Ericsson

9.9

The nose is profoundly layered and regal: cedar chest, humid tobacco, graphite, and dried rose petals, unfolding slowly into red currant, black tea, sandalwood, and the faintest whisper of truffle and old parchment. It’s not about intensity; it’s about dimension…

On the palate, it is seamless and sovereign. Red and black fruits are fully resolved into essence rather than flavor; currant, cherry skin, a touch of plum; all wrapped in polished leather and earth. The tannins have dissolved into silk, the acidity remains statuesque, and the finish lingers with a calm, noble persistence that feels endless rather than long.

Chateau Margaux at its absolute summit: complete, composed, and eternal; power expressed through grace, and grace sharpened by the patience of time. Do drink now. — 8 days ago

Ed Chin

9.3

Initial pour was impressive with dark blackberry sage and leather. What I found interesting was the noticeable amount of acid in comparison to the soft almost undetectable tannin. — 2 days ago

Ed Chin

9.3

Vintage be damned. Could it have more tannin, sure, but everything was in harmony and easy to enjoy. — 2 days ago

Tom Garland

9.4

First wine of 2026 and had to open something fun.

Double decant for sediment and pour. A wondrous deep garnet with some bricking. On the nose: Expressive nose captivates with some perfumed red fruit, stewed meat, mint, wet earth, vanilla toast. Taste: Elegant, seamless, balanced wine with red plum, graphite, green bell pepper, cinnamon, tobacco, and a long mocha dark chocolate finish. YUM!! — 2 days ago

with Brenda

Vino Joe

9.3

It was more subdued than I expected. I tend to like the Merlot heavy Bordeaux but this one was still a bit muted. Perhaps it needs more time even though it’s well in its recommended range. Dark and heavy. Solid but left me underwhelmed. Decanted. Better after an hour. — 5 days ago

Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego

9.2

1988 vintage. Good fill, good cork. Opened with a Durand and decanted. Tasted after two hours. Those initial, futile attempts at being masculine but ultimately feminine. Exemplary stuffing with enough of an outline to carry this wine another 5-6 years in this stead. Light-medium body with a decently traceable finish. Better than expected. 12.25.25. — 9 days ago

Doug Powers

9.3

This wine seems finally mature, with tannins fully resolved, but still showing a firm backbone and structure, fresh acidity, very good balance, lingering finish, always a good wine for me. Funny anecdote about Sociando-Mallet, at least in the 1980s they used the worst “glue” on their labels, so about 1/3 of them fall off — as long as the bottles are in OWCs, not a big deal, but this is one where the label did fall off. 🤔🤷 — 14 days ago

with Jim

Paul K

9.3

I know, I’m here too early, but I bought 3 cases for a steal. I’m excited to see the evolution over next 25 years and I can have more than a bottle a year so no scolding required! 😉 looking forward to the education. Makes you think though. I’m about done buying Bordeaux futures. Too long to wait, store, and 20-25 years is starting to look blurry in the telescope. Now it’s on to auctions and buying wines that are ready. — 5 days ago

Pooneet K

9.3

So seamless and delicious. We had 3 forty year olds at dinner so this was a birth year wine for the majority of our dinner. Last had a couple years ago, and this remains very good. Not primary, but also wouldn’t guess 40 years old. Really nice pairing with a roast leg of lamb on Christmas. — 9 days ago

Ed Chin

9.2

A nice comparison to the Baron though it fell short in complexity and ease to drink. — 2 days ago