Adam Kincaid

9.2

Birthday year wine for me. So far, I’ve aged better than this bottle but it’s close! The ‘88 is slightly past its prime but still worth tasting. In the garden of earthly delights - dried figs, plums, dates, and mushrooms. Some peat and chocolate. Plenty of spice. Very fun. Happy birthday to me! — 3 months ago

with Jillian

Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego

9.2

2000 vintage. Decanted and tasted over the course of 1.5 hours. Expected amount of sed. Chunky, unresolved nose. Medium body. Still too youthful. Would try to give it another 7-10 years if possible. Initial tree branches/greenery dipping into morning fresh water morphed into classic graphite/lead pencil after 45 mins in the decanter. There was a slight metallic streak on the finish that appeared about 20 minutes in and still hadn't dissipated after 1.5 hours. More nimble than the og bad boys from this estate ('86, '88, '89, '90) and a bit less weighty. Mostly positives along with a few (mostly) minor quibblings. A ways to go, tho, before hitting the summit this estate established four decades ago. 9.24.23. — a year ago

Mario Vaillancourt

8.9

Nez riche avec une forte impression sucrée que l’on retrouve en bouche aussi, gras, rond avec un peu d’acidité, finale avec de l’alcool et comme un sucre résiduel, 89. Clairement identifié comme Cotat.

Blind tasting lunch 2009 theme. Nose with strong sugar and sweetness impression that we find on the round and fairly fat palate, a little bit of acidity to balnce it but a finish with some alcool and residual sugar, clearly identified as F. Cotat. 88-89 — 2 years ago

Lee Pitofsky

9.6

Love this vintage for Yquem, one of my favorites in this time period along with 88, 90 and 01. Halfsie tonight to pair with the foie gras and then dessert! Nectar of the gods 😚 — a month ago

Jay Kline

9.4

Not to be outdone, the 1989 Chave Hermitage Rouge showed more brambles than the ’88 along with other desiccated blue and black fruits. Dried flowers, beef, blood, leather and mushrooms. Every time I have the pleasure of drinking old Chave, I’m reminded that these wines have so much character and there is a reason they are so adored. Lovely with grilled lamb and Moroccan spices. Drink now through 2040. — 8 months ago

Jeremy Pollard

9.4

Well this was an excellent choice! Couldn’t decide on dessert and wine so opted to combine them into one. Didn’t take a sip for a good five minutes as I was too engrossed in the nose. Blossom and citrus and sweet tangerine. All sorts of lusciousness and concentration and sweetness but finishes clean and lingering. What a delight to wrap up the night. — 2 years ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.5

Blend of 88% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Merlot, 3% Petite Verdot, 1% Syrah, 1% Malbec & 2% Cabernet Franc, aged for 17 months in 48% new French oak, deep Ruby with aromas of dark berry fruits, oak and sweet spice. On the palate flavors of blackberry, cherry and currants with tobacco and herb spice. Fine smooth tannins, approachable, long finish ending with fruit, oak, spice and herb mineral character. Nice! — 7 months ago

Brian S

9.4

Big bold red and blue fruits, black soil, coffee, bitter sweet chocolate, green underbrush, touch of bitterness at end, lemony salinity, I would lay this down for 10 years at least. — 9 months ago

Pablo Sanchez Bosch

9.2

Very elegant cab blend (88% cab), combining grapes from several vines in Monte Bello. High tannins and lot of potential to age. Notes of plum and cherry, blackberry and forest floor. After opening the aromas are very strong and consistent, a delicious Cabernet. — 2 years ago

Ray Vanderhoff

9.0

88% Cabernet Sauvignon (balance made up of other Bordeaux varietals). Estate grown. Aromas and flavors of ripe black cherry/berry, black currant, blueberry and dark chocolate. Hints of black licorice and blood. Big structure and just a bit tight. Extremely long finish. — 3 years ago