Steve Bowen

9.3

Laughing when I say this… the first glass tastes just as wonderful as the last glass. Often when we do tastings the last glass tastes good but later we wonder why in the world we liked it so much. This one is enjoyable from the very first sip. Regardless of the crazy label and name, it’s a great selection to enjoy with dinner and a partner. — 9 months ago

with Tracy

Keith Ward

9.5

AMAZING BORDEAUX that’s still able to shine, decanted, after a few hours of opening! In ritual notes of damp leather, subdued / dried fruits and felt past its prime. 2 hours later - completely blossomed into this robust, aged, beautiful almost “fruit forward” masterpiece with almost olive overtones. I’m sure it was a great bottle 10, 20, even 30 years ago - but now it’s almost better as it’s transformed into this subtle, wonderful wine which was able to hold its own against aged cheese and roasted beef. A true treasure I’m glad we uncorked!! (BTW - cork was LONG - get your longest screw out for this one)!!! — 3 years ago

Bob McDonald

9.2

See previous note from 73 weeks ago on March 2020. One of Australia’s great cool climate Shiraz. Noted for its spice and white pepper. Red fruited on the medium bodied palate and made in the historic blue stone winery which first made wine in 1860. Back then it was a vineyard surrounded by sheep but now Melbourne’s major airport, Tullamarine, is 20 minutes to the south. Wonderful balance and long living made by Pat Carmody and wife Dianne since 1976 after they replanted much of the vineyard. More in the style and weight of Burgundy than the Rhone. In the Langtons Classification under Excellent. Had another bottle 73 weeks later on the 5th January 2023 which didn’t show as well as it normally does. A touch of astringency. Going through a “dumb phase “? 88 points for latest tasting. — 4 years ago

Bob McDonald

9.7

See 2 previous notes from 2019 and 2022. Rich red and black fruits with Raspberry Strawberry Red Cherry and Black Cherry. A cool tasting Pinot (temperature). Barely medium weight but with great palate intensity. The remaining few will still be kicking in 3 plus years but as I said in the earlier notes the wow factor was there when it was young and I tried it at the Tasmanian Pinot Extravaganza in Launceston approximately 5 years ago. I had the last one 2 years later on 23rd August 2025. Gorgeous aromatics and palate. Still a gold medal wine around 96 or 97 points. — 2 years ago

Jay Kline

9.3

Decanted 7 hours and then poured back into the bottle before service, 4 hours later. No formal notes. The 2019 “Caravina” is showing classic notes of black currants, tobacco, and baking spices with a gentle touch of vanilla. The finish is dry with significant structure. Already lovely with extended exposure to air, I’m looking forward to following the evolution of this wine for the next 10-15+ years. This remains one of Napa’s best values. — 4 years ago

Delectable Wine

Follow to learn about our favorite wines & people.

9.3

The 1975 La Mission Haut-Brion has been hailed in some quarters as a high point for the estate in the Seventies. My own experience has been one of inconsistency, especially compared to the reliable and, in my mind, superior 1978. According to a half-dozen or so tasting notes from 2000 onward, the 1975 was always robust, dense and nearly impenetrable. One bottle at the vertical in 2008 finally lived up to high expectations, but a follow-up two years later felt charmless. This bottle is conspicuously deep in hue. The nose is backward at first, eventually revealing blackberry, iodine and light licorice scents; later, a touch of gaminess creeps in. The palate is full-bodied and full of sinew, with thick tannins framing the multilayered, ferrous black fruit. This is huge in terms of grip, and almost brutish toward the finish. It’s impressive in stature, but the 1978 possesses greater nuance and more panache. Tasted at a private dinner in Hong Kong. Neal Martin, Vinous, September 2021)
— 4 years ago

Renato Hoyle

9.4

Slightly better 9 months later. Very long. Well balanced. Versatile — 3 years ago

Lyle Fass

Founder Fass Selections

9.5

Gorgeous. — 3 years ago

Rocky Giglio

10

Amazing wine. Hard to find this year. Had a newer one as well a few days later and it was also fantastic but with slightly less depth. — 4 years ago

Bob McDonald

9.4

Very spicy initially on the nose. On the light to medium weight palate some savoury earthy notes but essentially black cherry. Very good and obviously new world. Always one of the best Pinots in New Zealand from Martinborough. This is delicious and fruit driven with integrated oak. Drinking well in its middle age with some years to go. Tasted another bottle 36 weeks later on 6th March 2022 with similar notes. Ripe black cherry aromas. Medium to full bodied tasting more like Central Otago rather than Martinborough. Opulent and mouth filling. Have the 2nd last in late 2023. — 4 years ago