Ellen Clifford

9.3

I opened this on my birthday (it seemed apropos). Like its big brother (sister/horse-er?), it is a St-Émilion Grand Cru…and I tried the 2021, which, omg, I feel bad I have committed so much wine infanticide in my life…this is good now but shows SO much promise for age-ousity (new wine adjective, adverb?) Made of 60% Merlot, 33% Cabernet Sauvignon and 7% Cabernet Franc. Blackberries, tobacco, slight violet notes and toasty cedar on the nose initially, heavy twirling teases out hints of red plum. The palate starts earthy, broadening across the mid-palate to reveal juicy, juicy cassis (red and black) and a touch of dried vines that reads as enriching, not drying—inching further towards perfume on the finish. The tannins are the melt-in-your-mouth type—they make themselves known and then relax. I loved this wine. Give it air if you open it now, lots of air and twirl it like it’s the belle of the ball, but ideally, give it a little more time. I’m not sure when it will peak, but it should continue to evolve favorably over the years. — 3 months ago

Severn Goodwin

9.1

2010 | Chardonnay
Domaine Daniel-Etienne Defaix; Vaillon 1er Cru
Burgundy; Chablis, France
(90-92; Drink 2025-33)

On the Lawn at Tanglewood this evening with the Boston Symphony Orchestra. Our conductor Andris Nelsons is leading John WILLIAMS (Violin Concerto No. 2, written specifically for the intended soloist this evening) featuring the violin virtuoso, Anne-Sophie Mutter, STRAUSS (Death and Transfiguration, Opus 24) and then RAVEL (La Valse). — a year ago

Brian Ager

9.0

A delicious left bank Bordeaux which greatly beneifted from a 60+ minute decant. The nose presents fig jam & blueberry along with notes of anise, cocoa, and pencil lead.  The palate is impressively well balanced with flavors of blueberry and blackberry along with tertiary notes of sage & leather along with well integrated tannins and a bright acidity. Paired equally well with both filet mignon on day 1 & burgers on day 2! ($33) [5/27/22] — 2 years ago

Jackie T

9.0

Tasty and at a great price! We’ll buy more — 2 months ago

with Matt

David Walser

9.1

I’m a bit disappointed in this bottle. I had been hoping this bottle would be as good as the last one I had. 66% Cab Franc, 33% Merlot…I wonder what the last 1% was??? — 9 months ago

Tom Garland

9.3

Decant for sediment and pour. Still a wondrous dark garnet with bricking. On the nose: beautiful gotta keep coming back notes of dark plum, smoked meat, cigar box, touch of barnyard funk, vanilla spice. Taste: silky smooth with brambly cherry, dirt, leather, cedar, grilled peppered meat with a medium plus finish. YUM! Still drinking well at 33 years old. — a year ago

with Brenda

Stan Nguyen

9.8

Great funk and strong finish. — 3 years ago

Roger Ray

9.3

"after harvesting from vines with deep roots in the rocky soil on the banks of the Mayuco river, Raul and his brother Alvaro chose to go organic and use no oak, letting this stallion of a wine rip with spice, pepper and ripe fruit. Mineral notes hit once on the palate followed by a long finish." — 6 months ago

Delectable Wine

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9.5

Tasting the 1990 Léoville Las Cases just a few days after the 1989, it is clear which is the best vintage…this one. It has a sublime nose of melted black fruit, tar, cedar and bay leaf that shrugs off the heat of that summer better than most others. At 33 years of age, you could just lose yourself in these aromatics. The palate is clearly holding up well: beautifully defined and supple yet with typical Las-Cases backbone and depth. It builds magnificently in the glass toward a harmonious finish that reminds me of the 1985 in terms of its fleshiness. Wonderful. Tasted at the Lia's Wings/book dinner at Medlar restaurant. (Neal Martin, Vinous, December 2023)
— 10 months ago

Dutchbastard

9.2

I'm glad I waited to open this one up next day even better — 2 years ago

with Jim