Stefan Dolhain

9.4

2020 vintage. Tasted several times with consistent scores. I always recommend this wine to people who start to buy Bordeaux at Cru Classé level. Cantemerle offers unapologetic elegance and great value for money. — a month ago

Rick Phillips

9.7

Decanted and aerated multiple times for 3 hours. Lush fruit, licorice and new leather. Strong finish, this 26 year old wine has many years left. — 2 months ago

with Letha

Greg Koslosky

8.9

Very mature a disappointment for the vintage . Had a 1985 the week before and it was more youthful. Not the best vintage for this cuvée. I have tasted this Champagne a few times — 5 months ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.8

I have posted a number of older vintage Jones Family Cabernets. Many 20 yrs and older. Three to four 97’s…none better than this one. I give few wines a score above 96. This is different. It is so close to perfect. Some might give it a 100. I struggle to give a wine a perfect 100. I have only done it 4 times in an estimated 25k wines tasted or bottles I’ve enjoyed. One was a port made before 1886 and tasted in Oporto at Taylor Fladgate’s tasting room in 2015, it was their Scion. Only sold there and at the time 5k at bottle. You end up there purchase the Scion taste regardless of the current cost. They put on a tasting show for you. I am half tempted here to give out a 100 but will refrain.

I am not sure what to add to that but will attempt to do so.

The nose is a beautiful, perfectly evolved Napa Cabernet. Nothing overpowers any of its singular components. I think the word I am looking for is harmony. Lush, plush, ruby dark currants/cassis. The best, mid, subtle/gentle/soft, dark spice box I certainly can remember, lush blackberries, both plums, dark, not quite liqueur cherries, a mix of subtle purple fruits, poached to baked strawberries, some light hints of raspberries, dark sweet tarriness, melted dark chocolate, anise to black licorice, steep fruit tea leaning into black tea, sweet/soft leather, moist tobacco, sandalwood, dark, rich forest floor, sweet graphite, hints of dry twig, a flutter note of eucalyptus, dry, withering & slightly candied florals that are; dark, red & blue & framed in light lavender with more pronounced liquid violets.

The palate wire to wire is even & stupidly, gloriously, grand. It mirrors the nose very closely. Lush, plush, ruby dark currants/cassis. The best mid, subtle/gentle/soft, dark spice box w/ some light palate heat, best I certainly can remember, lush blackberries, both plums, dark, kirsch not quite liqueur cherries, a mix of subtle purple fruits, poached to baked strawberries, some light hints of raspberries, dark sweet tarriness, melted dark chocolate, anise to black licorice, steep fruit tea leaning into black tea, beautifully layered baking spices-clove, nutmeg, cinnamon stick & vanillin, caramel, sweet/soft leather, moist tobacco w/ a hint is ash, sandalwood, dark, rich forest floor, dry, crushed rock powder, dry top soil, crushed limestone powder, sweet graphite, hints of dry twig, a fluttering note of eucalyptus, dry, withering & slightly candied florals that are; dark, red & blue framed in light lavender with more pronounced liquid violets, perfect, rainfall acidity, extremely well balanced, even & subtle tension-structure that stands up on the long set, refined elegance with a finish that goes on and on and eventually lands on spice & beautiful, refined earthiness.

What a bottle! 98 that leans into 99. I paid somewhere between $80-$90 on the secondary market for this bottle. — 7 months ago

Erika Turner

9.2

Had this after a 2020 Rully. Exactly what was needed. Lifted citrusy good times. — 3 years ago

with Rubychick and See

"Odedi"

9.1

This is a tasty Pinot Noir from Santa Barbara County in California, however it is not drinking like one.

Showing black fruits with chocolate notes, tobacco, cedar, leather, vanilla, licorice, spices and black pepper.

Full bodied and smooth with medium acidity and long legs.

Good right out of the bottle and much better after 2 hours in the decanter, so be patient.

I had this wine many times before, and it is drinking very nicely as a 5 year old.

Fruit forward and rich, with a bit of RS. Good by itself as a sipping wine.

Aged in French oak barrels for 9 months.

14.7% alcohol by volume.

91 points.

$50. — 5 years ago

Shay A

9.5

Last week was a combo of 4th Friday and Open That Bottle Night on back to back nights. Needless to say, the lineup between both days was full of heavy hitters, so I’m only posting standout bottles.

