M by Michael Mondavi

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2006

9.3

Dark ruby in color with a wide reddish rim.

Fruity nose of black fruits, cedar, wild flowers, vanilla, chocolates and spices.

Full-bodied and smooth, with medium acidity and long legs.

Dry on the palate with nice complexity and mouthfeel.

Showing blackberries, cooked cherries, blueberries, cedar, licorice, cola, chocolates, tobacco, herbs, spices, black pepper, light earth and bitter herbs.

Long finish with round tannins and tangy cherries.

This is a gorgeous Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley. Rich and extracted. Nicely balanced and fruit forward.

Good right out of the bottle, and better after an hour of airtime.

This 18 year old is showing a great nose at this point.

I had a few vintages of this wine and it is always delicious.

Will continue to drink nicely in the next 5 years.

A great sipping wine that will also pair nicely with fillet mignon.

14.3% alcohol by volume.

93 points.

$200. — 6 days ago

Ted, Chris and 6 others liked this

M. Chapoutier

Domaine de Bila-Haut Occultum Lapidem Syrah Blend

John Bratincevic

9.1

NOSE: mild, cooked fruit, a little carob. Inoffensive but not especially inviting.

TASTE: cooking spices, chicory, ash, a little bitter —unsweetened minerally dark chocolate - red fruit barely present and dried. Very balanced and elegant. This is going to kill with the herb roasted chicken I’m about to eat. 91. — a month ago

Ray liked this

M. Chapoutier

l'Ermite Ermitage Syrah 1999

Jay Kline

9.3

The vines for Chapoutiers “L’Ermite” are largely pre-phylloxera and some are well over a century old. Along with the typical associated fruits and non-fruits: brambles, spiced grilled meat and minerals, this bottle of the 1999 had a bit of a radish note, some old dusty leather-bound books and also had a touch of ethyl acetate. A touch closed relative to the other wines in the Hermitage flight but certainly didn’t seem to be fading and the grilled lamb and Moroccan spices helped to unlock some of its character. Drink now through 2035. Merci Dave! — 2 months ago

Severn, Lyle and 8 others liked this

M. Chapoutier

Le Méal Blanc Hermitage Marsanne 2017

Winton Sweum

9.5

Light gold; open nose highlighting white flowers; surprisingly, almost delicate, flowery palate with plenty of spice and orchard fruit and mineral. Grew larger with time. Enjoyed at Club Gascon, London. — 37 minutes ago

Ira liked this