2017 vintage. Decanted and tasted for the next 5 minutes-2.5 hours. Medium body. Expressive oak and spice wizardry early on with sharp and clearly defined flavors all in a row. After approx 45 mins, the sharpness started to wane a tad and the harmony began to roll in. Good intensity throughout. Coming across this at least a half decade too early but this is built for the long haul vs short-term gratification. 2.10.24. — 2 years ago
Château Léoville Barton 2023 – Saint-Julien, Grand Cru Classé en 1855, BDX France 🇫🇷
Overview
A classic Saint-Julien expression showing clarity, harmony, and structural polish, driven by a 77% Cabernet Sauvignon–led blend with 20% Merlot Merlot, and 3% Cabernet Franc as a support. The wine balances ripe fruit concentration with restraint, delivering precision, finesse, and a seamless flow from attack through finish.
Aromas & Flavors
Blackcurrant, ripe blackberry, red plum, cassis, graphite, cedar, subtle baking spice, crushed stone, light tobacco and gentle floral lift.
Mouthfeel
Medium-plus body with finely woven tannins, excellent balance, fresh integrated acidity, supple texture, and a long, graceful finish that feels effortless rather than forceful.
Food Pairings
Herb-crusted lamb, roasted duck breast, grilled filet mignon, mushroom risotto, aged Comté or Gruyère.
Verdict
An elegant, dependable Saint-Julien that delivers purity, structure, and drinking pleasure without excess. Refined, polished, and quietly authoritative, a wine that rewards both immediate enjoyment and patient cellaring.
🍷 Personal Pick
This is the kind of wine that wins through composure and precision rather than horsepower. Easy to enjoy today, yet layered enough to keep you leaning back into the glass. Subtle sophistication done right. — a day ago
Almost 2 years since my last review. Still the same. The balance and harmony is still there. Quite pleased.  — 4 months ago
Cena con winegeeks carloa gaytan — a year ago
Damilano – Lecinquevigne Barolo – 2016
Barolo DOCG – Piemonte, Italy 🇮🇹
Overview
A classic, elegant Barolo from Damilano, sourced from multiple vineyards across the Barolo commune (“Lecinquevigne” = five vineyards). 100% Nebbiolo, expressing a refined, traditional profile with precision rather than brute force. The 2016 vintage delivers clarity, balance, and aromatic purity, an excellent example of Barolo with both structure and charm.
Aromas & Flavors
Beautifully expressive bouquet of rose petals, dried cherry, tart red berries, orange peel, and subtle spice. The aromatic profile remains lifted and graceful through the glass, maintaining freshness and definition until the last sip.
Mouthfeel
Medium-bodied with vibrant acidity and finely knit tannins. Elegant, linear, and well-proportioned. After ~45 minutes of decanting, the wine opens nicely, gaining aromatic depth and textural harmony without losing its Nebbiolo-driven tension.
Food Pairings
Ideal with braised meats, mushroom-based dishes, truffle pasta, veal, or aged hard cheeses. Also compelling with savory, umami-driven plates.
Verdict
A very well-made, classic Barolo that emphasizes elegance and aromatic finesse over power. The 2016 vintage shines here, offering balance, poise, and a clear expression of Nebbiolo’s signature “rose and tart” character.
Did You Know?
Lecinquevigne is Damilano’s interpretation of a multi-vineyard Barolo, designed to showcase the broader Barolo terroir while maintaining consistency and approachability, especially in strong vintages like 2016.
🍷 Personal Pick Highlight
Graceful and expressive rather than imposing. After a short decant, this Barolo truly comes alive, floral, tart, and polished. A refined take on Nebbiolo that rewards patience and attention. — 24 days ago
Hibiki Highball from the master at the Apollo. Been two years since I’ve been here but it felt like yesterday. Literally nothing has changed. Must stop if you are in Tokyo. Feel free to go to the bar Milo next door and have a drink of the “Mr Norm” bottle that I had to buy in order to get a drink. Keep in mind all of these places max out at 8 people. I kinda stressed them out coming in with eight but played the “remember me” card and picture from my iPhone ;) — 5 months ago
Ed Chin
Vintage be damned. Could it have more tannin, sure, but everything was in harmony and easy to enjoy. — 22 days ago