Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego

9.4

2016 vintage. Last tasted 06.10.22 (9.4). Medium-heavy body now. Decanted and tasted after 30 mins. A slight amount of sed. Earth, shrooms, motor oil, fudge, dark plum and gaminess all there for the taking. Just starting to stretch its legs out. 05.22.25. — a year ago

Z. R.G.

8.9

Good on its own — 4 years ago

Bruce Leboff

9.3

Huge - in its early stages of evolution decanted 2 hours and singing. Cigar and hickory root on the nose. Lovely wine … if only I had more in the cellar to see it evolve further. — 4 years ago

with David and LM

Ed Lehrman

9.4

What can one say—Musar tastes like Musar. This one at 19 was surprisingly youthful. Penetrating licorice root and herbs with plenty of currant flavor, leather, and good structure. Glad I have 2 bottles left as this one will develop further. — 6 years ago

Mark S.

8.9

Aroma includes Oak, fig. Still tannic and acidic. It is better to decant it. Dry. Red fruits. It is not party wine, but the one enjoyed by taking time. La Rioja Alta Reserva Vina Ardanza Rioja Tempranillo Garnacha 2015 @1400, wine plus, 221104 — 4 years ago

Shay A

9.3

My 2016 Rivers Marie Pinots are about gone…SummaOV is left. Occidental, Silver Eagle and SummaOV are always my favorites. I’m between a 93-94 here.

Great example of a Pinot that has a lot of power but plenty of balance. Deep black cherry colored in the glass but the aromatics are much more savory than expected. There’s an animalistic/feral quality to this initially (that I love) showing a smoked meat flair alongside dark blood orange and ripe black cherries. Commanding mouthfeel and great acidity. Continual back and forth of dark berry fruit and savory/herbal notes. The use of whole cluster is noticeable but it does a good job complimenting the wine (more high toned) and not taking center stage (as in, not overly stemmy/green). Wonderful lengthy finish. More brooding and savory than Silver Eagle but certainly not in the vein of a “cab lovers pinot” style. This was delicious and likely hangs in this window for at least 5+yrs. — 4 years ago

Jay Kline

9.2

There's been a lot of shade thrown on these wines and particularly, towards the wine maker...most of it probably deserved. As for some of the more recent low scores, there must be some bottle variation because I’m not gonna lie, this was a really strong showing. Popped and poured; consumed over two hours. Bruised strawberries, tart brambles, rhubarb, forest floor, and sandalwood. Tannins are well integrated…but still there. Acid is pretty high but perfect for a nice meal of whole, roasted chicken and root vegetables. The wine is otherwise quite balanced and if my bottle is representative, this still has a long life ahead of it and should drink quite well through 2030. My last of the Maison Ilan “Les Chaffots”. — 5 years ago

Shay A

9.2

I had the 2014 vintage about a year and a half ago and loved it. Whether vintage or timing, I think the 2015 is a step behind due to the richness/vinous nature teetering a bit too far…still a fun and delicious champagne.

From across the room, you’d likely call this red burgundy based on color and aromatics. Aromas of licorice, cinnamon, cardamom and rhubarb. On the palate, it’s super vinous and dense, yet has so much classical meunier notes of gummy red fruits, floral notes of violets, but whereas the 2014 was a touch more elegant, this teetered toward sappy black cherry at the finish which hung around too long. Similar to the 2014, there is tannin and weight, which has this drinking like a red burg when the right food pairing is taking place. — 4 years ago

Mike Saviage

10

Day 2 of WineBoyz Wineapalooza. Tasted blind, but the whole weekend was built around taking down this bottle so we had a good idea this was it. Deep dark reddish color with amber rims. Looks a little like an old Madeira, and darker the 61 Latour next to it. Crazy nose that evolved all day long. Deep and penetrating, very floral. Notes of dark fruit, smoked meat, black truffles, cocoa, hoisin sauce, mushrooms and dark earth. Rich and silky in the mouth. I kept a glass of this in front of me all day long so I could monitor the evolution of it. Peacocks in a way that only a few wines can. My friend got this at an auction where the consignor was the original owner and acquired it directly from the Domaine - so impeccable provenance. Clearly one of the great, all-time bottles. A freak of nature and winemaking. Thanks for sharing, Murray! — 4 years ago

boyd

9.3

Bright and lovely. I've read trousseau described as the square root of Burgundy and Beaujolais. That's an apt description here. — 5 years ago