Andrew Cullimore

9.8

Tasted blind. Medium deep garnet ruby and medium garnet ruby rim . Quite cool and restrained , again lots of grafite and mineral , dark fruits . This is quite deep and dark spicy cassis , blackberry and sea spray , saline . Quite dense and robust on the palate again , lots of fine but ripe tannins. Very long , dense , cassis , cedar grafite saline finish . This is a complete and great example of 2005 , great balance and enormous length , the longest of all on show here. Drinkable now , but surely it’s best days are in the future , wait another 5 -10 years , will last well a further 20 - 25 if not more . The apex of 2005 ? For me this had to be the Latour , and an archetypal example of Latour no less . 1st place and the gold medal . — 2 months ago

Steven Beishuizen

9.1

On the nose, this is blackberry, red cherries, red currant... Cocoa powder? On the palate, the blackberry and current is still there, but certainly some herbal notes as well... Green pepper... Dried sage... Medium body and tannins are quite pronounced at this stage... Another couple of years may have been preferred to soften a bit though this may be at the expense of the great currant up front... I feel there's some smokiness in the texture that I like here... The finish is long and makes me think of tree bark... A nice pairing for us tonight with flank steak. — 2 years ago

with Anita

Paul T, Missing My Beautiful Wife 24/7

9.8

This surprised me considering how young it was, another amazing steak 🥩 wine. — 3 years ago

Robert Dufort

9.6

Purchased12+ years ago, drank it last week with family and friends. Steak and risotto dinner. Initial tasting at bottle opening gave me concerns, was
afraid it had peaked long before, whiff of vinegar, no fruit. Decanted, tasted again after 30 minutes, had begun to open up. Started drinking after another 30 minutes and wow, what a difference! Have never experienced that great a change in a wine. So superb. The sommelier just smiled. Fruit rose up, very fine tannins,so smooth, loved it. Wish I had another bottle. Drink now. — 3 years ago

David Nicewicz

9.6

Another outstanding 1982, this time from Canon. Proper claret perfume of dusty library, tobacco, show polish and red fruits. Palate was excellent- red fruits, leather, cigar wrapper and some smoke with fine grainy tannins. Makes me just want to hang out near a fireplace and enjoy this for hours — 5 years ago

Jay Kline

9.3

One of the few producers that I purchase each and every vintage. I find that Laurence Feraud’s wines are consistently some of the more interesting and enjoyable wines made in all of Chateauneuf du Pape; particularly when value comes into play. This bottle is my first experience with her 2018 vintage and the first bottle of a small tranche that I swooped up upon release. Popped and poured; consumed over 5 hours. The color is deep ruby with a near opaque core; glossy and gorgeous to behold. Medium+ viscosity. On the nose, this is classic Pegaü with loads of dark cherry and bramble fruit, a veritable hillside full of garrigue, lavender, black pepper, and something that reminds me of old books. On that palate, the fruit is equally generous, brambles and cherries, exotic spices, Herbs de Provence and a somewhat sanguine-like character to it. Substantial structure, though it seems to be a notch lower than the previous three vintages at this point in its young life. The tannins are very sneaky. Almost imperceptible for the first hour and yet, by hour four, they were very much making themselves known (in the Medium+ range). Acid is also Medium+ indicating these have an exciting life ahead. The finish lasts for well over a minute. All in all, another lovely Pegaü that will likely live in the shadow of some of the more heralded vintages in the last ten years however, that doesn’t mean this isn’t a stunner. Absolutely lovely stuff and I very much look forward to enjoying these well into the 2030’s. — 5 years ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.5

The reason I fell in love with Bordeaux is because I had one of the greatest mentors one could have, Clyde Beffa Jr. - Owner of K&L Wine Merchants. I could never thank him enough or show enough gratitude for the kindness he has shown me. He has been going to Bordeaux multiple times a year for 40 plus years and shown me the greatness of well made Bordeaux’s enjoyed at the age of 25 years plus!

Many who open well made Bordeaux’s young will never know the absolute Heaven they bring to the palate and even more so with a great steak. You only rob yourself of perfection when you open them inside of 25 years. Sure you can check em at 10-15 years for longevity but, you need to have/save bottles for 25 years plus.

Also, an old Bordeaux at 95 is not nearly the same as a young 95. At this age, technical scores are simply not the same as young wine. The enjoyment is completely different.

The nose reveals; a slight touch of funk, dark, ripe, currants, blackberries, dark cherries, black plum, black raspberries, strawberries on the edge of the glass, anise, cedar, graphite, used leather, just a whiff of green pepper, vanilla, caramel, mocha, dark Asian spice, incense, dark & mid berry cola, dark, rich earth, underbrush, limestone, dry stone, hint of sweet tarriness, light, dry herbaceousness, black tea, with dry, withering, fresh, dark, red, blue candied flowers and violets and lavender for days.

