In Top Company

Orin Swift Cellars

8 Years in the Desert Zinfandel Blend 2013

Deep dark purple. Rich, jammy dark fruit, smooth tannins. Lovely robust flavor. — 9 days ago

Château Lynch-Bages

Grand Cru Classé Pauillac Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 1978

This btl was in perfect condition, drinking younger than its age showing red fruit, cassis, earth, leather, sweet spice & tobacco — 6 days ago

Shay, Rob and 8 others liked this

Château Musar

Bekaa Valley Red Blend 2011

It’s 10 years since Serge. Hochar’s death whilst swimming in Acapulco on NYE 2014 and I think it’s appropriate to celebrate his legacy that is the modern Chateau Musar.
I first tasted Lebanese wines in London circa 1986 when I used to go to a couple of Lebanese restaurants in Shepherds Market near Mayfair in London
Al Hamra is still in business
I’ve been to Beirut several times and always stock up at the airport duty free
So a toast to a departed icon of the wine world
Since my last 2011 4.5 years ago (see note) this has aged wonderfully and I’ve up my rating several points
Another few years and it will be further improved
Optimal decant time was around 3.5 to 4 hours
Ethereal stuff
— 15 days ago

ESF, Bob and 1 other liked this

Château Cos d'Estournel

Saint-Estèphe Red Bordeaux Blend 1995

Beautiful wine - one that has improved with age! Deep and rich color with a bouquet of cedar in the glass. Dark and plentiful fruit, integrated albeit present tannins, and a long finish. This is best Estournel that I have sampled! — 5 days ago

Ira, Martin and 3 others liked this

Jean Foillard

Côte du Py Morgon Gamay

W64 200, Xmas day family wine 3L perfect in every way, what a cracker, silky berries, in the same level as say Gevrey Chambertan, without the expense. Just had a rethink, this now goes to my top rated wine. — 22 days ago

Château Mouton Rothschild

Pauillac Red Bordeaux Blend 1982

Forty-plus years on, people still talk about the greatness of the 1982 vintage in Bordeaux. There are multiple factors that contribute to this and it’s fair to say that Robert Parker’s reaction played a major role in the early popularity; certainly in the States. While some may say that 1982 was merely a “good” vintage by today’s standards, I think history has proven it to be empirically special; there was just so much quality from top to bottom. And yet, even with the high praise of the vintage, the tone shifts to hushed whispers when the 1982 Mouton gets mentioned. Up until that point, the Chateau had sort of underachieved after receiving its unprecedented promotion in 1973. But in 1982, a year full of great wine, they created a legend and firmly cemented their First Growth status. Today, I’m pleased to report the plaudits for the ’82 are all warranted.

Opened and double-decanted earlier in the day. The ’82 Mouton pours a deep garnet color with a near opaque core with some sediment; almost youthful when compared to many of the other older wines poured on the night. On the nose, the wine is developing still; loaded with cassis, black berries, leaf tobacco, leather, and fine baking spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with fabulous structure. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long and full of power. A stunning wine and well in its prime…a window I expect will remain open for a longtime to come. Drink now with bacchanalian abandon and through 2082.
— a month ago

Ira, Jan and 29 others liked this
David T

David T Influencer Badge

I picked the Mouton Merlot in 2012 for a day. At the two harvest lunches I attended, they served the 82. Every time they bottle, they take the remaining barrel juice, filter it and then serve the remains at their harvest luncheons for workers & guests. The second lunch I attended, we were seated at the Baroness’s table may she RIP as she passed in 2014. In 2012, they drank the last of the 82.
Jay Kline

Jay Kline Influencer Badge Premium Badge

@David T what an awesome story and experience
Bob McDonald

Bob McDonald Influencer Badge

@Jay Kline I agree re the 1982 Bordeaux vintage. The Chateau Margaux was one of the greatest wines I have ever drunk whereas the Lafite Rothschild was somewhat underwhelming. Bought at the same time from the same shop and stored the same way.

R. López de Heredia

Viña Tondonia Reserva Rioja Tempranillo Blend 2011

You're not 40 every day and I wanted a special wine to celebrate that special day. Fortunately the wine bar / open kitchen restaurant we went to had that special wine, amongst 400 references, that I had been desperate to taste for a long while. I didn't take notes so it's all from memory, but the nose is what I liked the most. Coconut notes, leather, cherries, coffee... I spent probably 15 minutes in total smelling that wine. The palate was great with some acid drive, some matter but not in an overwhelming way, some gentle, well integrated tannins in the rear, before a long finish with savoury notes, red fruits, coconut and that gentle grainy tannic layer. A great experience to top up a day to remember.
Oh and if you happen to be in Warsaw, Poland and be looking for a great wine place, make sure to check out Kontakt - wino & bistro.
— 24 days ago

Scott@Mister, Ira and 14 others liked this
Peter van den Besselaar

Peter van den Besselaar Influencer Badge

Congrats Daniel! Fine experience.
Paul K

Paul K

Happy Birthday @Daniel M ! Great wine! Great review!
Daniel M

Daniel M

@Paul K thank you, Sir !

Château Pontet-Canet

Pauillac Red Bordeaux Blend 2005

Opened the bottle several hours in advance. Great tannic structure, still lots of fruit and some secondary flavors; nothing tertiary yet. Try again in a few years but great now — 13 days ago

Austin, Peter and 13 others liked this

Dom Pérignon

Brut Champagne Blend 2013

Great balance. Subtle apple on the palate. Tiny bubbles as you would expect in a premium champagne. December 2024. — 14 days ago

Andrew, Ira and 4 others liked this

Château d'Yquem

Sauternes Sémillon-Sauvignon Blanc Blend 1988

Only wine you can define as liquid gold in a bottle, just perfect. Apricots, fruit blossoms, honey — 14 days ago

Ira, Andrew and 2 others liked this