"Odedi"

9.3

Inky in color with a short reddish rim.

Beautiful nose of blackberries, black currants, black plums, cooked cherries, cedar, tobacco leaf, vanilla, chocolates, cherry liquor, eucalyptus, herbs, mediterranean spices, light pencil lead, black pepper and licorice.

Full-bodied and bold with medium acidity and long legs.

Dry and very fruity on the palate with blackberries, black currants, cooked cherries, dried fruits, cedar, figs, vanilla, leather, spices, light earth, herbs, chocolates, peppercorn, coffee and light alcohol.

Long finish with round tannins and tangy cherries.

This young Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley needed 5 hours to open up properly.

Showing nice complexity with a great nose. Rich and extracted, yet elegant and smooth. Fruit forward and easy drinking.

I've had many different vintages of this wine, but this is my first time having it so young. Already drinking beautifully, and will get even better in the next 10 to 20 years. Showing good potential to become a 95+ point wine.

Nicely balanced and engaging, with a great mouthfeel.

A great sipping wine that will also pair nicely with a big piece of steak.

100% Cabernet Sauvignon grapes were aged for 21 months in (75% new) French Oak barrels. A small production of only 17 barrels.

14.7% alcohol by volume.

93 points.

$170. — 5 days ago

Jay Kline

9.1

Popped and poured; enjoyed over the course of a few hours. The 2005 pours a deep garnet/purple with an opaque core; medium+ viscosity with moderate staining of the tears and some sediment. On the nose, the wine is developing with notes of ripe and dried fruits: blackberry, black cherry, plum, pipe tobacco, purple flowers, cocoa, leather, organic earth and warm spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium tannin (integrated) and medium acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is medium. If you ever had an itch for some Right Bank Bordeaux, this will scratch that itch. Drink now through 2035. — 2 months ago

Jay Kline

9.5

Poured into a decanter about an hour prior to service; enjoyed over the course of a few hours. On the nose, the wine is developing with fabulous notes of ripe and tart, mixed brambles, blueberries, figs, lavender, a touch of animale, black pepper, rocky earth and fine, 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. This seemed to get younger the longer it was exposed to air. The Benjamin Button of wine, lol. Might even rate it higher down the road. Lovely with kofta on a Thursday. Drink now through 2045+. Thanks for the assist @Lyle Fass — 3 months ago

Jay Kline

9.4

Opened prior to dinner and enjoyed over the course of a few hours. The 1997 La Mouline pours a deep ruby/purple color with a slightly hazy, near opaque core; medium+ viscosity with significant staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is vinous with notes of ripe and desiccated black and red fruits: mixed brambles, black cherry, spiced meat, olives, purple flowers, black pepper, dried herbs, rocky earth, a mix of cool and 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. Powerful and modern. Lots of energy left. Drink now through 2042. — 5 months ago

Jay Kline

9.2

This bottle of the 1990 Riserva was opened and Audouzed about two hours prior to service and enjoyed over the course of a couple hours. The wine pours a pale garnet color with a translucent core; medium viscosity with no staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is vinous with notes of ripe and desiccated red fruits, old cherry Blow Pop, truffle, dried red flowers, some leather and dusty earth. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannin and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long and savory. This bottle was grumpy at the beginning but is needed a pile of air. Drink now through 2030. Thanks for the assist @Lyle Fass — 5 months ago

"Odedi"

9.3

Dark ruby in color with a wide reddish rim.

Strong nose with a black currants, black plums, cooked cherries, dried fruits, chocolates, cedar, light vanilla, licorice, tobacco, light earth, herbs, light vegetables, indian spices and black tea.

Full-bodied and fruit forward with medium acidity and long legs.

Dry on the palate with blueberries, black currants, cooked cherries, plums, oak, licorice, light vanilla, tobacco leaf, herbs, peppercorn, earth and mediterranean spices.

Long finish with fine grained tannins and tangy cherries.

This 12 year old Single Vineyard Bordeaux blend from Chile is drinking beautifully now. Nicely balanced and complex.

I had this vintage 4 years ago, and it is still drinking beautifully. Rich and fruit forward with a nice mouthfeel.

Showing a very complex nose, at this point. Peaking now, and will continue to drink nicely in the next few years.

Wine Spectator 91 points. Wine Enthusiasts 94 points.

Showing good structure and needs a couple of hours to open up properly, but good right out of the bottle too. What a gorgeous sipping wine.

A blend of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc, 5% Merlot and 5% Petit Verdot. Aged for 18 months in new French oak barrels.

14.5% alcohol by volume.

93 points.

