Black Box Wines

Robert Biale Vineyards

Black Chicken Napa Valley Zinfandel 2022

Donald Patz
9.1

Robert Biale often makes Zinfandels with surprising finesse and energy. They’re delicious and sexy and well balanced. If you don’t think Zinfandel is worth drinking try any of the Robert Biale versions and let me know if you’ve changed your mind. — 5 days ago

Juan, Scott@Mister and 14 others liked this

Château Lynch-Bages

Grand Cru Classé Pauillac Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2000

Youthful that you can approach now showing black fruits, currant, savory spice, licorice, menthol & tobacco — 13 days ago

Tom, Lyle and 12 others liked this

Château Cos d'Estournel

Saint-Estèphe Red Bordeaux Blend 1996

Black fruits showing currant, berry with sweet, savory spice, earth, cedar, leather & wet tobacco — a month ago

Tom, Juan and 9 others liked this

Gnarly Head

1924 Limited Edition Double Black Lodi Red Blend

Excellent wine for the price. Almost has a sutle Merlot taste but without the oaky finish. — 3 days ago

Château Léoville-Las Cases

Grand Vin de Leoville du Marquis de las Cases Saint-Julien Red Bordeaux Blend 2000

At almost 25 years old still an infant. Needs considerable time in the glass to open up. Lead pencil and cedar box, pronounced but delicate tannins. Not yet at plateau. — 9 days ago

Jeroen, Brecht and 6 others liked this

Château La Mission Haut-Brion

Pessac-Léognan Red Bordeaux Blend 2003

Still youthful that is suave & polished with red & black fruit, cedar, leather, graphite, mineral, spice box & tobacco — a month ago

Shay, Tom and 11 others liked this

Château de Beaucastel

Châteauneuf-du-Pape Red Rhône Blend 2006

Double decanted two nights before service. The 2006 pours a deep, slightly hazy garnet color with a near opaque core; medium+ viscosity with light staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is vinous with a mix of desiccated fruit and funky umami notes: bruised and desiccated strawberry, red rope licorice, nori, Cherry Dr. Pepper, cracked black pepper and leather. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannin and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is forever long and saline; it just hangs around forever. Initially, this came across as bit backward but it really gained power and character the more time it spent in the glass. Drink now with patience and through 2036. — 11 days ago

Bob, Tom and 15 others liked this

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+ — 19 days ago

Jan, Ira and 12 others liked this

Opus One

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2012

+1 hour decant(decent chunky/fine sediment). A splendid dark ruby red color. On the nose: Intoxicating/intense nose of black fruit, dark currants, worn leather, forest floor, coffee grounds, minty dark chocolate. Taste: smooth, satiny, structured, balanced wine with chocolate covered brambly blackberry, tobacco, earth, cedar, black pepper, and a herbal licorice long finish. A medium body old world style wine that shows well right now and should continue to provide more years of enjoyable sipping. — 5 days ago

Brenda Terzich-Garland
with Brenda
Brenda, Tom and 19 others liked this

Château Léoville Poyferré

Saint Julien Red Bordeaux Blend 2020

Pf ample aroma spices black currant and fruits. gentle tannin ok to drink. Leoville Poyfeir 20 @20305, sommelier, 241103 — 18 days ago