Jay Kline

10

A physically pristine example from a well established cellar, the cork pulled clean and without so much as a hint of compromise. It was subsequently double decanted several hours in advance. The 2000 Margaux pours a deep garnet color with a near opaque core; medium+ viscosity with moderate staining of the tears. The nose: developing and simply stunning. A cornucopia of cassis, black bramble fruit, purple flowers, tobacco, new leather, cocoa, fine woody notes, dry gravelly earth and gorgeous baking spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannin and medium+ acid; the structure acting like the flying buttresses of Notre Dame. Confirming the notes from the nose, the finish is forever long and impossibly silky. Sensationally balanced.

To my palate, this falls into the very small category of wines that require no additional inquest. It is utterly complete. And, when I consider the company and circumstances, perfect. Drink now with a healthy decant and through 2100. — a month ago

Jay Kline

9.1

Popped and poured; enjoyed over the course of a few hours. No formal notes. The 2006 “Amber Knolls Vineyard” blows the mind. Yes, I know, it’s made by Schrader but this humble Lake County designation was meant to be enjoyed early while one allowed the more significant Schrader Cabernet Sauvignon’s mature. Yet here we are, thoroughly enjoying this 18 years from vintage. Fruit not only hanging on; dare I say this is still developing? Structure is sound. Drink now through 2030. Very impressive. — 7 months ago

Bart Bartlett

9.0

Delicious. Citrus hits you from the beginning. Just a hint of salt keep it delightful throughout. — 7 months ago

Stefan Dolhain

9.3

1996 vintage. Amber coloured. Intense, complex. Maybe not in the same league as the impressive 2005 tasted alongside at the château, but very good indeed. — 2 months ago

Alvaro Bustillos

9.2

Papa luis xfg — 5 months ago

David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.6

96 that leans deep into 97. Always stunning from this producer regardless of vintage. Producer trust.

This still has dark, round, meaty, backbone tannins, dark currents w/ Indian/Asian spices. Ruby, lush; blackberries, black raspberries, black plum w/ dry skin, darkest of cherries, raspberry hues, purple fruits hues, deep baking spices, dark chocolate bar, mocha, caramel, dry top soil, crushed limestone powder, dry tobacco/leather, dry herbs-bay leave/sage, dry, slightly candied to withering flowers framed in violets/lavender, excellent, round acidity with a finish that is well structured, balanced, nicely tensioned & elegantly polished finish that falls onto dry earth & lasts minutes.

This 2001 is still youthful & has at least another decade well stored. — 5 months ago

Jason Phillips

9.2

Great nose. Complex but well balanced. 53% cabernet sauvignon, 30% petit syrah, 9% merlot, 4% petit verdot, 4% malbec. Enjoyed at the castle in Napa. — 3 months ago

Siena Garbaccio

9.0

Orange is hit or miss for me. This one was balanced and bright. Delicious with my pizza. Very cool winery name. Pleasantly surprised by this! — 3 months ago

Jeremiah Diaz

9.4

Deep ruby in color; blackberries, black cherries, and cedar on the nose; medium acidity; medium plus tannins; tastes like plums, strawberry jam, violets, and clay pots with a long finish. Nellie loves it! And so do I. — 7 months ago

with Nellie

Neil Valenzuela

10

Deep amber color. Soft sugar plum, apricot and botritis aromas. Amazing 1960 D’Yquem! — 7 months ago

with Quentin