Chess Master

Loring Wine Company

Clos Pepe Vineyard Pinot Noir 2009

Wes Hagen, 20 year veteran wine maker at Clos Pepe Vineyard, joined our group and gave us a master class in Santa Barbara pinot noir. We tried 11 PNs from 2004-2010, made by Loring, AP Vin, Sandler, Siduri, and Brewer-Clifton. This 2009 Loring had the meaty flavors that I love in a great US PN. — a month ago

David, Doug and 11 others liked this

Jérôme Prévost

La Closerie Les Béguines Extra Brut Champagne Pinot Meunier 2019

Love LC19. It’s killer tonight, even more expressive than the last time I had it flaunting deep, powerful layers of ripe orchard fruit with smoky minerals, toasted hazelnuts and exotic spices. The palate is impeccably structured and concentrated with a satiny texture and vibrant energy that gives way to a saline and mineral laced finale. Pinot Meunier from the master, it just can’t be matched. This is the best release since LC13. — 8 months ago

Shay, Paul and 7 others liked this

Caillard

Mataro 2015

Mid Ruby red in colour with a tawny edge. Sour cherry with touches of pepper and cloves. Not as raspberry as I was expecting from old vine Mataro. With a couple of hours of aeration the raspberry notes started coming through finishing with Sandy tannins. This wine is made by the multi talented Andrew Caillard who is the supremo of Fine Wine retailer and auctioneer Langtons who allowed Andrew to make his superb range of wines under his own label using old vine Mataro and Shiraz; painted the exquisite labels himself and who achieved a Master of Wine in his spare time. I am lucky to have 5 of these beauties left. 96 points from James Halliday. — 2 years ago

Neil, Dawn and 22 others liked this

Château Léoville-Las Cases

Grand Vin de Leoville du Marquis de las Cases Saint-Julien Red Bordeaux Blend 1975

This 49 years old LLC was in the first sniff a bit dull, but then miraculously this grand master of BDX stood up and showed its pure class. Ok it’s not a young bastard but what a pleasure to drink with friends. — 3 months ago

Kees SchipperHans Stockmann
with Kees and Hans
Hans, Jan and 6 others liked this

S.C. Pannell

McLaren Vale Tempranillo Touriga 2013

See previous notes on March 2020 and October 2020. This tasting was even better than those two tastings. At 10 years it is peaking. Sweet and savoury ripe plum and black cherry. So mellow, earthy and delicious. A brilliant wine from a brilliant winemaker. He certainly is the master of alternative varieties in this country - Steve Pannell. A lot like cool climate Shiraz and many would pick it as that in a blind tasting. A great match with Chicken Legs. — 10 months ago

Scott@Mister, Ira and 19 others liked this

Argyle

Master Series Extended Tirage Brut Oregon Pinot Noir Chardonnay 2009

Birthday Celebration 🎉 — 2 years ago

Lauren Nugent
with Lauren
Vanessa, Brent and 6 others liked this
Brent Young

Brent Young Premium Badge

Excellent 🍾 Happy Birthday!🥂

Thierry Allemand

Cornas Reynard (R) Syrah 2012

Great vintage from the master of Cornas that is still youthful — 4 months ago

Shay, Ira and 12 others liked this

Pierre Gonon

Saint-Joseph Vielles Vignes Syrah 2017

Another great btl from the master of SJ. This had palate staining concentration , balanced with beautiful aromatics of black cherry, berry fruit, sweet & savory spice, graphite, licorice, meat, iron & violets. — 6 months ago

Jean-Philip, Shay and 9 others liked this

Dr. Bürklin-Wolf

Court of Master Sommeliers 25th Annviersary Riesling 1999

At 24 years of age this is youthful and vital with a rich ridge of stone fruit braced by range citrus acid and a lingering, slightly mineral finish. Delightful. — a year ago

Bob liked this

Dow's

Master Blend Finest Reserve Porto

Sticky and sweet with heavy notes of cherry and plum — 2 years ago