Falling Star
Star Lane Vineyard
Happy Canyon of Santa Barbara Sauvignon Blanc
2017 Vintage - at the edge of it’s drinking window For me yellow, gold losing its green hue straw , quince , nice acidity (medium +) dry herbs (Bordeaux -esque ) some slight barrel influence — 4 years ago
Black Star Farms
Arcturos Pinot Gris 2018
Consistent with notes from @Jason Brater. Went beautifully with charcuterie. — 4 years ago
B Cellars
Star Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
Deep dark Rutherford fruit. Decanted for 60 minutes and turned out perfect. Casis, cooked plum, licorice. Nice tannins lend length and depth. This can slumber in the cellar for a decade. — 3 years ago
Black Star Farms
Arcturos Dry Riesling 2019
Black Star Farms ‘Arcturos’ Dry Riesling 2019: Light acidity. Bright fruit. Clean & refreshing taste. Apple. Pear. Apricot. Citrus. Stone. Crisp, off-dry finish. All in all, a beautiful & surprising Riesling from the great state of Michigan. So surprised I had to bring back to my hotel room! Happy Sunday! Cheers🍷 — 4 years ago
Château Mouton Rothschild
Pauillac Red Bordeaux Blend 1990
From magnum. No formal notes. The fill was top-shoulder. Underneath the capsule, the top of the cork looked nasty which I wiped down as best I could. About four hours before service, using a Durand (which is almost essential with old bottles) I was able to pull the cork completely intact and decant for sediment. The cork was completely saturated but appeared to have done its job! At this stage in its life, the 1990 Chateau Mouton Rothschild pours a garnet color but it doesn’t appear particularly tired and the nose supports that. While it’s certainly a vinous wine, there is a lot to like: a mix of red and black cassis, rip and desiccated cherries, tobacco leaf, cedar box, old leather, damp earth, some mushrooms and baking spices. The structure is still sound and while the tannins have integrated and the acid is keeping this very much alive. In fact, this seemed to brighten with air and almost get a second wind! As I find with all great Bordeaux wines once they enter this stage, they seem to live forever. This was a lovely pairing with a Prime, Niman Ranch porterhouse served with corn, squash and porcini. This is squarely in the “drink now” window, not that it will be falling off a cliff anytime soon. Decant for sediment and enjoy through 2030+ — 3 years ago
Freddy R. Troya
Château Lynch-Bages 2023 – Pauillac, Grand Cru Classé, BDX, France 🇫🇷
Overview
A powerful, structurally driven Pauillac showing serious depth and long-term ambition, built on a 71% Cabernet Sauvignon–dominant blend with 22% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc, 3% Petit Verdot support. The wine carries muscular architecture, dark fruit density, and firm tannic authority, currently showing some youthful rough edges but clearly positioned for future greatness with proper cellaring.
Aromas & Flavors
Blackcurrant, cassis liqueur, blackberry skin, graphite, cedar plank, crushed gravel, tobacco leaf, dark cocoa and subtle savory spice.
Mouthfeel
Full-bodied with firm, youthful tannins, strong mid-palate grip, vibrant supporting acidity, dense core concentration, and a long, structured finish that signals serious aging capacity.
Food Pairings
Dry-aged ribeye, grilled lamb chops, beef short ribs, rosemary-crusted venison, aged hard cheeses, slow-braised meats.
Verdict
A high-potential Pauillac still in its formative phase. The structure, depth, and terroir signature are undeniable, but integration will require time. A climber rather than a polished performer today, patience will be rewarded handsomely.
🍷 Personal Pick
This feels like a future star in development, powerful, slightly raw, but absolutely loaded with upside. Not a wine for instant gratification, but one that will evolve into something truly special with time. I’d happily cellar this and revisit around 2029 when the polish finally matches the horsepower. — 5 days ago