Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.2

The 2006 Bordeaux vintage. The vintage while wasn’t Bordeaux’s best, it certainly wasn’t one of its worst. It had the unenviable position of following a grand 2005 vintage. I think better than 2000, maybe 09 & 10? Jury is still out. The Bordelaise also got greedy and raised their prices from 05. That was a mistake when it came to selling the 2006 vintage and it laid another layer of bad taste in consumers minds.

I really enjoy Pichon Lalande’s style/craft. The 06 is good, not great. In fact, I enjoyed this better w/o the lamb.

The fruits are just ripe. Velvety, rounded M+ tannins. Brambly blackberries, dryish black plum, black cherries, black raspberries, strawberries, some raspberry hues, oak barrel shavings, graphite, dry soils, dry tobacco & leather, dry clay, soft but dark spice, some dry herbs, soft baking spices- clove, nutmeg, cinnamon & vanillin, light milk chocolate, caramel hues, black tea, anise, some mid berry cola, dry & withering, dark & red flowers, violets, decent, round acidity, balanced, neatly structured/tensioned with an elegant finish that lasts just over 90 seconds and falls on dry earth and soft, dark spice.

Still acceding and has 15 plus yrs of good drinking ahead. Could make a case for rounding up to 93.

Paired w/ Grilled Rack of Lamb, Served with Rosemary Jus, Fondant Potatoes and Steamed Broccoli.

@EK148 — 8 days ago

Timothy Eustis

Wine Director, Red Lion Inn

9.0

Dark color for a burgundy. 2022.
Smoky oak on nose. Classic burgundy. Pure fruit. Balance with tannins and acidity. Sure drinkable and well made. Exc. — 3 months ago

Shay A

9.2

Opened during the WB virtual taste with Thomas Champs of the Vilmart family.

Disgorged April 2022; 70% Chardonnay, 30% Pinot noir; 7g/dosage; no malo; 10months in oak

While I’ve had Vilmart before, I’ve not focused on the wine and its history before the way I did with this virtual taste. Normally 7g/l dosage starts to cause me to pause, but this is another example of how dosage plays so many different instruments aside from sweetness. Beautiful texture and precision. Slight reduction upon opening. Brioche, lemon cream, honeycrisp apple (not tart; ripe), sea salt, faint honey. The mineral/chalk profile is upfront and the mousse is really nice and soft/creamy. A wonderful balance in acid, fruit, texture.

Followed over two days, and I may have enjoyed day two a small bit more! Always an incredible value. — 7 months ago

Josene Teng

9.0

Nice fragrance of grape. Easy to drink and light on taste bud. — a month ago

Daniel Jara

9.5

Vinazo ! Mi nuevo preferido, silky and smooth, redondo, taninos presentes , complejo — 2 months ago

romo

9.2

Sweetness trumping most finish notes. Cider-y in the best way. — 3 months ago

Ray Vanderhoff

9.1

Cote du Rhône blend of Grenache (60%) and Syrah (40%). Deep garnet color with a ruby core. Aromas of red and black berry fruit, garrigue and baking spices. Same fruit flavors (very ripe) with notes of black licorice, black pepper and vanilla. Medium-plus finish and well balanced acidity. Smooth texture and tannins. This wine expresses the two varietals in the blend beautifully. Exceptional quality for the price. Revisited in February 2025. Solid. — 9 months ago

Angie Forbes

9.0

Hamptons liquor-need to check price but thought it was $12 — a month ago

David Dranit

9.3

2005 drunk in 2025. Delicious even though the cork crumbled. Gorgeous color, full body, a bit grassy and green apple. — 2 months ago

Doug Powers

9.1

From goblet-trained old-vine Clairette in Lirac (vineyard was “planted before 1870) on a hill overlooking the Rhône on the west side of the river, this lovely white wine shows honey and minerals, also some very nice acidity to balance, Clairette (which I adore) rarely shows the more viscous textural notes I get from southern Rhône Blancs that are mostly Roussanne and/or Marsanne (the latter mostly found in the northern Rhône), very good finish, lovely wine!!
I have actually walked this vineyard (6 years ago), the gnarled old vines are a pretty cool sight!! — 4 months ago

with Jim