Kurt Schuster

9.1

A nose of fresh, cool melon without too much sugar or underripe tanginess in either direction. On the tongue is fairly thick with a bit of honeysuckle and light ginger, very smooth and viscous with a bit of Black beech honey on the tongue.  — 8 months ago

with Denise

Kirsten Spalding

9.4

I really like this one. So smooth, similar to the viscosity of water, with a black pepper finish that sits on your tongue long after you drink. Dusty black currants and plum. Bay leaf, sage, and thyme lightly hit the smell and taste. The color of the 1999 is a cloudy ruby. Pair with a super elegant dog like a Irish Setter. Beautiful and memorable. — 2 years ago

Ron R

9.4

So, Anne-Marie wanted a rescue dog, and after two weeks, I require a rescue. He goes by Miller, and he’s a little Jeckel and Hyde, but every day we see forward progress. He likes Napa cabs, particularly Outpost. Miller’s notes were that this 16 is drum-tight. Nose presents coffee, spice box and overripe black fruits. The palate goes on for dog 🐶 days, woof! The finish is intense, tannic and ripe. Do I detect a smidge of Pup-Perroni doggy treats? 🐶 — 4 years ago

with Anne-marie

Catherine Leith

9.3

Full bodies with a long finish. Definitely needs to be aged and aerated to bring out the complex flavours. Notes of cassis and pepper with smooth undertones of vanilla and oak. — a year ago

Kamila

9.0

A bit chocolate-y? Black berries has a bite to it. — 2 years ago

William Paley

9.3

black cherry dirt. animal, delta, sassafras, bourbon street coffee, plum syrup, black marker, dog run, not particularly strippy but carries a soil burden. brown rhubarb candy and lake effects. mica echo. — 3 years ago

with Abbas and Jess

Chris England

9.3

2nd wine of Haut Brion @ £120 in top year that I grabbed as a bin end last week for £77 💥 boom - like walking down the street & not stepping in the dog 💩 result 😁

📍 Le Clarence De Haut Brion 2009

🏵 93+ points & should still improve 😉

🍇 46% Merlot, 39% Cabernet Sauvignon & the rest dollops of Petit Verdot & Cabernet Franc

🍷 Deep opaque ruby

👃 Flint, mineral & gravel in soggy earth through blackberry soaked in smokey oak w/ plum, cracked pencil, dark cherry, herbs, cocoa, raspberry & wet leaves

👄 Med body of smooth rich black berry/currant, dark cherry, plum & raspberry in rock minerals w/ a mocha liquorice undertone

🎯 Med+ dark & red fruit silky mineral kiss w/ a mocha liquorice spank
— 6 years ago

Kirsten Spalding

9.3

Iron and blackberry right off the nose. There is airy clove and black current quality to it that seems to disappear on the tongue. It reminds me of super fine, dark chocolate. The image that comes to mind is a living oak tree— it tastes alive. Pair with pets for a Beauceron, a loyal, intelligent, devoted dog breed that is known for guarding livestock. Sit in front of a fire, drinking this wine while eating some dark chocolate. Or better yet, a hearty filet mignon that you can share with your new Beauceron best friend. — 2 years ago

Trixie

9.0

Visited the Jameson Distillery while in Dublin. Was an interesting experience.

This whiskey is matured in charred bourbon barrels.

Nose - banana and toffee. Palate- caramel and toasted oak.

Makes a good cocktail with fresh lime and ginger ale.

•40% ABV• November 15, 2022 — 2 years ago

David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.3

I bought this bottle about a year ago from K&L. The bottle was in pristine shape. Like the 1985 last weekend, the neck fill today was as high as the day they filled it.

I purchased two bottles. The first, I didn’t post. It had waned. Tonight’s bottle is giving me everything thing I expected when I purchased it.

The nose reveals a little barnyard (v/a) that blew off fairly quickly, slightly baked, stewed & ripe fruits of; blackberries, black cherries, blackberries, black plum, strawberries, dry cranberries, boysenberries & blueberries. Steeped, black tea, dark berry cola, sage, bay leaf, dry, crushed rocks, limestone, anise, some black licorice, soft; cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, caramel & liquid mocha, vanilla, dry twigs, understated, mid dark spice, peppery notes, tree bark/sap, mint, rich, dark, slightly sweet earth, dry tobacco & leather with bright, fresh & withering; dark, red, some purple & blue flowers weaved into late blooming violets.

The body is just full, fresh & lush. There is still a decent, tarry, slightly chewy tannin structure even after a little over 22 years in bottle. For me, the length, tension and balance are perfect. This bottle has another 5 and perhaps 7 years of good drinking ahead. It’s really delicious tonight. Slightly baked, stewed & ripe fruits of; blackberries, black cherries, blackberries that pop on the palate, black plum, strawberries, dry cranberries, boysenberries & blueberries. Steeped, black tea, dark berry cola, sage, bay leaf, dry, crushed rocks, limestone, sandstone/dry top soil, anise, some black licorice, soft; cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, melted, salted caramel, dark baking chocolate & liquid mocha, vanilla, dry twigs, understated, mid dark spice with perfect palate heat, tree bark/sap, mint, savory meats, peppercorns, rich, dark, slightly sweet earth, dry tobacco & leather, French oak barrel shavings, with bright, fresh & withering; dark, red, some purple & blue flowers weaved into late blooming violets. The acidity is round, phat & perfect. The long finish is delicious, an elegant lady, well balanced settling into some of the nicest, dark spices I can remember in sometime.

In terms of pleasure, I would give this wine a 94 but, in technical terms, just misses it.

Once again, I really love the 13% ABV. I wish Napa Cabernets had never risen above that level.

Photos of; the Estate of Flora Springs, long view of their beautiful barrel cellar, happy dog running through their vines and their very modern tasting room on Hwy 29. — 5 years ago