Bob McDonald

9.5

See previous Delectable note in December 2024. Amazingly pale for a 14 year old white. Aromatics of lemon, lanolin and wet straw. It hasn’t yet developed the toasty characters I was expecting, indicating still a long life ahead. Overall this is delicate on a light bodied leanish palate. Only 11% ABV. Lovers of big buttery Chardonnay may not appreciate this wine. 3 bottles left - I will try and have the next one in 12 to 18 months. — a month ago

Ray Vanderhoff

9.3

Blend of Syrah (36%), Grenache (21%), Mourvèdre (17%), Tempranillo (14%), Zinfandel (8%) and Carignan (4%). Dark purple color. Aromas of dark berry fruit, lavender and roasted meat. Flavors of jammy boysenberries, black cherry, black raspberry, black licorice and roasted herbs. Slight hint of vanilla on the long and lingering finish. Well balanced acidity. Medium-plus body. Rich and plush but not over the top. Beautifully integrated and perfectly aged. Thanks for sharing, John S! — 3 months ago

David White

9.1

.Visually dark, opaque black-purple hue, hinting at the concentration.
On the nose, a bouquet of blackberry and plums.
The palate transitions seamlessly, revealing a well-structured profile where integrated tannins provide a firm yet smooth framework. This structure supports a core of persistent fruit that carries through to a notably long and satisfying finish.
A good example of the generally improving wines coming through behind the top liners.
— 5 months ago

"Odedi"

9.1

Deep purple in color with a short purplish rim.

Strong nose and full-bodied with medium acidity and long legs.

Very fruity on the palate with nice complexity and a soft mouthfeel.

Showing blackberries, black currants, cooked plums, cedar, tobacco, chocolates, mocha, coffee, cola, vanilla and spices.

This 8 year old Cabernet Sauvignon is drinking at its peak. Big, bold and very much in your face kind of wine. Not for the faint of hearts.

15.1% alcohol by volume.

91 points.

$50. — 7 months ago

Ken Venezio

9.7

Birthday flight. The 2014 def drinking better than the '13. Less raisin but all the red, black and blue fruits. Not as fruit forward but the complexity and structure are classic Hall. Tannins are more subtle and the finish is long. — 2 months ago

Jay Kline

9.5

Popped and poured; enjoyed over the course of dinner. The 2015 Judge Family Vineyard Syrah pours a deep, inky, ruby/purple color with an opaque core; medium+ viscosity with significant staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is developing with pungent notes of bacon fat, dark brambles, toasted blueberry crisp, lavender, dried green herbs and fine baking spice. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannin and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long. This is aging slowly and gracefully. This remains my favorite Syrah made in the United States. Drink now through 2045. — 3 months ago

Andrew Cullimore

9.5

Ruby core with quite wide garnet , terracotta rim . Quite deep and reserved at first , floral , red berry , strawberry, raspberry , red cherry , very fruit forward . On the palate this is also very primary , with lots of sweet strawberry , raspberry and cherry . Really fruit driven , so young . Bright acidity , quite strict tannin frame . This is a mineral saline note after a while , lots more complexity hidden underneath all plushness of the fruit . Perfectly balanced and proportioned with a long finish . Really promising and the finest of all the wines on this night but you will need to wait for the real fireworks to begin , a wine for the future . Wait 10 years and will probably show well a further 15 -20. — 5 months ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.5

Château Léoville Poyferré 2014
Saint-Julien, Bordeaux, France 🇫🇷

Overview
A distinguished Deuxième Cru Classé (Second Growth) from Saint-Julien, Château Léoville Poyferré has been elevated under the stewardship of the Cuvelier family and Michel Rolland’s consultancy. The 2014 vintage is a classic Bordeaux blend comprised of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc, and 2% Petit Verdot. This cooler year yielded wines with notable polish, freshness, and age-worthy structure.  

Aromas & Flavors
Expressive and refined, the bouquet opens with blackcurrant, cassis, and plum, framed by cedar, graphite, violets, and aromatic spice. The palate is layered with ripe red and dark fruits, along with hints of tobacco, pepper, and soft oak—a harmonious reflection of balanced ripeness and terroir depth.  

Mouthfeel
Medium to full-bodied, with smooth yet structured tannins and vivid acidity. The finish is long and mineral-tinged, echoing Saint-Julien’s limestone terroir while expressing both strength and grace.

Winemaking Notes
Vinified traditionally and aged in French oak barrels (predominantly new), the 2014 benefits from meticulous attention to extraction and maturation, resulting in elegant concentration and finesse.  

Food Pairing
Wonderful with roast lamb, herb-crusted beef, or rich mushroom dishes. Decanting for an hour enhances its layered complexity.

Verdict
A classic expression of Left Bank finesse and depth, Château Léoville Poyferré 2014 strikes an artful balance between fruit, structure, and refinement. Enjoy now with decanter or cellar it to explore its evolution over the next decade.Cheers! — 2 months ago

Ray Vanderhoff

9.1

Dark purple/black color. Aromas of cooked black fruit, violets and Asian spices. Blackberry compote, huckleberry, blueberry jam and black plum fruit flavors along with notes of chocolate, black licorice, basil, tobacco, coffee and vanilla. Hint of saline on the long and drawn out finish. High, but not obvious, alcohol (16%). Velvety texture and tannin structure. Plush, bold and powerful. Thanks for sharing, James W. — 4 months ago

Jeremiah Diaz

8.9

Deep ruby in color; cherries, blackberries, and cassis on the nose; medium acidity; medium plus tannins; tastes like plums, black currants, vanilla, and graphite with a long finish. — 6 months ago