+3 hour decant(some chunky/fine sediment). A remarkable dark garnet color. On the nose: dark plum/currants, forest floor, touch of mint and leather, smokey brisket. Taste: layered, structured, dry wine with plum, cassis, tobacco, cedar, currants and a tangy spiced raspberry medium plus finish. YUM! No hurry, time to go. — 6 days ago
The 2014 Ausone has retained that purity, pastille-like red berry fruit on the nose, with touches of clove and bay leaf, perhaps almost Burgundian in terms of its allure. The palate is medium-bodied with fleshy, pliant tannins that manifest its velvety texture. This might be the most seductive of any 2014 Bordeaux, fanning out beautifully towards the almost citrus-fresh finish. Gorgeous. Tasted at Bordeaux Index's 10-Year On tasting. (Neal Martin, Vinous, March 2024)
— 9 days ago
1996 vintage. Solid fill. Excellent cork. Decanted and tasted over the course of 1.5 hours. Tossing big sed. Medium body. Huge sandalwood on the initial nose that turned into charcoal after 20-25 minutes. Cocoa/milk chocolate, dark plum, coffee grounds and a "chunkiness" that worked well collectively for approximately 45 mins but then lost cohesion, fragmented and made the wine slightly less interesting. Thought the wine could hold up for another 15 years at a 9.4 level during the first half but the second half revealed a lack of depth on the bench. Would like to taste again and give it 2 hours to make a long(er)-term case for itself. 3.28.24. — 9 hours ago
2016 vintage. Always understated style. Lean throughout. Light-medium body with dedicated, yet delicate, push. Distinctive producer. Enduring delivery currently. Obviously not for everyone but for those that get it, borders on obsession. Mushrooms. Drying earth. Light cedar. Cassis. Subdued sandalwood. Very close to being the Burgundy of St. Julien. Last tasted 9.20.21 and scored same. 3.16.24. — 12 days ago
The 2014 Pavie is one of my preferred vintages of the decade, perhaps because the growing season put a leash on its power. It has a forward and generous nose, but there is clearly as much complexity as the Figeac that precedes it: dark berry fruit, iron filings, cedar and just a hint of tobacco. Quite involving. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins, harmonious and pliant, decent acidity with a silky smooth, persistent finish. This has some way to go. Excellent. Tasted blind at the Southwold 10-Year-On tasting. (Neal Martin, Vinous, March 2024)
— 9 days ago
The 2021 Saint-Joseph used roughly 50% whole-clusters during fermentation. In comparison, 2022 saw 85% inclusion, while in 2017, no destemming was applied. Coming in at 12.5% alcohol, the deep purple-hued 2021 unfurls with pretty red fruits paired with leafy undertones and cedar. Orange blossom and rose petal add welcome floral lift. Light to medium in body, this is a delicate Gonon, neatly framed by velvety tannins and bright acidity. It should drink well right out of the gate. Tasted twice with consistent notes. (Nicolas Greinache, Vinous, March 2024)
— 18 hours ago
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The 2014 Montrose has an engaging and complex bouquet with black fruit, a pencil box, pressed violet and warm earth scents, gaining intensity with aeration. The palate is medium-bodied with excellent tannins that frame the mineral-rich black fruit (in fact, this is one of the most mineral-laden 2014 Left Banks I tasted.) The oak is seamlessly integrated, and the finish has real panache. Beautifully, and it's just entering its drinking window. Tasted at Bordeaux Index's 10-Year-On tasting. (Neal Martin, Vinous, March 2024)
— 9 days ago