Jay Kline

9.5

Popped and poured; enjoyed over the course of a couple hour. The 2009 pours a deep, slightly dull ruby color with a transparent core; medium viscosity with no staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is developing with beguiling notes of strawberry, raspberry, dried red flowers, sous bois, mushroom, licorice, dried green herbs, and gentle warm spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannin and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long. Despite the power of the vintage, this is impressively balanced and only seemed to gain energy as time went on. Drink now with patience through 2059. — 6 days ago

Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego

9.3

2015 vintage. Light-medium body. Tasted via Coravin. Earthy, mushrooms, some very subtle spice components present. Old enough to thankfully have tossed the usual candied prettiness that marks this wine the first few years after release. Ready to boogie but no rush with this particular disco party. When we can all get together and ease up our mind. This is entering the proverbial villain phase. 2.11.26. — 2 months ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.4

Château Pavie Macquin 2023 – Saint-Émilion Grand Cru, Premier Grand Cru Classé. BDX France 🇫🇷

Overview
A refined and confidently composed Saint-Émilion driven by a 78% Merlot-dominant blend with 20% Cabernet Franc and 2% Cabernet Sauvignon support, showcasing noble structure, polished fruit, and effortless balance. The wine emphasizes finesse, reliability, and clarity rather than sheer power, delivering a harmonious expression that feels immediately approachable while retaining long-term pedigree.

Aromas & Flavors
Black cherry, blackberry, red plum, crushed limestone, violet petal, subtle graphite, cocoa powder, gentle spice and fresh herbal nuance.

Mouthfeel
Medium-plus body with a supple, graceful entry, finely woven tannins, beautifully integrated acidity, excellent mid-palate harmony, and a long, elegant finish that glides with precision and calm authority.

Food Pairings
Roast chicken with herbs, duck confit, filet mignon, mushroom risotto, aged Comté, grilled vegetables with olive oil and thyme.

Verdict
A beautifully proportioned Right Bank wine emphasizing elegance, consistency, and structural purity. It delivers high-level craftsmanship without excess drama, a wine that earns trust and admiration through balance and restraint.

🍷 Personal Pick
This feels like a wine you can always count on, noble, polished, quietly confident, and endlessly drinkable. Tons of finesse without any rough edges, making it both comforting and impressive at the same time. The kind of bottle that never disappoints. — 3 months ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.1

Established in the village of Marsannay in the 1960's by Bernard Coillot, father of owner Christophe Coillot. Deep Ruby red color with aromas of berry fruit and spice. On the palate flavors of cherry and blackberry with notes of fig, mushroom and spice. Fine soft tannins, long finish ending with fruit, spice and earthy mineral character. Very Nice! — 13 days ago

Jay Kline

9.3

Popped and poured; enjoyed over the course of an hour. The 1981 pours an amber color with medium+ viscosity. On the nose, the wine is developing (still!) with notes of ripe apricots, orange peel, honeysuckle, marmalade, candied nuts and crushed rock. On the palate, the wine is sweet with medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long. This bottle of the 1981 seems evergreen considering the way it showed today. Drink now through 2081?? — 2 months ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.5

Château Suduiraut, 2023, Sauternes BDX, France 🇫🇷

Overview
Premier Cru Classé Sauternes delivering pure botrytis luxury blend of 80% Semillon, 15% Sauvignon Blanc and 5% Sauvignon Gris with remarkable tension and precision. Lush honeyed richness balanced by vibrant acidity and a beautifully layered texture that feels both decadent and weightless. Sensual, polished, and deeply expressive, this is a dessert wine that seduces rather than overwhelms.

Aromas & Flavors
Orange blossom, acacia honey, apricot confit, ripe peach, saffron, candied citrus peel, subtle vanilla bean, almond paste, and a whisper of ginger spice. Floral lift intertwines with botrytis-driven sweetness and fresh citrus brightness.

Mouthfeel
Silky, viscous, and coating without heaviness. Glycerol richness glides across the palate while acidity keeps the wine lifted, focused, and endlessly drinkable. Long, luxurious, and caressing finish.

Food Pairings
Foie gras torchon, blue cheese (Roquefort or Stilton), apricot tart, almond pastries, honey-drizzled chèvre, citrus-based desserts, or simply enjoyed solo as a contemplative finale.

Verdict
Sublime, sexy, and impeccably balanced. A masterclass in tension between sweetness and freshness, delivering pleasure, elegance, and emotional impact in equal measure. A benchmark nightcap wine.

Did You Know?
Château Suduiraut sits adjacent to Château d’Yquem and shares similar gravelly terroir and noble rot influence, often delivering First Growth-level finesse at a more approachable price point.

🍯 Personal Pick
This wine feels like a French kiss, seductive tension, velvet weight, and honeyed decadence wrapped in electric freshness. The viscosity caresses the palate while the acidity keeps everything irresistibly alive. — 3 months ago

Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego

9.4

2014 vintage. From a 375ml effort. Tasted after being open for 1.5 hours and in the 48-50 degree range. Heavy bod. Plenty of candied orange fruit and unfiltered honey/mead. Just starting to get “interesting.” Needs another decade to add the ole pizzazz. 3.21.26. — a month ago

Meredith Moody

9.5

This is what I think of when I think of Rioja. Dried cherry and cranberry is what I get right away, and then it has more savory/earthy notes like leather and mushroom. When I tasted it I said “it tastes old.” That is a compliment. Hints of vanilla and spice. Felt elegant with a long finish. Had it with fatty new york strips. Tannins and acidity balanced it well. Not a loud wine, but a great one. — 2 months ago

Andrew Cullimore

9.3

Medium lemon , light copper hue . Some light but persistent bubbles still. This is quite serious and rich on the nose , with some orange rind , walnut , touch of mushroom and meaty , soy hints . Quite rich , intense and dense on the palate but with good freshness still , long with orange rind and walnut. Perfect now and over the next 5 years or so . At Noble Rot , London , 15th Jan 2026 — 3 months ago

Scott E. Becker

9.2

[Tasted on December 12, 2025 at Home]

Bright raspberry, cranberry and blueberry fruit, with mineral, mushroom and spice. Wine was rated #11 on Wine Spectator’s Top 100 Wines of 2025. — 4 months ago