$100 (current vintage). — 8 months ago

Jay Kline

9.1

Popped and poured; enjoyed over the course of a couple hours. The 2020 pours a deep garnet color with a translucent core; medium+ viscosity with no staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is developing with notes of ripe and tart fruits: Morello cherry, raspberry, cranberry, roses, tar, cool spices and dry earth. On the palate, the wine is dry with high tannin and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is medium+. I found this bottle to be a little shy for the first 30min or so but opened up nicely by the end of our meal. Drink now through 2040. — 9 months ago

"Odedi"

9.1

Dark ruby in color with a short reddish rim.

Fruity nose and medium plus in body with medium acidity.

Dry on the palate with nice complexity.

Showing plums, currants, light wood, earth, spices, coffee, herbs, dark chocolates, tobacco leaf, black pepper, pencil lead and black tea.

Long finish with fine grained tannins and tangy raspberries.

This is a very tasty Cabernet Sauvignon based blend from Margaux. Nicely balanced and easy drinking. Fruit forward and elegant.

Showing nice complexity with a soft mouthfeel, spicy and Interesting.

This 10 year old from the great 2016 vintage is still young, and needs a few years in the bottle to mature properly.

Needed a few hours to open up properly, which I didn't have, and it might have been a bit better with more airtime. Already enjoyable even by itself, and a good food wine too.

A blend of 68% Cabernet Sauvignon and 32% Merlot. Aged in (60% new) French Oak barrels for 16 months.

13.5% alcohol by volume.

91 points.

$90. — 25 days ago

"Odedi"

9.2

It is time for my #FridayCabernetfix.

Dark ruby in color with a short reddish rim.

Earthy nose with black currants, plums, cooked cherries, oak, chocolates, Indian spices, tobacco leaf, dark coffee, earth, dark chocolates, green vegetables and herbs.

Medium plus in body with medium acidity.

Dry on the palate with black currants, black plums, cherries, oak, dark chocolates, coffee, spices, earth, black tea, light green vegetables and peppercorn.

Spicy finish with fine grained tannins and tangy raspberries.

This is a young Cabernet Sauvignon from Spring Mountain District in Napa Valley. Elegant and nicely balanced. Fruit forward and complex, with a soft mouthfeel. Feels like a Left Bank Bordeaux.

Needed 3 hours in the decanter to open up properly, so be patient.

Will continue to age nicely in the next 20 years. Has good potential to become a 94+ point wine.

I've had a few different vintages of this wine and this vintage seems to be more approachable at this young age.

Delicious by itself, and paired beautifully with the beef brisket.

A blend of 82% Cabernet Sauvignon and 18% Cabernet Franc. Aged in (50% new) French Oak barrels for 18 months.

14.2% alcohol by volume.

92 points.

$70. — 2 months ago

Jay Kline

9.3

Popped and poured; enjoyed over the course of a couple of hours. The 1999 Chianti Classico pours a deep garnet color with a near opaque core; medium viscosity with light staining of the tears and some light sediment. On the nose, the wine is vinous with lovely notes of ripe and some dried red fruits: Bing cherry, raspberry, red flowers, Pu-erh tea, porchini, dried green herbs, a whiff of varnish (letting you know it’s Italian), old leather and wood and gravelly, iron rich earth. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannin and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is medium+. This 27 year old CC is sensational and further proof that Sangiovese rewards the patient. Drink now through 2039. — 4 months ago

Jay Kline

9.6

What a special treat to have an entire flight dedicated to the one and only Noël Verset. All three wines were opened prior to dinner and serially enjoyed over the course of a few hours. Stylistically, all three wines were similar and most importantly, sound! The 1999 pours a garnet color with a transparent core; medium viscosity with light staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is vinous with slightly desiccated, wild, mixed, mostly red brambles, some horse blanket, dried purple flowers, cracked black pepper, Kalamata olive tapenade, old leather bound books, inorganic earth and minerals. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannin and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long. Tonight, the 1999 seemed like a younger, bassier version of the 1992. It was a profoundly deep and guttural wine with the most substantial structure of the three. Drink now through 2039. — 5 months ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.4

70% Merlot & 30% Cabernet Franc. Decanted 2 hours and enjoyed over the next 2 plus hours. Cork near new.

I have waited patiently nearly 20 yrs to enjoy this 2005. While it is delicious tonight, it still has not hit its precipice. Might be another 8-10 yrs for that.

This is the second wine of Chateau Ausone. If you are not familiar with this producer, if they redid the 1855 Classification, their first wine would most certainly be a first growth and at the very least a second growth.

I remember reading the first/original review of the 2005 Ausone from Robert Parker. It read, “if you are over the age of 55, you have to decide whether or not to buy this wine.” It went on to a glorious 💯 point review. However, that original review was taken down some months into it. Was it taken down at the behest of Chateau Ausone? The review was reworded to take out the over 55 age & anticipated drinking window of 2040-2080. Most of Chateau Ausone buyers are older, higher income. Would that drinking window prevent them from purchasing it as Chateau Ausone is not an inexpensive bottle price? Not for the younger incomes. Question for the ages but it inspired me to buy three bottles of their 05 Chapelle d’ Ausone.

