The Last Shepherd
Produttori del Barbaresco
Barbaresco Nebbiolo 2012
Popped and poured; enjoyed over three days and showed very well throughout. The 2012 pours a deep garnet color with a near opaque core and some browning towards the rim; medium+ viscosity with no staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is developing with secondary characteristics just starting to show themselves. Also, the solar nature of 2012 is showing through with loads of truffles and overripe and desiccated red and black fruits: tartufo bianco d’Alba, dried cherry, bruised raspberries, red roses, leather, Fig Newtons, dried herbs, and some dusty and gravelly earth. On the palate, the wine is bone dry with high tannins and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long, drying and savory. I’ve been a vocal fan of the 2012 vintage of Produttori since release and this might be the best showing yet. This is my last 750mL. My remaining bottles are magnums and I’ll look forward to enjoying those over the next 10-15 years. No rush, but this is a fun time to drink these as the truffle character is starting to peak through. — 2 months ago
Taittinger
Comtes de Champagne Brut Blanc de Blancs Champagne Chardonnay 2013
The 2013 Comtes de Champagne is a towering Champagne, as it was last year. Rich, sumptuous and explosive, the 2013 soars out of the glass with a captivating mix of tropical fruit, apricot, passion fruit, baked apple tart, mint and yellow flowers. It is one of the most explosive, extroverted Comtes I have ever tasted. Impressive. (Antonio Galloni, Vinous, March 2024)
— 3 months ago
Château de Beaucastel
Châteauneuf-du-Pape Red Rhône Blend 2021
Bottled in June 2023, the 2021 Châteauneuf-du-Pape ended up slightly below my initial assessment from barrel last year. Nonetheless, it presents a distinctively elegant and refreshing character that’s neatly defined by ripe black cherry, licorice, violet, strawberry and meaty traces. Round tannins neatly frame this savory and polished red that offers highly enjoyable drinking right out of the gate. (Nicolas Greinacher, Vinous, June 2024)
— 12 days ago
Château d'Yquem
Sauternes Sémillon-Sauvignon Blanc Blend 1989
June 2022 - last visit at WS. This was a 1939 vintage (not 1989). Unbelievably “fresh” and good level of acidity for its age. Very special! — 2 months ago
Domaine du Pegau
Cuvée Réservé Châteauneuf-du-Pape Red Rhone Blend 2021
Popped and poured. The 2021 “Cuvée Réservée” pours a deep ruby color with a deep but transparent core; medium+ viscosity and moderate staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is developing with notes of ripe red and black brambles, spiced meat, black pepper, some purple flowers and stony minerals. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannin and medium acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long. This comes across lighter and more Burgundian than the last handful of vintages; almost giving me some 2014 vibes (which is a vintage in the last decade that I adore). It’s really good and shows a bit more elegance that I quite like. Looking forward to tracking this vintage as time goes on. Drink now with some patience and should be cracking through 2041 with ease. — 3 months ago
Château Montrose
Saint-Estèphe Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2015
Medium deep ruby , medium wide ruby rim . A bit more mineral , oyster shell, and dark cassis on the nose , wood spice touches . On the palate quite mineral and dark fruit focused , blackcurrant , cassis . Good focus on the palate , saline with good acidity and grippy but ripe tannins . Promising , though needs time , better in 10 years and will last a further 10-15 . — 2 months ago
Château Lynch-Bages
Grand Cru Classé Pauillac Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 1978
Checking in on my birth year 1978. Still doing well - a bit smoky but not over the hill. Maybe it can last to 50…? — 3 months ago
Ludovic Anacleto
SPEC TA CU LAR! Here you feel the absolute majesty of a wine who can be promoted to at least 2nd growth. Cedar, camphor, eucalyptus, butterscotch/4 spices, yellow curry. I’ve always loved ‘00 in Pauillac has I think it’s the last great of the classic style. Definitely this bottling is a keeper. — 11 days ago