The 2016 Beauséjour Héritiers Duffau-Lagarrosse has come together beautifully since I last tasted it. Nearly seamless in the glass, the 2016 is rich, unctuous and potent, with all of its elements in the right place. Nothing really sticks out. Instead, I am simply blown away by the wine's intensity, explosive power and overall pedigree. Time in the glass brings out hints of graphite, smoke, cured meats, licorice and dark spices, but it is the wine's balance that is most impressive today. In 2016, Nicolas Thienpont and his team crafted a Beauséjour of mind-boggling intensity and purity. Tasted three times. (Antonio Galloni, Vinous, January 2019) — 5 years 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 Greinacher, Vinous, March 2024)
— 8 months ago
Dry Farm Wine — 3 years ago
Felt it was a good ten year in bottle check on the 08 Pavie Macquin. I wasn’t expecting the wine to blow my hair back but, I expected a little something better.
The 2008 Bordeaux growing season was one of difficult weather through August. Then, grand weather in September & October saved the vintage. Well...with this one, it likely made a bad vintage into just a good one.
The nose reveals classic Merlot based nose, nice Claret. The fruits are ripe, slightly ruby & candied but, a little dull. Blackberries, black raspberries, baked, dark cherries, black raspberries & stewed strawberries. Dark fruit cola, vanilla, black licorice, dark, rich earth, stones, touch leather, cinnamon stick, some graphite, light herbal quality with candied dark, red, & a touch fresh of blue florals framed in violets.
The body is just full & very velvety. The tension & structure are a little soft. The balance is good as is the length. However as it continues on the palate is just never pops. In fact, leaner & somewhat hollow. It lacks depth & complexity. The fruits are ripe, slightly ruby & candied but, a little dull. Blackberries, black raspberries, baked, dark cherries, black raspberries & stewed strawberries. Dark fruit cola, vanilla, black licorice, dark, rich earth, stones, soft, velvety leather, cinnamon stick, some graphite, light herbal quality with candied dark, red, & a touch fresh of blue florals framed in violets. The acidity is really nice, fresh. The finish is, soft, elegant, the same wire to wire but, just never dazzles.
I am afraid this is not showing any signs of being in a dumb phase. Nor, is it showing any earmarks that it is going to improve, just evolve.
Photos of; Chateau Pavie Macquin, signage tell you are close, Winemaker - Nicolas Thienpont & their barrel room. — 5 years ago
Crafted from fully destemmed grapes, the elegant and polished 2020 Saint-Joseph totally delivers. Violets, black cherry, raspberry and discrete cedar usher in. Ripe tannins structure this medium-bodied and concentrated Saint-Joseph that maintains its elegant profile right through to the refined finale. (Nicolas Greinacher, Vinous, March 2024)
— 8 months ago
Great value at $50.00 from K&L
Web notes,
The owner of this Chateau, Calon Segur takes some of it name Calon from the word 'calones' which were small transport skiffs that used to haul goods up and down the Gironde river. Back then boats were the best mode of conveyancing wine plus preferable to the reluctant donkey and other landlubbing transports. This fact is a big reason for this region's long successful trading history. Much to the dismay of more land locked wine making regions, Bordeaux enjoyed direct access to the water. Happily shipping great wines such as Chateau Capburn Gasqueton for centuries. As this red wine was transported away from the port, the owners would farewell it's strawberry and raspberry driven fruit flavours bound for distant thirsty lands. It's beautiful chalky tannins and fine oak would be missed as they were well on the way to our store's shelves, cellars and tummies. Hence raise a big cheers to the diminutive but very essential Calons! (And amazing value Bordeaux reds)
Chateau Capburn Gasqueton is situated in St Estephe, on the left bank of Bordeaux, France. Grapes have been grown on the property's grounds since the 12th century. However, the 18th century saw it's elevation into quality wine production when Nicolas-Alexandre, owner of Latour, Lafite and Mouton bought the Chateau along with Chateau Calon Segur. From 1894 to 2012 the Gasqueton family owned the Chateau - producing wines of great finesse and elegance. In 2013 the French insurance company Suravenir bought Chateau. Since then they have heavily invested in upgrading the estate whilst ensuring they preserve this historic and treasured wine producer. Its vineyard comprises of 62% Cabernet, 37% Merlot and a petite drop of 1% Petite Verdot! — 2 years ago
Aromas of raspberry jam, some barnyard. Flavors of tart cherry, cranberry, cinnamon, a little shoe polish? — 5 years ago
Conner Esworthy
Was so surprised at this one! Got it for a friend who loves Cab but is going to the Loire Valley and I wanted to show her a good expression of the reds from that region. Was delicious - easy to drink on its own or with food. Already bought a second bottle! $22. — 3 months ago