2 yrs ago. Will still benefit from more time and while smooth still has noticeable tannin. Tasty to drink now and predict considerably better as it ages.
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2/8/2017 - Quiet Lion Likes this wine: 95 Points
Decanted and served, but this needs a two-hour decant at this point in its life. Sturdy and concentrated, I suspect this beauty will evolve gracefully for 20+ years. Normally I drink well-aged vintages of this, one of my favorites for taste and value, but occasionally I open a younger bottle out of curiosity. It's remarkable how long they have kept the quality up and the price down.
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12/16/2016 - americanstorm wrote: 88 Points
Decanted thru a venturi then let sit for about 2 hours. Maybe my taste was off because there were about 20 different cabs and nothing really tasted great--even a bottle of overture, which I have had in the past and really liked. Thought this was ok but nothing special. Just didn't do it for me.
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11/28/2016 - Skiperwaif wrote: 98 Points
A M A Z I N G wine! Decanted for a couple of hours and served with appetizers before Thanksgiving dinner. I am thankful that I have 2 more bottles.
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11/24/2016 - Lakersguy Likes this wine: 91 Points
From Magnum, purchased on released. Waited a long time to try these. First of two. Decent wine with some tannin left. Not worth the price. I would wait another two years before I opened another. I enjoyed it but expected more.
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11/11/2016 - mntebolt wrote: 85 Points
good
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10/8/2016 - MattLP Likes this wine: 90 Points
Reminiscent of fruity right bank Bordeaux. Toasted oak, coffee, black cherry. Too sweet.
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10/2/2016 - td1836 Likes this wine: 93 Points
Deep flavors of black current, blackberry, pencil shavings. More of a bordeaux profile than a fruit forward Napa cab. It was much more balanced and the oak has integrated a lot since last time I had it in 2013. Very good.
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9/5/2016 - Stevere wrote:
Blown away by the 2000.
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7/7/2016 - Siebs Cellar Likes this wine: flawed
Very acidic. Decanting did not help.
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4/26/2016 - SMHalps Likes this wine: 93 Points
2008 Napa Valley Cabernet Night (Lincoln Squre Steaks, Amsterdam Ave, New York City): Had this as part of a 2008 Napa Cabernet tasting dinner. At first, when we poured it into a decanter, we were worried it was past its prime. It smelled (and tasted) devoid of fruit and very acidic. We should not have worried....After an hour in the decanter it turned into a great wine. Much less fruit than the other Napa Cabs we had. It could very well be confused for a Bordeaux wine. This went over very well with our group.
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12/31/2015 - Fire Bill wrote: 94 Points
Decanted for an hour and drank over next two hours. Definitely got better with air. Dark red fruit profile, great mouthfeel and long finish. Not showing any age yet. Was good with food, but I also think this is just fine on its own. Drink now thru 2025
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9/26/2015 - AllRed wrote: 87 Points
4th Saturday Brown Bagger (Rich's & Dana's): Opens with a perfumed floral note, followed by dark fruit and blackberry. It is initially very pretty but as it sits aromas of ripe, raisined fruit emerge. The palate shows black fruit and bouillon cube qualities and is a bit acidic. Guessed Napa Cab Sauv.
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8/18/2015 - juicejammer Likes this wine: 91 Points
Medium ruby in the glass with aromas of black cherry, red currant, anise and turned earth. Teeth staining tannins take over on the palate with a rich, glycol mouthfeel. Finishes with some back end heat and of course Rutherford dust. If you like your Cab ripe, hot and chewy, then drink up, otherwise lay down for 5 years. Potential is there for a couple more points.
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7/21/2015 - iamandyc wrote: 90 Points
Good modern cab with no major flaws, just nothing to distinguish from the pack and not a great QPR at retail. Dark red fruited wine that needs lengthy decanting. Good body and well integrated. Fruit dominates. Not much complexity at this stage.
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6/19/2015 - dmorris176 Likes this wine: 90 Points
Should have decanted for an hour or two, the last glass was certainly the best. Soft tannins, black berry fruit, enjoyable but not as good as I was expecting.
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6/13/2015 - cmmatthews Likes this wine: 92 Points
Toffee, dried cherries, chocolate. Bright fruits were mostly gone from mine but not sure if that is representative of the wine right now.