This was slow oxed for a few hours before the event. I was fortunate to try this a couple times throughout the evening. Monster stuff that is only getting better. Aromatics of dark cocoa, mocha, bayleaf, cedar, currant, underripe blackberries and raspberries. Built like a tank on the palate...big structure sporting notes of leather, herbs de Provence, grilled black cherries, plum, mulberries, graphite, and a tannic finish. If you can decant for half a day, go for it. Otherwise, hold on and enjoy the fireworks in 5-7yrs. Thanks for bringing @Jid R . — 6 years ago

with Jid

Kurt Schuster

9.2

One of those times they can’t claim to be a professional and just describe what I’m saying. Unfiltered, the wine is cloudy intention because it definitely affects the taste. You just get a bit of Dusty greediness in the flavor and while the smell is pure and clean crisp. The taste has a bit of exposure you gonna have to chew what’s going on. Lemon curd, waxy, unripe peach, some greedy dust from you not washing your fruits before you eat them. The acidity is there, but with the unfiltered nitrate seems like it doesn’t fully express the structure but it’s interesting because I haven’t had a wine like this so I don’t really know what I’m talking about. It seems like it’s a tight wine at the same time. There’s something in there that just makes it linger and chew and coat your tongue. Really enjoyed it completely.  — a month ago

with Denise

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.4

I have written a few times regarding my tale of Caymus & Caymus Classic. Their vintages post 2011 and their vintages pre 2011.

I have at event tastings that Caymus was pouring, encouraged their staff to talk with Chuck to make both Caymus & Caymus Classic. Recently, I emailed them to pass on my thoughts to Chuck asking him to make both. If you liked Caymus the way it was, I encourage you to do the same. There is a dwelling amount of older, well preserved Caymus Classic vintages. info@wagnerfamilyofwine.com should you be so inclined.

Their post 2011 Caymus Cabernets are picked at higher brix and syrupy sweet. I get why Chuck changed. Many like sweeter Cabernets that drink easy young. That is not my wheelhouse.

In my intermediate wine days, I aged and enjoyed many pre 2012 vintages. This perfect bottle bought on the secondary market at around $70 is extremely well stored. The cork when I cut the foil looked slightly depressed, when I pulled it with an Ah-so was next to new.

I enjoyed this with a Ribcap, not the best wine for that steak but, ok. This 07 is more filet or NY Strip.

The nose shows; a very dark core of sweet currants. Ripe-lush-blackberries, black cherries, the blackest of plum to pudding, black raspberries, poached/slightly baked strawberries, circling raspberries, anise to black licorice, woven baking spices-cinnamon, clove, nutmeg & vanilla, caramel, dark chocolate, mellow dark spices, sweet tarriness & dark earth, dry crush limestone, moist, grey volcanic clays, dry top soil, dry tobacco, some sweet graphite, steeped black tea & withering/candied, dark, red flowers framed in liquid violets/lavender.

This bottle now nearly 18 years in bottle has not faded. It is at its precipice and will hold a few yrs. 2007 a grand Napa vintage. Decanted a little over an hour and enjoyed over the next 90-120 minutes. With this experience, another hour in the decanter is even better.

M-M+ velvety, rounded, tannins. The palate is round, ripe, lush, ruby fruits of; dark core of sweet currants. Ripe-lush; blackberries, black cherries, the blackest of plum to pudding, stewed plum, black raspberries, poached/slightly baked strawberries, circling raspberries with notes of liqueur overtones, anise to black licorice, woven baking spices-cinnamon, clove, nutmeg & vanilla, caramel, dark chocolate, black licorice, dark berry cola, distinct dark, Caynus Classic spices w/ palate heat, herbaceous notes, sweet tarriness & dark earth, dry crush limestone/rock, moist, grey volcanic clays, dry top soil, dry river stone, charcoal, notes of menthol, dry tobacco, leather, dry oak barrel shavings, some sweet graphite, steeped black tea & withering/candied, dark, red flowers framed in liquid violets/lavender, perfect, round acidity with an incredibly; balanced, well knitted-toned-structured, elegantly/smartly polished finish that goes on and on and long sets on beautiful earth & spice.

94+ This experience is becoming rarer & rarer. — 4 months ago

Ron Siegel

9.3

Drinking well at 50 yrs being a wine I have had many times showing red & black fruits, cedar, leather, spice & sweet tobacco. — a year ago

Ericsson

9.4

Napa from times past, needs time to flourish to a harmonious wine with great nuance. — 2 years ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.3

‘Las Alturas' Spanish for 'the heights', a fitting name, this vineyard located on one of the highest grape-growing benches in the Santa Lucia Highlands AVA. 4th gen Winemaker Joseph J. Wagner from family with farming & winemaking roots in Napa since 1906. Met Joe several times. Deep Ruby (darkest Pinot I have come across). Nice berry and floral spice aromas. Rich cherry/plum flavors with oak, spice and vanilla. Long finish ending with sweet oak notes. Nice! A Fav! — 4 years ago

Justin Hansohn

9.2

Legendary producer. Shortly after converting to biodynamic? Has a lean mineral energetic quality and while the energy is great and finish quite long and definitely not showing any of those 22 years in aged symptoms there is an opulence I really love in many Puligny 1er I have tasted and maybe expected some of that...nonetheless this is a beautiful style I feel just not worth the $300 for this bottle. Would much prefer invest in something I know will express a Puligny 1er opulence at 22 years and worth every penny. It’s okay it just seems it’s times at a value have passed. Still grateful to have this experience. Definitely one of the crowd faves and my own as well. — 5 years ago

"Odedi"

9.3

#AgedWineTuesday

Deep gold in color.

