Jay Kline

9.6

We pulled this from our cellar and brought it to V. Mertz for dinner. We enjoyed a couple of other wines as aperitifs and then ultimately did what anyone given the opportunity should do: pair it with lamb chops. We poured it into a decanter while we enjoyed the conversation and opening courses. Given the setting, there were no formal notes however, I can confidently report that the 2015 “Tintot” absolutely slaps. From the first sip to the last, it was all balance, power and class. It was also a spectacular showcase for Mourvèdre. It was hard to fully judge color because the lighting was so low but it appeared to be nearly opaque. A touch feral with a slightly gamey element to it but there’s a great big ol’ basket of black and blue fruits with red and purple flowers, garrigue, some black pepper and cedar chest. Structure is still quite firm but totally enjoyable. While this is an unusual assemblage for the region, it still comes across as a wine from Chateauneuf-du-Pape. This was my first “Tintot” and it has left quite the impression. Drink now with an hour decant or over the next 7-10 years. P.S. it probably goes without saying, but the pairing with lamb chops was sublime. — 3 days ago

Bob McDonald

9.0

The 2nd wine to Vieux Telegraphe’s famed La Crau. Sweet Grenache raspberry notes on nose and palate. Fresher, more fruit and less savoury than I was expecting, although there is a note of light tar. Tannins are fine and very fluid. Hasn’t got the depth of La Crau. 80% Grenache 10% Syrah 6% Mourvèdre 4% Cinsault. — 7 days ago

Josh Morgenthau

9.0

Barnyard nose, horse stable, prune plum, and stinky, savory, somewhat muted fruit nose. Palate is great though with tart cherry juice, stern tannins and a lot of acid on the palate. Definitely an enjoyable bottle with the right food.

Nice mocha notes coming across on day 3+. — 9 days ago

Yash Gala

9.5

Plums blueberries smooth deep red. Find could have been better. Noticeable tannins — 8 days ago

Ray Vanderhoff

9.3

Quite dense and dark. CDP blend of Grenache (65%), Syrah (15%) and Mourvèdre (10%) with the balance being made up of small amounts of just about all of the grapes that are permitted. Intense aromas of black fruit with hints of coffee, graphite and beef jerky. Black plum/raspberry/berry fill the pallet with hints of dark chocolate, black licorice and spice. Silky tannins, solid depth and very long finish. Full bodied and muscular, but nicely balanced. Thank you for sharing, Kase! — 9 days ago

Richard Portes

9.3

17.5. But not as good after 2 days. — 17 days ago

Bob McDonald

9.1

Love these Mediterranean whites. Unctuous and delicious. Medium to full bodied with low soft acid. Notes of apricot, nectarine and pineapple juice. I have 3 left which I should drink in the next 12 to 18 months. — 7 days ago

Brent Young

9.5

Sweaty Animals? Yes please

DAY 1
👃Complex. Distinctive. Amazing. Charcoal, pepper, sweet dark cherries, smoke, barnyard, sweaty animals, earth, garrigue & violets
👅Full bodied. Complex. Balanced. Purple/red fruit, thyme, licorice & pepper. Silky. Finishes with mod+ tannic pull. Delicious
Note: With time in the glass the nose and palate lost some focus and animation. Still drinking well but probably lost 2-3 points

The remaining wine was Slow Decanted in my refrigerator

DAY 12
Slow Decanting this wine did not improve this wine. Just as with Day 1, letting the wine aerate resulted in less intensity. The wine did not develop any faults and was still a very nice glass. It just wasn’t the firecracker it was on first pour

Verdict: A fantastic wine. It was best as soon as it was poured on Day 1. I would not decant this wine or give it extra time in the glass.

Question: I have noticed this with many CdPs in the past. They do not do well with aeration. And it seems particularly true of wines with more structure. Anyone else notice this? — 2 days ago

LM Segal

9.6

Powerful nose of undergrowth and bright red berry, elegant and so round, fine tannins still framing a beautiful beam of red and black fruit, asian spice, white pepper. Phenomenal and still drinking young. — 3 days ago

Jay Eagan

9.2

Flavor of strawberry jam and spice - very smooth and approachable. Enjoyed with a beautifully bribenedppork chop… — 11 days ago

with Kristine