Leoville Barton is one of my favorite St. Julien producers and still one of the best values upon release of Left Bank Bordeaux’s. If my memory is correct, I think this was WS’s wine of the year a few years ago.
I haven’t had this since the release at UGC. It was so fresh then. It has definitely put on weight and showing some nice evolution. But, Anthony made his wines for the ages. This will rise 2-3 points with 20 years bottle age.
It is round and lush. Blackberries, black plum, black raspberries, purple fruits, blueberries, some creamy raspberries & dark cherries. Anise, light graphite, tobacco ash, leather, dark, rich earth with dry leaves, dry river stone, limestone marl, dark spice, dry herbaceous notes, hints of black olive, black licorice, dry stems, mix of dry & candied dark flowers, very nice round acidity and a well; balanced, structured, tensioned and polished finish that last minutes.
Would open this in 2032 and beyond. — 3 months ago
Let's go out with a bang!
Byeee 2023!
Deep purple in color with a short purple rim.
Strong fruity nose, bold and fruit forward.
Full bodied and dry on the palate, with medium acidity.
Showing blueberries, blackberries, black currants, black cherries, raisins, dried fruits, figs, dark chocolates, cedar, coffee, vanilla, earth, spices, pencil lead, eucalyptus, cola, light mint, bell pepper, herbs and peppercorn.
Long finish with round tannins and tangy cherries.
This is a gorgeous Napa Valley Bordeaux blend. Very fruity on the palate with great complexity and mouthfeel.
This 14 year old feels and drinks like a young wine. Rich and extracted. Opulent and very complex already.
Fruit forward with lots of earth and green notes. Very interesting stuff. Feels like a blend of Napa Cabernet and Left Bank bordeaux.
Good right out of the bottle, and better after an hour of air time, when tannins come in and show more structure. After 2 hours of airtime the tannins become very grippy.
I tried the 2001 vintage a few years ago, and it was so much better. A good quality wine that will continue to age nicely in the next 20+ years.
Robert Parker 97 points. Wine Spectator 96 points.
A great wine to share with friends and talk about.
14.5% alcohol by volume.
94 points.
$1000. — 5 months ago
#AgedWineTuesday
Dark ruby in color with a wide brick rim
Earthy nose with light oak, black fruits and tobacco.
Medium plus in body with medium acidity.
Dry on the palate with red and black fruits, wood, earth, vegetables, spices, tobacco leaf, dark coffee, licorice, dark chocolates, black tea and black pepper.
Medium plus on the finish with round tannins and tangy raspberries.
This 35 year old is still drinking beautifully. This Second Growth Bordeaux is nicely balanced and complex.
Peaking now, and will continue to drink nicely in the next 10+ years.
Good right out of the bottle, and better after 4 hours. I did not decant it, but let it open up in the bottle.
Wine Spectator 96 points.
A good food wine that I paired with beef brisket. Gorgeous.
A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc.
13.5% alcohol by volume.
93 points.
$275. — 3 months ago
#AgedWineTuesday
Orange in color, very pretty and unique.
Medium plus in body with medium acidity and medium sized bubbles.
Dry on the palate with a nice mouthfeel.
Showing green apples, light grapefruits, yeast, light raspberries, citrus, limes, light earth, minerals and herbs.
This 16 year old is showing nice complexity at this point, and will continue to age nicely the next 10 years.
Good right out of the bottle, and better with airtime.
Dom Perignon is not my favorite Champagne, but this one is really delicious. I got to call it when I see it.
Wine Spectator 97 points. Robert Parker 97 points.
Elegant and robust. I just love this vintage for Dom Perignon.
A blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
12.5% alcohol by volume.
93 points.
$500. — 3 months ago
#AgedWineTuesday
Dark ruby in color with a short reddish rim.
Full bodied with medium plus acidity.
Dry on the palate with blackberries, black currants, cooked cherries, spices, oak, vanilla, licorice, chocolates, light earth, light vegetables, herbs, tobacco leaf and black pepper.
Medium finish with grippy tannins and raspberries.
This 15 year old, Fifth Growth Bordeaux, is still young and tight. Needs 5 to 10 years in the bottle to mature properly.
I gave it 90 minutes in the decanter, but it probably was not enough.
Robert Parker 96 points. Wine Spectator 92 points.
Showing nice complexity with a nice mouthfeel. Grippy and rich.
Definitely needs food at this point, like a big piece of steak.
A blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot.
13% alcohol by volume.
92 points.
$125. — 6 months ago
A pretty color of ruby, with a wide brick/ reddish rim.
Full bodied and elegant.
Dry on the palate with medium acidity.
Showing red currants, plums, cherries, wood, spices, coffee, dark chocolates, earth, tobacco leaf, herbs and black pepper.
Medium finish with soft tannins and tangy raspberries.
This 15 year old Rioja Reserva is drinking very nicely now. Showing nice complexity at this point.
Still young and will continue to age nicely in the next 10 years.
Nicely balanced with a nice mouthfeel. A very tasty aged Rioja, and a good food wine.
Robert Parker 95 points.
I Had this vintage a year ago, and it feels pretty much the same.
A blend of 75% Tempranillo, 15% Garnacha, 5% Mazuelo and 5% Graciano. Aged in used American oak barrels for 6 years.
13% alcohol by volume.
91 points.
$55. — 6 months ago
#AgedWineTuesday
Dark ruby in color with a cloudy reddish/ brick rim.
Earthy nose and medium plus in body with medium acidity.
Dry on the palate with nice complexity.
Showing black currants, plums, cooked cherries, earth, wet leaves, herbs, light vegetables, coffee, eucalyptus, mediterranean spices and peppercorn.
Long finish with fine grained tannins and tangy raspberries.
This 28 year old is still drinking very nicely. A great Second Growth Bordeaux.
Good right out of the bottle, and better after 45 minutes of airtime.
Complex and engaging. Will continue to drink nicely in the next 5 years.
A blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon and 35% Merlot. Aged in (65% new) French oak barrels.
13% alcohol by volume.
93 points.
$200. — 5 months ago
#AgedWineTuesday
Champagne and Lobster for lunch?
Light yellow in color with a golden tint, and a nice nose.
Medium bodied with high acidity.
Dry on the palate with nice complexity.
Showing green apples, citrus, light grapefruits, light earth, minerals, yeast, limes, light brioche, spices and white pepper.
Nice finish with limes and light almonds.
This 19 year old vintage Champagne is delicious. Nicely balanced and elegant. Tangy and interesting.
Good by itself right out of the bottle, but better after 60 Minutes of air time.
Still young and needs a few years in the bottle to mature properly. Would be nice to try it again in 5 to 10 years.
Robert Parker 95 points.
Good with food too. I paired it with barbecued lobster.
A blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Aged for 15 years in the winery.
12.5% alcohol by volume.
93 points.
$550. — 6 months ago
Alessandro Dalle Carbonare
La finesse. Et puis, la puissance. 96-97+ — 2 months ago