Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.1

This is one of the values you buy in futures in excellent vintages (2005 is) and hold it until now & the next 5 yrs for its best. Yet, will drink another 5 yrs. 2005 I believe is the best Bordeaux fruit in nearly three decades I’ve noted.

Also, this one is not to be confused with the same name Chateau that is Pomerol. Think this was around $20 on release.

If you note the Right Bank map I posted, you’ll see the region of Cotes de Castillon is an outlier region just east of St. Emilion. While a lesser region than SE, it still makes some nice wines like this one.

This bottle has been well stored for nearly 20 yrs. Cork like new with next to no wine stain on its side. One of the prettier 91’s I’ve had in memory.

The color is still deep opaque with a lighter glass edge. No brickish tones.

The nose shows ruby, floral, candied; dark currants, blackberries, black cherries, black raspberries, black plum, poached strawberries & raspberry hues,, dark tarriness, black licorice, mid berry cola, steeped tea, coffee, some lead pencil, dry tobacco, dry river stone, dark, rich forest floor w/ dry leaves, light caramel with understated/layered baking spices & soft dark spices, red, dark florals framed in liquid violets.

The tannins are medium, well rounded, plush & velvety. Palate shows a more pronounced ruby quality, floral to just candied; dark currants, blackberries, black cherries, black raspberries, black plum, plum, poached strawberries & raspberry hues, dark tarriness, black licorice, mid berry cola, steeped tea, dry crushed limestone, moist herbs w/ a sage lead, coffee, some lead pencil, dry tobacco, dry river stone, dark, rich forest floor w/ dry leaves, charcoal w/ ash, warm, dark chocolate sliding into milk chocolate, light caramel with understated/layered baking spices-clove, nutmeg, cinnamon, vanillin & soft dark spices, red, dark florals framed in brilliant, liquid violets, perfect acidity, balance for days, softly knitted, mid tension, very good length with an elegant finish that lasts 90 seconds and long sets on gentle, mid spices and beautiful earthiness.

It is an elegant beauty. It’s a gentle, even palate tug of war with the wine & Wagyu Ribcap. 91-92 with the Ribcap. More 92 w/ the steak. — 10 days ago

Seth Masterson

9.2

Balletto Pinot showdown no. 1
Best in the mouth.
Light ruby-garnet. Visually appears to have age beyond it's 4 years to me.
Not a great nose- overripe fruit, some blue notes, oaky spice- maybe has seen new American oak?
Mouth: wow, great full++ mouth feel, a really nice roundness here, unexpected.
This wine is ready to drink right now! — 4 years ago

Mark S.

9.0

Clear taste. Balanced with acidity, fruitiness, citrus but not too much. Herby 2017 @1170(1800), Eva - No, 200314-200317 — 6 years ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.1

Bright Ruby color with aromas of red berry fruits, spice and floral notes. On the palate flavors of cherry and strawberry with spice, licorice and floral notes. Fine chewy tannins, medium+ finish ending with fruit, floral spice and slight earthy character. — 2 months ago

Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego

9.2

2014 vintage. New release...no really! Held back for a decade until "ready." Medium-heavy body and Cabs don't get much darker in color than this. Tasted more like Spring Mountain or Mount Veeder to me tho as it was missing that Howell Mountain uppercut on the finish. Very nice and the price wasn't as ridiculous as you would expect for a decade-aged, HM Cab project. Producer to keep an eye on for down the road efforts. Heart is in the right place. 8.28.24.
— 2 years ago

Lee Pitofsky

9.6

Absolutely stunning. Quite the contrast to the Colombiere, as this is much more serious and structured and the Aux Cras terroir shines through. New oak is more prevalent, of course, but it’s so integrated already and doesn’t get in the way. The nose is incredibly intense and aromas of dark fruit, sweet spice and a wet rock minerality waft from the glass. While this wine is let’s say, more masculine and less sexy than the Colombiere, there is still a seductive Vosne-like perfume that’s so undeniably CLB and lures you in. The palate is powerful and is full of energy, while at the same time remaining focused and seamlessly delineated. To no surprise length is superior to the Colombiere. Totally irresistible now, but boy this will be a knockout down the road. — 5 years ago

Steve Somermeyer

9.2

Good fruit with very nice spice from the barrel. No malolactic notes which adds to the overall positive impression. — 5 months ago

Andrew Cullimore

9.0

Quite light garnet wide terracotta , garnet rim. Quite a lot of dry spice , nutmeg , star anis , red cherry, raspberry , red currant , earthy hints . After a while a bit more leafy , smoky on the nose. On the palate this is quite light and direct in style , raspberry , red cherry and those earthy , granite touches . This has fresh acidity and fine , light tannins . Reasonable earthy , spiced finish . Certainly ready and on this showing will probably last ok another 5 or so years. Not the most complex , overall I found it a little pedestrian, but still showing ok , but no need to wait any longer , I don’t see this improving . — 5 months ago

Byron Hewett

9.2

Delicious. No malo. Step up from the entry level. — 2 years ago

Stephen Redenbaugh

9.1

Ripe and round...nice inky dark color and chewy texture. No discernible tannin or alcohol (though listed at 16.3)... the wine is nicely resolved at 10 years. Black fruit, pencil lead, and spice notes. A well grown and produced example of California Zinfandel at ten years. Another example that Zinfandel can age gracefully. — 5 years ago