About a yr ago, I had their 02 Chapelle d’ Ausone. Strangely, that night it showed better than this 05 tonight. The 02 vintage was not a lauded vintage. Yet on that night, the perfect time to open it. This 05 needs more cellaring time and will ultimately be a better wine in another 7-10 yrs.

The nose shows; beautiful, ripe, somewhat floral fruits that are; dark cherries, strawberries, cherries, blackberries, black raspberries, black plum, sweet blueberries and raspberry notes. Mid berry cola. steeped fruit tea, gently baking spices-cinnamon, clove, nutmeg & beautiful vanillin, soft pepper, mix of dry & fresh herbs, tobacco, leather, graphite, volcanic ash, moist clays, limestone, amazing dark & red florals set is violets.

Medium plus resolved, powdery tannins. The palate glides with freshness and ripe, floral, juicy fruits that are; dark cherries, strawberries, cherries, blackberries, black raspberries, black plum, sweet blueberries and raspberry notes. There is no bite or a stringency, Mid berry cola, steeped fruit tea, gentle baking spices-cinnamon, clove, nutmeg & beautiful vanillin, soft pepper, mix of dry & fresh herbs, excellent mid, dark spices w/ some palate heat, anise, dark chocolate baking bar, coco powder, tobacco, leather, graphite,, limestone/sandstone, dry crushed rocks, grey volcanic ash, rich, sweet forest floor w/ dry leaves, moist clays, limestone, soft cedar to sandalwood, amazing dark & red florals set is liquid violets, amazing rainfall acidity, still has firm structure/tension, well balanced, great length and a finish that is w/o end and long sets on dark, dry tannins, heated, dark spice florals, earth and tarriness.

Add two points in 7-10 yrs. I look forward to my next bottle then.

Photos of; Chateau Ausone and owner-Alain Vauthier. That short rootstock featured center is around 25+ yrs old. — 6 months ago

Jay Kline

9.1

From magnum. Popped and poured into red Solo cups; enjoyed over the course of a few hours. The 2008 pours a deep ruby purple color with a near opaque core; medium plus viscosity with moderate staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is developing with notes of ripe and tart, red and black fruits: mixed brambles, black cherry, black pepper, leather, dry earth and warm spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannin and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose, the finish is medium plus. Still pretty fresh and considering this is one of the more long-lived examples of Zinfandel I can think of, there is almost no end in sight. Drink now through 2043. — 10 months ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.5

There are a number of things I can say about Leoville Barton. For me, it is a storied property and experience.

To this point, I have had quite a few 2000 Bordeaux’s, none of them ready as this one. Given what I know about Anthony & his legacy, most of his good vintages were made for your children. So, color me surprised.

While this 2000 is drinking well, it is far from its precipice. There is another 20 yrs plus of road here.

Sofia and I have had the pleasure of dining at the same table with Anthony Barton and his wife in the early teens of 2000. He was a salt of the earth gentleman. His wife, lovely. At dinner that night, he told us a story I will not forget. A story prompted by a question from my wife. He and his wife drove from France to Switzerland. They were stopped at the border and asked to get out of the car as they had a case of wine with them. At that time and maybe still now, you can’t take wine over the border into Switzerland. The border guard called the powers to be and recanted the story of them trying to bring wine into Switzerland. He told them their name. The person on the other end of the phone said, who? They said, Anthony Barton. The reply, was let him through. That’s respect!!!

His daughter Lilian has taken the helm. She is also salt of the earth and a great Bordeaux Ambassador. May Anthony RIP.

This 2000 is classic Bordeaux in every way.

The nose shows steeped & candied fruits that are; blackberries, black raspberries, both plums, poached strawberries, black cherries, purple & blue fruit hues (classic Barton). Graphite, dry tobacco, dry leather, dry limestone bits, dark Asian spices, dry herbs, dry river stone, dark, rich, forest floor, anise to black licorice, mid colas, fresh, candied to withering florals that are; dark, red, blue and violets.

The palate shows, M+ rounded, fine grain tannins. The nose mirrors the palate in many ways. Steeped, candied, ripe, juicy fruits that are; brambly blackberries, black raspberries, both plums, poached strawberries, black cherries, raspberries, purple & blue fruit hues. Leoville Barton shows purple & blue fruits more than most other left bank producers. Graphite, dry tobacco, cedar, dry leather, dry limestone bits, dry top soils, saline, caramel, mocha powder, German chocolate cake, nutmeg, cinnamon, vanillin, dark Asian spices w/ some heat, dry herbs, touch of black pepper, grilled meats, dry river stone, dark, rich, forest floor, anise to black licorice, black tarriness, mid colas, fresh, candied to withering florals that are; dark, red, blue and framed in liquid violets, acidity is grand, well balanced/structured, highly toned, elegant & smartly polished finish that lasts minutes and settles on earth & dark spice.

