Peter Sultan

9.3

Broke out one of my cellared Raffaults for my homeboy who graced me with a home cooked Tuscan styled flank steak w rosemary & arugula, as well as Israeli cous cous w chickpeas, charred tomatoes, feta, & herbs. Light Cadmium red hued & strong color though ( good cork- not a guarantee w Raffault!); dense Hibiscus, fresh raspberry & some bramble on nose; on palate very clean & smooth mouthfeel, with the initial flavors repeated but a deeper blend of red fruits & a stronger presence of under brush. Super fresh & integrated. Elegant, & the Burgundy echo was hard to ignore. Not Uber complex but not monolithic either, which this line of Raffault can be in its youth ( or as it ages). Very impressive, & accessible now. Curious how my ‘02 & 07s will fare… — 4 days ago

with Owen

Vino Joe

9.5

What’s not to like? Vibrant vintage coming into its own. Rich sweetness, tropical notes. Beautiful capper. — 6 days ago

Ron Siegel

9.3

This had the classic LB nose showing mostly black fruits with currant, cedar, leather, menthol, spice box, cigar ash & tobacco leaf. — 7 days ago

David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.4

There are worse ways to start a Saturday then tasting & talking wine with Tor Kenward & Andy Beskstoffer having the 1980 BV George Latour Private Reserve & multiple vintages of Tor. Wine 94 technically but age & style 96. The overall experience is a 10.

These bottles came from his cellar so they are perfect. So silky smooth elegant. Beautifully ripe; blackberries, black raspberries, plum, dark cherries, understated baking spices, fresh & used tobacco, sandalwood, raspberry, limestone powder, fine, dark spice, bright, withering dark & red florals, excellent acidity, sheer, balance, elegance and perfect finish that lasts a full minute.

Andy Beckstoffer sold fruit for $150 a ton in the late 1970’s, early 80’s. Today, $50,000 plus a ton and a percentage of the producers bottle price. — 14 days ago

David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.2

Had to try it. Used to love their work prior to 2012. After that, their style changed to picking at higher brix levels thus creating a much sweeter profile. SS was one I’d hoped they’d left alone and they did not. Not quite as sweet as their regular Cabernet but sweeter than before. I made the pitch to the property to make Caymus Classic along side their new sweeter style wines. The 94 Special Selection was one of their best. — 14 days ago

Frank Soldano

9.8

2018 Far Niente Cabernet. Love this vineyard and their signature cab is outstanding! Very nice bouquet, rich with dark fruits, blackberry, plum and light earth notes. Thick long lasting legs. Very smooth on the palette. Rich ripe fruit at the start with blackberry. Finish is smooth with light berry notes. Very low tannins. Love it! Paired well with a big Italian meal with lasagna and sausage. — 19 days ago

Jeremiah Diaz

9.5

Medium straw in color; passionfruit, jasmine, and white peaches on the nose; high acidity; tastes like guava, lemon, pear, and kiwi with a long fruity finish. Nellie likes it and I love it! — 18 days ago

with Nellie

Kevin Dale

9.4

85% Cab Sauv and 15% Cab Franc from Italy. Drinks on the more mellow side compared to a big California Cab. — 12 days ago

Eric Hoepelman

9.2

Wow. Very subtle? Not.
As stated on the backside of the bottle, all the expressions of the region are in the bottle. Included the warmth. It's al lot of wine. — 10 days ago

Kevin Dale

9.5

Took about 90 minutes to open up, but it was worth it. Still in its prime and drinking great. — 14 days ago