Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.2

What were you doing in 1970? It’s what I always think of when I have a very elderly wine. It also is the question I ask friends I share older wine.

Some 1970 highlights. The number one song was Simon & Garfunkel’s, “Bridge Over Troubled Water.” The President of the United States was Richard M Nixon and one of the kindest friends I have known was born. Last but not least, the Napa Valley was just beginning to rise. Louis Martini was one of those pioneers!

This bottle has survived & flourished over those 55 years and is a fine piece of history.

Many would say this is past its prime and they wouldn’t necessarily be wrong. But I am one who appreciates wine on its still solid downslope. While on its decent, this bottling still shows nice fruit, complexity and elegance that just can’t be mistaken for good young wine w/ a long decant.

The nose shows a fig & date quality. Older, brambly; blackberries, black raspberry reduction, sweet & sour cherries, that slide into liquor, baked rhubarb, slightly overripe strawberries. Soft sandalwood w/ dry cedar tones, undertones of rusted metal, dry soil & crushed limestone, vanillin, very dry twig, old, slightly used tobacco, reminisce of dark spices, tomato leaf, sun tea, dry & withering dark & red flowers, understated violets w/ a sprinkle of potpourri.

The palate is still fresh & ripe; older, brambly, blackberries, black raspberry reduction, sweet & sour cherries that slide into liquor, baked rhubarb, slightly overripe strawberries, figs & dates. Soft sandalwood w/ dry cedar tones, undertones of rusted metal, dusty top soil & limestone gravel, dry river stone, crumbled, grey volcanics, cherry cola, vanillin, nutmeg, cinnamon stick, clove, very dry twig, old, slightly used tobacco, dark spices still w/ soft but impactful palate backbone, tomato leaf, sweetened sun tea w/ a spritz of lemon, dry & withering dark & red flowers, understated violets w/ a sprinkle of potpourri, excellent rainfall acidity with an elegant, round, balanced, well knitted, still tensioned, polished finish that falls on sandalwood, earth and spice that lasts 90 seconds.

12% ABV which I have said many times is my strong preference like w/ all amazing Clarets. I wish it had never changed. 92 on the wine, but a perfect 10 on the history scale. — 2 years ago

Matthew Cohen

9.4

Nose: dark cherries. Blackberry liquor. Savory.

Palate : dark but fresh cherries. Elegant spice.

Long finish.

Wow!

Do NOT DECANT this wine. Do not. It’s the best within like 10 minute sun the glass. Pour small amounts and drink and refill. It’s a big wine (2019) and best on pop and pour.

Fass selections — 2 years ago

Antonio Capurso

9.6

Oxidised wine. Spends one year in demijohns in the sun, and then goes to large old oak casks.

Nose: Great subtlety here, very gentle, black berries, cherry liquor, dried figs

Palate: very gentle and delicate, very very soft tannins, very subtle and coalesced aromas, almost seem not alcoholic; interesting aftertaste of cherries with cane sugar and caramel.

(3rd September 2016 – Mas Amiel – Wine Tasting) — 10 years ago

Matt

9.6

Hot iron, iodine, olive tapenade, beef, creosote, curing salt, pink peppercorn, talcum, garrigue, scorched earth, granite, black raspberry liquor, grapefruit, crushed cherry, creme de cassis, rose petals. Ripe, full of flesh with sinew to back it up, found the balance quite remarkable here. The sun and warmth is felt in the generosity, but the tannins and acidity are well within reason. Granite and iron still at its core. — 6 years ago

Sabina Colombeau

9.2

What a trip. So many weird words came up: burnt caramel, raisins, bourbon, nutty, dried mangos, Sherry, bananas foster, plum liquor, orange blossom. Paired amazing with fleur du maquis cheese. — 10 years ago

Tommy Fogarty

Owner Thomas Fogarty Winery

9.4

Rich, complex, gratifying. Big butterscotch and caramel with citrus notes. Tasty as F* IMO. — 12 years ago