Hold And Hollo

Spottswoode

Family Estate Grown St. Helena Cabernet Sauvignon 2020

2020 vintage. With @Beth Novak . Decanted and tasted after one hour. Medium body. Nose practically leapt out of the glass with plenty to discuss. Flavors a bit more subdued but definitely present. Just enough back-end, tannic presence to hold court. This should be absolute dynamite in 3-5 years. Initial visit a bit over two years ago (9.5) and was more explosive but will cede that to the last impression getting more air time. Said then that this was my fave since the 1991 vintage and sticking by that. 1.2.26. — 15 hours ago

Ted, David and 5 others liked this

Château Musar

Bekaa Valley Red Blend 2006

It is customary for the wines of Chateau Musar to be released seven years post-vintage. However, in 2013, the decision was made to hold the vintage back. 2006 was unusual for two reasons. The first, were the cool climatic conditions in the Bekaa; the likes of which had not been seen since the 1950’s. There was a two-week period in winter where the valley was blanketed in snow and mild temperatures remained in effect throughout much of the growing season. The second was much more tragic: 2006 was a war year in Lebanon. On July 12th of that year, Israel and Hezbollah engaged in a bloody conflict that lasted (officially) a little over a month. Sadly, thousands of lives were lost. In 2017, eleven years after harvest, the 2006 vintage was deemed ready for release.

Poured into a decanter about 90min prior to service. The 2006 pours a deep garnet color with a near opaque core; medium+ viscosity with moderate staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is developing with notes of black cherry, blackberries, black currants, tobacco, horse blanket, leather, some red and purple flowers, dried herbs and Eastern spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannin and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long and absolutely delicious. A triumph and perfect with lamb chops. Drink now through 2046+.

How Chateau Musar endures to make wines from the Bekaa remain one of the great examples of human grit and determination available in the world of wine. Frankly, it’s a minor miracle this vintage ever made it to the winery.
— 7 months ago

Lyle, Jan and 16 others liked this
Tom Casagrande

Tom Casagrande Influencer Badge

Great note (though “note” doesn’t really begin to cover it).
David White

David White

Love Chateau Musar and its history, thank you @Jay Kline for sharing the story to the 2006

Dom Pérignon

Brut Champagne Blend 2015

Very light pale yellow robe, nose of orchards, limestone and a hint of honeysuckle. Very fresh and rich in the mouth, with lemon zests and mineral notes. Very long. A pleasure now, but hold your breath. A great Dom. Impressive how each year they get it right ! — 2 months ago

Jamie LauderJose Roberto Palazzoveronique paillard
with Jamie, Jose and 2 others
Jamie, Adriana and 10 others liked this

Château Mouton Rothschild

Pauillac Red Bordeaux Blend 1966

From back when Mouton was still a Second Growth. Decanted prior to service; enjoyed over the course of several hours. This bottle of the 1966 pours a garnet color with significant rim variation; medium viscosity with light staining and signs of sediment. On the nose, the wine is vinous with notes of ripe and desiccated red and black fruits: cassis, blackberries, green pepper, tobacco, leather, old wood, organic earth and warm spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium tannin and medium acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is medium. This was a good showing for the ‘66 and certainly has life left in it however, there’s no need to hold out. Drink now. — 6 months ago

Jan, Dave and 19 others liked this

Azienda Agricola Fontodi

Flaccianello della Pieve Colli Toscana Centrale Sangiovese 2017

I love this wine, for me it hits all the notes, balanced, acidity, fruit, depth, interesting tannins that can hold up to salty food. Would like to try this vintage in a few years. — 3 years ago

Ira, Anthony and 9 others liked this

Château Calon-Ségur

Saint-Estèphe Red Bordeaux Blend 2001

‘01 is drinking beautiful in ‘22. Primo. 21 years old is drinking age, how about that?

This wine has aged beautifully and remains strong. Dense and rich, but soft and supple. I’m leaning heavily into the current and jammy notes that remain, but the obvious flavors are the old leather, tobacco, and sage.

Color comes out dark ruby red, but after about an hour in the glass you can see the oxygen taking hold. No decanting required. Glad I bought two of these!
— 4 years ago

Jillian Varner
with Jillian

Château Lafite Rothschild

Pauillac Red Bordeaux Blend 2020

One of the bolder Lafite’s. More body, more alcohol and more tannins than any other vintage I’ve tasted. Great to hold for a couple of decades. — 3 months ago

Tom, Peter and 12 others liked this

Château Lynch-Bages

Grand Cru Classé Pauillac Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 1975

Medium deep garnet with a terracotta rim . This has some sous bois , earthy tobacco , coffee grinds , herbal touches , cedar and dried currants . On the palate this is quite dense and classic in profile , still quite a lot of tannin , sous bois , cedar , some cassis , tobacco and a little herbal. Quite stocky and chunky . Medium length , and balanced acidity . This is still quite dense on the palate , with grippy , slightly rustic tannins . Probably just past peak , but will hold over the next 5 years or so . Tasted at Hedonism Wines , London …. No label on the bottle ! — 6 months ago

Dave, Tom and 16 others liked this

Ridge Vineyards

Lytton Springs Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel Blend 2013

Dang this is drinking well. Subdued fruity nose and rich purple color. Great balance with spice and tons of black fruit. Tempted to say hold but not too long so one can enjoy the fruits — 10 months ago

Joseph Phelps Vineyards

Insignia Estate Grown Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2016

Full bodied, dark and inky. Nice spicy and floral aromas. Very luxurious mouthfeel. Dark fruit, graphite, cardamom, roasted coffee beans. In compartment to other 2016 Napa Cabs I’ve tried of this dignity I would hold on to this a few more years if I could. — 3 years ago

Ron, Brent and 2 others liked this