A very complete nose of brioche, citrus and apple pie. In the mouth air is needed to really give this a chance to strut its stuff. Prominent but not overwhelming acid at first but an hour of air makes this as round as a beach ball. The palate starts to duplicate the nose with an hour or so of time. Another positive ‘08 champagne ,with upside from here. — 4 years ago
Tagged “Proprietor’s Reserve,” the wine is entirely from the small Last Chance vineyard and is a numbered bottle. Mine was Number 48. Pale garnet; pronounced intensity aromas of black cherry, fresh herbs, violets, High acidity, low velvety tannin, sour cherry, violet, very clean lingering finish. outstanding quality. Will improve with further age but delicious now. A stunning wine. — 5 years ago
Recent notes suggested this wine was declining and the fruit fading.This was cause for concern as have a few of these I’ve been patiently cellaring. Well, I’m very happy to report this bottle, a Martine’s import, was stellar. To my palate, the wine is in a perfect place. Tertiary aromas and flavors dominate. Very complex aromas of sous bois, herbs de provence, wet saddle and red fruits. The palate is vivid and lively. Extraordinary depth and length that never faded. I can’t say enough great things about this wine. There’s no chance this bottle was fading or won’t last several more years. I don’t think it can improve as it’s almost perfection right now. Simply a stunner. — 3 years ago
This is now the second time in the past ten months I’ve had the chance to visit the 2017 Chateau de Beaucastel. Just as good as the first time I tried it, the 2017 Chateau de Beaucastel Rouge is a nothing short of a scintillating wine from this historic estate. A blend of Grenache, Cinsault, Syrah, Mourvèdre with Counoise, this comes off as a touch more heady than most vintages with layers of ripe boysenberry and black cherry with dried thyme alongside lovely savory tones and salty, stony terroir. The length here is quite impressive, as is the soft texture and bright acidity that brings you back to the glass for more. Wonderfully seductive in its youth, this has two decades of life in front of it. Drink 2022-2038- 95 — 4 years ago
Bright and acidic red fruits up with very unexpected old world flavors in the secondary palate. I took a chance and only purchased 2 bottles last year, I wish I bought more! Highly recommend, a great counterpoint to typical US Pinots. — 5 years ago
Wine Wednesday 6/30/2021 — 4 years ago
Love . Had with Nick & Jess — 4 years ago
In its prime. I didn’t decant for fear of shocking it, and that was the right move. Pop it now if you have it because it’s a beauty from stem to stern. The nose pours out of the bottle with all kinds of flavors and expressions- pencil lead being a primary- but as it had a chance to breath and express itself it blossomed. Lush yet powerful, naturally as it’s blend would indicate it reminded me of some of what I like so much about Bordeaux. — 5 years ago
Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego
1986 vintage, Above average fill. Excellent cork with bottom quarter fully saturated. Decanted with respectable sed. Dark cherry skins color. Tasted after 15 mins. Light-medium body. Nose the usual aged/faintly cigar box intro. Flavors melded together nicely but ever so slightly tart. Delicate, long finish. Thinking the tartness would buff out after 45 minutes open but no chance to prove that theorem. 6.1.24. — a year ago