Second Growth
Château Mouton Rothschild
Pauillac Red Bordeaux Blend 1982
Forty-plus years on, people still talk about the greatness of the 1982 vintage in Bordeaux. There are multiple factors that contribute to this and it’s fair to say that Robert Parker’s reaction played a major role in the early popularity; certainly in the States. While some may say that 1982 was merely a “good” vintage by today’s standards, I think history has proven it to be empirically special; there was just so much quality from top to bottom. And yet, even with the high praise of the vintage, the tone shifts to hushed whispers when the 1982 Mouton gets mentioned. Up until that point, the Chateau had sort of underachieved after receiving its unprecedented promotion in 1973. But in 1982, a year full of great wine, they created a legend and firmly cemented their First Growth status. Today, I’m pleased to report the plaudits for the ’82 are all warranted.
Opened and double-decanted earlier in the day. The ’82 Mouton pours a deep garnet color with a near opaque core with some sediment; almost youthful when compared to many of the other older wines poured on the night. On the nose, the wine is developing still; loaded with cassis, black berries, leaf tobacco, leather, and fine baking spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with fabulous structure. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long and full of power. A stunning wine and well in its prime…a window I expect will remain open for a longtime to come. Drink now with bacchanalian abandon and through 2082. — 3 months ago
Château Cos d'Estournel
Les Pagodes de Cos Saint-Estéphe Red Bordeaux Blend 2020
Château covers 170 acres separated from Château Lafite, along the southern edge, by a stream. Blend of 58% Cabernet Sauvignon, 34% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc and 4% Petit Verdot. Deep Ruby color with aromas of ripe berry fruits and earthy spice notes. On the palate flavors of blueberry and blackberry with licorice, tobacco and toasty oak notes. Long rich finish on soft juicy tannins, drinking well and still has room to age. Very Nice second label! — 16 days ago
Château Cantemerle
Haut-Médoc Red Bordeaux Blend 2013
A 5th Growth from the left bank of Bordeaux that never disappoints. Multi-layered, enticing aromas of red fruit, leathery and dried leaf, raising and date fruits, makes this earthy wine a nice option. Had the 2013 vintage and still delivers. Solid tannins, dry and not so aggressive on the mid-range of the palate. Silky finish. — 2 months ago
Tenuta San Guido
Bolgheri Sassicaia Cabernet Sauvignon Cabernet Franc 2008
A wonderfully balanced Cabinet blend from Bolgheri. Definitely Cabernet notes but so balanced that nothing stands out. Sassicaia is definitely Bordeaux First or Second Growth standard. Understated but irresistible nonetheless. 85% Cabernet Sauvignon; 15% Cabernet Franc. Probably one of the best non Bordeaux Cabernet blends. — 2 months ago
Tenuta San Guido
Guidalberto Toscana Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot 2017
Second wine still quite young, decant for sure and purple fruit comes alive in the glass. Robust acidity, spice on finish along with fine tannins. #toscana — 4 months ago
Château Palmer
Alter Ego Margaux Red Bordeaux Blend 2019
Deep ruby color with a slight orange hue to the edges and maybe a hint of purple DEEP in the middle. Medium to full bodied, with a bold nose that features a little of everything from licorice and beautiful, silky red fruits, even some sweet jam like notes, like fig jam with vanilla, to hints of violet and deep notes of rich soil, fresh sponge cake and even some hints of fresh mint. The palate is rich and voluptuous, with dark cherry, cranberry and cassis notes, coca, violet and graphite on the finish. Silllky, perfectly integrated tannin, it’s big but light on its feet. There’s even a long meaty, iron like note that emerges and warms to the end, like a second wave, that even has some Doritos chips like notes. — 4 months ago
Lee Pitofsky
Opus One second wine. A beauty! Extremely giving already and pure velvet in the mouth — 2 days ago