Better than the 16, not as sweet.
Jeb 94
$20.00 out the door doesn’t hurt either
Winery notes
T A S T I N G N O T E S
Seductive black cherry, blackberry and currant fruits laced with cocoa nib, sweet baking spices and cigar box with silky texture and a long, savory finish.
S O U R C I N G
Cabernet Sauvignon (Red Hills, Moon Mountain)
Syrah (Dry Creek Valley)
Cabernet Franc (Los Carneros)
Merlot (Moon Mountain, Coombsville)
T E C H N I C A L
Aged in 100% French Oak, 25% New — 5 years ago
This was part of one of the more incredible things I’ve been apart of doing my job. A Bollinger R.D. Master Class with the chef de cave of the winery. Strictly Bolly R.D. designed to show the intricacies of champagne. Two ‘96 vintages, one disgorged 6 months prior, another disgorged 6 years prior. 3 different 2002 vintage R.D.’s with 3 different dosages, 2 of which were made specially for this class. One zero dosage, one at 3 g/l, and another at 8 g/l. 2004 vintage poured 15 mins apart to showcase how the wine shows differently when exposed to just a bit of air. Finally another 2004 bottled in magnum to show how the bottle size can affect the wine. A truly eye opening experience and a once in a lifetime opportunity. Just stellar. — 6 years ago
This superstar 2012 vintage just doesn’t seem to miss. Especially not when paired with the elegance of Bollinger.
A gorgeous rose copper color in the glass. Plenty of fine bubbles that seem to just go on and on. The approachability of these outstanding 12’s is immediate. Wild strawberries and herbs shine on the nose. Red currant, raspberries, and stewed plums. Some exquisite spice notes along with white flowers. Tangerines and watermelons play a part.
The vitality and sheer energy of this is amazing. 67% Pinot Noir from Aÿ and Verzenay. 33% Chardonnay from Oiry and Le Mesnil sur Oger with 5% still red wine from Bollinger’s legendary Côte aux Enfants vineyard. Terrific youthful tension and balance. Zippy acidity with 8 g/l of sugar. Disgorged in August of 2019 and already showing some maturity.
Pure romance on the tongue. Silky smooth and elegant with fresh red berries and more spice on the palate. Saffron and honey with oak complimenting. The Lehmann Jamesse Grand Blanc provided more floral notes, while the Riedel Dom Perignon showed more ripe fruit and minerality. Both wonderful. Yes this will obviously develop over time and become so much more special but you deserve this now. So do I. Enjoy.
— 3 years ago
The 2018 Vino Nobile di Montepulciano lifts up perfumed with roses, violets, sage and tea leaves in an exotic and fresh display. Its textures are silky-smooth yet lifted and juicy, staining the palate with purple-tinged florals and blueberries. There is tannin here, yet they are sweet and round, hardly getting in the way of the 2018’s jovial feel. This may not be the longest-lived Vino Nobile, but it sure will win a lot of hearts over the medium term. (Eric Guido, Vinous, December 2021)
— 3 years ago
2001 DRC La Tache. Dinner at Rep w DS, A&L S, McC. Amazing. Did not decant. Much bigger than the ‘85 Griotte-Chambertin. — 6 years ago
David T
Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator
A perfect bottle, direct import from a Negotiate via K&L. It has seen only Chateau & Negotiate storage.
Love, love, love the style of 80’s Bordeaux. Especially, the very good 80’s vintages. The style at this age is just so good as is the 12.5 ABV.
The fruit is still very solid & fresh. Ruby; blackberries, plums, poached strawberries, black raspberries, raspberries & blueberries hues. Lead pencil for days, some light v/a-bandaid, used tobacco w/ ash, very used leather, dark spice, understated mushroom, baking spices- light nutmeg/clove, cinnamon, vanillin, dry, river stone, limestone, dark rich soil with dry leaves, mix of dry and fresh herbs, touch of mint, moist clay, withering & dry dark, red, flowers, rainfall acidity and a well balanced, nicely structured, softly tensioned, beautiful finish that lasts 90 seconds.
Paired with/ Allen Brothers Cover Ribs. — 6 months ago