Andrew

9.5

2012 vintage drunk late 2025. It holds up. Thirteen years old and still fresh and delicious. Sadly my last bottle. It will be missed. — 6 months ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.0

Blend of Mourvèdre (about 75%) and Grenache with a splash of Cinsault and Carignan in this ripe and spicy wine from one of smallest appellations in France. Deep Ruby with aromas of ripe black fruits and floral spice. On the palate flavors of plum and black currant with black pepper and herbs. Lively tannins, medium+ finish ending with fruit and spice. Nice value! — 4 years ago

Noel Lourdes

9.3

Notes of cigar on the nose and dry fruit on the palate. Full bodied @ 15% and at below €20 it’s far superior to some of the over priced and over rated appellations in Bordeaux — 5 years ago

Ryan Haus

9.1

Love this wine! Pale ruby, gorgeous color. A great representation of a lovely Burgundy wine without spending for the higher-end appellations. Aromas and flavors of raspberry, strawberry, red cherry with gentle vanilla and cedar. Medium acid, medium tannins. It's a beautiful wine on its own, but paired wonderfully with smoked ribs. — 5 years ago

Vasanth Balakrishnan

9.1

Multi-dimensional #lalandedepomerol - layered perfume of mushrooms, leather, white pepper. Taste features dried berries, dry and savory character with smoked meat mid-palate. I’ve forgotten how good Pomerol and nearby Right Bank appellations can be. — 6 years ago

Dr. Owen Bargreen

9.4

The 2006 ‘Pedestal’ is a sinfully good warm vintage Merlot by superstar enological consultant Michel Rolland that is drinking marvelously at now thirteen years of age. Following a long decant, the Merlot slowly unveils ripe black currants that combine with sandalwood, cigar ash and Turkish coffee aromatics that meld together in the glass. The palate has tremendous freshness and verve considering its age, as this silky wine effortlessly glide across the mid-palate. Still showing serious power and concentration, the ‘Pedestal’ leads with a deep core of dark fruits that mingle with suggestions of milk chocolate, pipe tobacco, leather and anise flavors that sing in harmony. Fantastic now, this beautiful wine has at least another decade of life left. Drink 2019-2028- 94 — 7 years ago

Dr. Owen Bargreen

9.4

The ‘Alenza’ is only made in the best vintages and is named after Alejandro Fernandez’s wife. This 100% Tempranillo wine starts off an intense dark fruit aromatic profile with chocolate, cedar and damp earth undertones. The palate unveils a great combination of richness and balance with brandy soaked dark cherry, pipe tobacco, coffee ground and wild mushroom flavors that all beautifully amalgamate. Delicious now at thirteen years of age, this will continue to evolve for fifteen plus years. Drink 2019-2035- 94 — 7 years ago

Ericsson

9.3

One of my favorite appellations for white Burgundy. Outstanding wine. WSET3 London. — 7 months ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.0

Clos Floridène – 2021
Graves, Bordeaux – France 🇫🇷

Overview
Founded by the late Denis Dubourdieu, Clos Floridène has built a reputation for producing approachable yet refined wines from Graves. This 2021 vintage is a blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Petit Verdot, delivering structure with easy drinkability. (Educational note: Graves, one of Bordeaux’s oldest appellations, is famed for its gravel soils that add freshness and balance to its reds and whites.)

Aromas & Flavors
Juicy red fruits (cherry, raspberry, plum) with blackberry and cassis, framed by cedar, oak spice, and a subtle earthy note.

Mouthfeel
Medium-bodied with polished tannins and balanced acidity. Solid yet affable structure, making it an effortless “uncork and pour” wine.

Food Pairings
Great with roasted chicken, duck breast, grilled lamb chops, or charcuterie. Also pairs with earthy mushroom dishes or semi-aged cheeses.