Decanted 90 minutes and enjoyed over nearly three hours.

Appreciated the 12.5% ABV. Many would say that is not possible in the modern wine era. Anthony says otherwise w/ his 2000.

95-96. — 2 months ago

Jay Kline

9.3

Popped and poured; enjoyed over the course of several hours. The 1998 pours a deep garnet/purple with an opaque core; medium viscosity with moderate staining of the tears and some sediment. On the nose, the wine is vinous with positively charming notes of plum, brambles, grilled Poblano pepper, pipe tobacco, dried mixed flowers, a mix of organic and inorganic earth, fine wood and baking spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannin and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long and savory. This is about as traditional as it gets and was simply brilliant tonight. Squarely in the zone. Drink now through 2038+. — 2 months ago

Jay Kline

9.5

Popped and poured; enjoyed over the course of a couple of hours. The 2016 Villero pours a bright garnet color with a transparent core; medium+ viscosity with no staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is developing with powerful notes of Morello cherry, raspberry, fresh roses, tar, orange curaçao, talcum powder, dried green herbs, and gravelly earth. On the palate, the wine is bone dry with high tannin and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long and slightly savory. Villero is one of those MGA‘s that will show well young and this was no exception. While other 2016’s might still be locked down, this was full of pleasure. With this much balance, there’s a long life yet ahead. Drink now through 2066+. — 4 months ago

Jay Kline

9.1

This bottle of the 1984 Insignia was opened about 30min before service and enjoyed over the course of a few hours. The wine pours a deep garnet with a slightly browning rim and an opaque core; medium viscosity with moderate staining of the tears and plenty of sediment. On the nose, the wine is vinous with notes of desiccated black fruits: blackberries, black cherry, Chunky beef stew, mushroom, eucalyptus, leather, organic earth and baking spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium tannin and medium acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is medium+. A mature wine what’s still lovely; full of secondary and tertiary notes. Drink now. — 5 months ago

"Odedi"

9.2

It is time for my #FridayCabernetfix.

Dark ruby in color with a wide reddish rim.

Strong nose of black fruits with light cedar, vanilla, licorice, chocolates, cola, herbs and spices.

Medium plus in body with medium acidity.

Dry on the palate with blackberries, black currants, black plums, cedar, tobacco leaf, light earth, coffee, herbs, dark chocolates, black tea, peppercorn and cola.

Long finish with no tannins and tangy cherries.

This is a delicious 10-year-old Cabernet Sauvignon from Walla Walla Valley. Rich and fruit forward. Complex and nicely balanced.

Good right out of the bottle and didn't evolve much with air, even after after 2 hours.

Wine Enthusiasts 90 points.

I had this vintage 7 years ago, and it is so much better now. Probably a little past its peak, but delicious nonetheless. A little flat at this point, but very tasty. I love these Cabernet based Bordeaux blends.

Easy drinking and a great sipping wine.

A blend of 78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Franc, 4% Malbec and 1% Petit Verdot. Aged in (28% new) French Oak barrels.

14.5% alcohol by volume.

92 points.

$45 (current vintage). — 6 months ago

"Odedi"

9.1

It is time for some Merlot on this #MerlotThursday. Let's bring Merlot back!

Dark ruby in color with a wide reddish rim.

Fruity nose and medium plus in body with medium acidity.

Dry on the palate with nice complexity.

Showing red and black fruits with cedar, licorice, chocolates, coffee, peppercorn, earth and black tea.

Nice length on the finish with fine grained tannins and tangy cherries.

This 10 year old Merlot from Saint Emilion still feels young. Drinking very nicely now, and will continue to age nicely in the next 10 years.

This second wine is good right out of the bottle, and much better after a couple of hours of airtime.

Wine Spectator 91 points. Wine Advocate 92 points.

A nice sipping wine that will also pair nicely with food.

A blend of 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Franc. Aged for 22 months in all new French oak barrels.

14.5% alcohol by volume.

91 points.

$50. — 8 months ago

Jay Kline

9.4

My second opportunity to enjoy the 1990 Rafanelli Cabernet in the last five years and I’m happy to report that it’s still chugging along quite nicely!

Popped and poured; enjoyed from red Solo cups over the course of a few hours. The 1990 pours, a deep garnet color with an opaque core; medium+ viscosity with moderate staining of the tears and significant sediment. On the nose, the wine is vinous yet the fruit remains remarkably fresh! Still with a lovely mix of red and dark brambles and cassis, leather, tobacco, mushrooms, earth and fine baking spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannin (integrated) and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long. I continue to be impressed with the ageability of these wines that were made by Dave Rafanelli. Drink now through 2030+. — 10 months ago