From magnum. No formal notes. The fill was top-shoulder. Underneath the capsule, the top of the cork looked nasty which I wiped down as best I could. About four hours before service, using a Durand (which is almost essential with old bottles) I was able to pull the cork completely intact and decant for sediment. The cork was completely saturated but appeared to have done its job! At this stage in its life, the 1990 Chateau Mouton Rothschild pours a garnet color but it doesn’t appear particularly tired and the nose supports that. While it’s certainly a vinous wine, there is a lot to like: a mix of red and black cassis, rip and desiccated cherries, tobacco leaf, cedar box, old leather, damp earth, some mushrooms and baking spices. The structure is still sound and while the tannins have integrated and the acid is keeping this very much alive. In fact, this seemed to brighten with air and almost get a second wind! As I find with all great Bordeaux wines once they enter this stage, they seem to live forever. This was a lovely pairing with a Prime, Niman Ranch porterhouse served with corn, squash and porcini. This is squarely in the “drink now” window, not that it will be falling off a cliff anytime soon. Decant for sediment and enjoy through 2030+ — 10 months ago
Still incredibly primary, as if just bottled, powerful nose dominated by classic cigar and cedar notes. Prominent, velvety oak led a rich, round palate of fine tannins and dark red cherry, baking chocolate. Tail went on forever. Give this 10 more years will be even better. — 4 months ago
Total Wine 91 pts...$10...great all around with floral nose, oak/butter/acid balance and very smooth finish. One of favorite chards now. — 9 months ago
C 13. Intense but welcome acidity/citrus with minerality and a smooth finish. Wow — 19 hours ago
Beautiful American Pinot Noir, powerful and masculine. Intense cherry flavor, followed by an elegant finish. — 2 months ago
Amazingly complex why’ve many layers. Great legs and just oh smooth — 8 months ago
Smooth full bodied with dark berry fruit, well balanced, drinking well now and maybe 2-3 more years when we’ll stored. — 2 years ago
David T
Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator
93 that is beginning to lean into 94. This 14 shows nice evolution but still needs 2-3 years before it hits the beginnings of its full stride.
This 2014 “The Sisters” is rich, lush & ruby fruits of; blackberries, dark plum that stretches into pudding, dark cherries, black raspberries, some boysenberries. Dark chocolate cake with buttercream frosting, mocha powder notes, melted, salted caramel, mid berry cola, light; clove, nutmeg, cinnamon & vanillin, dark, rich, sweet earth with dry leaves, some dry herbs, dark spice w/ some palate heat, limestone powder, dry stone, soft leather & slightly dryish tobacco, sandalwood to barrel shavings, hints of lead pencil, touch of dry stems, fresh & slightly withering flowers that are; dark, red with lavender framed in liquid violets, excellent round acidity and a very well balanced, mid structured & tensioned finish that is elegantly polished and lasts a little more than a minute.
Paired with an Allen Brother’s Filet Mignon. A good, well aged Napa Cabernet works well with a less/near no fat cut of meat.
Photos of; the Jones family, staff harvesting, tasting room and Jones vineyard. — 7 days ago