Lovely perfume of crushed black cherry, spiced plum, raspberry confiture, and woodsy aromas. Made more complex by background elements of cured meat, turned earth, smoke, dried orange, rhubarb, beets. Not a power house packed with richness this vintage. Acidity is bright and the perception of chaptalization is in balance. Rustic tannins with a felt-like texture bring posture and lovely tactile components. A touch drying now, but beautiful at the table with roast duck and lentils. — 2 years ago
2015 is reporting for duty. Balanced with brighter fruit and acid with cassis, plums and pencil elements. One could drink this with a variety of meats, fowl and fish. This wine is locked and loaded and ready to fire. — 2 years ago
A really fantastic summer scotch with notes flowers, grass, yeast, and freshly picked grains. It really jumps out of the glass with a freshness and vibrancy you’d expect more from a champagne or beer. Not super deep or rich, but that’s what makes it refreshing. Good deal too. — 7 months ago
This is still quite self contained. Slowly coming out of the glass. Violets, bright cherry, salinity, gorgeous plum. Great definition and light on the elements of the palate. Getting better by the minute. Wow — 3 years ago
Super rich and decadent with a wave of dark stewed fruits like plums, cherries and strawberries. It’s incredibly fruit forward, but not too sweet. There’s a background of black strap molasses and strong maltiness. Incredibly balanced for such a flavorful dram. A phenomenon winter whisky. — 8 months ago
Another wine of interest to me in the Bordeaux masterclass although it looks nothing like the critics’ notes online. Where’s all the floral and mineralic notes? Perhaps shut down at this stage? The nose itself was still interesting though - fruit-dense with lots of irony elements (rust, meat). Sweet fruited, spicy, and concentrated on the palate, but still energetic courtesy of a little more obvious acidity here. Tannins were dusty, fine, and directional. Blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 45% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot.
— 2 years ago
Always a favorite!
1hr+ decant. Definitely needs a decant! Dark red color with purple rims. Wine is dominated by vanilla, watermelon, and candied fruit. Medium depth. I actually thought it had some Pinot elements. Reminded me of the Chateau Philippe Le Hardi Montee Rouge which I love. This definitely was like candy and my first review of this wine. Last bottle of this vintage :( — 3 years ago
ESF
I’m not quite as effusive as @Lyle Fass but this was indeed gorgeous - step above their straight Spatburgunder w/tons of personality. I was really taken w/perfumed nose and earth driven elements. Yeah there’s gobs of decadent cherry, raspberry & strawberry, but the brambly herbal spice elements are downright sexy. It’s all about complexity & generosity not to mention balance & elegance. — 5 days ago