Gran Conti

Viña Real (CVNE)

Gran Reserva Rioja Tempranillo Blend 2017

Medium deep ruby with quite a thin lightly garnet rim. Spiced dark cherry , with some sweet blackberry , raspberry , vanilla , cocoa , earthy leather and grafite . Quite young , dense and compacted on the nose. On the palate this quite intense with quite high acidity , slightly strict with lightly gritty tannins , cherry , blackberry , spiced raspberry , some touches of grafite , dried spices and leather . This is quite young , needs a little more time but is promising with good density , freshness and balance . Come back in 3-4 years and will drink well over the next 10-15 — 20 days ago

Scott@Mister, Somm and 5 others liked this

Poderi Aldo Conterno

Riserva Gran Bussia Barolo Nebbiolo 1985

Had high hopes as this wine/vintage was an absolute stunner 7-8 years ago when I last had a bottle but this one was a bit shagged (as my newly minted MW friend likes to say). Hoping it’s just this bottle, but maybe it’s peak has long past. Slightly maderized and very little fruit left. Thin. — 20 days ago

Scott@Mister, Andrew and 4 others liked this

Domaine de la Romanée-Conti (DRC)

Romanée-St. Vivant Pinot Noir 2007

Medium light garnet with wide light garnet rim . This is quite open and delicate on the nose , touches of rose , cranberry , raspberry and sweet strawberry , very pretty and precise . Some spice and earthy hints underneath . On the palate this is quite sappy with fine tannins and balanced acidity. Red cherry and raspberry fruits , floral and well balanced , quite delicate but certainly with enough intensity on the palate and a silky mouthfeel . This still comes across as quite fruit driven and very refined and balanced , with good freshness . Long red fruit driven finish , just some hints of earthiness , mineral underneath . Vibrant and bright . Drinking well but still with time to go , now and over the next 5 years or so . This doesn’t grow with time in the glass as much as the Richebourg , but still showed well over the 2 hours we had it open. — 6 days ago

Rob, Tom and 2 others liked this
Bob McDonald

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@Andrew Cullimore Thanks for your note Andrew. I have this exact Cuvée and vintage and from your notes might leave it for 2 or 3 years.

C.V.N.E. (Compañía Vinícola del Norte de España)

Imperial Gran Reserva Rioja Tempranillo Blend 2005

This is the best bottle of wine I’ve had from my cellar in years. Nearly perfect. Bought it in 2008 for $30 and one of my great finds. Good lord it was just divine. I’m sure there have been better vintages but I can’t imagine it. — 10 days ago

La Rioja Alta

Gran Reserva 904 Rioja Tempranillo Graciano 2015

Quite good. Worth the $$ paid. — 19 days ago

Jay, Andrew and 2 others liked this

Domaine de la Romanée-Conti (DRC)

Richebourg Pinot Noir 2009

Slightly deeper more ruby , wide rim but brighter and redder , less garnet than the RSV . Younger looking certainly . Deeper , spicier with darker fruits on the nose , some blackberry , dark cherry , exotic spices , pomegranate tea , violets , quite exuberant and dashing . On the palate this is denser and richer , deeper more velvety fruits , dark cherry , blackberry , spice and rounded but noticeable tannin . Balanced acidity. Quite gritty finish, darker and richer , long suave dark fruit finish . Really quite primary still, though with more time this does show some more wet slate and mineral side. This grows in the glass becoming more expressive and complex , showing something new each time you come back to the glass . Enjoyable due to the richness of fruit , but probably deserves more time , very promising however , the richness and decadence of 2009 seems to suit Richebourg . Better in 5 years and will last well a further decade if not more . — 7 days ago

Scott@Mister, Bob and 2 others liked this
Somm David T

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Looks like a great burgundy dinner.

Domaine de la Romanée-Conti (DRC)

Grands Échézeaux Pinot Noir 2005

It’s always a special treat to drink any bottle of DRC and this bottle of Grand Echezeaux felt extra special. Popped and poured; enjoyed over the course of a couple hour. The 2005 pours a hazy ruby color with a translucent core; medium viscosity with no staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is developing with ripe notes of black cherry, blackberry, strawberry, red flowers, cumin, sous bois, licorice, dried green herbs, and gentle warm spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannin and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long. In true DRC style, the balance is impeccable and this is showing well; early in its prime. Drink now with through 2055. Bottle No. 2210/11809 — 17 days ago

Somm, Ericsson and 10 others liked this

Domaine de la Romanée-Conti (DRC)

Corton Grand Cru Pinot Noir 2022

Deep and fresh. Stemmy. Excellent — 13 days ago

Walker StrangisDavid Schachter
with Walker and David
Bob, Juan and 4 others liked this