John W

9.8

Deep ruby coloration with zero translucency. Strong, jammy black fruits with oak and vanilla on the nose and mirrored on the palate with notes of spice. Long finish. Extremely rich and lush mouthfeel. — a month ago

Ely Cohn

9.1

Rustic and hearty and a little bit boxy until it loosens. It's shy aromatically. Earthy, bing cherries, prunes, and crushed rosemary.

Tannin, structure, and acid seem intact when a little give would do.

Cali wildness that doesn't feel quite as psychedelic as the Chardonnay (see previous note) — 9 months ago

Paul T, Missing My Beautiful Wife 24/7

9.5

Lunch 🥪

K&L notes as follows, Grand Pontet is an interesting property, positioned in the neighborhood of other stars of the appellation such as Châteaux Canon, Beau-Séjour-Bécot and Clos Fourtet. It is, however, a small estate, a mere 14 hectares, and its prices are much better than some of its more prestigious neighbors. In 1980 it was purchased by Gerard and Dominique Bécot, owners of the neighboring Beau-Séjour-Bécot. They have applied the same high standards to both Châteaux in their possession, and their winemaking team crafts Grand Pontet alongside the Beau-Séjour-Bécot wines. Recently purchased in 2021 by Domaines Clarence Dillon (Haut-Brion, La Mission Haut-Brion, et al.), the property was combined with and incorporated into Château Quintus. Full-bodied and luscious, this Grand Pontet is laden with ripe blackberry fruits, savory tobacco, licorice notes, and ripe, softened tannins. It’s seamless and bold, not shy. It’s going to require something decadent to pair with, such as filet mignon or some other black-tie dish with plenty of flavor and rich umami presence. — 3 years ago

Norma Normington

9.5

Got this bottle on my last Virgin Voyage and I had extra $ on my bar tab - a fantastic opportunity to purchase a couple exclusive (expensive) bottles like this. Sassicaia is a known leader in Super Tuscans. My first time trying Sassicaia… opened the bottle only for a couple of hours but a big beautiful bouquet of big jammy goodness that definitely isn’t shy. Wow 🤩 a delicious wine that doesn’t disappoint! — a month ago

Jan de Weerd

9.2

Had to get in the zone as I will have dinner with our Napa Valley Aficionado this week 😊. High quality wine. Just wasn’t able to explore it. Stayed very tight and the oak was hiding (I think) some very promising vibrant fruit. — 2 years ago

with Tammy

Boris Mathiszik

9.2

Very nice classic Napa cab. — 3 years ago

Byron C Mayes

9.1

Very pale straw with pale green highlights and elegant tiny bubbles. Shy but inviting nose of honeysuckle and Bosc pear. Bright palate yields honeysuckle nectar, ripe pear, and a hint of flinty mineral mid palate to finish. That Glera darkness suggests itself but never fully shows, making this one of the most delightful Prosecco experiences one will ever have. Valdobbiadene is the top level of Prosecco and Cartizze is the pinnacle of Valdo. And it shows. I dare say this even works as an alternative to NV Champagne (blanc de blancs, of course). Pair with salads and pungent cheeses (I’m having pear and bleu cheese on butter lettuce) as a starter, or with a main course of light fish or poultry. Brunch is understood. Drink it when you buy it. — 4 years ago

Gunja Gargeshwari

9.4

Amazing structure and tannins. This will be good for 20 more years and get better with time. — 7 months ago

with Uma

Austin Hohnke

9.2

Worth a check in at 10 years. Always an outstanding nose. Needed hours of air and still pretty shy, fruit in particular is closed. Paired with NY strip tonight. Have half a case left of this vintage and will check in again in a couple years. — 2 years ago

Daniel Ciolek

8.9

Nice - not spectacular. Shy nose of candied cherries and earth. A little tight on opening - fully expressive in about 3 hours. Palate of raspberries, candied cherries, mossy undergrowth and minerals, rounded out by a kick of clove spiciness. Tannins were grippy but not overwhelming. — 2 years ago