Adam Kincaid

8.9

Another oldie, probably just past its peak. 38 years old - not bad! Barn-sided red with some brick on the edge. Lots of cedar, graphite, black pepper and cigar ash to smell but little fruit. Nice smooth tannins, still a little puckering. Medium acidity. For flavor there are some darker berries and red cherry notes. It’s a nicely balanced wine. Good length on the finish. — 5 months ago

with Jillian

Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego

9.3

1990 vintage. Excellent fill and halfway saturated cork. Used a Durand but surmise a regular waiter's friend, wielded carefully, could have done the trick with the cork. Decanted and tasted after 30 mins, one hour and two hours. Some obvious sed but not troublesome or overtly noticeable. Original owner-château direct on original release. Super cold cellar because this was lagging noticeably behind other '90's and LB's. Bigger tannic structure (for a generally feminine-styled house) than anything save a Latour, Mouton, Ducru Left Bank property. Even more guts than Lynch-Bages or Pichon-Baron '90's currently stored above 55 or so degrees. Surprising but made sense. Light-medium body. Appropriate color. 3-4 years left in this stage unless larger format in play. Slight, fleeting burst of richness in the frontal palate and a tad brickish and then it just flowed on, without speed bumps. A little cocoa powder and cedar/tobacco. Suspect 750ml specimens not stored as cold/religiously will be showing more in the 9.0-9.1 range and farther down the backside of the bell curve. 10.26.24. — a month ago

Adam Kincaid

9.2

Birthday year wine for me. So far, I’ve aged better than this bottle but it’s close! The ‘88 is slightly past its prime but still worth tasting. In the garden of earthly delights - dried figs, plums, dates, and mushrooms. Some peat and chocolate. Plenty of spice. Very fun. Happy birthday to me! — 3 months ago

with Jillian

Ray Vanderhoff

9.2

Blend of primarily Merlot (50%) and Cabernet Sauvignon (45%) supported by small amounts of Petite Verdot (4%) and Cabernet Franc (1%) blended in. Dark ruby color with slight hints of purple. Aromas of graphite, blackberry, anise and forest floor. Dark berry and plum fruit flavors along with hints of mushroom, minerals and baking spices. The finish is a little tight. Medium-plus body and quite concentrated. Tannins are present but not overwhelming. This wine is quite good right now but will improve with bottle age. Outstanding value! I am looking forward to revisiting this one. — 5 days ago

Christian Fischer

9.3

Beautiful wine from a few weeks ago at a great dinner in Stockholm. Dark and red fruits with subtle spices, tannins that stayed in the background and a hint of vanilla. Very enjoyable — 14 days ago

Brad Kalish

9.1

Just ok. Needed time but then what — a month ago

Timothy Eustis

Wine Director, Red Lion Inn

9.2

There are two kinds of st Joseph. This is one of the good ones. Long finish. Complex. Quite serious. — 16 days ago

Andrew Cullimore

9.2

Quite floral with plummy cassis, creamy blackberry and a touch of pencil lead, crushed rocks . On the palate this has quite good freshness , ripe cassis and blackberry , but with dusty firm tannins . Mineral , seashell hints of on the good length finish . Quite richly fruited but well balanced overall . This needs more time but for 2018 is promising, balanced with good freshness . Come back in 10 -15 years and will show well a further 10 — 2 days ago

Kirsten Spalding

9.6

Red currants, autumn berry, clove, baking spices, mushroom. This could keep aging. Super well balanced and it still has its acidity, tannins (imagine smooth, round river stones in terms of mouth feel), and fruit is all there.

It’s fall and the golden and red autumn leaves are gently fluttering through the air, coating the forest path before you. An elegant Irish Setter is trotting through the foliage just ahead. This dog is sooo happy you’re outside with them. This is everything. Drink this wine while petting this dog.

I had a baby this past year and I’m now back with my reviews! #winesandwoofs — 24 days ago

Bob McDonald

9.2

No notes taken. A good 2nd Growth from St Estephe. Savoury palate finishing dry. — 9 days ago