Doug Powers

9.4

Still shows some lovely primary redfruits, cassis, currants, quite tannic as well (characteristic of the 1986s I cellared), long, lingering finish, should show even better after my wife’s grilled lamb and my grilled steak come off the grill. I will say I was nervous when the final 1/8-inch of the cork severed off my old Ah-So cork puller, but not a problem!

Interesting sidebar — I purchased this upon arrival in 1989 at K&L in SF — by that time there were widespread reports of bad corks in Ducru from (at least) 1985 and 1986, so when I visited the shop I explained the situation and committed to purchasing 6 bottles, but only if I knew this batch didn’t have the cork problems — so, I said I’d pay for another bottle and we could open it together in the shop, I’d pay and also buy the other 6 bottles if it was NOT corked, and said if it was corked, then they’d pay for the opened bottle and I wouldn’t take the 6 other bottles — they agreed, we mutually tried the bottle then and there, no cork taint so I paid for 7 bottles total.

Telling the story in part because K&L has always been, IMHO, one of the classiest wine shops in the U.S., and they deserve credit agreeing to my deal (BTW, Wine Advocate had written about the cork taint issue within the preceding 3-6 months, so they were aware of the potential for it) — anyway, they’ve gotten a lot more of my business in the past 35+ years since!! — 8 months ago

with Jim

Paul T HB

9.1

Prefer the Zemmer Chardonnay, but it’s not bad. Needs air
Wine Advocate 94 review as follows,

The organic and biodynamic Alois Lageder 2018 Chardonnay Löwengang offers a medley of ripe fruit and apricot with soft spice and toasted cinnamon. Aged mostly in barrique and some larger wooden barrel, the oak is well balanced overall, owing more to the textural richness of the mouthfeel, as well as to the warm and toasted notes that appear on the bouquet. There is plenty of soft fruit to flesh it out. This wine is prime for a generous 10-year drinking window. — 2 years ago

Joe Santiago

9.0

Cherries and tannins and berries, oh my! — 4 years ago

Amy

8.9

bleu cheese, big nose. funky but enjoyable wine. internet says $38, wine advocate gave 95 pts. had at press club wine bar in sf — 9 months ago

Bob McDonald

9.4

You will appreciate this wine more once you’ve seen the YouTube movie “Dreaming of Wine” about the rejuvenation of the wine industry In Priorat after 900 years. A fascinating story and well worth the time to view the movie. Clos Erasmus was founded and still run by Daphne Glorian, the blonde woman in the movie. The wine itself is one of the 1001 Wines to Drink Before you Die and described as “one of the few cult wines in Spain”. The wine itself in colour was not as dense and dark as I was expecting after a decant though, a substantial deposit was left. Lovely red and black fruited aromatics with dried herbs, violets and ripe berries, although with porty and raisiny notes - cocoa and a touch of tar with granular tannins. Arguably a bit long in the tooth - depends what you are looking for. Bought at a wine shop in Gratallops, the little village in Priorat in June last year, 2022 after a tasting at Clos Mogador, also in the movie. Tasted a while ago Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate gave this wine 99 points “flirting with perfection “. A blend of Grenache, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon. — a year ago

Rob N

9.2

2016, 95 pts Wine Advocate. A pretty classic cab but at the price point probably prefer Di Costanzo. — 4 years ago

Jason and Jennie

9.4

Impressive scores: Advocate 96, Jeb 95, spectator 94, enthusiast 94. This comes off as very finessed, extremely fresh, and with good minerality. — 4 years ago

Neil Valenzuela

9.3

Pale gold color. Aromas of orange blossoms, white peach a hint of citrus and granite notes. Superb! So crisp and refined!

🏅90 Points - Wine Advocate — a year ago

Daniel M

9.0

Also, when back home, always go for the (great) local stuff 😍. Another biased review delivered to you courtesy of your local Toulouse / Fronton advocate 😅 — 2 years ago

Paul T HB

9.4

Nice bbq chicken 🐓 bottle Wine Advocate review & rating 92 points, be released in 2015, the 2008 San Leonardo is a wine in its infancy. The nose is immediately redolent of dark cherry, blackberry, leather, tobacco, mint and eucalyptus leaf. You will also appreciate the floral tones of pressed rose and almond blossom that lift from the glass. The harvest schedule played out on time with Carmenère coming in at the end of September and Cabernets Franc and Sauvignon towards the beginning of October. The 2008 vintage is especially marked by a duality of floral and menthol notes that rise from the glass with brilliant intensity. The 2008 vintage needs ten year or more to find its proper footing. — 3 years ago