Jakub Kalinowski

9.2

Quite smoky & raw. Gravel & raw cacao. The fruit really hidden right now. Barely hinted. After some time a bit of cassis emerges.
Dense on the palate. And quite burly. Big tannins, juicy yet very present. Great depth. Roast, cacao, very masculine.
This is way too early to drink this, still needs time to settle down. Brilliant but way too young. — 5 days ago

Daniel M

9.2

I was disappointed by the amarone before so I popped up this one to find a great reliable pour for the last evening of our guest and best friend from back home (and yours truly last evening before a day off).
What comes to mind is umami. The nose is full on cedar, cigar box, tar, black currant and soy sauce. The palate is massive, wide, grainy, silky, tannic in the rear with a grain, some chocolate and that umami, meat sauce touch that lingers for a very long moment. Bordeaux grand cru classé like you would like it to be every single time. 🥺 — 14 days ago

Norman Gennaro

9.3

Nice. But I wouldn’t say it showed a lot better than the others. — 12 days ago

Jakub Kalinowski

9.4

Quite closed on the nose right now. Closed yet rich. With black currant leaf, a bit of cedar wood, a hint of dark plum.
On the palate this is already surprisingly ready. Very elegant, the tannins velvety, juicy, so finely grained & smooth. Amazing quality. Poised, impeccably balanced, with great depth. This is quite spectacular. Even if it’s infanticide. — 5 days ago

Victor Hsu

9.3

Smooth, round and delicious, with gentle tannins and woody, plummy spice. Lovely red Bordeaux—we could dink this all night. Still balanced after 27 years but its acids seem a bit faded. I would guess that it’s at a high plateau that may be gently dipping so my daughter Rachel, who owns this wine, needs to finish the rest of her stash within the next year. The vintage of this bottle is her birth year, and we laid down a half case along with another half case of Chateau Lynch Bages. Both bottles are now soft, special treats. We enjoyed the 1996 vintage with prime steak at the Palm Restaurant in downtown LA, celebrating her graduation from UCLA Law. Congratulations, Rachel! — 7 days ago

Nathan Renfro

9.5

Dark dark ruby. Tannins holding strong, a bit tight at the open, but loosens up to a wonderful silky mouthfeel. Black fruit in balance with minerality. Lovely wine but tonight I preferred the Pape Clement. — 19 days ago

Ray Vanderhoff

9.2

Blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (65%), Merlot (24%), Cabernet Franc (6%) and Petite Verdot (5%). Dark Ruby/purple color. Aromas of blueberry, black currants, violets and tobacco. Black fruit (blackberry, black currant, black plum) on the palate with hints of chocolate, black licorice, baking spices and black pepper. Medium-plus bodied and a slight note of mineral/graphite on the long flavorful finish. Well integrated oak, creamy texture and lively acidity. — 13 days ago

Vino Joe

9.5

This should cellar longer. Maybe another 5 yrs before I try again. Decanted over 3 hrs. Tight in first hour. It needs a lot air now. Many layers and complex fruit. It lingers. Meaty after taste. Dark fruit. Earthy. I liked it very much and look forward to the next one. — 15 days ago

AHF

9.1

From half with perfect cork. Very balanced with drying tannins. Much better after two+ hour decant. — 9 days ago

Sam Friedland

9.1

Some raspberries and cherries, a little of tannins. Was great with braised elk and king trumpet mushrooms. — 15 days ago