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5/4/2015 - PourSomeRed wrote: 93 Points
This was great. Drank after a 2009 Hewitt. The Latour was slightly better. Probably due to the fact that it had an additional year under its belt. Overall there was better structure and finish.
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4/30/2015 - MorgantonMichael wrote: 95 Points
This is still a terrific wine. I have two bottle left that I will probably drink this year but I think it has 2 or 3 years left if the bottle is in good condition. This bottle had some scuffing but no condition issues to speak of. Cork was perfect. Big fruit. Good finish. Well put together. Great wine from beginning to end. Long finish. Terrific wine. Still has stuffing after all these years. Alcohol was well balanced. Really well done. Wish I had a case!
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3/29/2015 - Outplaying wrote:
Decanted for about two hours. A simple, fruity nose with some dusty accents. Tight, dark fruit, with some caramel and woody notes. Turns a little to cedar with more air. Perhaps a touch of raisin? Quite a bit of tannin and acid and surprisingly balanced for a big wine. Hold for at least three years.
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3/5/2015 - FMRsommelier wrote: 92 Points
Robe rubis de moyenne intensité. Nez délicat de petits fruits (framboise, cerise) et chêne légèrement grillé. Attaque sur un soyeux enveloppant. Bouche fruitée, mais de belle concentration. Tannins enrobants et faciles d’approche. Pas une bombe de compétition, mais plutôt un vin fort élégant dans son ensemble.
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1/21/2015 - JJB1 wrote: flawed
Corked wine
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1/14/2015 - Soche wrote: 88 Points
This wine was less than expected. Nothing particularly wrong but didn't overwhelm either. Definitely ready to drink with little structure left for aging.
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11/15/2014 - Schiffy Likes this wine: 93 Points
Rich, structured Cabernet with active yet smooth tannins. Very nice dark fruit with powerful notes of tobacco, mint and chocolate. Must decant for at least an hour to fully enjoy this wine and expect it to develop over the next 10 years.
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9/19/2014 - Rezy13 wrote:
Friday Night Double Blind Tasting $40+ (Bin 75): Dark core with thin bright garnet rim; classic old school Cabernet- Napa, green pepper, ripe cassis, anise, slight weedy eucalyptus note; dark berry, cassis, cedar, ripe and spicy, nice structure; good; called wine but missed vintage.
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9/18/2014 - g289519 wrote: 92 Points
drinking well for such a young wine. dark cherry and coco. slight tobacco. long mid palette finish. will be amazing next 10 years
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9/16/2014 - PourSomeRed wrote: 89 Points
looking at all the 90+ scores for this wine I'm wondering of I had an off bottle. There was nothing youthful or sweet about it. I've had a lot of Latour over the years and this was a bit flat and dull. I hope this was just that. An off bottle.
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8/4/2014 - VINO-LOVER wrote:
- Crimsom color.
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8/4/2014 - fredfromny wrote: 93 Points
Nectar sweet wonderful fruit start through finish. Will wait a couple more years for the next bottle.
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7/30/2014 - BinVA Likes this wine: 94 Points
Best They've made in a while
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7/18/2014 - absolutvodka wrote: 94 Points
Always elegant and what a really great napa cab should be. More silk than brawn
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7/10/2014 - webbaker Likes this wine: 93 Points
Multiple tastings with consistent notes. A bit overpriced in Texas. Strong aromatics, nice fruit. I do like the 07 BV clone 4 better, but you can tell they are cut from the same cloth.
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6/29/2014 - TastesGoodToMe Likes this wine: 92 Points
What a difference a year makes. Coming together very nicely. Currant, Blackberry, plum. Medium Finish.
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6/16/2014 - Iceman611 wrote: 94 Points
Perfect with Churrascaria. Blew away a caymus cab.
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6/1/2014 - Wineson Likes this wine: 93 Points
Very nice wine. Everyone enjoyed it with the steak. It was a smooth easy drinker.
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5/28/2014 - webbaker Likes this wine: 95 Points
Nice balance of fruit and aromatics, something in the aromatic that I can't quite put my finger on, eucalyptus? Very enjoyable.
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5/3/2014 - Tyler C Likes this wine: 94 Points
Outstanding, wasn't expecting such a complex and bold wine for the off year.
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5/1/2014 - VinoPKM wrote: 92 Points
Big, young and bright red fruits- a solid Napa can on the big new world modern style.
Very tasty and better wine from Napa for the money.
