Bel Air

Moraga Vineyards

Bel-Air Red Bordeaux Blend 2004

A little long in the tooth. Colour a deeper yellow than a younger example. Nose is subtle ( read limited) interesting on the palate. Pleasant with a medium long finish. — 11 days ago

David Stein
with David
LM liked this

Château Bel Air-Marquis d'Aligre

Margaux Red Bordeaux Blend 2010

First time trying this. Opened 8 hours before and decanted for 4, which I’d suggest at this stage. I don’t think I would have guessed Bordeaux blind, probably would have gone something from Piedmont. Not actually giving a ton on the nose, but quite nice and deep plum / purple fruited / leathery on the palate. Hauntingly balanced finish that goes on and on. Very nice. — 3 months ago

Severn, Bob and 10 others liked this
Matt Perlman

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These wines are really cool and develop so much with air

Enderle & Moll

Liaison Pinot Noir 2017

Slight brown tinge. Very light in color. See picture. Between the 16’ and the 18‘ this is the lesser vintage. Plenty of acidity and tannins left. Seems tight and austere upon opening. Lime, cranberry and some red currant. Would drink this with asian food. Give it 1 hour of air. — 5 months ago

Ely and Lyle liked this
Lyle Fass

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So many problems this vintage Sven is not a fan of it.
Pinotman /// Andreas

Pinotman /// Andreas

Agreed. The bottle is now on my Argon tank. The likely scenario is that I will drink these up. What was the issue at the time? On this vintage? What does Sven think?

Damien Laureau

Le Bel Ouvrage Savennières Chenin Blanc 2020

Ted
9.3

Gorgeous and powerful. — 6 months ago

Jeni
with Jeni
Jose, Raul and 4 others liked this

Dominus Estate

Dominus Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2003

Served alongside beef short rib, xo sauce, pickled mustard seed, cumin stir-fried asparagus. Yes, the 2003 Dominus is big. However, it is also balanced and showing classic Napa typicity with beautifully ripe and some slightly wizened black and red fruit, tobacco, cocoa, some purple flowers and baking spices. I found this to be quite balanced after all the air it saw. Wonderful structure for continued aging as well. Drink now through 2043. — 12 days ago

Ira, Jan and 18 others liked this

R. López de Heredia

Viña Tondonia Reserva Rioja Tempranillo Blend 2011

Popped and poured; enjoyed over the course of three days. Consistently enjoyable throughout, but best after several hours of air and through Day 3. The wine pours, a deep garnet color with a near opaque core; medium viscosity with moderate staining of the tears. No signs of sediment. On the nose, the wine is developing with expressive notes of ripe and dried cherry, plums, toasted coconut, fresh dill, cedar chest, and soft baking spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannin and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose however, the fruit is much more tart. The finish is long and tangy. A textbook example of old-school Rioja. Lovely. Drink now with patience and through 2036. — 3 months ago

Andrew, David and 18 others liked this
Ceccherini Cristiano

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I always wish i have more Lopez de Heredia in my cellar evertime i look at your reviews. Cheers!
Jay Kline

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@Ceccherini Cristiano lol…I think the same thing. I certainly have some in the cellar but not nearly as deep as I would like. I guess there’s always time, right? 🤣 Regardless, thank you.
Ceccherini Cristiano

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@Jay Kline there's always time, agreed!
You are most welcome

Château Lynch-Bages

Grand Cru Classé Pauillac Cabernet Sauvignon Blend

Needed some air , after that wonderful and typical LB perfume. Not super long finish — 5 months ago

Château Mouton Rothschild

Pauillac Red Bordeaux Blend 1990

Part of a Chateau Mouton Rothschild vertical from 1988-1990. This was my second time enjoying the 1990 vintage and, much like my previous experience, this was rather quiet early and then came on with the business, late. As before, a mix of red and black cassis, ripe and desiccated cherries, tobacco leaf, cedar box, old leather, damp earth, some mushrooms and baking spices. After two similar experiences, I believe this vintage needs a lot of patience and a lot of air to wake up. Without either, it will be misunderstood. Drink now through 2040+ — 12 days ago

Jan, Ira and 12 others liked this

Clos Ste. Magdeleine

Bel-Arme Cassis Blanc Marsanne 2021

Very fresh and typical wine from Cassis. — 4 months ago

Domaine Jean-Louis Chave

Hermitage Syrah 2001

This bottle was a library release from the Chave cellars. Decanted about an hour prior to service (but could have benefited from more time) and enjoyed over the course of several hours. The 2001 Chave rouge pours a deep ruby/purple color with a near opaque core; medium+ viscosity with significant staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is developing with notes of charred blueberry pie, mushrooms, scorched earth, grilled meat, coffee, black pepper and soft baking spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannins and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long and super complex. With more and more air, this really came into its own. Totally Chave. Totally Hermitage. Totally awesome. Drink now with a little patience and through 2041. — 4 months ago

Severn, Shay and 12 others liked this
Lyle Fass

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94 is my fave old one that is affordable. Also 96.
Jay Kline

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@Lyle Fass I have not had an opportunity to enjoy either but I hope that changes!
Lyle Fass

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@Jay Kline less ripe years pre 2004 I adore. After 2004 I find the wines are more forced, modern and “made.”