Jay Kline

9.5

Opened earlier in the day and double-decanted several hours prior to service; enjoyed over the course of three hours. The 1982 pours a deep garnet with a near opaque core. On the nose, the wine is developing (still!) and slightly green compared to the ’82 Mouton that was poured alongside. Cassis, purple Chewy SweeTarts, green bell pepper, old wood, some earth and baking spices. On the palate, the wine is dry and has massive structure still. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long and slightly bitter. Drink now with a long decant but there are decades of life left. — 14 days ago

Jeroen Koenen

9.4

Massive wine. Seems to be built for the long haul. — 8 months ago

Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego

9.3

2019 vintage. Soft nose currently but explosive front-end palate of bleached white paper, massive plum, balsamic and bacon fat. Hevvy bod. Some welcome acidity/tannins on the back end clean(s) things up nicely. Waay too young but not shy about trying out for the varsity squad. Makes you wonder where we would be if Napa/Sonoma had put as much time, effort and acreage into Syrah as they have Cabernet Sauvignon over the last six decades... — 3 years ago

Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego

9.4

2022 vintage. Wowzers...massive impressions of both fruit and tannins. Best Ontogeny I've sampled. 25+ year wine to age if you've got that kinda time. Delicious and with decent acidity so it doesn't opt into the overly ripe sweepstakes thank goodness. 10.09.24. — 3 months ago

Jay Kline

9.3

Double decanted several hours prior to service (recommended); no formal notes. While probably not my pick for best expression from Columbia Valley, the wines of Quilceda Creek certainly have a massive following for a reason. It has been at least seven years since I last had the 2005 vintage which was probably my favorite from the aughts. Well, I’m happy to report that it is very much alive and well. Big and would still be attractive stuff for many. Balanced. Perhaps a little hot on the finish but that’s pretty common with their wines; at least to my palate. Drink now and through 2030. — 7 months ago

Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego

9.4

2003 vintage. Also recently tasted 9.26.23 (9.5) and 10.14.23 (9.4). First bottle was sexy, voluptuous and the usual Cos with all the baby fat, even after two decades. 2nd bottle much leaner (9.4) and w/o the baby fat...more minerals afoot. Decanted and immediately tasted, also after 30 mins and after 2 hrs. Massive sed thrown. This bottle in between worlds. Some baby fat, some minerals-still damned delicious and doesn't suck. 10.22.23. — a year ago

Lee Lightfoot

9.5

Massive aromatics, bramble and spice. Red fruit developed after a couple hours — 3 years ago

Ludovic Anacleto

9.7

inky, saturated, dark. Magnificent.
The nose full of violets, crushed rocks, black olives, cedar, black cracked pepper. Alcohol is medium.

On the palate, a masterpiece of tannin management, full throttle yet perfectly integrated, melting in dark ripe berry giving a wholesome mouthfeel and a highly pitched acidity giving lightness and brightness to the overall massive texture.
The full stem gives a lightness to the whole ensamble that is stunning and a masterclass of equilibrium and definition alike.
Buy by the case.
— 6 months ago

Andrew McIntyre

9.6

I love Penfolds Grange...one of my all time favourite wines. The depth and concentration of flavour of this 33 year old wine is outstanding...i think these will just go forever. Massive wine and a reminder of how excellent Syrah is! — 8 months ago

Bruce Dunbar

9.4

There’s a song that includes the line ‘Forget about experience, I’d rather have potential.’ The 2017 Hayne PS brings both — old vine depth with lots of room for aging. Coming out of the bottle an almost milky purple color and with a nose that full of dark fruits and a bit musty, the 2017 is taught, full of massive tannins, and has streaks of vanilla, dark berries and maybe even a bit of lemon. Enjoy it and tuck a few away for 5-30 years to get the full potential. — 3 years ago