Tom Kobylarz

9.4

Slow ox for 3 hours. Deep ruby, still ruby edges. The pronounced nose was loaded with spices, olives, smoke, smoked meat, anise, clove, peppercorns, mostly tertiary dark red fruits, dried crushed violets. The palate was med+ bodied, medium grain tannin were a tad chewy and grainy, an intense but elegantly persistent palate. A long, spicy finish showed subtle fruit with the tannins showing a touch grainy/chewy and not as integrated here. Still a beauty, though not sure the tannin will resolve at this point. — 3 days ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.4

Happy New Year! 🎉🎊🎈🎆 🧨

1997 Jones Family, the year prior to TRB taking the helm and yet still a fantastic Napa vintage that is singing.

For me, this is classically styled Napa Cabernet. This is still not descending. Has another 5-8 years of good drinking and perhaps beyond.

Showing dark, meaty, dry, velvety tannins. Dark currants-blackberries, black raspberries, black plum skin, raspberries, plum pudding, chocolate mousse/cake, caramel, mocha powder, dark spice, dry top soil, dry, crushed rocks, anise, cinnamon stick, nutmeg, clove, vanillin, used leather, graphite, dry stone, volcanic clay, withering, dark, red, purple flowers, excellent round acidity and a well made, balanced, nicely tensioned, elegant finish that lasts two-minutes and falls onto earth & spice. — 4 months ago

Alexandre Pagliano

9.0

Medium “tea” rubi robe, nose of crushed flowers, spices, and dark fruits. Good density and body, acidity, cistercian at this juncture but with excellent potential. Give it 6 or 7 years in bottle. — 7 months ago

with Jose, veronique and 1 other

Jay Kline

9.7

The 2010 Montée de Tonnerre pours a straw color with medium viscosity. On the nose, this is an absolute powerhouse; sizzling with energy, tropical and orchard fruit: passionfruit, tangerine, green apple, crushed seashell, lemon curd and chalky minerals. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long and full of minerals. A supercharger of a Chablis. Tonight, this was truly sensational and an experience I won’t soon forget. Drink now through 2040. — 2 months ago

Vanessa

9.4

Let’s explore this 2009 Clos de La Maréchale!

It’s medium ruby with garnet around the rim. The nose is positively perfumed with notes of violet, rose, boysenberry, mulberry, ripe black cherry, kirsch, clove, cedar, vanilla, cardamom, anise, chervil, fennel fronds, leather, crushed stone, forest floor, tobacco, peat moss, and mushroom.

On the palate this wine is dry with medium (+) acidity, a medium body, high alcohol (14% ABV), flavors are concentrated and consistent with the nose. It has a lingering finish.

It’s multifaceted, vibrant, layered and delicious – cheers to exploring the world of wine one sip at a time! — 4 months ago

with Deked1

Richard Sohn

9.3

Crushed rock and so juicy — matching the dried cranberries in my salad. Love it. Perfect for slurping during the hot summer holiday! — 2 years ago

Andrew Cullimore

9.4

Medium lemon colour . This is showing a little more complex and detailed than the last time . Lemon rind , crushed rocks , ginger and white flowers , touch of brioche also . On the palate a bit more dense , but with good balanced acidity and lemon rind , brioche , ginger and toasty , mineral finish. Drinkable now , though best days will be in 5-10 years time , though I don’t think this will be as long lived as the 2012 . — 3 months ago

Ron Siegel

9.3

Rich, lemon, green apple & pear fruit, crushed stone with saline & floral notes. Always delicious! — 3 months ago

Ron Siegel

9.5

Another great one that was suave, polished, showing a perfumed nose of dark cherry, berry fruits with notes of licorice, spice, crushed rock mineral, graphite, tobacco & violets. — 5 months ago

John Willison

9.0

Tart peach, limestone, crushed shells. — a year ago