The 2010 La Conseillante has been spellbinding since I first tasted it from barrel. It has an intense nose with black plum, cedar and graphite. It is vibrant and compelling with scents of camphor intertwined. Wonderful delineation; there are layers of aromatic complexity. The palate is beautifully knit with a touch of black pepper and thyme filtering through the black fruit. It retains so much energy on the finish as it fans out with class and verve. Magnificent. Tasted from an ex-château bottle at the Icons of Bordeaux dinner at Legacy Records in New York. (Neal Martin, Vinous, May 2024)
— 6 months ago
The 2020 Beychevelle was perplexing from barrel. Re-tasting it three or four times, I discerned a faint but nagging vegetal note on the finish, though it was not evident on a bottle subsequently tasted at the property, which governed my banded score. Returning to Bordeaux to taste the wines that had been bottled in June 2022, I certainly appreciate the bouquet that is clean and pure with blackberry, bilberry, cedar and background sous-bois aromas. The oak is beautifully integrated. The palate is medium-bodied with pliant tannins and well-judged acidity. Quite intense black fruit laced with graphite, perhaps a tad more peppery than usual. On the first bottle encountered at a merchant, I picked up on the green note that sent alarm bells ringing. A second bottle at the château unequivocally showed no signs at all, very sleek and poised with a residual tingle of black pepper. Based on this sample, I am cautiously optimistic about this Beychevelle, though I will always keep a lookout for that trait. (Neal Martin, Vinous, February 2023) — 2 years ago
Very strong vanilla, then caramel and fruity sweetness. — 3 months ago
Aging rich Cabernet Savignon in fine bourbon barrels doubles down on Nighthawk’s bold, intense style: endlessly deep black fruit flavors layer with sweet spice, and caramel intrigue for a daring take on Cabernet Savignon. — 6 months ago
Really a delicious brunello. Surprisingly ready to go - opened several hours prior but didn’t decant. Great black fruit, excellent balance, very good refreshing acid, medium plus tannins but works with food. Would be interesting to see in a couple years but quite nice now. — a year ago
The 2018 Beauséjour Héritiers Duffau-Lagarrosse is a huge wine that is going to need a number of years to come into its own. A wine of unreal concentration and pure power, the 2018 takes over all the senses with its commanding presence. Black cherry, chocolate, licorice, gravel, cured meat and cloves all scream out of the glass. This wild, untamed Saint-Émilion needs cellaring. I imagine it will still be a spectacular wine many decades from now. As was the case from barrel, the typically imposing tannins are nearly buried by the sheer concentration of the fruit. (Antonio Galloni, Vinous, March 2021)
— 4 years ago
93 that is beginning to lean into 94. This 14 shows nice evolution but still needs 2-3 years before it hits the beginnings of its full stride.
This 2014 “The Sisters” is rich, lush & ruby fruits of; blackberries, dark plum that stretches into pudding, dark cherries, black raspberries, some boysenberries. Dark chocolate cake with buttercream frosting, mocha powder notes, melted, salted caramel, mid berry cola, light; clove, nutmeg, cinnamon & vanillin, dark, rich, sweet earth with dry leaves, some dry herbs, dark spice w/ some palate heat, limestone powder, dry stone, soft leather & slightly dryish tobacco, sandalwood to barrel shavings, hints of lead pencil, touch of dry stems, fresh & slightly withering flowers that are; dark, red with lavender framed in liquid violets, excellent round acidity and a very well balanced, mid structured & tensioned finish that is elegantly polished and lasts a little more than a minute.
Paired with an Allen Brother’s Filet Mignon. A good, well aged Napa Cabernet works well with a less/near no fat cut of meat.
Photos of; the Jones family, staff harvesting, tasting room and Jones vineyard. — 7 months ago
Deep Ruby, aromas of red and black fruits with sweet spice and oak, a classical blend of 85% Tempranillo, 10% Graciano and 5% Mazuelo, barrel aged for 24 months. On the palate flavors of black cherry and currants with spice, espresso, vanilla & toasty oak tones. Fine tight tannins, lively acidity on a long finish ending with fruit, sweet spice and an earthy mineral character. Nice! — 2 years ago
Dean Rogers
Aunt Dean’s wine after the election — 7 days ago