Sipping Fine Wine

9.2

Founded in 1982 by Koerner and Joan Rombauer and sits on a tree covered knoll overlooking the Napa Valley, with caves that extend for over a mile. Pale lemon color with aromas of stone and tropical fruit, sweet oak, spice and floral scents. On the palate flavors of ripe peach, melon and apple, with vanilla spice, creamy texture. Medium+ finish, well balanced with acidity, ending with mineral notes. — 7 days ago

Vijay Parikh

9.5

This bottle knocked it out of the park! Beautifully balanced, white flowers, honeyed elegant with a superb finish perhaps the best version of this terroir I have had — 6 days ago

Jay Kline

9.3

Opened and poured into a decanter about an hour prior to service. The 2005 pours a deep ruby/purple color with a near opaque core; medium viscosity with moderate staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is developing with notes of ripe and tart black and red fruits: black and red brambles, cassis, tobacco, green pepper, graphite, espresso, earth and soft 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 and the texture is silky. For what it’s worth, there were a number of nice wines at the table and I kept coming back to this which, now that I think about it, also Léoville-Poyferré seems to always deliver more than expected. The 2005 is in the zone and I don’t expect it fall off anytime soon. Drink through 2045. — 9 days ago

Tom Garland

9.2

Pop and pour. A splendid medium straw color. On the nose: asian pear, crisp apples, lemon rind, almonds, floral. Taste: chalky, oily, vibrant wine with lemon zest, white peach, saline, slate, and a mineral lime peel long finish. YUM! Nice compelling wine at 19 years. — 13 days ago

with Brenda

Vino Joe

9.7

Sharp and citrusy. I loved the mineral chalky texture and the lightness of the wine. Great length Fruit is plentiful but relaxed (in a good way). Perfect for a snowy indoor holiday evening. Cheers! — a month ago

Jay Kline

9.2

Popped and poured; enjoyed over the course of a few hours. No formal notes due to the setting. The 2018 is a fairly classic expression of Beaucastel with a mixed bramble fruit set, underbrush, herbs and spices in lovely balance. Good structure. While still on the youthful side, the 2018 is already showing well and was an awesome accompaniment with a wagyu burger. Drink now through 2038. — 12 days ago

Scott Kahn

9.5

Beautiful wine - one that has improved with age! Deep and rich color with a bouquet of cedar in the glass. Dark and plentiful fruit, integrated albeit present tannins, and a long finish. This is best Estournel that I have sampled! — 8 days ago

Ericsson

9.4

Working is always better with Champagne. Deep acidity, bright citrus notes, racy on the palate, and a lasting finish. Cheers. — 17 days ago

Damian

9.9

Decanted in the glass for 30 minutes, with bottle open during that time and later. The best wine experience so far. I tried it before on a tasting and was not impressed. Brioche, toast, citrus, apple and racing acidity were still present in my mouth after 2 minutes of taking a sip. I prefer to drink it the way I described at the beginning vs straight from the bottle that was standing in ice. — 20 days ago

Ira Schwartz

9.5

While not as intense as on release this is no where near a shrinking violet. The nose is starting to strut with scents of apple , brioche and nuts.That first taste still makes you recoil and salivate. Lemons , limes , biscuits, and a touch of butterscotch. Very long finish . Developing into everything I hoped for. — 16 days ago