Verdict
A charming Graves red — approachable, structured, and thoroughly enjoyable. The 2021 Clos Floridène captures Left Bank elegance in a wine ready to drink today. 🍷

Did You Know?
Clos Floridène was founded in 1982 and guided by Denis Dubourdieu, one of Bordeaux’s most respected enologists, often called the “pope of white wine.” — 9 months ago

Walter Klincewicz

9.0

One of many Cru Bourgeois from Haut-Medoc. I do believe they are “leading the pack” among Bordeaux appellations. — 5 years ago

Diederick Swagemakers

9.1

P/q +. Zeer frisse en zuivere witte bourgogne. Van een producent gelegen aan de D974 van Beaune naar Puligny. Niet zo complex als de naastgelegen appellations maar zeer interessant! — 5 years ago

Martinez

8.9

Clean, bright Chardonnay by Stags’ Leap Winery, one of California’s oldest producers (not to be confused with the Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars, founded by Warren Winiarski and winner of the legendary 1976 Tasting in Paris). Contrary to what the label might suggest, the fruit does not come from Stags Leap AVA (as if two ways to punctuate wasn’t confusing enough…), but rather from Carneros and Oak Knoll, Napa Valley's much cooler southern appellations. Aromas of orange blossom, lemon zest, subtle oak notes. Grapefruit in mouth — 6 years ago

Al Shikoh

9.3

fully opaque, glass staining ruby/violet, prominent tearing; blackberry, black currants, roasted coffee, vanilla , lavender dust; black fruit, bell pepper, good persistence; prominent, fine, gritty tannin, 14.8% ABV; blend of 93% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Malbec, 2% Petit Verdot, and 1% Merlot sourced from their estate vineyard in one of Napa’s coolest appellations, spending 18 months in 60% French, 28% American, and 12% Hungarian oak — 7 years ago

Ryan Vento

9.5

Rather suddenly, and without much explanation, Bordeaux found itself in the middle of my crosshairs as being the next place I wanted to conduct a deep dive in. With this shift in my general attention from New World to Old World I began to do more research on the various appellations, prominent chateaus, and nuances of Left Bank and Right Bank, as well as compile a spreadsheet highlighting specific bottles I wanted to seek out. For a reason unbeknownst to me, Château Ducru-Beaucaillou was the producer I wanted to start my deep dive with. I researched the history of the chateaux, learned about their wines, priced out vintages that were immediately available for my acquisition, and added it to my Bordeaux spreadsheet, waiting for the time to pull the trigger and purchase a bottle (or two) to start the trek with. As far as wines are concerned it was all I could think about: Ducru-Beaucaillou. Apparently, the mere act of researching a chateau left me beguiled, craving a wine I had never even had before! With all of this research in mind I’ve learned over the years that as much as I thoroughly enjoy researching and trying wine, it’s certainly more enjoyable to share the knowledge and the experiences with others. Enter @codyuzzel, who has heard more than his fair share of my wine ramblings over the years. One day we began discussing Bordeaux, Left Bank v. Right bank, and changes in our thought patterns about the region over the years, which eventually lead him to asking the million-dollar question: Are there any producers you’ve highlighted that you’re particularly interested in? I told him that Ducru-Beaucaillou was in my crosshairs, along with a handful of other producers that I’d explore once I’d tried Ducru. That’s when he texted me the picture; a picture of him holding a glorious bottle of 2012 Ducru-Beaucaillou. “I took this pic before we started this conversation.” Given the serendipitous nature of this occurrence he extended an invitation to pop the cork upon our next meeting, which is interesting in and of itself given that I had been thinking about visiting him at the wine bar just earlier that day. It’s moments like these that truly make the wine journey a sweet and rewarding one. Thanks, Cody, for your generosity and epic invitations.
.
Anise, graphite, plums, and blackberries. Very polished and very delicious. — 7 years ago

with Cody

Freddy R. Troya

9.0

Vieux Château Palon – 2021
Montagne-Saint-Émilion AOC – Right Bank, Bordeaux, France 🇫🇷

Overview
A distinctive Right Bank Bordeaux, this cuvée flips the classic Merlot-dominant Saint-Émilion script. Instead, it is crafted from 75% Cabernet Sauvignon and 25% Cabernet Franc, making it unusually bold, structured, and aromatically lifted for the appellation.

