Tom Garland

9.4

1 hour decant(lots of sediment). A wonderful inky dark purplish garnet color. On the nose: Intense notes of black and blue fruit, herbaceous, tobacco leaf, pencil shavings, forest floor. Taste: rich, velvety, harmonious mouthcoating wine with blackberry, currants, chocolate espresso, graphite, and a spiced-charred wood- dark cherry long finish. YUM!! — 3 days ago

with Brenda

Ken Venezio

9.7

Birthday flight. The 2014 def drinking better than the '13. Less raisin but all the red, black and blue fruits. Not as fruit forward but the complexity and structure are classic Hall. Tannins are more subtle and the finish is long. — 9 months ago

Jay Kline

9.5

Popped and poured; enjoyed over the course of dinner. The 2015 Judge Family Vineyard Syrah pours a deep, inky, ruby/purple color with an opaque core; medium+ viscosity with significant staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is developing with pungent notes of bacon fat, dark brambles, toasted blueberry crisp, lavender, dried green herbs and fine baking spice. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannin and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long. This is aging slowly and gracefully. This remains my favorite Syrah made in the United States. Drink now through 2045. — 9 months ago

Dave Auerbach

9.4

2014 Reserve Merlot. Cutchogue NY. Dense and balanced. 2014 was a standout year for LI merlot and this puts an exclamation point on it. Fresh black berries, a hint of mint, and a slightly herbal finish. Well balanced and aging beautifully. Pretty close to it’s peak. — a month ago

Bob McDonald

9.5

See previous Delectable note in December 2024. Amazingly pale for a 14 year old white. Aromatics of lemon, lanolin and wet straw. It hasn’t yet developed the toasty characters I was expecting, indicating still a long life ahead. Overall this is delicate on a light bodied leanish palate. Only 11% ABV. Lovers of big buttery Chardonnay may not appreciate this wine. 3 bottles left - I will try and have the next one in 12 to 18 months. — 8 months ago

Ray Vanderhoff

9.3

Blend of Syrah (36%), Grenache (21%), Mourvèdre (17%), Tempranillo (14%), Zinfandel (8%) and Carignan (4%). Dark purple color. Aromas of dark berry fruit, lavender and roasted meat. Flavors of jammy boysenberries, black cherry, black raspberry, black licorice and roasted herbs. Slight hint of vanilla on the long and lingering finish. Well balanced acidity. Medium-plus body. Rich and plush but not over the top. Beautifully integrated and perfectly aged. Thanks for sharing, John S! — 10 months ago

Jay Kline

9.4

Served double-blind at Tasting Group. The wine pours a deep ruby color with a near opaque core. Medium+ viscosity with moderate staining of the tears. No signs of sediment or gas. On the nose, the wine is clean, developing and very expressive. Very attractive notes of dark and red fruits: cassis, ripe plums, dark brambles, dark cherries, leaf tobacco, cedar box, cocoa, Flintstones vitamins, a touch of eucalyptus and fine baking spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannins and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes on the nose. The finish is long with lovely texture and some crushed gravel minerals. Alcohol is medium+. This is a very easy wine to like. It’s beautifully balanced but it leans more towards the fruit rather than the structure. The fruit is just so lush that it’s very hard to me to place this in the Old World. I called Cabernet Sauvignon (and blends), from California, from Napa Valley from 2017. Close! Wow…my first Tor and what a generous contribution to Tasting Group! Obviously, I'm not complaining. This is drinking very well in its youth but considering the undeniable balance and quality of the fruit, I think this will continue to be awesome through 2039. — 3 years ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.3

Dark Ruby red color with aromas of ripe dark fruits and an array of spices from cigar box to spice cake. On the palate flavors of black cherry preserves and blackberry jam, layering in some licorice, leather, tobacco and black pepper spice. Savory tannins, long finish ending with fruit, spice, oak and earthy character. Nice! — 2 months ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.5

Château Léoville Poyferré 2014
Saint-Julien, Bordeaux, France 🇫🇷

Overview
A distinguished Deuxième Cru Classé (Second Growth) from Saint-Julien, Château Léoville Poyferré has been elevated under the stewardship of the Cuvelier family and Michel Rolland’s consultancy. The 2014 vintage is a classic Bordeaux blend comprised of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc, and 2% Petit Verdot. This cooler year yielded wines with notable polish, freshness, and age-worthy structure.  

Aromas & Flavors
Expressive and refined, the bouquet opens with blackcurrant, cassis, and plum, framed by cedar, graphite, violets, and aromatic spice. The palate is layered with ripe red and dark fruits, along with hints of tobacco, pepper, and soft oak—a harmonious reflection of balanced ripeness and terroir depth.  

Mouthfeel
Medium to full-bodied, with smooth yet structured tannins and vivid acidity. The finish is long and mineral-tinged, echoing Saint-Julien’s limestone terroir while expressing both strength and grace.

Winemaking Notes
Vinified traditionally and aged in French oak barrels (predominantly new), the 2014 benefits from meticulous attention to extraction and maturation, resulting in elegant concentration and finesse.  

Food Pairing
Wonderful with roast lamb, herb-crusted beef, or rich mushroom dishes. Decanting for an hour enhances its layered complexity.

Verdict
A classic expression of Left Bank finesse and depth, Château Léoville Poyferré 2014 strikes an artful balance between fruit, structure, and refinement. Enjoy now with decanter or cellar it to explore its evolution over the next decade.Cheers! — 8 months ago

Doug Powers

8.9

Medium-dark purple color, dark berry and mulberry aromas and flavors, some tannins, nice weight and balance, medium-long finish, solid Margaret River Cabernet!! — a year ago

with Jim