Jeremy Shanker

Sommelier at RN74

9.0

Good but a little too heavy on the malo for me — 9 days ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.2

What were you doing in 1970? It’s what I always think of when I have a very elderly wine. It also is the question I ask friends I share older wine.

Some 1970 highlights. The number one song was Simon & Garfunkel’s, “Bridge Over Troubled Water.” The President of the United States was Richard M Nixon and one of the kindest friends I have known was born. Last but not least, the Napa Valley was just beginning to rise. Louis Martini was one of those pioneers!

This bottle has survived & flourished over those 55 years and is a fine piece of history.

Many would say this is past its prime and they wouldn’t necessarily be wrong. But I am one who appreciates wine on its still solid downslope. While on its decent, this bottling still shows nice fruit, complexity and elegance that just can’t be mistaken for good young wine w/ a long decant.

The nose shows a fig & date quality. Older, brambly; blackberries, black raspberry reduction, sweet & sour cherries, that slide into liquor, baked rhubarb, slightly overripe strawberries. Soft sandalwood w/ dry cedar tones, undertones of rusted metal, dry soil & crushed limestone, vanillin, very dry twig, old, slightly used tobacco, reminisce of dark spices, tomato leaf, sun tea, dry & withering dark & red flowers, understated violets w/ a sprinkle of potpourri.

The palate is still fresh & ripe; older, brambly, blackberries, black raspberry reduction, sweet & sour cherries that slide into liquor, baked rhubarb, slightly overripe strawberries, figs & dates. Soft sandalwood w/ dry cedar tones, undertones of rusted metal, dusty top soil & limestone gravel, dry river stone, crumbled, grey volcanics, cherry cola, vanillin, nutmeg, cinnamon stick, clove, very dry twig, old, slightly used tobacco, dark spices still w/ soft but impactful palate backbone, tomato leaf, sweetened sun tea w/ a spritz of lemon, dry & withering dark & red flowers, understated violets w/ a sprinkle of potpourri, excellent rainfall acidity with an elegant, round, balanced, well knitted, still tensioned, polished finish that falls on sandalwood, earth and spice that lasts 90 seconds.

12% ABV which I have said many times is my strong preference like w/ all amazing Clarets. I wish it had never changed. 92 on the wine, but a perfect 10 on the history scale. — a month ago

Andrew McIntyre

9.3

Crowd pleaser of a Champagne thats always a joy to drink 😍 — 24 days ago

Mario Zillner

9.5

Very surprised by this, but I guess no Mark Hébrart should be all that surprising. Definitely punches above its weight class, and has many similarities to the 2012/2013 PRSWC. Alluring freshness and vibrancy coupled with a shocking level depth and roundness. Very well balanced all-around; looking forward to cellaring the 2019s. Mouthfeel is pure velvet via a delightfully soft / oily texture. 60% Pinot Noir + 40% Chardonnay; Dosage: 4-6 g/l. Disgorged: 1/18/22 — 2 months ago

Jay Kline

9.3

Popped and poured; enjoyed over the course of several hours. The 2008 Special Club pours a straw color with a persistent mousse. On the nose, the wine is developing and somewhat shy but there’s citrus, white peach, brioche and a rather fascinating smell that reminded me of a built-up roof. On the palate, the wine is dry with high acid. Confirming the notes from the nose however here, it’s much richer and expansive. The finish is long. Young? Probably. Drink now through 2038. No disgorgement data. — 3 months ago

William Brouwer

9.2

Was given this excellent bottle as a gift. Smooth, excellent, not to bold. Balanced. — 5 months ago

K ITO

9.1

mocha choko berry rich
nice sweet bitter sour balance
— 3 hours ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.3

Deep Ruby with aromas of blue & black fruits, sweet spice & slight mineral character. A blend of mostly Cab Sauvignon with small amounts of Malbec, Petit Verdot & Cab Franc from their estate-owned Napa Valley vineyards, aged 18 months French (62%) & American oak (38%) (about 50% new). Palate, complex flavors, blackberry, plums & cherry with sweet spice, oak & tobacco notes. Well balanced with good acidity & developing tannins. Full-bodied, long finish ending with pepper & wood spice. Nice! — 2 months ago

Jake Hajer

9.1

This winery no longer exists, per se. it was sold years ago to grant- the owner of Aonair. He named it Reverie 2. This wine is maybe 2-3yr past its prime. But pretty and resolved. — 3 months ago

Douglas Braun

9.2

This the 2015 Vintage - from Bouzy Grand Cru - seems so fresh pear/apple ,Brioche, toasted grain , great mousse — 4 months ago