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4/26/2014 - mwneil Likes this wine: 92 Points
Tough wine; good flavor but so high in alcohol, 15.1%; a 3 person bottle; some complexity, not totally balanced; good mouthfeel; drank with veal chops; you want to drink more but you can't because it is so big; we can appreciate the wine but not our favorite; what is the purpose of wine; what role does it play in a meal? Should we try to be impartial or should we have a bias when we review a wine; do wine writers consider whether one can drink several glasses of a wine when the write glowing reviews after 1 sip?
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3/30/2014 - mmurry Likes this wine: 93 Points
Dark fruit and leather on the nose, with spice, smoke, and earth notes. Rich and juicy on the palate, with dark fruit and leather, some spice, and a nice smoky finish.
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3/30/2014 - brigcampbell wrote:
OCPoker4wine - Ashley and Brian come home (WCC - Irvine CA): Blind - guessed California napa.
Very dark purple, almost oil. Nose has a leather quality. Tannins are fine but still aggressive, still young. Excellent dark fruit and black currant. Slight drying finish. Super wine with a long life.
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3/24/2014 - BinVA Likes this wine: 93 Points
Too young still. Wait at least another year to let some of the heat blow off. Drank over two days and while it shows nice red fruit, the heat just didn't go away.
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3/22/2014 - PourSomeRed wrote: 93 Points
I like this a lot more than last time. It benefits from some air time before you drink it.
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2/15/2014 - absolutvodka wrote: 97 Points
This wine is crazy good and only gets better in the glass. Love it. Had with awesome filet.
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12/24/2013 - td1836 wrote: 93 Points
Nose of dark berries, some oak, brown sugar and syrup. Medium bodied, young tannins that are still big, but it has a fairly smooth finish given the age. The oak and fruit is a little off balance right now, I would prefer a little more fruit. It will get better, but is really good now.
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11/8/2013 - BinVA Likes this wine: 94 Points
Deeeeelicious, best Georges de Latour Private Reserve in years. Excellent fruit and less tannin than in previous vintages
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10/29/2013 - PourSomeRed wrote: 90 Points
I have to say I was a bit disappointed when I had this. Reading all the reviews got my hopes up. I'm not denying that this is a good bottle of wine, but it isn't a great one just yet. It really needs some time in the cellar. Be patient and be rewarded.
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10/20/2013 - Varnerhome wrote: 94 Points
Oh this is so good! Can't imagine what a few more years will do to improve this one.
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10/20/2013 - cupoverflowing1 Likes this wine: 94 Points
young, but delicious
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5/26/2013 - Outplaying wrote:
I just had a very small sip from my wife's glass late in the night at a friends house. Very tight and primary. I will wait 3-5 years before opening one of ours.
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4/12/2013 - czollinger wrote: 92 Points
Great nose, smooth, a dark cheery, not too sweet, a dark red velvet, a good wine.
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4/8/2013 - dedalover Likes this wine: 95 Points
Rouge rubis, nez de cassis , fruit noirs. Bouche soyeuse de framboises et mûres , cuir et une longue finale de creme de cassis . De style Bordelais. Très grand vin 95+.
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3/18/2013 - Barry Notes Likes this wine: 92 Points
PnP w/15 min decant. Bottle was leaker that BV was kind enough to replace. Luckily the wine was still sound. Although young, the wine was very approachable. Nice big nose of Cab fruit, med body, clean, wonderful finish. Has plenty of time yet. Nothing off, $64.
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3/17/2013 - TastesGoodToMe wrote: 91 Points
Decanted 2 hours. I was hoping for more and to be honest was a little disappointed. Tight at this point. Tart and a little hot. Needs more time.
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2/3/2013 - PourSomeRed wrote: 91 Points
Very balanced for such a young wine. There is serious potential for this wine. I opened it about an hour before we drank it.
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1/3/2013 - grafighter Likes this wine: 92 Points
Popped and poured at a really dark restaurant. I tried but couldn't tell the real color of the wine. Wine smells wonderful and fresh even for not being decanted. Lots of black fruits, some spice and no oaky/vanilla taste. Strong tannins but not overwhelming. Fairly long finish for such a young wine. I actually like this vintage better than '07 when drinking with food. Had it with some bbq ribs. The only wine I like better on this price range with the same vintage is the 2008 Groth Reserve.
