Cedar Springs

Patz & Hall

Alder Springs Vineyard Chardonnay 1997

Donald Patz
9.9

From magnum. This was the first vintage of Patz & Hall “Alder Springs Vineyard” Chardonnay. At the point of blending a flicker of original youthfulness with otherwise fully matured Chardonnay flavors. This is why we drink older wines. Rich, complex spice and toast, notes of tangerine, beeswax, dried apple, caramel, wildflower, sea breeze, exotic perfume, kiwi, crushed rock. A moderate yellow color. I was there when the grapes were picked. Short of help, we all pitched in to harvest. A miracle. — 9 days ago

Juan, Scott@Mister and 6 others liked this

Château Lynch-Bages

Grand Cru Classé Pauillac Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 1975

Another great btl from a vintage I have had many times. This was fresh and drinking much younger than its age with red, black fruits, currant, cedar, leather, earth, sweet spices, tobacco & cigar ash — 15 days ago

Tom, Shay and 11 others liked this

Château Mouton Rothschild

Pauillac Red Bordeaux Blend 1990

Part of a Chateau Mouton Rothschild vertical from 1988-1990. This was my second time enjoying the 1990 vintage and, much like my previous experience, this was rather quiet early and then came on with the business, late. As before, a mix of red and black cassis, ripe and desiccated cherries, tobacco leaf, cedar box, old leather, damp earth, some mushrooms and baking spices. After two similar experiences, I believe this vintage needs a lot of patience and a lot of air to wake up. Without either, it will be misunderstood. Drink now through 2040+ — 23 days ago

Jan, Ira and 12 others liked this

Ridge Vineyards

Lytton Springs Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel Blend

Really tasty mostly zin blend. A little bit high acid and tight right when opened but was great after about 30 min — a month ago

Château Beychevelle

Saint-Julien Red Bordeaux Blend 1986

Another oldie, probably just past its peak. 38 years old - not bad! Barn-sided red with some brick on the edge. Lots of cedar, graphite, black pepper and cigar ash to smell but little fruit. Nice smooth tannins, still a little puckering. Medium acidity. For flavor there are some darker berries and red cherry notes. It’s a nicely balanced wine. Good length on the finish. — 5 months ago

Jillian Varner
with Jillian
AEL liked this

Château Léoville-Las Cases

Grand Vin de Leoville du Marquis de las Cases Saint-Julien Red Bordeaux Blend 1986

This had black fruits, cassis with cedar, leather, graphite, dried herbs, sweet spice & tobacco — 2 days ago

Shay, David and 12 others liked this

Château Cos d'Estournel

Saint-Estèphe Red Bordeaux Blend 1996

Black fruits showing currant, berry with sweet, savory spice, earth, cedar, leather & wet tobacco — a month ago

Tom, Juan and 9 others liked this

Château Lafite Rothschild

Pauillac Red Bordeaux Blend 1988

Medium ruby , hint of garnet , slight narrower rim , more garnet hue . Quite mineral , herbal tinged blackcurrant, seaside scents . Slightly aloof and austere, though this improves with time in the decanter . However on the palate this opens up with classic cedar tinged dark fruits , blackcurrant, grafite , sea shell and saline tinged. Complex , complete , classic , grafite and mineral tinged with pretty long length finish . Still slightly grippy tannins but these are well integrated and quite polished , fresh balanced acidity. This shows very well and is just coming into its prime drinking window, this also held up very well in decanter for the 4 hours we had it open , always retaining great freshness and verve. From now and over the next 10 to 15 years perhaps . — a month ago

Jan, Anthony and 9 others liked this
Shay A

Shay A Influencer Badge Premium Badge

Had this last night (only other time was 4-5yrs ago) and both showed extremely green aromatics. Classical Lafite elegance on the palate.
Andrew Cullimore

Andrew Cullimore Premium Badge

Yes @Shay A i think it showed better on the palate , as you say very classic Lafite , aroma was really quite discreet and austere , just wonder whether this will step up a gear with a little more time in the cellar