Stefan Dolhain

9.3

1995 vintage. This tiny (2,3 hectares) Grand Cru Classé has been bought by the Moueix family and incorporated in the Premier Grand Cru Classé Belair-Monange ( that was already a mix of Belair and Magdelaine). There are several historical names that disappeared as they were incorporated in other estates, which is a bit sad given the quality and personality of some of these wines. If this 29 years old beauty is any indication, Clos La Madeleine deserves to stand on its own, but obviously, it's financially more interesting to sell it as a Premier Grand Cru Classé. This 1995 is drinking beautifully now. Crushed strawberries, roses, a hint of truffle, leather, and a distinctive minerality. Very much under the radar, but a beautiful elegant Saint-Emilion, with finesse and length. Abv. 12,5% — a month ago

Deborah M

9.0

Out to dinner with my parents last night and I was trying to find a wine that would make everyone happy. No it was not going to be the greatest pairing, but my objective was family happiness. I had previously opened a 2016 at home that they enjoyed, so I knew this would be a safe bet. The 2018 is drinking surprisingly well for being so young. While this was a nice bottle, it will be better with a few more years. If 2018 is your only option, I suggest a bit of time in the decanter.

Produttori del Barbaresco’s website offers a good bit of historical information on their wines — A cooperative founded in 1958, now has 51 members and controls more than 100 hectares (250 acres) of premium Nebbiolo vineyards in Barbaresco. Each family is in full control of its land, growing Nebbiolo grapes with centuries old skill and dedication. They produce a blend harvested from multiple vineyards, but in great years they will produce 9 single vineyard wines. I still need to try one of those single vineyard wines.

Facts: 2016 Produttori del Barbaresco. 100% Nebbiolo. Bottling date was April 2021. 15% ABV, but despite the number it does not come across that high.

Rule #4 Sometimes wine pairing importance comes second. I have to remind myself that not everyone I share a bottle with is as obsessed about wine as I am (i.e. my parents) — they just want to enjoy our time together with a nice glass of wine.
— 2 years ago

Michael Meyer

9.2

This has become my go-to alt-Chianti (read IGT). Fantastic winemaker (Ms Morganti) with a familial appreciation for traditional techniques and local historical varietals. Bright, taut, and expressive. All you want in a Tuscan red. — 4 years ago

Ceccherini Cristiano

9.3

Closing the night during the fifth set of Sinner victory at the Melbourne Tennis Open

No need to wait, tannin is solved
Great concentration in the glass
Not heavy though

Super enjoyable and definitely drank in good company and a fantastic historical evening for Italian tennis 💥💥💥 — 4 months ago

Paul T HB

9.2

Just needed time, both in storage and decant. Better on the 2nd day
Some historical stuff I found online,

The Chateau Caronne Ste. Gemme property has been making wine since the French Revolution and has existed since the mid 1600's. Now in the hands of the Nony family, who is related to the Borie family of multi-chateau fame, the estate is in excellent hands.
The vines average about thirty years of age and are located in the southwest corner of Saint Julien. The grapes are fermented in cement vats where they also undergo malolactic fermentation. From there they're aged in one third new French oak for one year before bottling. — 2 years ago

Matti Jokelainen

9.0

Light golden hue. On the nose this is like spätlese or auslese riesling with combination of apples, lime, wet stone like minerality. Maybe some hints of ripe white currant. On the palate it has just a tick of residual sugar with high acidity keeping things almost austere before fading and giving the sweet fruit to take center stage. Hints of oak giving creamier mouth feel and light sensation of vanilla. Aftertaste turns bit tangy towards end before leaving with very pronounced granny smith apple taste that lingers on for almost a minute. This is very interesting combination where the nose suggest sweeter wine where as the palate is almost completely dry. Very food friendly and worked fabulously with our risotto that had grilled turkey breast, zucchini, herbs and blackhorn mushrooms — 4 years ago

Peter Isacksen

9.1

Big, bold and worthy of a historical day for my union. Cheers! — 6 months ago

Ian Hamel

9.2

2022/12. I don’t often buy red Bordeaux-style wines from Italy but make an exception for certain historical estates like this. A great example of a unique combination of variety and place, and a great value. Lovely maturing aromas. — a year ago

Ray Vanderhoff

9.2

So unique and so interesting. Another great vintage of this Wonderful wine. Earthy aromas and flavors along with Blackberry, plum and licorice. Intense herbal and purple flower notes. Medium ruby color, light body and smooth tannins. A unique, historical and lovely wine. Revisited in May 2023. Aging beautifully! — 3 years ago

Stefan Dolhain

9.2

2014 vintage. This historical estate with great terroir surrounded by famous neighbours like Angélus, Ausone, Pavie etc. is going from strength to strength after it was bought by Denise and Stephen Adams (also owners of Château L'Enclos in Pomerol and ADAMVS in Napa Valley). 2014 vintage. 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc. Biodynamically farmed (since 2009, certification in 2020). Intriguing attractive nose with an amazing minerality, intertwined with cassis and a hint of truffle. In the mouth it is initially a bit severe, if classy. I would recommend decanting or taste it over several hours. After a few hours the fruit shines through compensating the tight tannic structure and the acidity. Built to age, I feel this will deserve a higher score in 5 or 6 years. It's a very classic restrained wine that definitely has an understated class. Nice value at under 50 euros if you like this style. — 4 years ago