Jay Kline

9.5

In honor of the Beta Wine, Spring allocation day (the 2021 Lupina and Maus), I decided to check into the 2021 “Montecillo” which was released last Fall. Based off previous experience, I poured into a decanter about an hour prior to service and then enjoyed over then next five hours; and this just continued to slowly reveal more layers as the minutes rolled by. The 2021 pours a deep, slightly hazy ruby color with an opaque core; medium viscosity with moderate staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is developing with notes of ripe and tart, mostly black fruit: currants (for dayzzzzz!), blackberries, Montmorency cherry, tobacco, pencil shavings, a touch of Poblano pepper, a kiss of VA, and abundant, racy minerals. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannin and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is extremely long and grippy. Dark to the core, this wine. And yet, there is a depth to the soul that makes it so accessible. Like listening to Portishead, Live at the Roseland NYC. Profound. If Lupina, Maus, Paratus and Hamilton draw any similarities, this will be a really fun vintage of Ketan’s wines to follow for decades to come. Drink now with patience and through 2051. — 2 months ago

Ericsson

9.6

Smooth, silky, beautifully balanced with elegance and the right amount of exuberance. Even though in its youth it is decadent. — 2 months ago

Doug Powers

9.1

Pretty blue fruits and black fruits, lovely balance, kiss of oak, medium-weight, medium-long finish, very nice Margaret River Cabernet! — 2 months ago

with Jim

James K

9.3

What an amazing gift from @Paul K! Such finesse—this wine is elegant, balanced, and pretty. Begs for food, and I suspect has a broader pairing profile than other CS. The only criticism I can make, if it is even a criticism, is that this is too balanced such that’s hard to remember one distinguishing characteristic. I think this is what wine strives to be—part of something, but t not the focus. Thanks, @Paul K. — 2 months ago

Scott Kahn

9.6

My first exposure to Don Melchor was rewarding! Rich, dark fruit maturity on the nose was consistent with long lasting dark cherries and red plum on the palette. Soft tannins reminiscent of a well aged Cabernet, the softness of this young cab was surprising and delightful! An absolute treat to taste!! — 2 months ago

with Timothy

Jay Kline

9.6

How did this sneak in here? Considering our penchant for the Rhône, it’s almost inevitable that something like this was getting opened. Popped and poured, the 1997 “La Turque” pours a deep ruby/purple color with a slightly hazy, near opaque core; medium+ viscosity with significant staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is developing with notes of ripe slightly wizened black and ted fruits: black brambles, black cherry, strawberry, smoked and spiced meat, olives, purple flowers, black pepper, dried herbs, rocky earth, fine wood and warm spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannin and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long. While this may not be my favorite expression of Côte Rôtie, it is undeniably delicious after nearly 30 years. It still has a long life ahead. Drink now through 2042. — 2 months ago

Ron R

9.1

This was sailing… meaty nose of rich burnt ends coupled with plum jam. Palate was viscous and mineral driven. S little too much acidity with a slightly citrus finish. Nice juxtaposition with the Siro, but this was always destined for second place tonight. — 2 months ago

with Andrew

Tom Barras

9.1

Considered by some to be the Wine of the Vintage, the 2005 Léoville-Barton
Is a full bodied mouthful of black currants, minerals, spices, grippy tannins and enough energy to evolve for another decade. — 2 months ago

Vino Joe

9.8

Holy wow! This wine was a unique and memorable experience. It was zinging out from the first glass over the next few hours it only deepened and became more substantial. Very ripe fruit but not aged. It retained vibrancy with complex earthy notes. Absolutely fantastic vintage. Top notch. — 2 months ago

Tom Garland

9.4

+1 hour decant(little fine/cloudy sediment). A gorgeous inky dark purplish black color. On the nose: brambly blackberry/plum, wet soil, orange peel, gravel, smoked meat. Taste: smooth, expressive wine with black cherry, plum jam, dried herbs, dark chocolate, bacon fat, and a white pepper cocoa long finish. YUM! — 2 months ago

with Brenda