Broke out a big gun for the holiday. Succulent on the first taste from the bottle. Decanted and drank over 2+ hours. Almost no sediment. Striking color. Very deep red. Tons of mature fruit but still lively. Deep and long. Rounded mouthfeel and lingers wonderfully. It’s such a smooth but heady wine. Nicely fragrant. My first DRC. — 6 days ago
2023 vintage. Maan, do I feel old reviewing this! Sourced from some eminently notable vineyards. Wine rolls up and down and back up again throughout the palate...almost as if you are tasting each vineyard source as stages vs a blend. Def interesting. Light-medium body. May hafta pick this up as a list placement as it is drinking nicely. Absolutely blowing through Oregon pinot tho. Resto pricing at $19 btg (waay too low) and woulda jumped on it but have another CA pinot currently btg that's an even better deal. 11.27.24. — 7 days ago
Medium deep ruby , garnet . Quite rich and deep fruits , with some dusty herbal elements . On the palate also quiet ripe and rich , sweetly fruited . Dark cherry , with some summer fruits , blackberry . Good balance however , with sweet tannin and balanced acidity . Still showing lots of fruit , but drinking now but can can last well , probably improve over the next 5 years or so . — 18 days ago
Medium Ruby color with aromas dark red fruits, black tea and ample floral spice, aged in 20% new French oak for 10 months. On the palate flavors of black cherry, blackberry and plum with tobacco, cedar, black pepper, tea and vanilla spice. Soft fine tannins, long finish, well balanced with acidity, ending with fruit, herb, spice and earthy wet stone character. Nice! — 5 days ago
Gilbert Van Hassel
Two great thanksgiving wines but with a very clear winner and not even difficult to guess. I have zero emotion with the Margaux and love the elegance of the Rayas even in a year that may be a bit less. — 6 days ago