Todd Leung

9.4

The taste is rich and multi-layered. Let your tongue feel it, and then go deeper until you reach the back of your tongue. It ranges from sweet to sour, and the aroma of the wooden barrel comes out, very intense. — 6 months ago

Doug Powers

9.5

Rich dark fruits, very concentrated, but not overripe in any way, much more structured than the 2022 Tooborac, this is from the Estate vineyard planted by Simon’s grandfather in 1955, long, lingering finish, enormous potential, really a fantastic old vine Shiraz that I just wish I could get in the U.S.!!! — 3 years ago

with Jim

Stefan Dolhain

8.9

1990 vintage. An under the radar Pomerol, bought in 1961 by the grandfather of current owner Nathalie Despagne. He also owned La Tour Figeac in Saint-Emilion and La Rose Figeac is just across the Saint-Emilion border. The 4,56 hectare vineyard consists of 9 parcels (all within 500 m of each other) on gravelly sandy soils and is planted with Merlot (90%) and Cabernet Franc. My bottle had a near-perfect level and as the smell was a bit musty upon opening, but there was still good fruit in the mouth and the colour looked very solid, I took the risk to decant it. It turned out to be a wise decision as the wine evolved positively, even if the tannins remained a bit rustic. On the other hand it still has lively fruit and freshness, it is a testimony to the ageing potential of Bordeaux wines and an attractive food wine. Abv. 12,8% . — 4 years ago

Ray Vanderhoff

8.9

Cabernet Sauvignon from the Central Ranges of New South Wales Australia. Winemaker pays homage to his Great Great Grandfather, who was one of Australia’s early convict settlers. Dark/Black fruit aromas and flavors. Hint of a green quality and spice on the bitter finish. Tannins are a bit harsh. Revisited in July 2022. This bottle is not as bitter as the last time we had this one. Upgrading my rating. Thanks for bringing this one again Ron B. — 5 years ago

S.S. Mandani

9.3

Oh my god. Red wine with oomph, how I have missed thee. My 31 year old taste buds thank thee for your powerful musk.

Italian wines smell like my grandfather. He was a Don. Capital D and all. Dark, spiced perfume of hot cinnamon, blackberry compote, cherry pie, a tannery, and black pepper.

Tannins are welcome here. A muted acidity allows the purity of the fruit and the smokey warmth of the baking spices to glow. — 5 years ago

Martinez

9.0

Blend of Grenache (80%) and Mourvedre (20%) from 6 parcels in the Palastor, Bois Dauphin and Cabrières lieux-dits, located around the road to Orange in the cooler, northern part of the Châteauneuf du Pape AOC. From 60-80 years old vines Gradassi inherited from his grandfather rooted on sandy and clay soils, with few galets roulés (round river stones). Whole-bunch fermentation in cement vats. Aged for 10 months in older barriques. Intense, complex and fabulously aromatic, with aromas of dark fruit, garrigue, licorice and an edge of graphite/gunpowder. Big and powerful (14.5%) yet balanced. Earthy, leathery qualities and some chewy tannins. — 6 years ago

Vinny Brooklyn

9.7

At Wolfgang’s Steakhouse Roppongi — 8 months ago

Sipping Fine Wine

8.9

The origins of the Damilano family dates back to over a century ago, when Guiseppe Borgogno, the great-grandfather of the current owners, started to grow and make wine from his own grapes. Medium Ruby with aromas of fresh berry fruits and generous spice. On the palate this medium body wine shows flavors of juicy cherry and blackberry with notes of citrus and vanilla spice. Light tannin structure, lively acidity, medium ending with fruit finish. Nice value. Drink now, consistent, no aging benefit. — 3 years ago

Miller Cornelius

9.0

Like a hug from a big Italian grandfather — 4 years ago

Turd Ferguson

9.3

Delicate and complex. Red fruits. 12.8%. Killer. — 4 years ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.0

Jean-Pierre, François and Pierre Perrin craft wines, inspired by the memory of their grandfather, Pierre Perrin. Mostly Grenache, this is a classic Châteauneuf du Pape. Vivid Ruby with dark fruit and spice aromas. On the palate flavors of blackberry and cherry with notes of herb pepper and leathery character. Soft tannins, good balance, long finish ending with fruit and spice, very nice! — 5 years ago

