Popped and poured, no formal notes. This bottle has been stored in my cellar since release. I have always appreciated the restrained expression of Clos du Val however, this was enjoyed after the 2005 “Caravina” and there is a very clear difference in class between the two. The Seavey had a level of energy, sophistication and polish that the CdV just couldn’t match, even though it was 8 years younger. However, there was a subtle charm to it and if enjoyed on its own, would have made more of an impression. The profile was dark, with loads of earth. Structure was firm but in balance with the fruit. Finish was medium. Built for another decade but probably won’t improve.
— 2 years ago
WNH white burgundy theme.
The domaine's holdings in Forets is made up of two parcels, totaling just under 2 hectares. The older parcel is of 60 year old vines and is right next to Vincent Dauvissat's holdings. The second is made up of younger vines (25 years old) and is next door to Raveneau's parcel of Forets.
Chablis is hit or miss for me, but this was a total hit. What made this special for me was the weight in the mid palate. Obviously youthful, but from a great vintage. Aromatically, it showed honeysuckle, citrus, and grilled lemon rind. At pop, the mid palate was hollow but it gained a lot of weight after two hours. Golden delicious apples, limestone, more citrus and a touch of honey. The entry shows good acidity but the star of the show is the mid palate. As expected, temperature made a big difference here...slightly above cellar temp seemed best as a touch more fruits showed up (added pear). Paired wonderfully with truffle marcona almonds. — 4 years ago
Have tasted the 16’ multiple times and love it every time. This time is no difference. I like this more than the Oakville Grade which costs twice as much.
From magnum. Power and finesse at the same time. Lots of aroma and flavor nuances. Previous notes apply. — 3 years ago
Amazed at the difference btw this and the ‘11’s (which I somehow haven’t reviewed??) far more austere, less fruity, not sure I could tell it from a straight cab. Also turned a bit earthy to my taste late....J disagrees, likes it better than the ‘11 — 4 years ago
Animally, meaty, dark, smokey and brooding - on the nose at least. Opened up after an hour’s decant and was far more rounded on the second night. Has that classic piercing Syrah quality that seems to swamp one’s airways - and plenty of barnyard funk for some time after opening.
On the palate it’s quite mellow, enveloping, beautifully rounded, medium bodied, with just enough acidity and tannin to give it life. I’d love to have tried this five years ago when I feel like it would have had the power to better impersonate a Hermitage. But, no doubt, it’s superb now.
Interestingly (to me!) I actually found this quite hard to distinguish between a decent Rioja. It is very similar in many ways to La Rioja Alta’s Viña Ardanza. Both in the fruit and the presence / quality of oak. The only difference lying perhaps in richness and depth of fruit.
Overall, a beauty of a wine - one of the appellation’s finest. — 5 years ago
2015 vintage. Last tasted November 2021. FFN (fantastic effing nose). Still dry as hell. Still gigantic blueberries in the nose and flavors. Yes, the toffee and the (black) coffee hither and yon. A year and a half makes a difference as this drinks a tad more unified now. Looking for best drinking result? Dü it after 2028 till 2035. 4.10.23. — 2 years ago
Absolute gusto! Prior: After I Practiced my civil duties , I wanted to ease back in my sipping seat to do some deflecting/reflecting on the last 4 years of this political climate. I can only hope for the best man to win but with this tasty wine in my glass I don't need to stress about who wins because what difference will it really make?! Happy election day everyone!🖐️ — 4 years ago
Rob Brobst III
What a difference a decade makes!! — 4 months ago