The Other

Dunn Vineyards

Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon 1992

Enjoyed alongside some other Napa legends from the 80’s and 90’s. This was stunning and to my palate, on this night, seemed to show the best of the Napa flight. The 1992 shows classic Dunn Howell with ample dark and red fruits, tobacco, earth, leather and fine baking spices. Stout structure. Everything in beautiful balance. Drink now with unmitigated glee and through 2042 because just like Barry, this has Staying Power. — 20 days ago

Jan, Ira and 12 others liked this

Paul Jaboulet Aîné

La Chapelle Hermitage Syrah 1989

Found a box of this the other day in the cellar, the original Jaboulet box was damaged and so I’d moved it to a non-Jaboulet box 7-8 years ago. Further, this was the only bottle showing any real ullage (about 1.5”), so opened it first (I do have more, and will report when I open the next bottle).

Color is medium-dark ruby, some bacon fat and meaty aromas, lovely fruit still, structured has softened, long finish, but I’m sure a pristine bottle will show even better!!
— 4 months ago

Jim Powers
with Jim
Ira, jesus and 6 others liked this
Ira Schwartz

Ira Schwartz Influencer Badge Premium Badge

@Doug Powers A good find 😁
Tom Casagrande

Tom Casagrande Influencer Badge

I will look at my non-Jaboulet boxes to see if I’m so lucky, but since I never bought this, I’m thinking probably not. 😐
Doug Powers

Doug Powers

@Tom Casagrande, you never know, so good luck!!

Olga Raffault

Les Picasses Chinon Cabernet Franc 2017

Another outstanding Picasses that is far more accessible in its youth. Open but with more muscle, austerity, and brooding fruit than the ‘14. Need to revise my other rating up rather than this down. — 8 months ago

Spencer, romo and 5 others liked this

Château Lafite Rothschild

Pauillac Red Bordeaux Blend 1983

Medium deep garnet , wider terracotta rim . Slightly more rounded , red plum , cranberry, iris, touch of menthol , anis , with sous bois and smoky, herbal touches. On the palate quite delicate , more red sous bois fruited , pretty and saline , slightly meaty notes also . Balanced quite fresh acidity , resolved tannin . Ok length , quite delicate sous bois, grafite tinged finish. This is at the end of its drinking window , though still showing well . Now and over the next 5 years . Quite charming and delicate overall , more aromatic , less austere than the other vintages. — 23 days ago

Jan, Anthony and 9 others liked this

R. López de Heredia

Viña Tondonia Reserva Rioja Tempranillo Blend 2011

Never fails to deliver. This vintage is structured but accessible, and it’s instructive to taste next to other producers to appreciate the unobtrusive oak treatment which frames rather than overpowers. — 5 months ago

Iwan, jesus and 10 others liked this

Château Pontet-Canet

Pauillac Red Bordeaux Blend 2017

Well … shit. With a slight chill this is just sublime. Much better integration of oak than its other Pauillac neighbors. Charcoal ash, subtle pipe tobacco, dark berry compote. Superb. — 8 months ago

Tom, Joe and 7 others liked this

Mouton Noir Wines

O.P.P. Other People's Pinot Willamette Valley Pinot Noir 2022

Really solid, moderately priced pinot. Delightfully light, reminds me of a carneros pinot, nice with a little chill and any summer food you can think of. — a month ago

Château Lynch-Bages

Grand Cru Classé Pauillac Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 1999

An excellent, smooth wine with floral notes. A little less powerful than other vintages I have tried from Lynch-Bages. Cassis, blackberries, blueberries, milk chocolate, a hint of vanilla, and mushrooms. — 2 months ago

Domaine Jean-Louis Chave

Hermitage Syrah 1989

Not to be outdone, the 1989 Chave Hermitage Rouge showed more brambles than the ’88 along with other desiccated blue and black fruits. Dried flowers, beef, blood, leather and mushrooms. Every time I have the pleasure of drinking old Chave, I’m reminded that these wines have so much character and there is a reason they are so adored. Lovely with grilled lamb and Moroccan spices. Drink now through 2040. — 8 months ago

Severn, Lyle and 8 others liked this

Château d'Yquem

Sauternes Sémillon-Sauvignon Blanc Blend 1987

Not quite up to other years of d’Yquem but still lovely of course. Lacking some acid on the finish. Overall less density and length than I was hoping. But the palate entry and overall aromatics are still incredible. — 9 months ago

Severn, Neil and 4 others liked this