Jay Kline

9.4

Let’s get one thing clear right away: this was more about checking in on the early days of a wine that has a history of lasting for decades. Having that out of the way, it’s fun to check in on great wines in their youth, when you get the opportunity. Splash decanted sometime before service, no formal notes. The 2016 “Unico” is already showing its quality with abundant, beautifully ripened fruit and effortless elegance. That being said, having some experience with properly aged Unico, the better days (to my palate) are well ahead. Drink now if you have multiple bottles and can’t help yourself. Give it some air at least. Otherwise, better after 2036 and through 2076, probably. — 20 days ago

Beth Novak

10

Deep and dark, a cool minerality. Bright fruit. Packed, is dense. Beautifully held. Great texture and structure. A stunner! — 12 days ago

Tom Garland

9.3

1/2 hour decant(decent fine sediment). A splendid still dark brooding garnet color with some bricking. On the nose: Intoxicating perfumed notes of dark red fruit, eucalyptus, forest floor, tobacco leaf, pencil shavings, smokey cedar. Taste: silky, savory, resolved wine with dried cherry/plum, dark chocolate, pepper, cedar, fig, and a graphite espresso long finish. YUM! — 6 days ago

Justin Manni

9.4

Tight when opened; needed an hour or so. This is going to be a cellar selection. Gobble these up — 13 days ago

David Koenen

9.2

Lavender, chalk, peppery notes, wet earth, and a hint of black fruit on the nose. Sun-dried tomatoes; a full-bodied and concentrated style, yet somewhat closed—meaning it doesn’t quite reveal the whole story. Time will tell and I’m guessing it’s going to be a intriguing story. 92+ — 8 days ago

GaryWEdwards

9.6

I would probably only have this beautiful wine only 10 years later but the 375ml brings things forward, showing why this winter if 2016 vintage is so highly regarded. I think the juice is ready now but will be a long runner for decades — 6 days ago

Ira Schwartz

9.0

@Doug Powers as promised . Dry leaves and plums on the nose. In the mouth spices, cherry , earth and good acid . Certainly the magnum format kept this alive. However for me it had not become complex and had a very clipped finish. — 20 days ago

Jan A

9.3

Lots of sediment, more evolved than we expected at the tasting group — a month ago

Sergio L Figueiredo

9.2

ManoLLo - Fev/2026
Cabernet Sauvignon 9
Cabernet Franc
Merlot — 7 months ago

Andrew Cullimore

9.4

Medium deep ruby with a quite thin bright ruby violet rim. This is quite closed on the nose at first with bright cherry fruit , red plum , blueberry, blackberry , some floral hints and underneath a touch of slate . On the palate this is quite focused and lean , lovely red fruits , hint of spiciness and red cherry floral hints . Really fresh , vital acidity , with fine but very noticeable tannins and a very long focused red cherry , mineral tinged finish . Needs time , but is very promising, great freshness. Probably not at the level of the 2021 , tasted previously , but it’s close . Leave another 5-10 years and will show well a further 10. — 7 days ago

Rick Phillips

9.7

Just peaking in my estimation. May sill have a couple or three years before its decline starts. Opened and sat in the bottle for 2 hours. Poured a glass which sat another hour. Bold forward fruits. Blackberry, Plums, Black Cherry, hints of spice herbs that quickly fade into a smooth, luxurious taste of velvety tannins. Backend is just as the Front, Luxurious Bold Fruit but just a touch of old earth, lite tobacco and chocolate/cherry. — 19 days ago

with Letha

Jay Kline

9.5

Popped and poured; enjoyed over the course of 90min before and during dinner. The 1995 pours a straw color with a gorgeous, persistent mousse. On the nose, the wine is developing with apples, ripe passion fruit, fresh brioche, lemon curd, toasted marshmallow and minerals. On the palate, the wine is dry with high acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long. A freaking delicious Champagne. Drink now through 2035. — 20 days ago

Jason Gelman

9.7

First time trying a first growth bordeaux. did not disappoint. beautiful aromas, richness of flavor, extremely long finish. wonderful. — 20 days ago

Roberto Carli

9.1

Writing about this wine because of the uniqueness of the bouquet on the nose. the dominating profile is of decayed flowers. Even the fruit that shines through comes in through that. it smells like walking through a cemetery in europe, quite pleasant if you forgive the morbid analogy. Wet decaying red flowers, and petrocore. Then it gives way to pleasant grippy and rustic tannins on the palate. — 2 months ago

Patti Gamboni

9.2

Exactly what I want from Zin. Fruit with restraint and finesse. Not hot or jammy. — a month ago

Anthony De Blasi

9.5

Still going strong and truly a beauty. Musar rocks! — 13 days ago

Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego

9.5

2012 vintage. Courtesy of @romo (nice to see you again). Cork needed very little coaxing for removal. Tasted after 30 minutes open. Savory fragrances. Less acidity than expected given the product/producer but tasted temp was in the upper 40's-low 50's. Light-medium body. A little crisp but not crispy. Could swear there was some Earl Grey in there somewhere dancing with impunity. No overwhelming, final boss component ultimately responsible for the accolades; it was more of a compendium of Etsy subtleties coming across as a hand-crafted effort. This is absolutely firing. And now. Cellar it as expected if you like but not 100% necessary as befitting a few previous vintages over the last three decades. 11.8.26. — 5 days ago

Jeroen Koenen

9.7

The pinnacle of elegance and grace, this is as beguiling and captivating as a wine can be. Perfect balance, complex aromatics, wonderful mouthfeel. Impressive for its charm and pure class. Wow. — 8 days ago

Ray Vanderhoff

9.5

Blend of Chardonnay (55%) and Pinot Noir (45%). Pale gold color. Aromas of freshly baked bread, toasted nuts, white flowers, citrus zest and a chalky/smoky note. Flavors of grapefruit, green apple, tropical fruits, roasted nuts, and a lovely note of brioche. Long and lingering mineral driven finish. Vibrant acidity along with wonderful tension and complexity. Creamy mousse and texture with a steady stream of fine bubbles. So beautifully savory. Thank you Jason B. for sharing this beautiful wine (and storing it so well) to toast Matt A’s 50th Birthday! — 21 days ago

Jay Kline

9.3

Double-decanted prior to service. The 1988 pours a garnet color with a near opaque core; medium viscosity with moderate staining of the tears and some fine sediment. On the nose, the wine is vinous with beautiful notes of cassis, brambles, tobacco, capsicum, leather, inorganic earth and a mix of herbs and fine spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannin (integrated) and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose, the finish is medium+. The label is beat to hell but the condition of the wine inside the bottle was perfect. Classic, old school Bordeaux from a classified growth. Drink now through 2043. — a month ago