Will Stanley

9.4

A gift from my old man for my thirtieth birthday this year. My last experience with this wine was the 2001, enjoyed around ten years ago. I described then how the wine lived up to its popular reputation. Happy to reaffirm that feeling with this 1994, that is an absolutely gorgeous, captivating wine that ticks every box one may have for older Rioja. It marries sweet with sour in that way that the best wines from this region do, a medley of ripe blueberries with sour cherry; bitter orange, coconut, balsamic, tobacco and cranberry. The finish is long, with flecks of sweetness that beg you for another sip. I would imagine that Faustino produce in excess of a million bottles of this stuff, given the size of their holdings, which only impresses me even more that it turns out so well. — 2 months ago

Bob McDonald

9.4

A solid rich Ruby red with no tawny rim. Looks way younger than 27 years. An earthy, plummy leathery perfume with same earthy, plummy and minerally medium to full bodied palate - a sweaty saddle classic old Hunter Valley style. Medium plus intensity of flavour with great persistence. Demonstrates the amazing longevity of old vine Hunter Valley Shiraz. I think you could safely drink this into the late 2020s. Honouring the Hunter Valley legend, Maurice O’Shea, who made great wine in primitive conditions In the late 1940s and 1950’s. About 15 years ago I had a 1952 Mount Pleasant Shiraz made by the great man - just medium bodied and still full of energy. — 3 years ago

Matthew Cohen

9.4

Man. This wine is a petulant genius child. When it was young was amazing. Now on open it’s a child hiding in the corner.

Nose at 2 hours just reluctantly gives you a glimpse. Reticent bastard. Just a peek of gorgeous flowers. But they are glorious.

Palate is gorgeous. Cherry flower more than cherry. I love you. Yes I do. So silky. So elegant. Yes you are holding back on me you annoying young genius bastard. But I am old and wise. And can enjoy your promise and can wait for it become apparent. Because I am old. And I have nothing left but patience. And you in the impetuousness of youth will be out lasted by me.

Bought from fass selections. — 4 years ago

Joe F

9.0

Super jammy, higher acidity, dark fruits. C liked more than J — 7 months ago

Matthew Cohen

9.5

Man this is old school.

Needs at least an hour to open even at 12 years.

Nose is pure cherry. Cherry cough syrup. Spice. Intoxicating.

Palate is gorgeous elegant cherry spice. Perfect texture. A hint of bitterness to round it all out.

Amazing finish.

Wow. Great burgundy.

Talent can be great for a day. As this is. Greatness requires persistence. — 2 years ago

Patricia Schnitzer

9.3

Sept 24, 2021. Purchased in Madrid at Madrid & Darracott wineshop (a must visit if you are in Madrid). I was intrigued by the label. They have 3 wines with photos of men of different ages on the label, denoting the aging of the wine. Genius. Of course i purchased the old man. 🤣🤣🤣 Lovely Tinto de Toro. Would probably age very well, but I couldn’t wait. Lots of stewed fruit. Tannins and acidity. Wish I had another bottle to open in a couple years. Definitely decant! — 3 years ago

Nate Wall

Winemaker at Troon Vineyard

9.2

Wow - this is my first experience with aged Altesse, and man - can it go the distance. Nose has some oxidative notes to be sure, but for a decade old white, this has aged very gracefully, in a controlled and complexing sort of way. Rich and full, with excellent length - excites me even more about the potential and versatility of the Altesse grape. — 4 years ago

Henry Boshoff

9.0

Bok day wine! Very nice wine with best pasta ever! — 2 years ago

with Alicia

Seth Masterson

9.4

I smell apricots, honeysuckle and a touch of a wood refinishing shop where an old man has been rubbing turpentine onto ancient woods. The smell of this Manzanilla makes my mouth water and I didn't want to take my nose out of the glass.
On first taste it has a bit of an 'Uh oh what have so gotten myself into' kick in the pants of your pallete. As the sherry warms in your mouth let it explore of the crevices and you will find flavors in corners of your mouth that I you have not encountered before in any bottle of non fortified white wine.
The freshness of this when served chilled and the amazingly long aftertaste make it one of the few wines that I prefer to drink on their own but it pairs great with simple salty food like premium organic fries tossed sea salt!
A steal at $16 for a half bottle at Little Death. (I've paid $13 for a three ounce pour of this at a tapas joint) — 3 years ago

Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego

9.1

2014 vintage. Super dry and powerful. Medium bodied but drinking like it’s (ballad of a) the thin man. Smoke/char in the nose. Upfront coffee/tobacco and raspberry flavors but little else. Not a good introductory Bordeaux for the masses. For those already smitten, I can see this going 40+ years but there will never be fat years. This is a (c)lean machine. Monolithic and totally old-school Bordeaux. — 3 years ago