Tom Garland

9.4

+2 hour decant(decent chunky/fine sediment). An amazing dark garnet color. On the nose: You must breathe in this captivating nose of dark red fruit, herbaceous, smoke, sweet florals, worn leather, licorice. Taste: layered, balanced, silky wine with brambly raspberry/cherry, peppery tobacco, gravel, smoked leather, tar, and a long drying finish. YUM! No need to hurry plenty of time to go. — 5 months ago

with Brenda

Matt Perlman

9.3

This Freddy’s ready. Must love petrol — 4 years ago

Dave Schneider

9.2

Maybe it’s silly to post a second wine from ducru, but... this is pretty darn good. Beautiful nose, complex flavors of blackberry, anise and oak from start to finish. The real thing must be AMAZING. 2005 rocks — 6 years ago

Ekasit Poositranusorn

9.5

Drink again on Nov 28, 2018; and this wine continues to remain my most favorite from Medoc. Must let it breath at least 30 minutes. Dark but bright ruby red color with very fresh aromas of red fruits like cherry, plum, and tobacco on the nose. Full-bodied and followed by very nice flavors of cherry, blackcurrant, chocolate, and a touch of sweet basil & dry tomato on the palate. Dry, silky but solid tannins, and end nicely with long length at the end. — 7 years ago

Will Stanley

9.4

The 2015 Viña Ardanza is only the third vintage of this wine that I’ve tasted, yet it has quickly become perhaps my favourite Rioja - for quality, value, style, and sheer pleasure. This is a match for the brilliant 2010, with an outrageously pure and beautiful nose of balsamic paste, bitter orange, black cherry, fig and vanilla. The palate is supple but firm, quite dark in character, with a gorgeous medley of black and red fruits, perhaps slightly fuller bodied than the 2010, and carrying through to a long, bitter orange, tar and tobacco-laced finish.

This is just such superb stuff, and to say it sells for around £20-30 a bottle, it’s a cellar must. — 2 years ago

Bob McDonald

9.7

A note from last weekend at the Gold Coast. Initially too cool from the fridge so left it for 20 minutes. Mid to a deeper yellow in colour. Aromas of Apricot and Quince with a touch of honey. On the palate - quince, apricot, pear - a mouthful of deliciousness and a flavour explosion - low acid. Texturally it is unctuous with the blend being around 80% Roussane. These vines were planted nearly 100 years ago and comprise only 3 Hectares. Needless to say the quantities produced are small. Must locate more if I can find. In summary a stunning full bodied white wine. — 5 years ago

NYR

9.5

Awesome! A must have — 6 years ago

with Adam

David Nicewicz

9.8

Truly a memorable wine experience for this perfectly stored Sassicaia. The perfume on this wine was mesmerizing - Licorice, old library, tobacco leaves, leather and spice with a touch of cassis. I nosed it for 10 min before even tasting it (praying to the wine gods that the wine was intact) - perfection on the nose in my book. The palate lived up to the nose and perfectly reflected the notes with an added touch of dried roses and a hint of graphite. Why not a 10? The finish was a tad short, but I’m splitting hairs - I bought two more bottles of this from the amazing restaurant we ate at - La Caravella - in Amalfi. An outstanding restaurant, rich history (including a 1000 year old wine cellar with 20k bottles of wine which the staff graciously offered for me to tour) and lovely chef. A must visit for any wine/food geek if you’re on the Amalfi Coast. — 3 years ago

Muralee Murugesu

9.3

Fresh red cherry, red berries with an undertone of réglisse. Silky tannin, great depth which requires a good hour to open. Once opened amazing nose that takes you to another place, a place you feel high! Must be the alcohol. Great 2015 vintage for this super Tuscan. Cheers — 5 years ago

J Mcconeg

9.5

Really great. Smooth, full, rich. This wine will go a long time, but if you must have it now do not hesitate with an early opening or a full day to enjoy in stages. — 6 years ago