Jocholla

9.6

Aging gracefully and will continue to do so. Black fruits, blueberry, blackberry, plum, vanilla, linearity and precision with a plush silky mouthfeel that completely coats the palate. — a month ago

Roberto Carli

9.9

This is “will never forget the first time I tried it” level. Definitely greatest wine I’ve ever tasted in its category, possibly best sweet wine. Starts much paler than I expected, light gold. Nose is a journey, surprises with freshness, liveliness though with the highest concentration imaginable. White peach, white nectarine, lychee, rose water, intense white florals, an after-rain sense of freshness. On the palate yet another surprise: so much minerality (!!!) that the intensity gets carried by bright, almost riesling-like acidity and the insane amount of sugar is so well balanced that it’s barely noticeable until the crazy long finish. What a ride!!! — a year ago

Shay A

9.2

My experience with South African red wines is limited, but I’ve enjoyed some Meerlust reds and a few other random bottles. I have to say, while this wasn’t a revelation, it is the best South African wine I’ve had to date.

This was a bottle opened blind for a few people. Oddly enough, there were similarities to this and a 2013 Almaviva…a burnt rubber/tire note on the nose alongside a vegetal/herbal pronounced note on the nose. Tangy/sour black cherries, red currant and red licorice too. Mostly red and black underripe fruit dominant. Even a bit of tar. This drinks like a chinon mixed with a lean vintage Bordeaux…the spice and vegetal flair is there next to the lightweight mid palate from a cooler Bordeaux vintage. A blend of five “noble varietals” in honor of Bordeaux, this was a unique wine that had people guessing from all over the world. After 1-2hrs of air from
bottle, it was balanced/integrated and ready to roll. I’d enjoy these sooner rather than later. — 3 years ago

Nagib Nasr

9.1

I loved this wine. — 3 months ago

Tyler Felous

9.0

100% prié from the highest elevation vineyard in Europe. Some honeysuckle. Crisp acidity. Medium body. Italy is full of whites like this — 9 months ago

Marta Jackowska

9.4

Phenomenal wine and perfect accompaniment to a wonderful meal…..
However, this is usually one of our favorite (highest rated……by way of our very complex tasting algorithm 😉 ) wines of the year but for some reason this 2008 vintage was just missing something…..still great but not the best we’ve had — 2 years ago

with Neville

Vanessa

9.3

In my mind, there’s no better way to celebrate another trip around the sun than with loved ones, watching the sunset, while sharing a delicious meal and wine pairing. This evening hits the mark!

This wine is a 2nd growth Saint-Julien from the Médoc, left bank, region of Bordeaux, France. When I say 2nd growth, that means the Château from which this wine hails received the second highest quality designation as of part of the “1855 Classification” that took place during the Universal Expedition in Paris in 1855. This quality designation remains intact today despite the centuries that have passed.

This wine is clear with a deep ruby hue and garnet rim variation. On the nose this wine has medium intensity(+) of developing aromas with a large focus on blackberry, fig, cassis, prune, potpourri, incense, anise, cedar, vanilla, clove, nutmeg, earth, leather, and tobacco. On the palate this wine is dry. It has medium acidity, a medium(+) body, medium alcohol, high tannins, and medium intensity in flavors consistent with the nose. The finish is long.

Interestingly, the fermentation took place in various vessels, including those made from oak, steel, and concrete and then this wine aged in oak barriques (small oak vessels) until it was ready for bottling.

It was also cellared at the Château from harvest until shipping in 2015.

Château Léonville, Grand Vin de Léonville du Marquis de Las Cases, Saint-Julien, Médoc. Vintage 2005. ABV 13%.

This wine has complexity, balance, structure, and length. It’s outstanding. I’m not surprised to see a 100-point rating from Wine Spectator. Thank you @Deke for the amazing Birthday selection! — 4 years ago

with Deked1

Sipping Fine Wine

9.3

A tribute to the crest called Rattlesnake Hill, highest point of Monte Rosso Vineyard, famous for rattlesnakes living among the vines, seeking sunshine by day and coiling around the vines at night. Dark Ruby with aromas of berry fruits, tangy herb, pepper and sweet spice. On the palate flavors of blackberry and ripe cherry with black pepper spice, vanilla and earthy sweet herbs. Soft chewy tannins, medium+ finish ending with fruit, spice and earthy oak. Nice! — 4 months ago

Bob McDonald

9.5

Extremely fine mousse, possibly the finest I’ve ever seen. Aromas of lemon, lime and honey. Amazingly fresh and vibrant for a 21 year old wine. On the palate medium plus intensity. Notes of over ripe mouldy apple. Jancis gave this 20/20 which is Off the Charts for her. She said that they started to measure glycerol levels from 2001, and 2002 has been the highest glycerol Dom P ‘by a mile’. An interesting comment. Were they only comparing to 2001? The following day the Lime and Honey dominated still. It would be interesting to taste this next to the 2002 P2. The latter probably fresher still and more mineral. — 2 years ago

Sipping Fine Wine

8.9

From one of their highest plots. Pale lemon color with stone fruits, citrus and floral spice aromas, On the palate fresh apple and pear flavors with lemon citrus. Long finish, bright mineral notes come through on the ending. Nice! Consistent! Tried twice. — 3 years ago