Aromas & Flavors
Blackcurrant, blackberry, and cassis dominate, with graphite, cedar, and tobacco leaf from the Cabernets. Subtle violet and peppery notes emerge from the Franc.

Mouthfeel
Firm tannins, medium-plus body, and a long, savory finish. More muscular and linear than many Montagne-Saint-Émilions, leaning toward Left Bank style but with Right Bank elegance.

Food Pairings
Grilled ribeye, lamb chops with rosemary, cassoulet, duck confit, aged Comté or Tomme de Savoie cheeses.

Verdict
An atypical but fascinating Montagne-Saint-Émilion that highlights Cabernet structure over Merlot plushness. For those who love Pauillac or Saint-Julien, this bottle is a bridge into the Right Bank world. Cheers!

Did You Know?
Montagne-Saint-Émilion is one of the four “satellite” appellations of Saint-Émilion, known for offering excellent value Bordeaux reds. Few estates here lean so heavily on Cabernet Sauvignon, which makes Palon stand out stylistically. — 8 months ago

Paul T, Missing My Beautiful Wife 24/7

9.7

Tasted & immediately looked up what I had bought, $50.00 but so worth it.
K&L notes,

This is no cheap rosé, it's true. But consider, for a minute, that this is no simple quaffer of a pink wine. It hails from Palette, one of the smallest appellations in all of France. It is, in a sense, a sort of Provençal monopole, since Château Palette owns nearly all the acreage in this tiny 23-hectare zone. Their vines are old, too. In some cases, more than 100 years old. The red grapes are the usual suspects for this part of France: Grenache, Mourvèdre, and Syrah with small amounts of Cinsault, Carignane, and other local varieties. But at Simone, they translate into a rosé unlike any other. We're talking power here, and a certain something serious. The rosé is fermented in small foudres and is then racked into barriques and left on the lees until the following spring. Rich with raspberries and herbs, this mouth-filling rosé holds onto its natural acidity, as it does not undergo malolactic fermentation thanks to the very cool cellars of this historic chateau. This wine costs as much as many reds. Fortunately, it has the concentration and complexity to go along with the price. Serve it with serious food and be prepared to broaden your appreciation of what rosé can be.
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— 4 years ago

Stas Medvedev

9.0

🏅 Rating 90+/100 (4,05⭐)

Fresh, floral and energetic. Slightly reductive, but with light touch of oak. Bee wax, yellow plum. Saline minerality on the palate reminds of Chablis from Kimmeridgian limestone. Silky texture, flavours support the nose. Difficult to believe it is regional Bourgogne appellation. It does have this Saint Aubin signature to it. And we know from Olivier Lamy that fruit comes from vineyards adjacent to village and often times declassified fruit from superior appellations enriches this Bourgogne blend.

Superb value for money.

Drink till 2023 — 6 years ago

Mark Turner

9.0

More on the earthy side. Pretty well balanced. Not overly pronounced tannins. Liked it but did not knock my socks off. — 7 years ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.4

Vincent Girardin continues the winemaking tradition of his father and grandfather before him, and expanded the appellations in his domaine either through inheritance, purchase, or a system of leasing called "fermage." Aromas of stone and citrus fruits. The palate shows lemons with crisp apple, mineral & oak notes. This medium-body wine has good balance with integrated acidity, lingering, finishing smooth with a citrus mineral ending. Very Nice! — 7 years ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.2

I like it so much I had to try another bottle. Located in the heart of Sonoma, WALT sourcing Pinot Noir fruit from premiere appellations, this one from Shea Vineyard in Willamette Valley, Oregon. Deep Ruby, luscious bouquet of berry fruit with floral notes. On the palate fresh strawberry and cherry flavors with sweet spice & earthy black tea tones. Fine rich soft tannins, lingering finish bring forward fruit and mineral tones. A Wow wine! — 7 years ago