Domaine Du Clos Saint Jacques
Château Pavie
Saint-Èmilion Grand Cru Red Bordeaux Blend 1999
Opened and double-decanted several hours prior to service; enjoyed over the course of three hours. The 1999 pours a deep garnet with a near opaque core. On the nose, the wine is developing and predominately red fruited with notes of Morello cherry, tomato leaf, some olive…a touch of well oiled leather. On the palate, the wine is dry and has all the “Power of Grayskull” and the relative structure to match. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long and more bitter than the other great Bordeaux in the line-up. Drink now with a long decant and through 2049. — 6 days ago
Jacques Selosse
Brut Rosé Champagne Blend
October 2020 disgorgment is always so perfect, a particular favorite, with immense depth of red berry fruit and chalky minerality, a chiseled palate with singular texture and a finish that keeps on going. VO base with a touch of still Pinot from Francis Egly. Nothin’ like it 👑 — 18 hours ago
Château Léoville Barton
Saint-Julien Red Bordeaux Blend 1996
Opened and double-decanted several hours prior to service; enjoyed over the course of three hours. The 1996 pours a deep garnet color with a near opaque core. On the nose, the wine is developing and loaded with currants, pencil lead, earth and soft baking spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannin and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long and super grippy; slightly bitter and earthy. A lovely, classic expression of Bordeaux and drinking well in its prime. Drink now through 2046. — 11 days ago
Château Meyney
Saint-Estèphe Red Bordeaux Blend 2017
Blend of about 65% Cab Sauv, 25% Merlot and rest Petit Verdot. Deep Ruby with aromas of berry fruit aromas and herb notes. On the palate black raspberry and blackberry, currant-like, with tobacco, leather and smoky oak notes. Fine tannins, mefium+ finish ending with fruit and earthy mineral tones, drinks well now. — 13 days ago
Château Lilian Ladouys
Saint Estèphe Red Bordeaux Blend 2018
Quick double decant. After 15 minutes, it’s already cookin’. Nose shows cassis, clay, a little underbrush, a slight menthol note, a little violet. Lots going on. Rich and a little macho in the mouth, like many ‘18s. There’s a fair whack of soft tannin, but it’s already drinking well. Intense and full. Not elegant, but gives you more than your money’s worth of flavor. Certainly will be better in 5 years or so. — 4 days ago
John Hagood
Suggested at Grand Cata on 11/29/2024 when I asked for Ribera sacra bzw. Galicia. $30. L noted Chambers had shipped same wine! Likely natural then, though lacking that liveliness. Drank 11/30/2024. Ash, bubble gum on nose. Puckett tannins will likely settle down with time and warmth. Black fruit, violets, gravel/slate. Long strong finish lingers. — 25 days ago