Bob McDonald

9.3

From magnum. A well balanced well made medium bodied Cabernet from Mac Forbes in the Yarra Valley. Some vegetal notes to the red fruits but in balance and easy to drink with a Waygu Porterhouse on the 23rd with relatives from the UK. Probably at its peak. Bought back in the day as we have a son named Hugh who is with us from NYC and like many of his contemporaries has given up drinking! — 5 months ago

with Hugh and Georgina

Donald Williams

9.4

Nice white blend. — 2 years ago

with Bonnie

Jay Kline

9.3

This was a real treat after the Gentaz-Dervieux since Rene Rostaing is Marius Gentaz’s son-in-law. While the vineyards that belonged to Marius are now famously part of the Rostaing domaine, that vineyard goes to Rene’s Côte Brune; this is his Côte Blonde and arguably his most famous bottling. This 2004 pours a cloudy ruby with brambles, purple flowers, blood, dust and leather. Slightly rustic which is what I want from Rostaing. I love the individuality and how it paired with the Iberico pork cheek, mushroom ragu with lavender and thyme. Plenty of life left. Drink through 2034+. — 2 years ago

Bob McDonald

9.1

See previous note from 96 weeks ago where I said that I would drink the last one when my son Hugh was home from NY (born 1987) which came to pass last night. Overall not as impressive as the previous tasting but retains its silky tannin structure. Very dark in colour - opaque. Notes of cassis and pipe tobacco - overall dusty without the depth of fruit of the previous tasting. Just medium bodied. Tasting Book recommend a drinking window till 2035 which I would not agree with. Leads me to think I will be drinking my bottles of 86 Mouton sooner rather than later. — 4 years ago

Doug Powers

9.2

Medium-dark red-purple color, beautiful redfruit aromas and flavors, with medium-toast oak showing as a seasoning the background, pretty sound structure and backbone, solid acidity, long, lingering finish, excellent California mountain Merlot (w/25% Cabernet Sauvignon). The sheer quality and complexity of this bottle is a wonderful tribute to the vision of Barbara and Jim Richards, who I am certain would be very proud, with Paloma now being ably run by their son Sheldon and his family. — 5 months ago

with Jim

Donald Williams

9.3

Nice rosé. Wish we had more. — 2 years ago

with Bonnie

Romain Fitoussi

9.0

Pale dress. Duel relationship between fresh acidic fruits (coing, green apple, white peach) and breeding bringing roundness and fat. (Oak, butter, hazelnut). The interstice connecting the two is occupied by vegetable notes (straw, white flowers, honeysuckle, beeswax). Typically as with the Chenins de Loire, saline acidity is high, counterbalancing the 14 degrees of alcohol here. Needs a décantation to give all its relief. Do not serve too cold, (10-12°). Gastronomic!

Robe pâle. Rapport duel entre fruits frais acides (Coing, pomme verte golden, pêche blanche) et élevage apportant rondeur et gras. (Chêne, beurre, noisette). L’interstice reliant les deux étant occupé par des notes végétales (paille, fleurs blanches, chèvrefeuille, cire d’abeille). Typiquement comme avec les Chenins de Loire, l’acidité saline est élevée contrebalançant ici les 14 degrés d’alcool. A besoin de prendre l’air pour donner tout son relief. Ne pas servir trop froid, (10-12°). — 4 years ago

Stefan Dolhain

9.3

2022 vintage. A relatively new estate ( first vintage 1972, and bought in 1993 by Belgian MD Gaëtan Lagneaux, who sadly passed away at the age of 50 in 2012). His son Adrien has directed the estate ever since, and I believe his father would have been proud of him tasting this 2022. I don't know the exact blend for this vintage, but the vineyard is planted with 49% Cabernet Sauvignon, 48% Merlot, and 2% Petit Verdot. A little less colour compared to Coutelin-Merville tasted alongside , but more refined in both nose and taste. Abv. 13,5 %.
. — a year ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.1

Jack and Jamie Davies revived the historic vineyards and cellars in 1965. Today, their son Hugh, continues their mission. 100% Chardonnay pale straw color with aromas of stone fruits, floral and citrus notes. A terrific crisp sparkler with crisp apple, peach and lemon flavors, fine mousse with tiny bubbles. Tangy acidity on a long finish ending with a yeasty creamy character. Nice! — 2 years ago

Romain Fitoussi

9.0

A real vinous sparkling wine. Extra dry. Beautiful pale dress, fine but numerous bubbles. Very expressive nose of peach, pear, candied citrus, brioche, dried fruits, hazelnut, and a saline touch, which extends on a sharp final. With 5 years of aging 2017, offers unity and a beautiful relief. Ideal to accompany a meal. Relevant alternative to Champagnes, especially in terms of its price!

Un vrai pétillant vineux, extra sec. Belle robe pale, bulles fines mais nombreuses. Nez très expressif de pêches, poire, agrumes confits, notes briochées, fruits secs, noisette, et un toucher salin, qui se prolonge bien sur une finale tranchante. Avec 5 ans de garde 2017 offre une unité et un beau relief. Idéal pour accompagner un repas. Alternative pertinente aux champagnes, surtout au regard de son prix! — 3 years ago