Bell Tower

Château Latour

Premier Grand Cru Classé Pauillac Red Bordeaux Blend 1983

Château Latour is an iconic estate in the Pauillac commune on the left bank of Bordeaux, achieving coveted ‘First Growth’ status in the 1855 Bordeaux Classification.

The estate has roots dating back to the 14th century and derives its name ‘La Tour’ from a fortress tower built during the Hundred Years’ War, which no longer exists but is prominently featured on the label in recognition of its history.

We weren’t sure what to expect, as many have predicted these 1983s are likely past their prime, but this wine was a masterpiece. 🤩

It was medium garnet in color with expressive notes of cedar box, cigar, clove, peat, leather, forest floor, fig, prune, dried black cherry, plum, cassis, blackberry compote, cardamom, cinnamon, star anise, dried violet, potpourri, kalamata olive, pencil shavings, graphite, & bacon fat.

It had the most velvety, fine-grained tannins that washed across the palate with ease, with a gentle but notable acidity that maintained lift and balance. It was concentrated, complex, and had a long, elegant finish.
— 2 months ago

Deked1
with Deked1
Deked1, Ted and 18 others liked this
Paul K

Paul K

Happy Birthday @Vanessa way to celebrate in style!
Vanessa

Vanessa

@Paul K Thank you for the bday wishes! It was an auspicious and delicious way to start my next trip around the sun ☀️ Cheers! And we hope to reconnect with you guys soon! 🍾🥂
Paul K

Paul K

We will absolutely figure out something this summer!!!

Bell Hill Vineyards

Canterbury Pinot Noir 2019

Wow!! Dark austere profile with serious dark fruit behind dense herbal/tea/earth minerality. The palate is nuts though, fruit opens up, shows a touch of red, tingling acidity is off the charts — 9 months ago

Ira and Tom liked this

Olga Raffault

Les Picasses Chinon Cabernet Franc 2004

heavy pencil shavings and cigar smoke on the nose. black olive and green bell pepper too. color is definitely what you’d expect in a 20 year old wine. palate is consistent with nose, very bordeaux-lite. heavy cigar box. a lot of olive and herb tapenade character. some black pepper on the finish too. very savory overall. — 2 years ago

Pooneet, Severn and 3 others liked this

Bell Wine Cellars

Canterbury Vineyard Syrah 2011

It’s been a long time since I’ve had a Syrah this good. — 6 months ago

Bonnie Hodur
with Bonnie

Château Léoville-Las Cases

Grand Vin de Leoville du Marquis de las Cases Saint-Julien Red Bordeaux Blend 1982

Opened earlier in the day and double-decanted several hours prior to service; enjoyed over the course of three hours. The 1982 pours a deep garnet with a near opaque core. On the nose, the wine is developing (still!) and slightly green compared to the ’82 Mouton that was poured alongside. Cassis, purple Chewy SweeTarts, green bell pepper, old wood, some earth and baking spices. On the palate, the wine is dry and has massive structure still. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long and slightly bitter. Drink now with a long decant but there are decades of life left. — 7 months ago

Ericsson, Ron and 28 others liked this
Vino Joe

Vino Joe Premium Badge

Good to know! How long was your decant? And over how long a window did you enjoy it?
Jay Kline

Jay Kline Influencer Badge Premium Badge

@Vino Joe great questions; I have answers. Note updated!

Château Talbot

Saint-Julien Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2013

Starts off with a very evolved fruity character, but that quickly blows off.
Lovely purity beyond that - fresh black currant, with a bit of darker, earthy undergrowth, some red fruit, a hint of cedar wood, a touch of bell pepper. A bit evolved yet still juicy & pure.
Beautiful mouthfeel with nicely evolved, slightly mellowed yet still juicy tannins, evolved fruit yet still fresh acidity.
This is peeking or already has peeked but today is drinking so nicely!
A really nice one!
— 2 years ago

Daniel and Ira liked this

Bell Wine Cellars

Sierra Foothills Syrah 2021

This wine was outstanding. I think it was only six dollars at grocery outlet. It had lots of fruit, lots of body and thickness. And a very strong finish. I went back trying to find some more but they were out. I will definitely be looking for it.It went perfectly with the New York steak. We paired it with. Even if the steak itself was actually not that good, kind of tough. — 7 months ago

Château Léoville Barton

Saint-Julien Red Bordeaux Blend 2005

2005 vintage. Light-medium/medium bod. Rocking don't bother knocking. So good. At the top of its respective bell curve and looks to hang out for quite some time. Maybe an extended residency? Not going anywhere anytime soon. 12.11.24. — 7 months ago

Ruud, Andrew and 24 others liked this
Pinotman /// Andreas

Pinotman /// Andreas

Ok will not drink this - this or next year.
Pinotman /// Andreas

Pinotman /// Andreas

Prices have caught up on this one David.
Somm David T

Somm David T Influencer Badge

@Pinotman /// Andreas My comment didn’t not in anyway reflect pricing in its meaning.

Château Mouton Rothschild

Pauillac Red Bordeaux Blend 1988

Part of a Chateau Mouton Rothschild vertical from 1988-1990. The 1988 shows great color and is quite charming with notes of cassis, tobacco, leather some bell pepper and a cinnamon bark sort of thing on the nose. Structure remains firm and this was a little greener than the ‘89 and ‘90. There is no risk of this falling off anytime soon; probably good through 2038. — 9 months ago

Ira, Somm and 10 others liked this

Medlock Ames

Bell Mountain Sauvignon Blanc 2021

Above average Sonoma County Sauvignon Blanc. Rich, mild citrus flavor. Paired very well with shrimp. — 3 years ago