very light and crisp perfect level of dry — 22 days ago
1995 vintage. Great fill, foil and label. Perfect cork. From a top-notch cellar. Decanted and tasted over the course of two hours. Volcanic ash-styled sed vs chunky-style. Big funk on the nose that resolved after 7-8 minutes. Wine was showing decently (in the 69-72 degree range) but lacking any tannic structure. Placed the decanter atop an ice bucket bath to drop the temp down to 60 degrees or so. Took about 20 minutes but the tannins kicked in the door to say hello. Fruit components stayed constant. Pauillac tendencies were all there. As is the case often with older BDX, the decaying matter/leaves at the onset transitioned to graphite/lead pencil and espresso flavors. This was a superior bottle in great shape. Top of this wine’s specific bell curve. Comparable bottles would look to be drinking this well for the next 5-7 years without dropoff. Out of larger format…could possibly push this into 9.4 status. 2.5.24. — 2 months ago
The majestic 2016 Las Cases is one for the ages. This ultra complex and ultra appealing wine is already captivating and will very obviously have many decades to shine. You get currants, blackberries, salmiak, violets, tobacco, rosemary, pink pepper, soil and so much more. The texture gradually becomes creamier with fine tannins and fresh and long finish. Will become a perfect wine eventually. — 3 months ago
Lovely vintage In a perfect spot showing the classic La Mission character with its red & black fruits, cedar, leather, graphite, mineral, dried herbs & cigar box. — 2 months ago
Perfect splurge for quick getaway to paradise for Presidents Day. The wine is medium gold in the glass… vibrant and alive with balanced acidity. Open and generous on the palate… smooth, silken, with vibrant citrus and cream notes. A lively and lovely dinner companion at this stage of development. Happy President’s Day, y’all. — 2 months ago
Beautiful wine. So earthy, leathery, and powerful. This wine still has years of life left. A nearly perfect Cabernet Sauvignon blend with a Mediterranean twist. It tastes like an extremely high-end Chateauneuf-du-Pape dominated by a high-end Napa Cabernet. Perfect with my Greek lamb chops. I wish I could have left it open longer but I consumed it at my favorite BYOB Greek restaurant. If you find this wine at a reasonable price, buy it. At $90 a steal. — 2 months ago
Beautiful expression. Fruit and earth; perfect balance. Could drink this everyday. — 3 months ago
David T
Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator
There are worse ways to start a Saturday then tasting & talking wine with Tor Kenward & Andy Beskstoffer having the 1980 BV George Latour Private Reserve & multiple vintages of Tor. Wine 94 technically but age & style 96. The overall experience is a 10.
These bottles came from his cellar so they are perfect. So silky smooth elegant. Beautifully ripe; blackberries, black raspberries, plum, dark cherries, understated baking spices, fresh & used tobacco, sandalwood, raspberry, limestone powder, fine, dark spice, bright, withering dark & red florals, excellent acidity, sheer, balance, elegance and perfect finish that lasts a full minute.
Andy Beckstoffer sold fruit for $150 a ton in the late 1970’s, early 80’s. Today, $50,000 plus a ton and a percentage of the producers bottle price. — 19 days ago