Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego

9.5

1990 vintage. This was the start to the weekly tasting day with the reps. A fave guest brought this in. Was summoned to open it immediately despite having just strolled in. Grabbed the Durand and pounced. Didn't get the opportunity to see the fill but the foil, label and cork were all pristine (too little cork saturation for a 3+decade-old bottle). Screamed château reconditioned. Opened but not decanted. Good color. Great nose immediately. Tasted after 15 mins and 45 mins open. Tasted around noon but bottle needed to have been opened at prior midnight. Showed pretty well, however, with the delicate intricacies this wine is renowned for. Would have presented better with more air time but you can only control so much. 01.29.25. — a month ago

Pooneet K

9.3

First time trying this. Opened 8 hours before and decanted for 4, which I’d suggest at this stage. I don’t think I would have guessed Bordeaux blind, probably would have gone something from Piedmont. Not actually giving a ton on the nose, but quite nice and deep plum / purple fruited / leathery on the palate. Hauntingly balanced finish that goes on and on. Very nice. — 7 months ago

Will Stanley

9.2

The second wine of Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte, the 2016 Petit Haut Lafitte is a brilliant example of Pessac-Léognan from the favourable 2016 vintage.

Young and quite austere at this stage, it’s showy but oak-driven with a consistent profile of fresh, perfumed leather, cedar and spice. But the concentration of fruit is to be commended, as is the length of the finish.

This is a promising young Pessac, which improved with air and showed better on the second day - so I look forward to revisiting this in three to five years’ time.

92+ — 3 years ago

Chris Buggy

9.0

Delicious. Berries, good structure, good counterpoint to the spice — 3 months ago

with Jennifer

Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego

9.3

2017 vintage. Decanted and tasted after 30 mins. Medium-heavy body but starting to thin out slightly. Taupenot-Merme is one of the "bigger bodied" Burgs. Wanted more earth but got more spice instead. Decent compromise. Seems like another 3-4 years would find this hitting the optimal sweet spot. 8.23.24. — 6 months ago

Ron Siegel

9.4

Youthful when 1st opened that needed some air to develop. This was polished with notes of graphite, cedar, leather, menthol, savory spice & tobacco — 10 months ago

Tom Elliot

Founder Northwest Wines

8.9

As with the same vintage and vineyard as the Taupenot-Merme enjoyed alongside this, it seems to have everything but finesse. — 4 years ago

Jason Gelman

9.1

1985 Cru Borgeois from Bel Air Lagrave. Tobacco leaf, cigar smoke, really subtle leather. Very pretty. — 3 months ago

Bruce Leboff

8.9

A little long in the tooth. Colour a deeper yellow than a younger example. Nose is subtle ( read limited) interesting on the palate. Pleasant with a medium long finish. — 4 months ago

with David

Vasanth Balakrishnan

8.9

For a hot July 4th back patio party, this #beaujolaisvillages hit the spot. Crunchy red fruit, a bit too cool to notice much more aromatics, refreshing cherry, cranberry taste, solid acidity. Nice pairing for Boerewors (South African sausage) and rabbit & pork hot dogs. — 8 months ago