Peter van den Besselaar

9.4

Vintage 2007 | A treat. This Graves wine rocks each time I taste it. Mesmerizing smell. Lots of character and fruit in a taste that still shows tannins after 17 years. Very good effort in what is seen as a difficult year. Paired with truffed hamburger. — 20 days ago

Frank Soldano

9.5

Drinking the 2016 in 2024. Deep rich color. Very nice legs. Earthy with leather notes bouquet. Very easy drinking. Deep ripe fruit with a slightly sweet finish. Low tannins. — 3 months ago

Shay A

9.4

This was served during my annual WWC hosting. Typical format of sparkler, three whites, four reds, one dessert, all served blind.

Decanted an hour. Acquired during a visit to Melka a few years back. Last bottle of a 3-pack, and poured next to a 2016 Smith Haut Lafitte Blanc. 100%SB and 100% barrel fermented. This was the SB that opened my eyes to how good SB could be 5-6yrs ago. The tropical aromatics (pineapple, lots of guava, white peach) alongside such a rich yet balanced palate (glycerin like, oak only noticeable in texture, not taste). Lemon cream with a puckering finish.

As an aside, I know these “super SauvBlancs” have become popular. Melka must be at the forefront thanks to involvement in V29, DANA, Lail, Melka, ADAMVS, and countless others from the Atelier Melka team. — a year ago

Alex Gordon

9.8

Still has many years of cellaring ahead but delicious esp when decanted. Dark and rich. — 10 days ago

Serge Mismetti

9.6

Très beau vin à maturité — 2 months ago

dirk lelij

9.0

Keurig drankje — 5 months ago

David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.3

The 07 Bordeaux’s have turned out better than critically reviewed young for many quality producers. I became aware of that in 2014 when I had the 07 Smith Haut-Lafitte at the property with beef stroganoff prepared by their chef at lunch. I wouldn’t hold the 07’s as long as I would hold many other vintages but drinking beautifully now.

Nose show’s floral, slightly ruby to baked fruits of; blackberries, black plum, dark cherries, strawberries, raspberries on the glass edge, touch of pomegranate, tobacco leaf, excellent, soft graphite, dark, rich, moist, forest floor with dry leaves, notes of steeped tea, touch of black licorice, wet clay, limestone minerals, mixed dark berry cola, vanillin, light, fresh herbaceous notes, understated cinnamon & nutmeg, gentle, dark spice, sandalwood with fresh & withering dark, blue, purple forals.

The palate/mouthfeel is ruby, lush and pretty. Crazy beautiful. Blackberries, black plum, dark cherries, strawberries, a touch of purple fruits, raspberries on the glass edge, touch of pomegranate, candied tarriness, tobacco leaf, excellent, soft graphite, dark, rich, moist, forest floor with dry leaves, saline, notes of steeped tea, touch of black licorice, wet clay, limestone minerals, dry soil, dry river stones, crushed rocks, mixed dark berry & cherry cola, red licorice, vanillin, light, fresh herbaceous notes, understated cinnamon & nutmeg, gentle, dark spice, sandalwood with fresh & withering dark, blue, purple forals. Beautiful acidity. The lush finish is well balanced, nice structure even mix of fruit & earth and lasts two-minutes.

Great pair with the Allen Brothers Cowgirl Bone-in Ribeye.

Photos of Chateau Pape Clement’s magnificent property. — 2 years ago

Bob Boyle

9.2

On the pour nose of wax and pear, swirl adds wet stones, body full with notes of , pear, lemon rind and minerals with a caressing of the tongue yielding a medium long finish — 2 months ago

Inseon Hwang

9.5

Inky, black pepper, licorice, minerally finish. Young but will be amazing. — 3 months ago

Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego

8.9

2020 vintage. Just okay for the price. Medium body. No middle palate or finish to speak of. Front-loaded. Perhaps next vintage. I believe this is the inaugural vintage. Tough year to start up the engine.From some little concern in France known as Smith-Haut-Lafitte. 5.9.24. — 8 months ago