Rehearsal dinner wine for my nephew. I thought this probably WOTN. — 7 days ago
1990 vintage. Last tasted 12.11.22 (9.6) and 8.20.16 (9.2-slightly off bottle). Tasted side by side with the 1989 (9.4) version of this wine. Ridiculous 1-2 heavyweight punch. Opened but not decanted. Tasted at the conclusion of lunch after an hour open. Not much in the nose but bringing it in the flavors. Still heavy bits of ripe plum and cherry with a substantial mid-palate. Larger format of this wine likely clocks in as a 9.6/9.7 but this was a 750ml. In the 750ml format, not improving and it's drink now and until 2028. Still, most likely, the best wine this producer has ever made. The 1989 has a case as well. Like the Lebowski rug, this one just tied the late-80's/early-90's BDX room together. 10.10.25. — 16 days ago
With a short decant , drinking with long finish after a fragrant nose. — 8 days ago
Best valve at the duty free shop. This over the 2013 Altagracia that was twice the price.
While this is showing some nice evolution, if I had others, I would wait another 3-5 yrs…I’m leaning 5 yrs as this still has some astringency and has earthy dominance.
The nose reveals wild, dusty blackberries, black currants, black cherries, poached & backed strawberries, some slightly, stewy plums, leathery, dry tobacco, graphite, loamy earth, subtle baking spices, dark spices that show intensity and yet some restraint, dark chocolate baking bar, dry herbs, withering to dry dark flowers and floral violets.
The fruits are ripe but have a dusty coating. Wild blackberries, black currants, black cherries, poached & backed strawberries, black plum skin, plums, notes of boysenberries as it lingers, leathery, dry tobacco, oak barrel to cedar, string graphite, loamy earth, subtle baking spices, soft caramel chews, dark spices, dark chocolate baking bar, dry herbs, sage brush, withering to dry dark flowers and floral violets, good acidity, well made for a selection second, the balance isn’t quite there and still shows big structure/tension, dry, powdery M+ tannins that finishes with dry earth tones and ripe fruits over the top and lasts nearly 90 seconds.
If you have this vintage, it is a hold for another 5 yrs and has 15 yrs ahead. — a month ago
2022 vintage. Light-medium body. Not decanted and tasted after 2 hours open. Dusty, earthy intro. Some cherry mid-palate with a return to forever dust, earth, herbs, spices, Etsy/micro-producer attitude paired with serious backing and terroir. Long finish. Wanted and expected both more front and mid-palate action and mouthfeel but wasn't getting it. To be fair...without a decant...and a new release as a distinctively different (leaner) style would be a slight miracle to be (perceived) as a pop and pour. Needs at least a half-decade to be fairly assessed but, decidedly, quality juice. 10.25.25. — a day ago
Smooth and gentle, with a prominent nose of crisp red fruit, somewhat dark, with strawberries, pencil shavings/graphite, with some notes of blood orange rind, maybe some coffee and a hint of vanilla and iron. Deep garnet color, with hints of purple to the edges. Palate is somewhat meaty after some time and air, with well integrated tannins, — 14 days ago
Sipping Fine Wine
Blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot. This estate owes its name to Connetable Talbot, the English general & governor of the province of Guyenne who was defeated at the famous Battle of Castillon in 1453. Deep Ruby color, with aromas of black fruits, herb, tobacco and earthy notes. On the palate flavors of plums and black currants with cacao and tobacco spice, on a well balanced frame. Fine tight tannins, long finish ending with fruit, earthy spice and cedar character. Nice! — 13 hours ago