Jay Kline

9.1

So...of course, if I’m drinking Maison Ilan, there is a story behind it. AFAIK, this was the last vintage that was released and I was fortunate(?) since many never received their allocation. My first of two bottles of “Aux Charmes Haut”. This was double-capsuled (no doubt by accident) which I found amusing. The cork was perfect and one of those super premium long sort of corks. The appearance in the glass was dark garnet bordering violet and a bit cloudy. From an enjoyment perspective, Day 1 was an utter waste. Too young. The bouquet was really intriguing with loads of dark and red fruits and spice but on the palate, this was completely coiled. All structure. I pushed the cork back in and waited for another day. On Day 4, I revisited, and it was in a much better spot. Ripe plums, dark cherries, bruised strawberries, forest floor, mushrooms...in that order. Still, it came across rather rustic, in a somewhat charming sort of way...but I never really fell head over heals for it either. No shortage of structure even on Day 4 gives me the feeling that the 2013 has a lot of life ahead. My last bottle will sit in the back of the cellar for some day long in the future and then I can once again recall the tales of this flash in the pan producer and what might have been. I would hold if anyone is still hanging on to these. — a day ago

Jay Kline

9.0

Crunchy red fruit, on the darker end of the spectrum. Ferrous and fresh. Quaffable. Hard to ask for more from this very dependable wine. Probably could age well considering the structure. Solid QPR. — 20 days ago

Jay Kline

9.2

This has been resting in my cellar since release and figured this might be ready to go on the pop and pour. I was wrong. Please don’t misunderstand, it’s a treat to drink, it’s just still very young. So much so, in fact, that it took three days to really begin stretching its legs. Well endowed with fruit, I wouldn’t try again for at least another couple of years. I expect it will probably drink very well for another 10-12 years. — a month ago

Jay Kline

9.0

Grapefruit on the nose. On the palate, it’s grapefruit and minerals and...it something that tastes like the smell of fresh pumped gas. Some will get that one. Flint maybe? Probably. Anyway, on this spring-like winter day, outside in Omaha, this hits the spot. Would be lovely with some grilled fish. Can’t wait for more of these days to come in 2020! — a day ago

Jay Kline

9.1

I’m always excited to try a new vintage of Tondonia and earlier this week, I got to try the 2007 for the first time. A significant departure from the 2006 which was (and remains currently) open for business with very little coaxing, the 2007 is austere and loaded with VA. Some aggressive decanting was able to get the VA to blow off and slowly but surely it started to open up, revealing some high quality and seriously dark cherry fruit. A heady, serious wine that needs loads of patience right now if this bottle is representative. Hold or decant for 24 hours. — 20 days ago

Jay Kline

9.4

Recent reviews by some on CT had me curious about how these were evolving so I had to check in myself and personally assess, you know, for science. Popped and poured; consumed over three days. The first day was OTT with red fruit and spices...but mostly the fruit. The spices, really sort of a one-note black pepper bomb, pricking the tongue, perhaps giving a glimpse of something more interesting if patience was exercised. Super clean with no signs of brett. I was almost taken aback because this was coming across rather ham fisted and definitely an outlier for Pegaü. I say almost. Two days later, I revisited the remaining half of the bottle and that’s when things really started to show off. Chewy red and black fruits were still very much in abundance but they were now more delineated and showing somewhat grainy tannins which seems much more pronounced now than they were on the first night. Think the texture of eating a mouthful of brambles. The spices that were teasing on the first night were stepping up to play a more pronounced role taking on more of a black licorice character with some lovely garrigue. Sound structure...though perhaps not as impressive as the 2016 Cuvée Réservée. Long, lip smacking finish though...and really delivering the goods! Based off this experience, I would imagine the best is yet to come for the 2015 Pegaü. If you’re drinking on the pop and pour, prepare for disappointment. These could use some time. I look forward to revisiting in 2025 and beyond. — 20 days ago

Jay Kline

9.2

In a much better place than 18mos ago. Loads of cassis on the nose and a lot of earth on the palate. Fine tannins. Quite masculine. Someone said it best: Catena on the front and Lafite on the back. Pretty much right. — 6 days ago

Jay Kline

8.8

Super easy going red for a simple meal of sausage and peppers over some penne. A great match. — 6 days ago

Jay Kline

9.1

Celebrating 15 years since Holly and I first met each other at a rather life changing Super Bowl party. This 2005 Henriot is not life changing...but it’s is quite good. Cellared since release, it has held up quite well. The color is a striking gold with a persistent mousse. Slightly oxidative, I would categorize this as leaning towards the richer end of the spectrum with lemon curd, nuts and a light touch of brioche. Actually, it sort of reminded me of an English lemon tart. Anyway, it was tasty and it hit the spot. You could hold these longer for sure but I would probably just drink’em now as I don’t anticipate and further positive development. — 20 days ago

Jay Kline

9.4

OG Glenmo Port Wood FTW! Sadly, my last dram from this old bottle. That being said, the newly updated Quinta Ruban with the 14yr age statement is really good and represents one of the best values in Single Malt Scotch Whiskey. — a month ago