Vanessa

9.2

We were initially drawn to this iconic Art Deco label but fell in love with what’s on the inside…

This Châteauneuf-du-Pape AOC wine is a blend of Grenache Noir, Syrah, Cinsault & Mourvèdre, produced by L’Oratoire des Papes.

It’s a youthful wine (considering its potential lifespan) bursting with fruit on the nose and palate, such as stewed strawberry, ripe raspberry, red and black plum, cherry, boysenberry, blueberry, kirsch, wildflowers, dark chocolate, vanilla, cured meat, graphite, licorice, anise, black peppercorn, clove, tobacco, and wet leaves.

On the palate this wine is dry, with warming and well-integrated alcohol (15% ABV), a full body, and notable acidity that adds lift to the plush and fleshy characteristics. The tannins are ripe and smooth. The finish lingers.

We’re appreciating the balance of vibrant fruit and layers of non-fruit qualities. — 23 days ago

with Deked1

Shengli Hu

8.9

Sweet chestnut honey! Sweet vanilla cherry, cola nut, violet, lavender, purple flowers minty cream, tart red fruits, ash, steely on palate woodsy forest floor. High acid, fine steely tannins. — 5 months ago

Tom Heckert

9.1

Tart cherry with smoke and leather notes. Opens up nicely. Paired with strip steaks. — 9 months ago

Nina Chen

9.2

Peppery nose, juicy black currant and cherry notes, legs for days but easy to drink. — 2 months ago

Lyle Weston

9.1

91 for sure
— 3 months ago

Bob McDonald

9.2

This was one of those surprise finds one sometimes has in the cellar. I only have the one bottle. Made from roughly equal quantities of all 6 permitted white varieties, Grenache Blanc, Bourboulenc, Clairette, Roussanne, Picpoul and Picardin fermented cool and kept on lees for 5 months, no malolactic. Initial notes of tangerine and pear. I don’t get tropical fruit like some reviewers have said. A waxy texture, mandarin/tangerine and very ripe grapefruit - low acid - developing nutty notes. Rhone whites are always an adventure - remains delicious. — 5 months ago

PS Michaels

9.2

Temp is important here. Too cold and it shuts down. — 4 years ago

"Odedi"

9.0

It is time for some Merlot on this #MerlotThursday. Let's bring Merlot back!

Dark ruby in color with a wide reddish rim.

Nice nose of blue and black fruits with light wood, spices, licorice, light earth, vegetables, herbs, tobacco leaf and dark coffee.

Full-bodied with medium acidity.

Dry on the palate with black currants, plums, cherries, light oak, spices, chocolates, licorice, coffee, tobacco leaf, earth and black pepper.

Nice length on the finish with fine grained tannins, raspberries and peppercorn.

This 7 year old Merlot from Bordeaux is peaking now, and will continue to drink nicely in the next few years. Complex and interesting.

I had this vintage 3 years ago, and it hasn't changed much, except that the nose has become noticeably prettier.

Needs a couple of hours to open up properly so be patient.

Good by itself and better with food. I paired it with grilled picanha.

A blend of 71% Merlot, 27% Cabernet Sauvignon and 2% Cabernet Franc.

13.5% alcohol by volume.

90 points.

$25. — 2 months ago

Todd Anderson

9.3

Thoroughly enjoyed this classic CdP from a very dependable wine maker. Drink now — 3 months ago

Ray Vanderhoff

9.2

Blend of Merlot (90%) and Cabernet Franc (10%). Medium ruby/garnet color with a slight brick colored rim. Aromas and flavors of dried cherries, currants, boysenberries and blueberries with notes of orange zest, graphite and violets. Pleasant long finish. Soft tannins and creamy/velvety texture. Extremely well balanced. Silky tannins. Aging gracefully. — 8 months ago