Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.3

This is an unusual CdP. In the sense that is is dark, thick and like chocolate for water.

My first of three bottles.

The nose shows a very light flaw, some soft VA, bandaid. The core is all dark currants, candied, ripe; blackberries, dark cherries, both plums-heavier black, black raspberries, hints of raspberries & wafting strawberries. Chocolate cake w/ fudge frosting, incense, black pepper, black coffee, anise to black licorice, grilled meats, crushed rocks, lime-sandstone, dry herbs with floral candied dark, red flowers with liquid violets wrapped in lavender.

The palate reveals; dark currants, candied, ripe; blackberries, dark cherries, both plums-heavier black, black raspberries, hints of raspberries, some pomegranate & wafting strawberries. Chocolate cake w/ fudge frosting, caramel, clove, nutmeg, cinnamon, vanillin, incense, Christmas cake, red & dark cola, olive tapenade, black pepper, black coffee, anise to black licorice, smoke, grilled meats, soy sauce, crushed rocks, lime-sandstone, moist clay, dry herbs with dark, gentle dark spices, red& dark flowers with candied liquid violets wrapped in the same candied lavender, grand, round, rainfall acidity w/ a rich, lush, well balanced, nicely toned/structured, elegant finish that shows length that lasts 90-120 seconds and falls on chocolate cake, clay & spice.

Untypical for a CdP to be so thick, round, rich and a bit of wine candy.

93-95 with the meal.

Drink over the next 7-10 yrs and perhaps a couple to three yrs +. Greatly depends on storage and how you like your wines in age. — 12 days ago

ESF

9.2

oh yeah baby, we're back - couple of ho hum vintages but this was fantastic! Delicate feminine expression, florals & red fruit & spice - med bodied, well integrated flavors, acidity & tannins... — a month ago

Ki Punwar

Owner, California Wine Republic

9.3

Tempier rose never disappoints. Paired with Salmon and Caesar salad — 5 days ago

Joel Lara

9.4

Upon opening, this seemed a bit disjointed, with muted fruit flavors and strong herbal notes. Decanting didn’t seem to help much, but day 2 it finally opened up nicely, with nice complexity and intensity on the palate. Cherry, raspberry, cassis, bay leaf, dried Italian herbs, anise, cloves, vanilla, cedar, earth, and balsamic notes all come through. Really tasty, but maybe a bit too intense. I can see this improving with a few more years of aging so the flavors coalesce and soften a bit more. — a month ago

Kurt Winrich

9.2

At La Coin in Seattle — a month ago

Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego

9.1

2021 vintage. Medium body. Compact and muscular. No diversions currently. 7.8.26. — 2 months ago

Jeremy Pollard

9.3

Still catching up from two weeks ago. Well wasn’t this quite the joy! Slightly shy upon opening, with more red fruit on the palate. Developed considerably in the glass and bottle, filling out with black fruit and a tight, beautiful tannin core. Seems in a great place right now but with years ahead of it. — 5 days ago

Doug Powers

9.1

So, initially I thought this was nowhere near the 1990 Marcoux CdP, and this is Côtes du Rhône (WHAT????), but for a 38 year old CdR, it’s pretty fine, zero tannins, definitely lower alcohol (label says 12.5% ABV, but I’m not buying it?!?!), but no noticeable ABV and smooth and suave, honestly, I attribute the great showing to the 1988 vintage!!? — a month ago

with Jim

Boris Mathiszik

9.1

Classic Orin Swift. Delicious blend with unexpected twists. Boldness coming from the Petite Syrah. Black plum and gravel. Blackberry and cherry. Chewy tannins. — 12 days ago

Jan A

9.0

Very advanced bottle — a month ago

Todd Scurci

9.1

#rosé #napa — a month ago

with Annie

Jedidiah Abrams

9.4

Half-bottle — a month ago

Scott E. Becker

9.2

[Tasted on July 2, 2026 at Home]
— 2 months ago

Jol

9.4

Très puissant bonne année Ouvert depuis la veille — 2 days ago

Timothy Eustis

Wine Director, Red Lion Inn

9.3

My style of CdP. 2023. Rich and fruity with strong backbone of acidity. Ripe tannins, but in background. Garrigue all day long. Love — 11 days ago

Jim Powers

9.4

Classic Besucastel! I first visited this property in 1987, and the Brett character was unmistakeable. This 1990 is aging extremely well. Strong Brett aromas, but the fruit is also strong and in balance. If you are one that thinks Brett is an unforgivable flaw, you will hate this. Great Chateauneuf from a great vintage! Celebrating my son’s 33rd birthday tonight (1993 wasn’t a great vintage in CdP!) with a perfectly grilled NY steak. I am very pleased with this wine — a month ago

Mike Obley

8.9

Surprisingly good for a waek vintage — 24 days ago

K Brooks

9.0

Quite nice with Shawarma chicken and with roasted leg of lamb. — a month ago

Alvaro Bustillos

9.5

Wallys feng — 2 months ago

Helen Patrikis

8.9

Delicate peach, and a hint of bubble gum and lightly herbaceous on the nose. Nice acidity. Fresh and lovely. — a month ago