The body is round, soft and full. The 90 is the definition of elegant and floral. The structure, tension, length and balance are perfect with another 5-10 years of pleasure to give. It’s gorgeous and sexy. Dark, ripe, currants, blackberries, dark cherries, black plum, black raspberries, some blueberries, strawberries on the long set, anise, cedar, graphite, soft, used leather, vanilla, caramel, mocha, dark chocolate, salted, milk chocolate, dark Asian spice with just a touch of palate heat, a hint of green pepper, savory meats, incense, dark & mid berry cola, dark, rich earth, underbrush, limestone, dry crushed minerals, dry stone, hint of sweet tarriness, light, dry herbaceousness, black tea, with dry, withering, fresh, dark, red, blue candied flowers and violets and lavender for days. The acidity is perfect like a warm gentle rain shower. The finish is a “forget about it.” It’s; gorgeous, sexy, lush, ripe, just the right amount of earthiness, elegant, well balanced and will persist until you go to sleep.

13% ABV. I sure miss the 12–13% ABV of the 80 & early 90 Bordeaux’s.

Photos of; the majestic Chateau Cos d’Estournel and Estate vines, their barrel room with translucent floor to walk above, their library cellar that most would love to raid and their sitting salon.
— 7 years ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.6

This is a producer that should be more revered than it is. His 90’s were amongst my favorite Napa Cabernets. Especially, the 94, which is exceptional and I’ve had on 3-4 occasions.

2007 is a grand vintage but this one needs more cellaring. It is still in its adolescence. I would like to try this in another 8-10 yrs. Don’t get me wrong, this drinks nicely now but it’s best is still ahead.

I coravined & decanted this in a big Bordeaux glass for an hour and it is still a 1/2 monster.

The nose shows; dark currents/cassis, blackberries, black plum w/ skin, very black cherries, black raspberries, poached/slightly baked strawberries with understated raspberries in the glass edges, dark, rich earth with dry leaves, steeped fruit tea, mocha powder, caramel, chocolate baking bar, understated baking spices-cinnamon, nutmeg, clove, vanillin, both black & red licorice/cola, moist herbs, tree sap, limestone, dry top soils-river stone and beautiful, withering/candied dark & red florals framed in candied violets.

The M+ tannins are round, velvety, dusty and still meaty. Dark currents/cassis, blackberries, black plum w/ skin, very black cherries, black raspberries, poached/slightly baked strawberries, liqueur cherries with understated, hovering raspberries. Dark, rich earth with dry leaves, steeped fruit tea, mocha powder, caramel, chocolate baking bar, understated baking spices-cinnamon, nutmeg, clove, vanillin, both black & red licorice/cola, moist herbs, tree sap, soft, moist cigar box, leather, anise, rounded very dark spices, moist clays, limestone, dry top soils-river stone and beautiful, withering/candied dark & red florals framed in candied violets, very round, pleasant acidity with balance for days, still pronounced structure/tension, great length and a smartly, polished, ruby two-minute finish that long sets on on deep, dark spice, earthiness & ruby, dark currents.

Right now a Filet steak, not a fatty steak, Ribeye or Ribcap.

Still so youthful! Add a point or two in 7-10 yrs. .

Philip is in his 90’s and still involved in the winemaking. He walks the property daily. — 2 months ago

Paul T, Missing My Beautiful Wife 24/7

9.6

I can only imagine what this will be like in 10 more years. Unfortunately I had to open this way too early to make sure I didn’t need to pull a credit from a new store that I had bought a few bottles from, my 2019 Kerr were toasted from effects of heat. So had to make sure this wasn’t another bad bottle. As soon as I pulled the cork I knew it was just fine, tried a sip then corked back up then decanted the next day for 3 hours to enjoy with some Wagyu Rib Cap from Snake River. Fantastic combo. Took me forever to find a 2013 Jones at a fair price, bummer I had to open so soon. — 2 years ago

Deborah M

9.3

Another one from last night’s birthday dinner. I had a little left to revisit on day 2 and it is still amazing. What a classic. I could sit with this for a long time. The smokey, deep dark fruit/licorice, and velvety mouthfeel, all make this wine shine. This one will definitely improve with more age. Easily one of the top 5 wines of the year for me. — 4 years ago

Andrew S

10

If this isn’t perfect, I don’t know what is. What is most striking to me is the balance of the wine. It is big, and complex and flavorful in many ways. But it brings an embrace of elegance and touch beyond. cherries, medium dark fruits, dust, graphite, hints of spice. Tannins are fine grained. Wonderful acidity and lengthy finish. Just such a nice package- every time I went to smell it or taste it, there was another nuance and layer to consider. Decanted about 5 hrs, and was doing well at that point. Drank with Flannery strips for the holiday. — 5 years ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.3

Happy Spring! It’s one of our favorite points in the year. More; daylight, a little warmer in CA and everything starts to bloom which, means a long summer of gardening and being outdoors every day/night is not far off.

Since it was such a great day and basically most Californians are shut-Ins, the voluntary self quarantining was getting to me. I did the landscaping and got an afternoon of fresh air today. A breath of fresh air...ahhh! Wow, was it needed after Gavin’s Newsom’s estimate of 25.5 million Californians would be infected with Coronavirus over 8 weeks yesterday.

