Stefan Dolhain

9.5

2022 vintage. A blend of 53% Merlot, 36% Cabernet Sauvignon and 11% Petit Verdot. As Siran is consistently of Cry Classé quality, I've put the bar high, tasting it next to the 2022 La Lagune. While it doesn't have the depth and quality of tannins of the latter Siran 2022 is an impressive effort, a classic Margaux in the same league as the magnificent 2019 Siran. — 21 days ago

Jay Kline

9.4

When a bottle of wine is this old, one can never have too high of expectations. There are far too many variables to consider when it comes to whether it will even be drinkable, let alone enjoyable. Particularly when it’s a wine from an unheralded vintage like 1953. As someone who has been fortunate enough to have tried many old bottles over the last ten or so years, I have had my share of duds; even bottles from a good vintage with strong provenance. However, every now and again, a bottle will surprise and this 1953 Barolo from Pio Cesare went way beyond my expectations. It had many stories to tell.

There was a tremendous amount of sediment but I had allowed that to settle to the bottom by leaving it upright for a couple of days. We pulled the cork few hours before service and decanted. The cork was very typical of wines from the region at the time; short and stubby. With the help of a Durand, we were able to extract in one piece and, to my astonishment, the cork was only 1/3 saturated. And then, whoa…what a lovely perfume. It was alive! The ’53 pours a light copper color and has a largely transparent core. On the nose, the fruit is still playing a major role however it was almost completly desiccated now: cherry, apricot, prune, tar, dried roses, dried leather, and mushrooms. On the palate the tannins are almost imperceptible and completely resolved. The acid is lovely; the preserver of life. The notes from the nose were confirmed and there was a long, satisfying finish. There was substance and a real energy about it. Old…and yet so full of life! I want to be absolutely clear, this wasn’t just a novel experience. This was a practical one as well as it paired perfectly with tajarin tossed with shiitake mushrooms as well as a bit of bone-in Wagyu New York Strip from Morgan Ranch. Everyone at the table was smitten by this septuagenarian of a Barolo; even those who had no prior experience with old wines. Drink now.

For what it’s worth, I’ve had this bottle in my cellar for a little over a year, when I was fortunate to have come across one with decent provenance. This is a wine I will very likely never see again but it was so wonderful to have had the experience and I’ll cherish this memory forever. — a year ago

Byron Hewett

9.8

Lot 53 is from 1953. This does flirt with perfection. A rich, complex spherical Cognac. Fantastic stuff! — a month ago

Jeffrey Woo

9.3

Inky hue. Notes of blackberry, blueberry, and raspberry. Medium-plus tannins and acidity. Grippy tannins. Earthy on the palate. Fantastic nose. 53 Cabernet Sauvignon, 35 Merlot, 7 Petit Verdot, and 5 Cabernet Franc. — a year ago

Heather Robinson

8.9

HWT - $53 on sale for $47. Delicious and bold, unexpected for a French wine — 2 years ago

Deborah Lyman

9.3

So good. Smooth, cherries, hint of smokiness. Definitely dark fruits are present. — 3 years ago

Mary Lahr Cain

9.0

We keep looking for a Syrah that wows us like the Shiraz found in Australia. Getting closer! Very earthy and dry. — 3 years ago

"Odedi"

9.3

Dark ruby in color with a purplish rim.

Medium plus in body with medium acidity.

Fruit forward on the nose with light cedar and lots of chocolate and tobacco notes.

Dry on the palate, and complex right out of the bottle.

Showing blackberries, cooked plums, figs, tobacco, chocolates, coffee, peppercorn, cedar, vanilla, licorice, mediterranean spices and peppercorn.

Long finish with round tannins and tangy cherries.

This 9 year old is showing beautifully now. Complex and interesting. Rich and engaging.

Good right out of the bottle, and better after 45 minutes of airtime. Tannins calm down after an hour.

This 2015 was a great vintage and it is showing. Peaking now, and will continue to drink nicely in the next 5 years.

Nicely balanced with a soft mouthfeel. Spicy and engaging. I had it 4 years ago and it is drinking better now.

A great sipping wine to have all by itself, but will also pair nicely with a big piece of steak.

A blend of 53% Cabernet Sauvignon, 43% Cabernet Franc and 4% Syrah. Fermented in (50% new) French Oak barrels. A tiny production of only 540 bottles.

14.5% alcohol by volume.

93 points.

$60 (at release). — 7 months ago

Jen

9.2

Pleasant surprise for 53 years old! — 2 years ago

"Odedi"

9.1

#kosherwineSunday

This is a very tasty Cabernet Sauvignon from Israel. Feels like a Napa Cabernet.

Showing black fruits with cedar, vanilla, coffee, cola, spices, earth, chocolates and peppercorn.

Dry on the palate and fruit forward.

Full-bodied and bold with a nice mouthfeel.

Still young and needs a few years in the bottle to mature properly. Would Age nicely in the next five to seven years. Has good potential to become a 94+ wine.

Entertaining and engaging. Smooth and elegant.

Aged in French oak barrels for 18 months. Unfiltered. Kosher and Mevushal.

14.5% alcohol by volume.

91 points.

$53. — 3 years ago