Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.2

The 2006 Bordeaux vintage. The vintage while wasn’t Bordeaux’s best, it certainly wasn’t one of its worst. It had the unenviable position of following a grand 2005 vintage. I think better than 2000, maybe 09 & 10? Jury is still out. The Bordelaise also got greedy and raised their prices from 05. That was a mistake when it came to selling the 2006 vintage and it laid another layer of bad taste in consumers minds.

I really enjoy Pichon Lalande’s style/craft. The 06 is good, not great. In fact, I enjoyed this better w/o the lamb.

The fruits are just ripe. Velvety, rounded M+ tannins. Brambly blackberries, dryish black plum, black cherries, black raspberries, strawberries, some raspberry hues, oak barrel shavings, graphite, dry soils, dry tobacco & leather, dry clay, soft but dark spice, some dry herbs, soft baking spices- clove, nutmeg, cinnamon & vanillin, light milk chocolate, caramel hues, black tea, anise, some mid berry cola, dry & withering, dark & red flowers, violets, decent, round acidity, balanced, neatly structured/tensioned with an elegant finish that lasts just over 90 seconds and falls on dry earth and soft, dark spice.

Still acceding and has 15 plus yrs of good drinking ahead. Could make a case for rounding up to 93.

Paired w/ Grilled Rack of Lamb, Served with Rosemary Jus, Fondant Potatoes and Steamed Broccoli.

@EK148 — 7 months ago

Skip Smyser

9.6

Heidi Barrett put this winery on the map. Lush red fruit with subtle tannins that are multi tiered. Has years to continue to mature. Their wines have not stayed at this level since Heidi left. Too bad!! — 4 years ago

Gilbert Van Hassel

8.9

Yes it is biodynamic which I tend to dislike, moreover this wine travels very badly and most of the bottles I drunk in the USA were bad. Surprise this one is really good. Color straw golden (my wife immediately caught on and looked surprised until I told her “bio”. Slightly oxidative, smokey, good mineral content. Warm vintage but pulls it off. Best coulee I ever tasted in NY. — 7 years ago

Edward Nelson

9.2

Rocco’s takeout and a nice bottle. Not a bad Saturday night. Bonus that the wife is letting me call the ball after dinner. — 7 months ago

Ethan Karas

9.2

Second bottle of the night - not bad for a pop & pour. — a year ago

Egan Lim

9.0

An easy everyday Bordeaux as it’s affordable. Very fruit forward with spice but finish is lacking. — 6 years ago

Ryan Allard

9.4

Started off tight and tannic with a lot of green vegetable notes. After about an hour in the decanter all the big fruit came through on the nose and palate. Viscous, but not in bad way. Smooth and velvety finish. — 7 years ago

Andrew Cullimore

9.0

Medium light garnet , quite wide terracotta rim . Top shoulder ullage . Slightly herbal , old mahogany, hickory , chestnut, minty , dried fruits with sous bois underneath, hoisin . On the palate this has some sweet red fruits , touch of coffee , old wood , earthy , meaty hints . Good acidity and slightly grippy tannins . Not bad length. This bottle shows surprisingly well considering its state , and is very drinkable . Drink now , as this deteriorated quite quickly once in the glass — a year ago

Jake Hajer

9.6

Magnum. Call it like you see it, drink it like you taste it; from a bad vintage or that is a vintage of a lot of rain at harvest. Jesus this was good. Perfect balance of acidity, toast, Carmel-curd. Roasted pineapple. This was a beautiful wine that showed zero age after 12yr, but also perfectly evolved. Loved. — 3 years ago

Evan Bienstock

9.4

Bad picture, great wine. Great way to start an evening. Love 2008 🥂🥂🥂... — 7 years ago