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12/30/2012 - jrkennedy37 wrote: 94 Points
I've tried every GDL since 97 and this is my favorite, even at this young age. Much more bordeaux in character than the typical napa cab/blend, it has balanced and elegant spice, black fruit, cedar and a touch of sweetness. On night two, it was more round and indicated a few years would serve this well. Drink or hold at this point.
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12/24/2012 - Petek26 wrote: 94 Points
Aerated into decanter and rested for about 5 hours - opened up very nicely. Well balanced, slight tannins in the background (which I like). Fruit on the nose, smooth mouth feel, definitely tasted cherries, not too chewy but has good body. Still a little young, but delicious.
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12/14/2012 - dke wrote:
Had a small pour. Sweet fruits and smoky, very nice finish that build up, much sweeter than other wine in the tasting which I do not quite appreciate. 90-91pts.
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11/17/2012 - cupoverflowing1 wrote: 93 Points
still too young, but very good wine .. look forward to trying again next year
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11/17/2012 - davej95 wrote: 94 Points
Decanted and rested for almost 3 hours - opened up perfectly. Well balanced, slight tannins in the background (which I like). Fruit on the nose, smooth mouth feel, not too much grip but definitely has body. Will age well - I recommend laying down a bit longer but if you must - it's beautiful.
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11/4/2012 - yofog wrote: 91 Points
Weak considering the asking price, but I remember past vintages being way better so I think it's just the fact that it's 08. The oak dulls it out a bit, but there's some nice plum and red currant going on, and it's quite fine, just dull and piss boring.
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10/18/2012 - Jeff Leve wrote: 90 Points
Dark in color, with coffee bean, blackberry, stone and vanilla notes, the polished finish ends with cassis and espresso beans.
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8/26/2012 - JDV.DDSPHD wrote: 93 Points
Let this decant for 6 hrs. Tasted it every 2 hrs & this thing opened up beautifully. The tannins softener the acidity became subtle & the finish lingered on for over 30 seconds. Velvety smooth on the palate with the softness of silk. Beautiful dark inky purple colors & something to drink after cellaring for a few years.
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8/3/2012 - JDV.DDSPHD wrote: 94 Points
Strawberry tones on the nose with wonderful berry undertones. Lingering finish with mild tannins & low acidity. After decanted for a few hrs I'm truly glad I have 3 more bottles to tuck away. These will truly age gracefully.
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7/15/2012 - Chrispx wrote: 92 Points
A little young but everything a good pr should be. Opened up well after an hour.
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6/15/2012 - davej95 wrote: 93 Points
My wife loved it and she has the better palat. it needs a bit to open, but a good hour or 2 does this wine well. Great fruit, will stand up well to some time in the cellar
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5/5/2012 - wtianseter wrote: 92 Points
Wine Spectator's Grand Tour, Las Vegas NV 2012 (Grand Ballroom Mirage Casino, Las Vegas NV): Light on the front with a great finish. Some mild bitterness. This wine is way too young for prime drinking. Really nice wine but I was disappointed that it was not better.....I enjoyed the 06 much more about 2 years ago. One person leading the pouring indicated they believed any vintage should held for drinking until it was 10 years after the vintage date
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3/21/2012 - Nyindallas wrote: 93 Points
Served chilled to us at a wine tasting. Fruit and flavors were bursting though the tannins. One of the best young wines I ever tasted. Flavors include chocolate, vanilla, bold spicy berry's, cherry and oak. Have 3 more bottles. Hope I can resist opening those for at least a few years.
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3/16/2012 - IWineAlot wrote: 91 Points
BV Georges de Latour Private Reserve Vertical Tasting: Dark purple almost a black core. Big minty notes fly out of the glass with chocolate, baking spice and vanilla galore. The dark berries are a little hidden under all the debauchery. Big tannins, but smooth and round, silky. Big bold dark berries, vanilla, mint and forest floor notes. This is just a baby at the moment.
91+pts.
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11/12/2011 - Martin Redmond wrote: 92 Points
A Tasting of Iconic Beaulieu Vineyard Cabs and Bordeaux Blend (Rutherford, California - Napa Valley): Garnet color with aromatic blackberry, cherry, and cassis aromas. On the palate full-bodied, and with black cherry, cocoa, and sweet oak flavors. Long finish. A primarily a blend of Clone #4, and Clone #6, which are also sold on a stand-alone basis
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