Frank Kuo

9.2

Color of different shades of purple, with a bit copper and grey tones on the rim. Nose of fruity dark fruits, aldehyde, spicy and fermented cabbage, and just a touch of oak. Taste is smooth, marginal tannins and easy, a bit sweet mixed with zesty bitterness and right amount of acidity, fresh raspberry, some oak, and warmth of alcohol. Aftertaste is medium long , with more berries note and a bit touch of mineral. Not bad. — 3 years ago

Dr. Owen Bargreen

9.5

2007 Chateau de Beaucastel- The 2007 Chateau Beaucastel is deftly walking the tightrope between primary and tertiary tones at the moment. Aromatically profound, the wine immediately unveils layers of black fruits woven together with shades of white truffle crudo, black peppercorns and Earl Grey tea that take shape in the glass. Showing brilliant verve and freshness, the palate has great depth of concentration, power and range. Blackberry compote and black licorice flavors combine with lighter red raspberry, damp earth and Provencale herb accents on this expressive palate. The long finish marvelously accentuates this beautiful wine. Marvelous now at the thirteen year mark, the 2007 Chateau Beaucastel has many years of drinking enjoyment ahead of it. Drink 2020-2035- 95 — 5 years ago

Robert Irani

9.0

Excellent one — 6 years ago

Nathan ratapu

8.9

Livin la vida baga! Black fruit and barbecue pork with a nose that's Fifty Shades of Tar Pit. — 8 years ago

Frank Kuo

9.6

Color of dark purple with grey shades on the rim. Nose of oak, dried strawberry, plums, currants, spice, vanilla, aldehyde, and spicy note from alcohol. Nose is nice. Taste follows the nose, silky and mouthful, matured and soft tannins, a bit zesty feeling, well balanced of oak and dark fruits. Tasty. Aftertaste is also long and savory with some more black pepper touch. A gem of Cab — 4 years ago

David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.2

We’ve had their N/V Blanc but, haven’t had their Rose in awhile. Quite good.

Mousse is very refined. Great mouthfeel. Blood orange, tangerine, rhubarb notes, poached strawberries, black cherries, watermelon near the rind, white spice, oyster shell, grainy chalk, grey volcanics, saline, dry yeast, baguette crust, mint with pink roses dominate with shades of red roses. The acidity is lively. The finish is, pleasantly rich, elegant, well balanced & polished persistent for minutes falling into minerals & spice. — 4 years ago

Frank Kuo

9.2

Color of shades of purple, a bit grey on the rim, and a bit ruby in the body. Nose of mice tobacco leaves, cherry jam, blackberry, spice, heat of alcohol, and a bit leathery. Taste is hickory, oaky, with nice acidity and spice, polished sweetness from ripe grapes, low on tannins, and easy to drink. Aftertaste has a bit tinkling minty flavor with more spice. Crowd pleaser. — 5 years ago

Steven Noon

9.7

Very smooth and sweet red l, but not to sweet. One of our favorites to have with dinner! — 7 years ago

David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.4

It has taken a long time for this 95 Calon Segur to settle in. Finally, after two previous bottles. If you buy this producer, expect to wait 20 plus years for really good things with better vintages. While it’s very good, it has not revealed its best self. I think another 5-8 years before it peaks with another 15 years of good drinking ahead. Properly stored of course.

This still needed a two hour decant to settle it earthiness & funk.

The nose still reveals a fair amount of earth but, it has calmed. Classic Claret older nose. Ripe, candied & floral fruits of; blackberries, black raspberries, dark cherries, strewed strawberries, baked plum, macerated cherries, cooked rhubarb with hints of blueberries and raspberries softly over the top. Old tobacco, old, soft leather, limestone, dry stone, dark spice, nutmeg, vanillin, dry twig, graphite, dry crushed rocks, steeped fruit tea, forest floor, mushrooms, raspberry cola with withering to fresh, dark; red, purple, blue florals framed in violets.

The body is round & leaner from age. It’s clean wire to wire. The structure, tension, balance and length are just starting to hit their stride. It is gloriously lush on the palate. Ripe, candied & floral fruits of; blackberries, black raspberries, dark cherries, strewed strawberries, baked plum, macerated cherries, cooked rhubarb with hints of blueberries and raspberries softly over the top. Old tobacco, old, soft leather, limestone, grey volcanics, dry stone, dark spice, nutmeg, vanillin, dark chocolate, some caramel, shades of black licorice, dry twig, graphite, sage, hint of cooked green pepper, sweet tarriness, dry crushed rocks, steeped fruit tea, forest floor, mushrooms, raspberry cola with withering to fresh, dark & candied; red, purple, blue florals framed in violets. The acidity is dead on. The long finish is; balanced fruit & earth, elegance that slides into persistent earth and dark spice with just the right amount of heat.

Paired with New York Strip w/ Root Vegetables Tain, Cipollini, King Trumpet & Peppercorn Demi-glaze & Duck Fat Fries.

Have yet to have anything but a very good meal @Compline Napa. As well, they have a very nice selection of reasonably priced wines in their retail shop. Owned & operated by Master Sommelier Matt Stamp & partner(s). — 4 years ago

David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.3

Finally a night or weekend we weren’t working on our rental, rushing to get some Christmas shopping done or getting ready to entertain holiday guests. It’s a night for us to chill out. That’s a good thing. It is also our final night to enjoy all our Christmas candlelights before we pack up tomorrow. 😔

We didn’t even enjoy any of one our very favorite N/V Rosé Champagnes over the holidays.

Tastes really good tonight. Showing shades of carbonated Dreamsicle or Creamsicle. However, you remember them growing up. Rich, ripe, candied & lean; black cherries, strawberries, cherries and summertime leaner watermelon. Baguette, grey volcanics, sea spray and finely powdered, razor sharp chalkiness with candied, pink rose pedals. Perfect, crisp, lively acidity and long, rich, well polished & balanced finish with persistence.

Hope you all have had a great start to 2020! — 5 years ago