Jay Kline

9.3

Presented double-blind at Tasting Group. The wine pours a garnet color with a transparent core and showing some rim variation; medium+ viscosity with light staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is vinous with notes of ripe and desiccated red fruits: lightly stewed Bing cherry, strawberry, some funky horse blanket, red flowers, leather, green herbs, dry rocky earth and old wood. There was also a little bit of VA. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannin and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long and freaking delicious. The alcohol seems a little elevated.

Initial conclusions: this could be a Sangiovese, Grenache (or based blend), Nebbiolo or Pinot Noir from Italy, France, or Spain. Because there was some light staining, I eliminated Nebbiolo and because the structure was so stout, I also eliminated Pinot Noir. I just felt like this reminded me of a Chianti Classico Riserva with a lot of age…from a producer like Felsina. So, that’s where I’m at for my final: Sangiovese, from Italy, Toscano, Chianti Classico, Riserva with 25+ years of age; call it 1995 since I have some reference there. Daaaaaymn!!!! 2014 Cuvée Laurence?! This tastes more mature (not too old or anything) than a recent 2014 Cuvée Réservée but maybe that’s due to the extra year in foudre? I got caught in the “triangle of death” but should have clued into the elevated alcohol a little better. Regardless…this is delicious. The structure is incredible! Drink now with patience and through 2039. — 11 days ago

Lyn Farmer

9.4

Deep ruby, lovely maturing aromas of black cherry, strawberry, smoke, lavender, thyme, forest floor, grilled meat, blackberry. Fine balance of acidity ands tanning, fresh on the palate with great depth and finesse. Long finish, ten more years ahead. — 12 days ago

Victor Aul

9.2

Impressive wine! From the nose to the pallet, it keeps speaking to you — 15 days ago

"Odedi"

9.2

Reddish in color with medium intensity.

Pretty and complex nose, and medium plus in body with medium acidity.

Dry on the palate with raspberries, cherries, spices, very light oak, licorice and chocolates.

Long finish with fine grained tannins and cherries.

This is a beautiful red blend from Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Elegant and nicely balanced. Rich and fruit forward. Very fresh tasting, and easy drinking.

Still young, but already complex and interesting. The high alcohol is well integrated already.

Good right out of the bottle, and better with airtime. Will continue to age nicely in the next 10 to 15 years.

A blend of destemmed grapes from over 100 year old vines. 60% Grenache and 40% Mourvedre. The Grenache is aged in concrete vats, while the Mourvedre is aged in new French oak barrels.

16% alcohol by volume.

92 points.

$125. — 9 days ago

"Odedi"

9.1

Ruby in color with a wide reddish rim.

Nose of red and black fruits with light wood, tobacco and chocolate notes.

Dry on the palate with sweet raspberries, cherries, light oak, licorice, chocolates, spices and earth.

Long finish with fine grained tannins and tangy cherries.

This young Grenache blend is starting to drink very nicely now, with nice complexity and a soft mouthfeel.

Will continue to age nicely in the next 15 years.

Elegant and rich. Interesting and engaging. A very traditional Châteauneuf-du-Pape in style.

Well balanced and good by itself as a sipping wine. Will also pair nicely with food.

A blend of all 13 allowed grapes in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, but mostly Grenache. Hand picked and whole cluster. Aged for 2 years in large French oak barrels.

14.5% alcohol by volume.

91 points.

$110. — 16 days ago

Michael Centanni

9.3

C’est magnifique ! Still very young but drinking nicely ! — 18 days ago

with Clare

Bob McDonald

9.3

A lovely tarry note initially amongst the red fruits. On the medium weight palate sweet and savoury red fruits. Love CdP from a good year like this one. 70% Grenache, 15% Mourvèdre, 10% Cinsault and the remaining 5% split between Muscardin, Counoise and Vaccarese. Completely destemmed and fruit driven. Soft pliant tannins. — 3 days ago

"Odedi"

9.2

Reddish in color with a wide reddish rim.

Fresh nose of red fruits with earth, light wood and tobacco.

Medium bodied with medium plus acidity.

Dry on the palate with raspberries, cherries, spices, light oak, chocolate notes and tobacco leaf.

Nice finish with fine grained tannins and tangy raspberries.

This young Grenache from Châteauneuf-du-Pape is already drinking beautifully. Engaging, elegant and fruity. Spicy and interesting.

Will continue to age nicely in the next 15 years. Would be nice to revisit it in 10 years.

Easy drinking and good by itself as a sipping wine, and will pair nicely with food too.

100% Grenache grapes were grown on sandy soils, and aged for 12 months in large French oak barrels.

15.5% alcohol by volume.

92 points.

$60. — 13 days ago

jesus g

Hospitality Schramsberg Vineyards

9.2

Woah! Spicy — 2 hours ago

John Van Trijp

9.4

So Classic — 15 days ago