Château Ducru-Beaucaillou

Saint-Julien Red Bordeaux Blend 1995

9.4

Double-decanted earlier in the day; enjoyed over the course of a few hours. The 1995 pours a perfect garnet color with a near opaque core; medium+ viscosity with moderate staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is developing with notes of ripe cassis, black cherry, mixed flowers, tobacco, earth, menthol and baking spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium, integrated tannin and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long. Classy. This is an elegant expression of Bordeaux and showed so well tonight. Thanks Andy! Drink now through 2040. — 17 days ago

Peter, Tom and 24 others liked this

Somm David T

There is a lot to like about St. Julien producers. But this one might be my favorite.

Jay Kline

@Somm David T I think so too. But then I have a bottle of Gruaud Larose and I second guess myself

Joseph Phelps Vineyards

Insignia Estate Grown Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2003

Conrad Green

9.4

So rounded and glossy. High toned with black cherry and some mocha and good acidity. Excellent stuff. — 13 days ago

with Rick

Jay, Shay and 10 others liked this

Dunn Vineyards

Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon 1997

Tom Garland

9.3

Decant for sediment (lots of chunky/fine sediment) and pour. A stunning medium ruby red color with little signs of aging. On the nose: big inviting notes of dark fruit/currants, worn leather, herbaceous, smoked meat, funky earth, menthol. Taste: silky, evolved, expressive structure with brambly plum, currants, old leather, dark chocolate, graphite, and a black raspberry-iron-dried herb long finish. YUM! It's what's you want in an aged Napa cab, and glad to have just acquired 3 more bottles. — 7 days ago

with Brenda

Brenda, Deborah and 17 others liked this

Tom Casagrande

Another tip: I keep a bottle in the fridge to pour decanted sediment dregs into, and use it (except for the muddy bottom part) for cooking. That way my coq au vin or daube is braising in really good stuff from my cellar!

Tom Garland

x Tom C, good notes. Thanks for the tips. Cheers!

Tom Garland

x x I find the sediments can be bitter and usually try to remove them so they don't impact the wine. Hate them all over the side of the glass. Cheers!

Agharta Wines

Black Label Syrah Blend 2004

Joe Carroll

Owner/Wine Director Spuyten Duyvil, Fette Sau, St. Anselm & Gotham Artisanal Provisions

9.3

A bit too much oak for me but otherwise great. Also drinking much younger than its 21 years — a month ago

Rob, Ceccherini and 1 other liked this

Spottswoode

Family Estate Grown St. Helena Cabernet Sauvignon 2018

Nathan Renfro

9.6

A great wine for sure but somewhat surprised by the double 100pt ratings. Excellent fruited nose. Well structured with ripe dark fruit - casks, blackberry, stewed plums, great minerality, softened yet grippy tannins and solid acidic backbone. Lots of finesse. Nice finish. Will be interesting to watch this evolve. — 7 days ago

Billy, Robin and 6 others liked this

Domaine Jamet

Côte-Rôtie Syrah 2013

Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego

9.4

2013 vintage. Sweet fill and cork. Trashy label. Slightly less sed than expected. Big nose on the decant. Tasted after 1 hour open and 5 hours open. Medium heavy body. Roasted nuts, earth, plummy fruit and grilled beef nose and flavors. Finishing palate added a finely ground black pepper note. Consistent throughout and absolutely delicious. 05.23.25. — 8 days ago

David, Bob and 11 others liked this

Château Mouton Rothschild

Pauillac Red Bordeaux Blend 1986

Conrad Green

9.6

Dark and brooding. Tangy plum fruit, roses, blood and dried herbs, iodine. Very intense and serious. Blackcurrant and black pepper with plum and black cherry. Long and quality. — 14 days ago