A good, solid California Cab but what’s all the fuss about? I’m seeing ratings of 98, 99, even 100 from JS. Really? No way. This is a clear case of praise crossing over into hype. Granted, still a bit young and not at its peak but after five years in the bottle and an hour of decanting it needs to be more than just fine if it wants to justify stratospheric scores. This wine compares unfavorably to Ridge Monte Bello, Stags Leap S.L.V. and other peers. It lacked sophistication and poise—where’s the promised minerality, graphite, cedar shavings, oak, leather, blackcurrant, cherry, and complex balance of fine grained tannins, fruit, acid and alcohol? Where? We chose this wine for a birthday dinner at Lawry’s Prime Rib in Beverly Hills. Not a disaster but a disappointment given our high expectations (and the high price).
— 2 days ago
Crystalline in the glass. Pure presentation of citrus fruits and moderate sweetness, with lots of detail on the mid-palate. A beauty which will cellar for many years to come. — a month ago
Bright ruby color. Aromas of black cherry, black currant and wet soil. The palate is full of black fruit, kirsch, black licorice and baking spices. Note of earthy dried mushrooms on the finish. Medium bodied and well balanced acidity. No sign of oak aging. Solid. Thanks for opening this one, Keith S! — a month ago
Sipping Fine Wine
All of the grapes from the vineyards owned by the Latour family are vinified and aged in the cuverie of Château Corton Grancey in Aloxe-Corton. The winery was the first purpose-built cuverie in France and remains the oldest still-functioning. Medium pale lemon color with aromas of stone fruits with a slight nutty floral character. On the palate flavors of peach and melon with lemon citrus and savory notes. Medium+ finish, lively acidity, ending with fruit, toasty oak and minerality. Nice! — a month ago