Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego

9.2

2014 vintage. New release...no really! Held back for a decade until "ready." Medium-heavy body and Cabs don't get much darker in color than this. Tasted more like Spring Mountain or Mount Veeder to me tho as it was missing that Howell Mountain uppercut on the finish. Very nice and the price wasn't as ridiculous as you would expect for a decade-aged, HM Cab project. Producer to keep an eye on for down the road efforts. Heart is in the right place. 8.28.24.
— 6 months ago

Randall Brater

9.0

velvety, rich and creamy in texture

orange chocolate, plums, green pepper, dried figs, tart blueberries, red and black currants — 3 years ago

Bobby Gilbane

9.5

Casual ‘74 Chappellet like it ain’t no thing! Oh but it is a thing. Good lord this is a sign that there is a higher power! Opens a bit musty but that blows off to reveal the still beating heart of the mountain. You could tell me this will last another 20 years and I would believe you. — 4 years ago

Jan de Weerd

9.5

Concentrated, focussed fruit, deeply penetrating and revealing layers of dark flavor infused with potent tannins. Not for the ‘faint of heart’ — 10 months ago

with Tammy

Lee Lightfoot

9.5

Best on day 3, but boy o boy it was great every time I checked in. — 3 years ago

David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.2

2005 such an amazing vintage.

The 05 Pipeau is a bottle that I’ve looked at in my EuroCave for awhile & have passed on it for bigger name producers. But, not tonight w/o disappointment. Especially, for $25 a bottle upon release.

It took a small glass & a few sips to get there. I’m there now.
.
Ruby, Claret in a classic style.

Showing the beauty of the age & vintage. Ruby, inky, ripe, slightly candied; blackberries, black raspberries, black cherries, raspberries, dried strawberries & notes of dry cranberries. Dry top soils, dark, rich, forest floor, river stones, dry tobacco, graphite, dark, grey volcanics, limestone/sandstone, anise to black licorice, dark, sweet tarriness, dry, dark dates, steeped tea with dark, withering florals that are also, red, purple and red. The acidity is mountain, cool, stream like and elegant finish that set nicely wire to wire with persistence.

Good first look and will drink well for another 15 years with proper storage.

Allen Brothers Ribcap...10 — 4 years ago

Rob N

9.3

I seem to like this more than most! It has a soft spot in my heart because it was the red pairing during my Le Bernardin dinner in 2018 with Greg. I then bought this bottle from the vineyard and kept it for five years. It’s drinking nicely now; it opens tart but mellows with air to reveal some graceful aging. ~$75. — 2 years ago

Shengli Hu

9.3

A most beautiful ethereal Zinfandel that hearkens back to the old Napa Zins back in the 60s and 70s. A mixed black field blend of Zinfandel, Carignan, Petit Sirah. Vines were first planted in 1895, 1995 was the first vineyard (as John O didn’t care for any grapes other than Pinot Noir…) Barrels passed from from the Pinot Noir program. Aged for 18 months. Medium concentration. Pale bright ruby. Red crunchy cherry, white pepper, bread dough, blueberry pie, cedar, pencil shaving, hints of stony characters. Elevated acidity and medium-grained tannins. Med++ finish. I love how light it is on its feet and I would have never called it a Zinfandel if given in a blind tasting. — 3 years ago

Aloke Mukherjee

9.0

Sangita's 10/2/2021 — 3 years ago

Matthew Cohen

9.4

The first German Riesling we ever sold. Always has a spot in my heart.

1er cru from young gg grapes. The more muscular of the two most known vineyards. I’m not going to try and spell it here.

Had pork in cider for dinner. Was in no mood for subtlety.

Nose is a big-un. Dense as heck. Stone fruit. Herbaciois but not vegetal.

Palate has great minerals but they take a back seat to the concentrated stone fruits. Still has that mineral grip. Bracing acidity keeps it fresh. So damned well made. Mountain stream freshness.

Needs 30 minutes to strut its stuff. And strut it does. Ass whips grosses Gewachs from all but the tippy top producers.

Bought from fass selections. — 5 years ago