So, a good night to celebrate another day of being virus free with my 2nd favorite N/V Rosé Champagne.

All my numerous previous notes apply.

Stay safe everyone and remember the new terminology of the new decade...social distancing! Cheers! 🍾🥂

Photos of; Spring in our backyard & a Billecart Grand Cru Vineyard.

— 6 years ago

Jeff Loo

9.7

A standout for me, complex, tannic and pure. Dried red fruit and rose petals that lifted. Acidity was showing strong in the life blood of this wine. Easily another 20 years. For sure a hundred year wine. — 7 years ago

Jay Kline

9.3

Color me impressed. This was a delightful, textbook expression of Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon with the fruit, texture and “je ne sais quoi” to remind me that Napa can still make interesting, balanced and delicious CS. Another impressive wine by TRB. — 7 years ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.4

I’ve had a number of PC 96’s over time, none quite this good. The fill line & cork perfect. Very little sediment. Some bottle neck tannin burn. For me, Pontet Canet didn’t really hit its consistent, quality stride until 2005. Doesn’t mean they didn’t make a few beauties before then. Pontet Canet is proof that the 1855 Bordeaux Classification needs to be redone. Unlikely it will in my lifetime.

This 96 maybe just short of its precipice. Stylistically a little better than 94.

The nose reminds me of everything I love about older Bordeaux. Dark core of currants/cassis. Ripe, floral; blackberries, dark, baked cherries, sweet, black plum, poached/strawberries, raspberries, hints of baked rhubarb & blueberries, mixed berry cola. Sweet forest floor w/ leaves, sweet mushrooms, sweet led pencil shavings, steeped tea w/ hints of fruit, charcoal, dry tobacco/leather, some dry herbs, withering dark, red flowers, red roses with violets.

The palate is also everything I love about older Bordeaux. Dark core of currants/cassis. Ripe, floral; blackberries, dark, baked cherries, sweet, black plum, poached/strawberries, raspberries, hints of baked rhubarb & blueberries, mixed berry cola/red vines. Everything I understood the first time standing in the estate vineyard of Pichon Baron. Tasting limestone, dry river stone, dark, rich soils with dry leaves, dry stems. In fact, I’ve tasted vineyards soils everywhere I have been in every world wine region. Basically, everywhere in the wine world that has reliance. Many multiple times. Sweet graphite, steeped tea w/ hints of dark fruit, understated, layered baking spices-clove, nutmeg, cinnamon and vanillin, dark cocoa, dark exotic spices, some anise to black licorice, charcoal, dry tobacco with ash/leather, some dry herbs-safe/bay leaf, limestone, dry river stone, dry crushed rocks, dark, rich, earth with dry leaves, dry topsoils, dry stems, withering/dry dark, red flowers, red roses with violets, excellent, rainfall acidity with an extremely well balanced/structured/tensioned, great length and an elegant finish that lasts minutes and falls nicely on dry earth and dark spices.

A very, very slow roll with my Ribcap. Definitely better with the steak than on its own.

This bottle tells me this 96 has plenty of good drinking ahead, another 8-10 yrs+.

ABV is 13%. Disappointing it ever changed. — 5 months ago

Jae Cho

9.2

First time tasting the ‘19 vintage, and the Produttori edged out one of my fave under the radar barolistas this early on. Maybe because it released sooner? Both red fruited with sour cherries and elegant tamed tannin/acid, but the Produttori had another gear of sweet incense and hard candy. The vintage does remind me of a more approachable’13 from a tannin perspective. — 2 years ago

John Bratincevic

9.3

Nose: licorice, cork, chocolate, blackberry, a bit of “purple”, subtle herbs, warm forest floor (pine needles). Smooth, deep. This smells very good and makes me happy already. Taste: smooth, dark chocolate, coffee, medium bodied+, a little earthy, bay leaf, blackberry. Very good indeed. 93. GREAT deal for the $15 I paid on sale! Should buy again - will try another couple bottles to see if they hold up, and if they do, will buy a case. — 4 years ago

Ron Siegel

9.5

Another great one from the master. This was the wine that got me to seek out every btl I could find of this producer after tasting the 00 Reynard at Willys Wine Bar in Paris. I am always amazed at the finesse, balance & complexity of Allemand. This was another great vintage that is still youthful & for me in a perfect spot that should age for many years. — 5 years ago

Skip Smyser

9.7

My first glass said to me another outstanding bottle of Insignia. After dinner I poured a second glass and POW. It opened up and this is beyond outstanding. The balance, structure, tannins, mouth feel and aroma make this a wine that few will ever experience its greatness. I don’t hand out high scores but I might have underrated this one. I have 10 bottles left and I will cherish them over the next many years! WOW🍷🍷🍷🍷🍷 — 6 years ago

Paul T, Missing My Beautiful Wife 24/7

9.7

Its going to be a long day for the Cowboys, so might as well have nice bottle to make up for it.
I didn’t like the 2010 on release, I was one & done. But @David L convinced me to give it another try. Time really helped this vintage👍🏼 — 7 years ago