Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego

9.6

2013 vintage. Zero issues with fill or cork. Not decanted but it was so rambunctious, likely would have shown even better with one. Tasted after 45 mins, 1.5 hours and 3 hours open. Medium body. Nose a mysterious mélange of spent coffee grounds and that expected Grands Échézeaux Asian spice presence. Cranberry tartness right away in the flavors minimized by black tea notes and the coffee/Asian spice twofer. Minute-long finish. Barely harnessed power throughout. Tasting as if it has just kicked in the door to the upper part of the bell curve and a handful of years before reaching the absolute apex. Simply no rush to crush as this is beginning its heroic phase. If you do indulge, open early and trace the development. Many don't like to decant red Burgs but this should be an exception. Needs both big time and big air. 12.09.24. — a month ago

Michael Greene

9.4

Part of Roulot + Roumier tasting. More typical in style than the 2019, the fruit-forward hedonism is toned down. Angular and precise. Super mineral finish. Needs time…glad I have a few bottles stashed away — a year ago

Martinez

9.0

Good Pomerol from one of the appellation’s largest estates, with around 12 hectares on the southern part of the Pomerol plateau, in an area known for its iron-rich clay subsoils. Known locally as “crasse de fer” or iron dirt, this type of subsoils have a high content of iron-oxide, which gives Pomerol wines their characteristic aromatic richness. It was also the inspiration for the estate’s name (“taille fer” translates to “carve the iron”). 81% Merlot and 19% Cabernet Franc, aged for 12 months in oak barrel (40% new). Aromas of dark fruit, plums, chocolate and earthy notes. Full-bodied, rich and concentrated. Noticeable tannins. — 3 years ago

Jay Kline

9.4

Part of a Chateau Mouton Rothschild vertical from 1988-1990. Early on, this was a probably my favorite of the three Moutons and showed well throughout the course of the evening. Expressive red and dark forest fruits with tobacco, leather, earth and baking spices. The structure was still showing its tensile strength. This has a long life ahead. Drink now through 2040. — 2 months ago

Joe Lundy

9.4

Very nice well balanced red with hints of fruit, licorice, and hints of smoke…. delicious! — 7 months ago

with Isabel, Michelle and 2 others

Michael Greene

9.2

Part of Roulot + Roumier tasting. Wax and chalk. Apples. Lemon. — a year ago

Mark Turner

9.3

Really nice blend. 48% cab sauv, 21% cab franc, 21% Syrah, 10% Malbec. Nose was blueberry, earth, pepper and a hint of vanilla. Smooth mid plate with a medium weight and good balance of fruit and acidity. Oak, blackberry and raspberry with pepper, spice and forest floor that lingered for a long time. Enjoyable. — 4 years ago

Tom Garland

9.2

Viader tasting on Howell mountain. Stunning views of the valley and fun tour/tasting at this family owned winery. Nice pours too! The 2016 Viader is just starting to show off and is worth seeking out.

2020 Dare...cab franc
2016 Viader...cab sav and cab franc
2021 Viader...cab sav and cab franc
2019 Viader Black Label....cab sav, syrah, cab franc
2020 Viader V...cab sav and Petit verdot — 5 months ago

with Brenda

Jay Kline

9.2

Poured into a decanter about an hour prior to service; enjoyed over period that lasted a few hours. The 2008 pours a deep ruby color with a near opaque core; medium+ viscosity with moderate staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is developing with mostly fresh, tart, vibrant red fruits: red brambles, red currants and tart cherries with some pyrazines, tobacco, some cool herbs, dry earth and gentle warm spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannin and bordering high acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is medium+ and the body is perceptibly leaner than both the 1988 and the 2018. That being said, I love its transparency because it is clearly telling part of the story of the vintage. The frost was merciless in Dry Creek in the spring of 2008. So far, the evolution seems slow to me. Drink now with a decant but considering the structure, this has a long life ahead. If I had another bottle, I would open my next after 2028. — 8 months ago

Jonathan Wall

9.1

2003. Last bottle was 3 years ago, and this one I liked better. Starts out austere with evidence of a difficult hot year. But after hours in the decanter it cycled thru some almost port like caramelized tapenades and ended the evening with a somewhat strange but delicious red crème brûlée thing. So if you have one… I suggest patience thru the awkward opening hours to get to the awkward good part. Cheers. — 3 years ago