Evolve
Château La Mission Haut-Brion
Pessac-Léognan Red Bordeaux Blend 2001
When I purchased this five years ago, it was without a doubt the nicest bottle of Bordeaux I owned. 2001 was a good vintage for certain producers, and with Haut Brion being my favorite first growth, I wanted to have one of these with some age to see how they evolve. I slow ox’ed for 1-2hrs, consumed from bottle over the next three hours, and saved the last quarter for the next day.
Amongst quite a few first growths (and a ‘94 and ‘04 Haut Brion) this held its own. Compared to HB, it doesn’t have that brooding power and deep fruit core as intensely, but it wasn’t too far behind. More red fruit/black cherry than the dominant black I normally get with HB. Potpourri, baked black cherries, and cherry pipe tobacco showed strong on both days. No reductive funk to blow off. Faint notes of mocha, scorched earth and peppered strip, but it meshes with the cassis and grippy herbal tannic finish. What I didn’t expect was how vibrant the acidity was on both days. A beautiful example of high quality Bordeaux, and one I wish I had more of. — 3 years ago
Château Palmer
Alter Ego Margaux Red Bordeaux Blend 2015
The nose, though mostly primary at this stage but already seductive, shows blackberries, blueberry jam, cassis, dark roasted coffee beans, and hint of tobacco. The full body is sculptured like a long distance runner, with cool acidity carrying the fluid yet powerful strikes.
Obviously still young, but really a beautiful wine that will evolve gracefully.
Paired great with wild mushroom rice. — 4 years ago
Château Haut-Brion
Pessac-Léognan Red Bordeaux Blend 2006
One of YT’s finest wines I’ve had, 4 hour decant transformed it and continued to evolve while drinking. Wow. — 3 years ago
Domaine du Pegau
Cuvée Réservé Châteauneuf-du-Pape Red Rhone Blend 2016
One glass and I did not open the whole bottle. Still I am not disappointed. So far one of the best Chateauneuf-du-pape I had except for Rayas. I am wondering how it wilm evolve. Sor far we have dark fruits, a bit of spices and quite à long finish. I am also surprised that such a wine is pretty much unknown. — 4 years ago
Radio-Coteau
La Neblina Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir 2001
The wine has evolved nicely over the last few years resulting in a beautifully balanced and complex Sonoma Pinot. Rose petals, lavender and eucalyptus notes on the nose. Cranberry and sour cherries dominate the palate. Finishes with a little spice. While it is drinking well now it should continue to evolve over time. — 4 years ago
M. Chapoutier
Chante - Alouette Hermitage Blanc Marsanne 2004
Medium lemon yellow colour. Quite waxy , buttery notes , lemon rind, apricot , mineral notes . On the palate quite rounded and rich on the palate but balanced with good acidity and saline notes . Mostly yellow fruits , lemon confit , apricot , peach , beeswax , with buttery but saline , sea spray tinged notes . Balanced alcohol and good length, good to drink now but could evolve and deliver for another 5-10 years. A different experience from the last time I had this wine , no signs of oxidation and overall a wine that shows good balance and that can age further . — 3 years ago
Tenuta San Guido
Bolgheri Sassicaia Cabernet Sauvignon Cabernet Franc 2017
Read the reviews on the 2017 and was intrigued. Opened in the morning and sampled throughout day while raking leaves. Finished at dinner. The wine is precise, balanced and interesting. The tannins dominate and are refined, supple and then linger. The fruit is primarily plum with cherry. Tobacco comes a bit later. No clues how this will evolve but. note to self, wait till 2024 or later to rake the leaves again. — 4 years ago
Nathan Renfro
A great wine for sure but somewhat surprised by the double 100pt ratings. Excellent fruited nose. Well structured with ripe dark fruit - casks, blackberry, stewed plums, great minerality, softened yet grippy tannins and solid acidic backbone. Lots of finesse. Nice finish. Will be interesting to watch this evolve. — 5 months ago