Château Jean De Bel Air

Moraga Vineyards

Bel-Air Red Bordeaux Blend 2004

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. — 20 days ago

David Stein
with David
LM liked this

Domaine Jean-Louis Chave

Hermitage Syrah 2001

This bottle was a library release from the Chave cellars. Decanted about an hour prior to service (but could have benefited from more time) and enjoyed over the course of several hours. The 2001 Chave rouge pours a deep ruby/purple color with a near opaque core; medium+ viscosity with significant staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is developing with notes of charred blueberry pie, mushrooms, scorched earth, grilled meat, coffee, black pepper and soft baking spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannins and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long and super complex. With more and more air, this really came into its own. Totally Chave. Totally Hermitage. Totally awesome. Drink now with a little patience and through 2041. — 5 months ago

Severn, Shay and 12 others liked this
Lyle Fass

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94 is my fave old one that is affordable. Also 96.
Jay Kline

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@Lyle Fass I have not had an opportunity to enjoy either but I hope that changes!
Lyle Fass

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@Jay Kline less ripe years pre 2004 I adore. After 2004 I find the wines are more forced, modern and “made.”

Domaine du Bel Air

Jour de Soif Bourgueil Cabernet Franc

Super delicious, enjoyed this one being that my fiancé and I are big southern Rhône style wine lovers as well as other classical French wine enjoyers. — 3 years ago

Domaine Taupenot-Merme

Bel-Air Gevrey-Chambertin 1er Cru Pinot Noir 2017

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. — 3 months ago

Ted, Ira and 7 others liked this

Domaine du Bel Air

Les Granits Bleus Beaujolais Villages Gamay 2022

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. — 5 months ago

Domaine La Grange Tiphaine

Bel Air Touraine Amboise Chenin Blanc 2007

JKT
9.0

Thought may be sliding down but not so, nicely balanced and interesting profile great with several dinners. — 9 months ago

Jean Foillard

Côte du Py Morgon Gamay 2017

🚨WINE HACK🚨 If you 1) own a sodastream, but no expensive wine gadgets 2) have a wine which needs to come off sediment but you don’t want to expose to oxygen [eg low/no so2 gamay], try decanting the wine carefully into a clean empty bottle pre-flooded with a few gentle pumps of co2 from your sodastream. Co2 is heavier than air. This works and I swear by it!

The Foillard was beautiful. Licorice, black raspberries, purity and poise that reminds me why I fell in love with Beaujolais in the first place, and affirms what has been an oft-times rocky love affair ever since.
— 3 years ago

Dawn, Michael and 33 others liked this

Château Bel Air-Marquis d'Aligre

Margaux Red Bordeaux Blend 2010

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. — 3 months ago

Severn, Bob and 10 others liked this
Matt Perlman

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These wines are really cool and develop so much with air

Domaine de Bel Air

La Fosse aux Loups Chinon Cabernet Franc 2021

Great concentration, depth and freshness. Aged in concrete. Approachable now but will age. — 7 months ago

Domaine Jean-Jacques Girard

Les Serpentières Savigny-lès-Beaune 1er Cru Pinot Noir 2017

Lyle Fass
9.5

Wow this is singing. Stunningly deep floral/cherry nose. Mid season cherries that are perfectly ripe and juicy and so clear. Unreal spice and tweed jacket as well. 9.5 nose. Blown away. This drinks so well with 5-6 years on it. Palate is just heaven. Juicy and so decadent with good weight and luscious black cherry and late season red cherry fruit. Sapid and deep. Mineral finish. Outstanding showing. Unreal balance and freshness. It’s a 9.5 right now. Tannins need to smooth out so maybe even a 9.6 with air. — a year ago

Severn, Jay and 8 others liked this