Doug Powers

9.7

Cork came out in 3 pieces, but no cork pieces left in bottle. Color is still medium-red, very faint browning on edges, massive cedar and cigar box aromatics, some pencil lead as well shows on palate, medium-weight, lovely balance, long, lingering finish, great older Bordeaux. Purchased at release for a song ($125/case) still have 5 left, this is one of my all-time favorite Pauillacs in the “non-1st, non-super 2d” category, amazing juice!! — 13 days ago

with Jim

Shay A

9.4

One of the better older Bordeaux I’ve had in quite some time. Absolutely at peak with so many layers. It outshined an ‘03 Grand Puy Lacoste (which showed thin), ‘03 Montelena (sadly corked), and an ‘03 BV Georges de LaTour (rich/sweet).

Absolutely on fire from pop, this 20yr old left bank Bordeaux showed none of the overripe/too hot characteristics of the vintage. Deep purple/black in the glass with no bricking. Full-bodied. Mocha, truffle, roasted blackberries and raspberries, graphite on the nose. Ripe (but not overly so) dark berries, plum, cassis with vanilla pipe tobacco and even some iron. Still a good bit of tannin on the finish. This shows as a “modern” style due to the warmth, but balanced. Wish I had more. Pop the corks and enjoy! — 2 years ago

Brian Reedy

9.2

Coming of age. Deep Ruby, tart cherry, soft chewy tannins. An earthy, slightly iron finish. — 4 months ago

with Sarah

Jeremy Shanker

Sommelier at RN74

9.0

In prime form. Sandalwood, cassis, dried pasilla. — 6 months ago

Stefan Dolhain

9.8

2019 vintage. Calicem might well be Saint-Emilion's best kept secret. Tasted it several times and was always blown away. This time I tasted it alongside the extraordinary Larcis Ducasse 2019, which proves my point that Calicem is definitely of Premier Grand Cru quality ( in case the classification is still a thing after Cheval Blanc, Ausone and a few others left). — a year ago

Boris Mathiszik

9.0

Leather and gravel when I first opened this bottle, and after an hour in the decanter this wine brought out a lot of fruit. Long nose. Quite the chameleon, this grand cru. Rating affirmed 3/18/23. — 2 years ago

Andrew Cullimore

9.0

Medium deep ruby , pink rim , quite intense , with coloured tears noticeable . Quite closed but deep dark fruited , serious but compact nose , with touch of dark chocolate , grafite , blackberry , dark plum, cherry . On the palate more dark fruits , blackberry , dark plum , cherry , quite rich with dark chocolate, grafite nuances . Balanced acidity with quite gritty tannins . Slightly mineral and saline tinged on the medium length finish , with just a slight warmth from the alcohol noticeable . Certainly ambitious for a Castillion Cotes de Bordeaux , though unsurprisingly makes no mention of this on the front label ! This shows quite young , will improve over another 5 - 7 years and last a further 5-10. — 5 months ago

Kenneth Borrell

9.1

Smooth , hints of fruit , very long — a year ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.6

A blend of 92% Merlot & 8% Cab Franc, elevated to Premier Grand Cru Classé in 2012, deep Ruby with aromas of black fruits, complex spice and notes of forest floor. On the palate flavors blackberry and black cherry with notes of cacao, espresso and licorice. Fine smooth tannins, great mouthfeel, long finish ending with toasty cedar notes and earthy mineral character. Just starting to show beautifully and will for next decade. Nice! — 2 years ago

Luis Arguero (@winefromAtoZ)

9.2

Château Grand-Puy Ducasse ‘Prelude a Grand-Puy Ducasse’ Pauillac 2016: Full-bodied. Distinct medium-plus tannins. High acidity. Blackberry. Plum. Cassis. Vanilla. Earth. Oak. Long dry finish. Consisting of a fine mix of Cabernet Sauvignon & Merlot, this blend hits all the right notes: elegant & smooth, rich & ripe. Bottom line, this is a beautiful, well-made wine. If I had a second bottle, I would definitely cellar as time will only benefit it. Great day to all! Cheers🍷 — 2 years ago