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
Amazing Yamhill Pinot — 6 days ago
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
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
blueberry, cedar, mint - holy shit. — 15 days ago
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
Donald Patz
Owner/Winemaker Patz & Hall
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