Doug Powers

9.3

Lovely floral and mineral aromas and flavors from these super old Clairette vines in Lirac (I’ve walked this vineyard, and they are old head-pruned, super-gnarled, vines), this vintage has aged beautifully and is still not at peak, outstanding!! — 11 days ago

with Jim

Paul T HB

9.4

This was even better on day 2 Notes from K&L, 88-acre estate, Château de Montfaucon sits just across the Rhône River from the esteemed vineyards of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. It is owned and operated by Rodolphe de Pins, a UC Davis graduate and former member of the winemaking staff at Domaine du Vieux Télégraphe. Over the years, Château de Montfaucon has developed a HUGE following among both our staff and customers.The vines for the Mme la Comtesse vineyard were planted in the 1870s (that's not a typo). These old gnarly vines with their highly restricted yields produce some of the richest most concentrated Clairette in the entire Rhône Valley. Planted on a mix of sand, clay and pudding stones, this wine is the essence of sleek minerality. A touch of barrel fermentation adds volume and structure. The flavors resonate with ripe stone fruit flavors and white flowers, a touch of fennel pollen rounds out the finish. This reminds us of Château de Beaucastel's Châteauneuf Vieilles Vignes Blanc which sells for well over $100 a bottle. This is just as limited and just as cool for under $50. — 6 months ago

Doug Powers

9.0

Floral, white peach, mineral undertones, really just a lovely white Rhône blend of 35% Marsanne, 35% Clairette, 20% Grenache Blanc, and 10% Picpoul!! — a year ago

with Jim

David Koenen

9.5

At first: yeasty and spicy tones, shoe polish, dried herbs. Then, after a few minutes: grilled pepper, open knit, balanced, ecoline paint, earthy, licorice, bacon, very complex. Love it. — 25 days ago

Ron Siegel

9.2

Nice drinking Sancerre. Notes of citrus, lime, pear fruit, saline with floral tones — 2 months ago

Spencer Dodd

9.2

Quite good and interesting to have a non lapierre style wine. Let it air. A bit “austere” in terms of wanting air for a Beauj but quite excellent concentration of red fruit. Second bottle of this hit have one more.
Addendum after an hour. This improved incredibly with some air. Proper serious Beauj. You could let this age for a few years for sure. — 7 months ago

Sherry L Mouser

9.5

Smooth up front, beautiful color, sweet and smooth finish!
— a year ago

Ron Siegel

9.4

This was drinking well showing dark fruits, currant, cedar, leather, pencil, savory spice & tobacco leaf — 17 days ago

David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.5

Are there many/any better Pauillac second growths?

2003 a ripe, warm vintage.

Soften medium plus tannins. It’s Bordeaux lush, ruby; blackberries, black raspberries, black plum that leans into pudding, dark cherries, ripe strawberries, hues of purple & blue fruits. Dark spice w/ palate heat, nutmeg, clove , cinnamon notes, mid berry cola, some black licorice, vanillin, dark, rich forest floor with a touch of dry leaves, lead pencil shavings, dry tobacco, sandalwood to cedar, 1/2 used leather, limestone, dry, crushed rocks, dry river stone, dry herbs, dry to moist, grey, volcanic clay, fresh & withering dark, red flowers, framed in lavender & liquid violets, excellent acidity with excellent; tension, structure, balance and elegant finish that goes on and on.

First wine w/ an Allen Brothers Ribcap.

Photos of; Chateau Pichon Lalande, Virginie de Pichon Longueville, Comtesse de Lalande, library cellar and estate vineyard. — a month ago

Dan Casagrande

9.3

Thanks Tom! Loved it. — 7 months ago