John Malcolm

9.5

Powerful! Dark cherries, blackberries, spice, cassis, dark chocolate. Looong, satisfying finish with a touch of sweetness. — a month ago

Norma Normington

9.5

Got this bottle on my last Virgin Voyage and I had extra $ on my bar tab - a fantastic opportunity to purchase a couple exclusive (expensive) bottles like this. Sassicaia is a known leader in Super Tuscans. My first time trying Sassicaia… opened the bottle only for a couple of hours but a big beautiful bouquet of big jammy goodness that definitely isn’t shy. Wow 🤩 a delicious wine that doesn’t disappoint! — 4 months ago

Boris Mathiszik

9.2

Very nice classic Napa cab. — 3 years ago

Byron C Mayes

9.1

Very pale straw with pale green highlights and elegant tiny bubbles. Shy but inviting nose of honeysuckle and Bosc pear. Bright palate yields honeysuckle nectar, ripe pear, and a hint of flinty mineral mid palate to finish. That Glera darkness suggests itself but never fully shows, making this one of the most delightful Prosecco experiences one will ever have. Valdobbiadene is the top level of Prosecco and Cartizze is the pinnacle of Valdo. And it shows. I dare say this even works as an alternative to NV Champagne (blanc de blancs, of course). Pair with salads and pungent cheeses (I’m having pear and bleu cheese on butter lettuce) as a starter, or with a main course of light fish or poultry. Brunch is understood. Drink it when you buy it. — 4 years ago

Andy Wigginton

9.4

Opened with chocolaty notes, and finished with loads of red fruit. This wine would age for a decade and should be paired with big, bold flavors. Good acid and weight, it is a beast now, but should age like, well, a fine red wine. Thanks S and K Bennet! Happy 40th birthday to my lovely wife. Cheers! — a month ago

Spencer Fox

9.1

shy even after hours in the decanter. still, a very elegant franc. bramble fruit, mellow baking spice, pepper. have always loved raffault just wished this one was a touch more showy. — 2 years ago

Paul T, Missing My Beautiful Wife 24/7

9.5

Lunch 🥪

K&L notes as follows, Grand Pontet is an interesting property, positioned in the neighborhood of other stars of the appellation such as Châteaux Canon, Beau-Séjour-Bécot and Clos Fourtet. It is, however, a small estate, a mere 14 hectares, and its prices are much better than some of its more prestigious neighbors. In 1980 it was purchased by Gerard and Dominique Bécot, owners of the neighboring Beau-Séjour-Bécot. They have applied the same high standards to both Châteaux in their possession, and their winemaking team crafts Grand Pontet alongside the Beau-Séjour-Bécot wines. Recently purchased in 2021 by Domaines Clarence Dillon (Haut-Brion, La Mission Haut-Brion, et al.), the property was combined with and incorporated into Château Quintus. Full-bodied and luscious, this Grand Pontet is laden with ripe blackberry fruits, savory tobacco, licorice notes, and ripe, softened tannins. It’s seamless and bold, not shy. It’s going to require something decadent to pair with, such as filet mignon or some other black-tie dish with plenty of flavor and rich umami presence. — 4 years ago

John W

9.8

Deep ruby coloration with zero translucency. Strong, jammy black fruits with oak and vanilla on the nose and mirrored on the palate with notes of spice. Long finish. Extremely rich and lush mouthfeel. — 4 months ago

Tyler Felous

9.2

Even after 3 hours, this is shy. Darker fruits, loads of structure. A few hints at what it will become but needs more time. — a year ago

Daniel Ciolek

8.9

Nice - not spectacular. Shy nose of candied cherries and earth. A little tight on opening - fully expressive in about 3 hours. Palate of raspberries, candied cherries, mossy undergrowth and minerals, rounded out by a kick of clove spiciness. Tannins were grippy but not overwhelming. — 2 years ago