Another epic Fichots from Girard. Deep deep mid to late season cherry and glorious spice. Wow the fruit in 22 is so aromatically expressive at the moment. Just gorgeous. Stunning palate with deep deep fruit but also those fierce Fichot tannins. Juicy, silky and sweet but structured and epic. Wow the tannins. This needs mega air but this is a monumental Fichots. Tasting today and still a beast but has that absurd 22 fruit. I’d wait a decade at least. — 5 months ago
Really nice St. Emilion satellite wine. After 30 min the palate is ripe with red and black fruit and vegetation. The tannic bite on the back end is soft and smooth. Great QPR — 8 months ago
Super delicious, enjoyed this one being that my fiancé and I are big southern Rhône style wine lovers as well as other classical French wine enjoyers. — 4 years ago
Moraga Estate – Sauvignon Blanc – Vintage 1999
Bel Air, Los Angeles, California, USA 🇺🇸
Overview
A remarkable bottle of 100% Sauvignon Blanc from Moraga Estate, located in the rolling hills of Bel Air. Despite its 25+ years of age, this wine has defied time, showing incredible vitality and freshness. A rare showcase that Sauvignon Blanc, under the right terroir and winemaking, can achieve serious longevity.
Aromas & Flavors
Notes of preserved lemon, dried apricot, lanolin, and beeswax unfold gracefully, interlaced with hints of chamomile tea and subtle nutty oxidative tones. The acidity remains vibrant, keeping the palate lifted, with a saline, mineral edge that speaks of its unique site.
Mouthfeel
Still taut and structured, with an oily richness balanced by a linear, mouthwatering acidity. The texture is round yet precise, with a finish that lingers beautifully.
Food Pairings
Ideal with aged goat cheese, seared scallops, or roast chicken with lemon and herbs. A wine this nuanced also shines solo, worthy of quiet contemplation.
Verdict
Astonishing endurance from a varietal not usually associated with long-term cellaring. This is more than a wine, it’s history in a glass.
Did You Know?
Moraga Estate is one of the only commercial wineries operating within Los Angeles city limits, with vineyards planted in the limestone-rich canyons of Bel Air facing south west. Its wines have long been a hidden treasure, often snapped up by Hollywood insiders.
🍷 Personal Pick Highlight
This bottle was a revelation, proving that California Sauvignon Blanc, under the right conditions, can rival the ageability of Old World whites. A true collector’s gem and a memorable experience. — 6 days ago
Always excellent. Young but beautiful with an hour of air — 7 months ago
easy, smooth. lacks the fruity acids that i love but decent blend. — 8 months ago
I love what Girard does with this cuvée. Gorgeous nose of sour cherries, wet moss, flowers and mid season perfectly ripe cherries. Little earthy, feral vibe as well on the nose. So Savigny. Palate feels so alive and has terrific fruit and texture. Sweet, silky, gritty and feral all at the same time and has that stunning balance that is a signature of the 23’s from Girard. The best vintage here since 19. So fresh and sappy with great acids and remarkably sweet and velvety tannins. Let’s see what air does but man this is good on the pop and pour. Long, chewy finish. The energy here is top notch. Love the mid palate opulence here. — 6 months ago
JKT
Balance and soft textures thirty years! Say ten years after acquiring from JR whose email says matriarch passing freed up this library holding back then. — 22 days ago