Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego

9.0

1985 vintage. Top shoulder fill. Cork 100% saturated so even with a Durand, some cork “splinters” afoot. Decanted with appropriate sed. Tasted 30 mins and two hours post-decant. Nose was initially tight but yielded cedar, tobacco and fudge/Tootsie Roll scents that carried over into the taste side of things at the half hour mark with some baking chocolate impressions casually tossed into the parade. At the two hour mark, the fudge diminished and an orange peel note started to creep in. Not improving but can hold tight for another 2-3 years before dropping down another notch. Drink ‘em if ya got ‘em. 11.21.25. — 6 months ago

Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego

9.5

2004 vintage. Decanted and tasted after two hours. Used a Durand but cork was great. Top-notch fill. Super chunky sed..like vintage port. Nose good, not great, but biggie structure and balance all there. Medium body. Not a personal fave but may hafta pick up a few more of these for those inclined to partake. There will be 2004 Insignia going steady for quite some time. 12.22.23. — 2 years ago

Nicolas Greinacher

9.2

The 2020 Volnay 1er Cru Carelle sous la Chapelle is fairly muted. Two hours in the decanter help unwind a restrained bouquet of rose pedals, violets, red and black cherry, cranberry, wood smoke and hints of iodine. Just a notch below full-bodied, the wine is tightly structured and embodies an underlying strength, which undoubtedly will be unleashed after a few years of bottle aging. I wouldn't dare touching this for at least 10 more years. Drink from 2030 until 2050. — 3 years ago

Chris Zitzman

9.6

Simply remarkable- as it should have been for the $$$. Top notch Cali Cab. — 7 years ago

with Beth

Lee Pitofsky

9.6

Hands down best rouge Coteaux Champenois, it’s so special to have this with some age. It’s stunning tonight, drinking like a top notch red burg, wafting layered red cherry fruit, floral and spice inflicted aromatics with an incredibly luxurious texture, silky tannins, immense depth and a massively long mineral laced finale. Special wine. — 2 years ago

Alexandre Pagliano

9.4

Very dark robe bricking on the rim. Looks at least 20 years younger. Nose of steak tartare, flint, cedar, blackcurrant and crushed flowers. Very complex and elegant in the mouth, medium light bodied and mostly melted tannins. This is top notch. And has plenty of life left. — 3 years ago

with Jose and Adriana

Peter van den Besselaar

9.3

Vintage 1999 | Top notch, luscious Sauternes | paired with Foie Gras | at restaurant Hofmeisterei Hirtzberger — a year ago

Peter van den Besselaar

9.3

Vintage 2012 | from magician vintner Rene Pöckl in Burgenland. Tasted blind next to Gloria 2012 Saint Julien. Easy win for Pöckl. Top notch. — a year ago

Teresa DiMarco

9.2

Delicious, amazing, top notch Pinot! — 3 years ago

Aaron Tan

9.5

I must thank my fellow lunchers for not wolfing down this wine despite how much they all adored it. It really gave the wine a chance to showcase its brilliance. This was full-bodied, concentrated, hugely complex, and most importantly, super energetic. The flavours are pretty much consistent with my last notes, but the seafood lunch really took this up a notch. Paired perfectly with some steamed prawns. What a wine! Everyone’s pick for wine of the meal. — 4 years ago