Paul Costigan

Founder Courtier Wines

9.6

2016 Wendling Vineyard. Seductive mouthfeel with long palate presence. Red fruit up top, with darker rumblings below. Lovely now, can't think of a friend who wouldn't be excited to taste it. Seamless with beneficial aging potential, despite the called homerun already in the glass. — 4 years ago

Paul Costigan

Founder Courtier Wines

9.2

2005: To keep pace with the meal, we skipped decanting to get right at it. Very welcoming on the palate, with spicy balanced fruit and still vibrant tannins. Continued to develop in the glass, and show the depth and promise of a Riserva. — 9 years ago

with Michael

Paul Costigan

Founder Courtier Wines

9.7

1989: Beautiful youthful color. Surprisingly light and fresh on the palate. Haven't tasted this vintage in 20 years, however, it seems like yesterday given how delicate this bottle is showing. Truly a don't judge a book by it's cover bottle. Sublime. — 9 years ago

Paul Costigan

Founder Courtier Wines

9.2

1983: Finally a mature Clape Cornas! — 9 years ago

Paul Costigan

Founder Courtier Wines

9.4

1999: A nose more akin to single vineyard cote rotie, with the body to match. Luxurious mouthfeel, yet not overblown. At the core, a concentration of fruit, with further development ahead. Continued to evolve in decanter. — 9 years ago

with Michael and Mari

Paul Costigan

Founder Courtier Wines

9.3

1990: First impression was Cabernet like, some olive and an abundance of fruit. Definitely in that tween phase. Had the 1985 recently, which proved the lie that modern wasn't also classic. However, this bottle of 1990 is still pretty primary, and brimming with fruit. So much so that the experience is confusing, recalling what the wine was on release (rich, hedonistic, delicious), and now, not mature - yet still awkward. Plenty of bright fruit to evolve into future maturity. — 9 years ago

Paul Costigan

Founder Courtier Wines

9.2

1998: Lovely balance, really showing well. — 9 years ago

Paul Costigan

Founder Courtier Wines

9.5

2012: Rolling the dice that this would show well at such an early stage. Velvety mouthfeel, exhibiting abundant fresh cherry flavors. Refined, supple with a long elegant finish, with the fruit completely masking any sensation of tannins. No reason not to open and enjoy this now. — 9 years ago

with Michael

Paul Costigan

Founder Courtier Wines

9.3

2008: (10/12 release) Caramelized hints on the nose. Restrained effervescence, yet nice lift on the palate. Pleasant oxidative notes continued to evolve in the glass. A ponderous champagne, not soon forgotten. Hint: the extensive grower champagne selections at Acquerello are well considered and priced conservatively. — 9 years ago

with Michael

Paul Costigan

Founder Courtier Wines

9.1

1994: Deep red and walnut color. Poured out slow, so the richness was telegraphed. Enough acid to keep you pressing forward. — 9 years ago