Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.0

Not the champagne I had in mind for tonight, but sometimes circumstances play their part.

This is pleasant enough. It will go well with my almond tart later.

The mouthfeel shows nice mousse, somewhat lively acidity, bruised golden/red/green apple to apple sauce, bruised pear, white citrus blend-grapefruit w/ pith leading, quince, touch of brown sugar, some yeastiness, baguette crust, graham cracker, volcanic minerals w/ clay, white spice, caramel notes, vanillin, sea spray, grippy, grainy chalk, sea fossils-oysters, limestone marl, withering lilies, spring flowers, nice acidity and a well balanced, good length, elegant finish that lasts nearly 90 second and lands on mid intensity minerals and spice.

Photos of; the champagne house of Veuve Clicqoit and the widow herself. You see her under the metal gage and plated over the cork.

#DSLounge — 2 months ago

Brandyn Pryce

9.2

Evening at Charlie’s with Brent and Sara. Fruit bomb. Beautiful evening! — 5 years ago

with Erin

Jonathan Wall

9.0

With burgers. Good structure under that fruit without being a bomb or overly tannic. — 6 years ago

romo

9.1

Called Beaujolais. Fruit bomb. — 7 months ago

Ericsson

9.8

1st Growth Bordeaux comparison. Mind blowing. I mean, from a weak Bordeaux vintage comes this masterpiece which can be enjoyed now or saved for decades to come. Beautiful nose and almost perfumed with roses and black cheery and blueberry, cedar, and pencil shavings. The palate is pure bliss full of complexity, intensity yet balanced and the finish just goes on and on. Cheers. — 9 months ago

Vanessa

9.3

In my mind, there’s no better way to celebrate another trip around the sun than with loved ones, watching the sunset, while sharing a delicious meal and wine pairing. This evening hits the mark!

This wine is a 2nd growth Saint-Julien from the Médoc, left bank, region of Bordeaux, France. When I say 2nd growth, that means the Château from which this wine hails received the second highest quality designation as of part of the “1855 Classification” that took place during the Universal Expedition in Paris in 1855. This quality designation remains intact today despite the centuries that have passed.

This wine is clear with a deep ruby hue and garnet rim variation. On the nose this wine has medium intensity(+) of developing aromas with a large focus on blackberry, fig, cassis, prune, potpourri, incense, anise, cedar, vanilla, clove, nutmeg, earth, leather, and tobacco. On the palate this wine is dry. It has medium acidity, a medium(+) body, medium alcohol, high tannins, and medium intensity in flavors consistent with the nose. The finish is long.

Interestingly, the fermentation took place in various vessels, including those made from oak, steel, and concrete and then this wine aged in oak barriques (small oak vessels) until it was ready for bottling.

It was also cellared at the Château from harvest until shipping in 2015.

Château Léonville, Grand Vin de Léonville du Marquis de Las Cases, Saint-Julien, Médoc. Vintage 2005. ABV 13%.

This wine has complexity, balance, structure, and length. It’s outstanding. I’m not surprised to see a 100-point rating from Wine Spectator. Thank you @Deke for the amazing Birthday selection! — 5 years ago

with Deked1

Andrew Cullimore

9.1

Medium light ruby , wide light pink rim . This has a fresh , herbal tinged , red currant , red cherry nose , touch of wood smoke . On the palate this has a slightly smoky , black pepper, herbal tinged wild strawberry , raspberry , red currant hint . Mineral with good acidity and slightly grippy tannins . Good length and earthy tinged finish . Drink well now but can probably age well over the next few years. At Pier 60 , Vinous NY Feb 2025 — 8 months ago

Scot Walker

9.5

Strawberries, blackberries & berry jam in the nose with strawberries, blackberries, plums, raspberries and jam in the palate. A real fruit bomb. Paired well with both Parmesan & cheddar, ham & prosciutto and a cheese flavored cracker. Went well if drank prior to dark chocolate or a double chocolate brownie, but not as good as drank after. — 9 months ago

Doug Craft

9.4

This is a California bomb! I don’t always want this but this example is superb — 6 years ago

Beachin Wino

9.1

This wine really wowed me. Enjoyed at my favorite wine restaurant Bella Monte. This is a beautiful fruit bomb that offers fruit, balance, structure, finish. This one should age beautifully and become more elegant with time. Plan to revisit very soon. Well crafted. — 6 years ago

with Fred