Jory ZG

9.2

Very smooth and easy to drink — 5 years ago

Nick Livingston

9.5

1993 Bonnes-Mares Grand Cru - From my grandfather “Hoff”’s wine cellar. Enjoyed with my wife, mother and step-father. — 6 years ago

Jim McCusker

9.6

Wow. This is a small production offering from John Alban (usually 1-2 barrels at most). Mourvedre-dominated, this wine is spectacular (and very approachable for its age). Intense fruit, great balance, and a finish that goes on for nearly a minute. One of the great things about this wine - other than the wine itself - is the bottle. According to Lorraine Alban, the photo on the front shows a hat and cane that belonged to her grandfather. Better still is the font, a recreation of her grandfather’s handwriting from a letter he wrote to his future wife during The Great War. Just awesome. — 6 years ago

with Vanessa

Vanessa

9.4

The Rocca family makes Barbaresco wines today from various places, but their Rabajà vineyard is a PRIZED family heirloom, first acquired by Luisa and Francesco’s grandfather in the 1950s. The Nebbiolo vines now have an average age of 50-60 years. 🍇

Here we have the 2007 Bruno Rocca ‘Rabajà’ which is pale garnet in appearance.  Nebbiolo can make unexpectedly pale wines, despite having such a strong structure of tannins & acidity that provide runway for aging in the bottle 👀

As a ‘Barbaresco DOCG’, we know this wine was legally required to undergo extensive aging before release, softening tannins and lending complexity through secondary characteristics. 🪵

Indeed, this wine is layered in aromas and flavors including fig, red plum, black cherry, pomegranate, potpourri, rose, dried orange peel, black licorice, sandalwood, vanilla, nutmeg, cardamom, clove, star anise, tobacco, cigar, forest floor, mushroom, and leather.  It’s gorgeous and in an amazing place 😍

Cheers to the talented Rocca family and the deliciousness of this Rabajà Nebbiolo expression!!
— a year ago

with Deked1

Sipping Fine Wine

9.3

History of Chapoutier family dates back to the early 19th century when current owner Michel Chapoutier’s great-, great-, great-grandfather Marius purchased estate & famous l’Hermitage vineyards. Medium Ruby with aromas of rich red/black fruits and spice, 16 months in 25% new French oak. On the palate raspberry, cherry & black currant flavors with notes of oak. Soft dusty tannins, well balanced ending with fruit, spice and cedar. Very nice! I wouldn’t age long, great now! — 4 years ago

Doug Powers

9.3

[En magnum] This is an unique blend of all the permitted grapes in Chateauneuf (red and white), named after Rudi’s grandfather, that plays well above its humble Vin de Pays du Gard, complex, rich, structured, needs 5+ more years, great wine!!

(Disclosure — Rudi is a friend through my brother, who imports his wines, but the front label shows the 12th Century chateau on the Rhône across from Chateauneuf, just south of the Lirac appellation!!) — 4 years ago

with Jim

Sipping Fine Wine

9.3

History of Chapoutier family dates back to the early 19th century when current owner Michel Chapoutier’s great-, great-, great-grandfather Marius purchased estate & famous l’Hermitage vineyards. Medium Ruby with aromas of rich red/black fruits and spice. On the palate raspberry, cherry & black currant flavors with notes of oak. Firm tannins, well balanced ending with fruit, spice and cedar. Very nice! Tasting Sample. Has lots of room to bottle evolve. — 5 years ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.4

Recently had ‘16. Royal St. Robert Cuvee named in honor of Dante and Carlo Mondavi's grandfather who taught them to be committed to excellence. Medium Ruby with layered aromas of fresh berry fruits with floral and smoky spice notes. On the palate flavors of strawberry and raspberry with cigar box, oak and herb floral notes. Well balanced, savory fine tannins, long finish ending with oaky earthy notes. Very nice! Has ample room to age. Nice! — 6 years ago

Joseph Barsky

9.5

NV. 19% Alcohol.Tawny Port from Penfolds in Barossa, Australia. Our go to tawny. — 7 years ago