Strong nose and full bodied with medium plus acidity and tiny bubbles.

Dry on the palate and complex.

Showing yellow apples, ripe citrus fruits, spices, sea salt, herbs, minerals, yeast, earth and light brioche.

Long finish with limes and light almonds.

This is a delicious 22 year old Champagne. Rich and fruit forward. Well balanced, complex and entertaining.

Drinking beautifully now, and much better after 90 minutes of airtime. Will continue to age nicely in the next 10 years, and better when not too cold.

Loved how the bubbles integrated with the wine. Vibrant and engaging.

Wine Spectator 97 points. Wine Advocate 95 points.

I've had this vintage a few times before, and it is very consistent.

A great sipping wine that also paired nicely with food.

A blend of 62% Pinot Noir and 38% Chardonnay. Aged for 15 years on its lees.

12.5% alcohol by volume.

93 points.

$550. — a month ago

Jeffrey Trezek

9.0

Some spicy juice. Punches you in the mouth with bold, black and red fruits. Mellows out nicely, with a smooth finish. — 4 months ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.4

I remember when the 2005 Pichon Lalande was reviewed by RP, 89. I saw that & said, you would have to get in the way of the 2005 Bordeaux vintage to be that sad. I still bought 6 at a bargain basement price. A very good idea post 20 yrs+. Both Pichon’s don’t have a modern day history of getting in the way of a good vintage.

I also bought this one. 18 yrs in bottle and still acending. This will hold 5 more yrs and will last another 10 yrs properly stored.

I have visited Bordeaux 11 times. This chateau visually is still my favorite. It was showing a picture of this chateau to Sofia that launched our first visit. Sofia loved it and we have stared at it multiple times on every visit.

It was in our visit in 2007, I stood in the estate vineyard, looked & tasted their soils. After doing so, I said, “I get it.” I understood everything about what I was tasting in Left Bank Bordeaux’s early in my wine journey.

Sofia and I had dinner w/ Christian Moueix not long after the 2005 vintage was hyped/released. She asked him, when did you know you had something special?” He said, “as soon as I tasted the fruit at harvest.”

Tonight, it shows that it is a close relative, a sibling to Pichon Longueville. Cork, perfect.

The nose shows; classic left bank traits. Ripe, dark, brooding fruits, bright, mid berries, red cola, leather, tobacco, sandalwood, leather, led pencil, dark rich earth, limestone, dry river stone, hint of mushrooms, dark, red, fresh & withering florals.

The fruits on the palate show everything outstanding from the 2005 growing season. Ripe, juicy, brilliant; dark currants, blackberries, black raspberries, black plum skin, black cherries, baked/poached strawberries & some hovering raspberries. Dark chocolate bar to pudding, red cola, anise, dark spices w/ palate heat, dark, rich earth w/ dry leaves, pronounced graphite, dry tobacco, leather, limestone, dry twig, dry river stone, moist clays, moist herbs, cedar to sandalwood, withering & dry, dark flowers, red roses, some lavender & violets, beautiful rainfall acidity, excellent; balance, tension, structure, length w/ an elegant finish that lasts minutes and lands on spice & earth.

13.4 ABV. Nice.

#TheTwoHourRibcap

This held up vacuumed sealed the same night, refrigerated & enjoyed exactly a week later. — 5 months ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.1

In Roman times, the estate belonged to a family called Figeacus, main villa stood on the site of the present château. Traces of the original pipework remain. A nice blend of Cab Sauv, Merlot & Cab Franc with berry fruit aromas, cigar box spice and floral notes. This 2nd wine shows flavors of blackberry and cherry with tobacco spice & oak on soft fine tannins. Full-bodied, long finish ending with fruit and earthy mineral. Need short term cellaring. — 2 years ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.2

Pale lemon with complex aromas of fresh ripe citrus and tropical fruits with herbal mineral notes. Pineapple and orange citrus flavors adding grapefruit, melon & peach tones, great acidity balance, rich & smooth, long finish ending with rich bright mineral character. Nice! Had this several times, consistent quality. Short-term aging will benefit. Just outstanding — 5 years ago

Manny Abascal

9.6

Corny wife made my son wear corny hat on his 21st but we made up for it with a great birth year champagne. Trying to have fun during these scary times. — 6 years ago

Jordan Wardlaw

9.3

Raul is one of those special and unique producers whose wines stand out in just about any field with others of similar quality. I could fill pages with tasting notes, but I feel it’s more appropriate to simply reiterate that these wines are beautiful, complex, superbly crafted and downright delicious. It is nearly impossible not to drink a whole bottle. I’m giving an extra point or two for the Saint Jacques Mencía cuvée because of the exceptional value it delivers at well under $20. This would embarrass many village level Burgundies at three or even four times the price. — 7 years ago