It went well on Christmas Eve with oysters and caviar — 6 months ago
Dangerously smooth. — a year ago
3.4. A very good bargain for a smooth Bordeaux, nice mix of fruits, minerals and tannin, somewhat mid-bodied, with smooth finish. Deep red with good nose. On sale for $11.99, regularly $14.99. — 3 years ago
#AgedWineTuesday
Dark ruby in color with a brick rim.
Soft nose of red and black fruits, wet leaves, herbs, black pepper, must, tobacco leaf, earth, light wood and dark coffee.
Medium plus in body, smooth and elegant, with medium acidity.
Dry on the palate with blueberries, plums, cherries, light oak, licorice, spices, coffee, earth, cola, light vegetables, herbs, pencil lead and peppercorn.
Long finish with round tannins and tangy raspberries.
This is a delicious Cabernet Sauvignon from the very famous Martha’s Vineyard in
Napa Valley.
This 35 year old is drinking very nicely now. Nice to see how it held up.
Nicely balanced with a nice mouthfeel. Elegant and tasty. Showing nice complexity at this point.
A little muted right out of the bottle, and needed a few minutes to open up. Even better after an hour of airtime.
Good by itself or with food. I paired it with a pizza with prosciutto and arugula. Delish.
13.5% alcohol by volume.
93 points.
$450. — 4 years ago
Complex wine. — 2 months ago
Finally opened this one at the right time of year. Mom’s Christmas gift a few years ago from my homeland. Ripe peach, dried apricot, golden raisin, honeysuckle, mandarin zest and orange. Volcanic edge. Very nice acidity on a sweet wine. Great for holiday desserts. — 6 months ago
Drinking great — 2 years ago
Thank you Jonathon L . Perfect selection — 4 years ago
Château Lynch-Bages 2023 – Pauillac, Grand Cru Classé, BDX, France 🇫🇷
Overview
A powerful, structurally driven Pauillac showing serious depth and long-term ambition, built on a 71% Cabernet Sauvignon–dominant blend with 22% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc, 3% Petit Verdot support. The wine carries muscular architecture, dark fruit density, and firm tannic authority, currently showing some youthful rough edges but clearly positioned for future greatness with proper cellaring.
Aromas & Flavors
Blackcurrant, cassis liqueur, blackberry skin, graphite, cedar plank, crushed gravel, tobacco leaf, dark cocoa and subtle savory spice.
Mouthfeel
Full-bodied with firm, youthful tannins, strong mid-palate grip, vibrant supporting acidity, dense core concentration, and a long, structured finish that signals serious aging capacity.
Food Pairings
Dry-aged ribeye, grilled lamb chops, beef short ribs, rosemary-crusted venison, aged hard cheeses, slow-braised meats.
Verdict
A high-potential Pauillac still in its formative phase. The structure, depth, and terroir signature are undeniable, but integration will require time. A climber rather than a polished performer today, patience will be rewarded handsomely.
🍷 Personal Pick
This feels like a future star in development, powerful, slightly raw, but absolutely loaded with upside. Not a wine for instant gratification, but one that will evolve into something truly special with time. I’d happily cellar this and revisit around 2029 when the polish finally matches the horsepower. — 5 months ago
Very refined Champagne, before dinner with friends in Amherst, MA — 8 months ago
Royal Tokaji – 5 Puttonyos Aszú 2016
Tokaj – Hungary 🇭🇺
Overview
A classic Tokaji Aszú, made from grapes affected by Botrytis cinerea (noble rot), then macerated with must to create Hungary’s legendary sweet wine. The 5 puttonyos designation signals a rich yet balanced level of sweetness, around 120 g/L residual sugar. (Educational note: “Puttonyos” refers to the traditional baskets of aszú berries added — the higher the number, the sweeter and more concentrated the wine.)
Aromas & Flavors
Lush apricot, honey, and candied orange peel at the forefront, layered with quince, dried fig, and lemon curd. Hints of saffron, ginger, and toasted almond bring exotic spice and complexity.
Mouthfeel
Velvety and lusciously sweet, balanced by vibrant acidity that keeps it lifted. Full-bodied yet precise, with a long, honeyed finish that leaves both richness and freshness.
Food Pairings
Perfect with blue cheese, foie gras, or fruit tarts. Also excellent with roasted nuts, crème brûlée, or simply savored on its own as a meditative dessert wine.
Verdict
A benchmark Tokaji — rich, layered, and perfectly balanced. The 2016 vintage of Royal Tokaji 5 Puttonyos Aszú offers indulgence and structure, proving why Tokaji has been called “the wine of kings.” 👑🍷
Did You Know?
Tokaji Aszú is one of the world’s oldest regulated wines — protected since 1737, nearly a century before Bordeaux’s 1855 classification.
Collector’s Rarity 📌
Royal Tokaji’s Aszú wines are globally sought after, and a 5 puttonyos 2016 bottling represents both a collectible dessert wine and a piece of vinous history — 9 months ago
Brilliant golden hue.
Gunpowder and flint on the nose.
Upright acidity lime and pear palate. — 3 years ago
Honey and apricots. Outstanding! — 4 years ago
Probably the best bottle of this I’ve had. Perfectly matured classical Rioja. Black cherries, some caramel, no tannins left and piercing acidity. — 4 years ago
Brad Jensen
Light gold with hints of pale green to the edges, the nose on this is very fresh and somewhat vegetal, with notes fresh cold celery alongside the hints of green papaya , baked Citroen tart, and wet river stone. Lots of good tight bubbles, a light to medium body and a real energetic, mineral freshness over a palate of tart yellow stone fruits, a slight yeasty, baked note, but very subtle, mostly mineral and the crisp fruit. Very nice! — a month ago