Ira Schwartz

9.4

The nose is layered and expressive, opening with black cherry, plum, and cassis, followed by notes of , tobacco leaf, leather. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied with softened but still present tannins providing structure. Dark fruit flavors are complemented by earth, licorice, espresso, and a touch of minera. The acidity remains well-integrated, lending lift and balance despite the wine’s concentration.
At age 19 this is drinking beautifully now, offering both power and nuance, while still capable of holding for several more years — 3 days ago

Jay Kline

9.3

This bottled was purchased at the estate last year; double-decanted earlier in the day and enjoyed over the course of a couple hours. The 1982 “Il Poggio” Riserva pours a deep garnet color with a near opaque core; medium viscosity with no staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is vinous with notes of ripe and dried Morello cherry, red rope licorice, my grandmother’s attic, old leather bound books and dry, iron rich earth. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium tannin (integrated) and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is medium+ with ferrous minerals. What a lovely, mature Riserva and killer with mushroom risotto. I wouldn’t worry about this dropping off a cliff anytime soon but this is ready to drink now through 2037+ — a month ago

Jay Kline

9.3

Presented double-blind at Tasting Group. The wine pours a deep garnet color with a near opaque core; medium+ viscosity with moderate staining of the tears and no obvious signs of sediment. On the nose, the wine is developing with powerful notes of ripe and some dried fruits: bramble berries, slightly stewed black cherry, dried herbs, stony earth, baking spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannin and medium acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long. The alcohol is high.

Initial conclusions: this could be a Grenache-based blend, Corvina-based blend or Sangiovese-based blend from France or Italy. I felt the combination of slightly stewed cherry and spices ruled out what I would want from a Sangiovese blend. Which, left me to decide between Southern Rhône or Valpolicella. I liked this wine…the oak treatment was interesting. I was getting a French barrique. Hmmm…

So, for my final conclusion: I’m calling this a Grenache-based blend, from France, from Southern Rhône, from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, 2017, from a more modern leaning producer using a good portion of barrique. I’ll be damned! I don’t hate my call but I gotta get better at distinguishing these wines from Southern Rhône. I probably just need to drink more of both, lol. Tasty stuff! Drink now through 2039. — a month ago

Lance E. Farman

9.1

Massive wine, huge flavor, judicious oak. Usually wines like this would be goopy but this is not. — 11 days ago

Ericsson

9.7

Yes—exactly that kind of wine: timeless, composed, and quietly authoritative.

It smells so good on first pour. Damp pine forest floor and clean mountain air register immediately. Everything else unravels from there; but that initial pop-and-pour sniff is pure magic.

On the palate, blackcurrant, cedar, graphite, and dried herbs unfold with control, carried by freshness and finely etched tannins in a medium body.

So classic, so intellectual, and deeply mesmerizing. Drink now or age. — a month ago

Iwan

9.5

An icon for a reason. Exactly what you want from a California Cab. Balanced yet bold, powerful yet refined. Amazing. — a month ago

Pooneet K

9.3

Last had 4 years ago and was excited to check in - this didn’t disappoint. That perfect ridge mix of old world sensibility and composition with new world fruit and character. 13.8%. Finish is long with nice acid. Great pairing with steaks. Nice wine.

Happy New Year! — 23 days ago

Dmitry Muzychak

9.1

Выпито 22.01.26 с семьей Чеония в Тартюыо. 🍷👍 — 2 days ago

Some Dude

9.1

I love this wine. We had it with a rich meal of cognac Dijon beef stew, and Alsatian braised red cabbage. It was especially beautiful with the cabbage. It’s fruit notes were amazing. Its finesse and elegance were perfect for the meal. and at this price, it’s an unbelievable bargain. — 24 days ago

David Peifer

9.4

Delicious cab. Aged nicely. Paired well with our slow cooked beef. — a month ago