James Cole

Tyson Napa Valley Proprietary Red Blend 2012

9.3

Gentle nose of blackberry, creme de cassis, incense, warm spices, and the seductive hint of forest floor/wild fungus. Harmonious palate: full and unctuous, yet weightless. Acidity is as good as it gets. Supple silky tannins.
This bottle exceeds my high expectation. Love the simple yet elegant label too. — 3 years ago

Severn, Bob and 1 other liked this

Bollinger

R.D. Extra Brut Champagne Blend 1996

Bob McDonald

9.4

Christmas Day Champagne. The disgorgement date very much determines how the wine shows. The date for this wine is 19th December 2006. Tyson Stelzer has scored 96 points for disgorgement date of May 2012 and 100 points for November 2017. My notes for this wine: Mid to deep lemon in colour with a bronze tinge. Lemon citric notes with earthy notes of mushroom and truffle. Powerful on the palate - a kaleidoscope of flavours. A serious Champagne showing a powerful Pinot Noir presence of 70% in true Bollinger style, with 30% Chardonnay. 6 hours later - oxidative notes with a creamy texture retaining that lemon palate. My previous bottle 5 years earlier more impressive. — 4 years ago

Severn, Arden and 25 others liked this

Severn Goodwin

A great bottle 👍 We're holding some '99 still.

Bob McDonald

@Severn Goodwin Should be worth the wait Severn.

David T

Nice.

Louis Roederer

Cristal Brut Champagne Chardonnay Pinot Noir Blend 2008

Bob McDonald

9.7

At Come Taste The Stars Dinner hosted by Tyson Stelzer. Another 60/40 Pinot Noir/Chardonnay balance. More floral aromatics than the Winston. Similar to the 1996 vintage in many respects but a one week delay in picking over 1996 to gain better ripeness. Other differences were no malo in 1996 and for 2008 16% Malo. Also more oak influence in 2008 - 3% to 22%. 9 years on Lees. Tyson said it will not attain its full potential until 2038 and go on for another 20 years after that Great freshness minerality and tension. Tyson said this was the greatest Cristal he has ever had. At Montrachet Restaurant. — 5 years ago

Peter, Paul and 19 others liked this