Ted

9.4

Went to buy a wake surf board. The store didn’t have any but a wine shop was near by. Saw a TikTok about this and had to try. Still way too young. Has some of the green pepper but wow. Smooth tannins and gorgeous dark fruit. Hints of black licorice. Had a big ribeye so very happy now. — 19 days ago

with Jeni

David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.4

1998 not the best Napa Cabernet vintage. However, good producers still find their way through difficult vintages. Joseph Phelps is the rule rather than the exception.

This was poured out of magnum and drinking beautifully by their Hospitality Manger.

Nicely ripe, lush juicy fruits of blackberries, blackberries, both plums, some purple & blue fruits. Dash of spice & lead pencil, anise-black licorice, soft baking spices, caramel notes, some dark chocolate, fresh dark flowers, round acidity and a well balanced, softened structure & tension, elegant, nicely evolved finish that lasted a full minute. — 3 months ago

Jay Kline

9.2

The fruit for "La Chapelle" is sourced predominantly from Le Méal and Bessards (with a little form Greffieux and Rocoules. Relative to the two Chave’s, the 1988 “La Chapelle” seems a bit more like a Hermitage fastball right down the middle of the plate. Desiccated mixed berries, olives, purple flowers, and minerals with a touch of ethyl acetate. Again a great pairing with grilled lamb and Moroccan spices. Vinous and drinking well now through 2035. — 4 months ago

Chad Puckett

9.4

Sweet fruity and a great finish — a month ago

Pooneet K

9.3

Really a lovely Bordeaux style blend from Sullivan in Napa. I am biased as I spent a summer working there. Quite seamless, some nice cassis, has really come into balance. Bit of that very nice menthol laced acid refreshing note on the finish. Delicious and wonderful pairing with steaks on the grill. — 2 months ago

Anne Richardson

8.9

A very pleasant Pinot Noir! We enjoyed along with a meal and all on its own. Would buy it, again. Flavors of cherry, raspberry and vanilla. — 4 months ago

Jay Kline

9.4

As Noël Verset started to divest in his vines, there were several producers who came away with some real treasures. The most famous was Franck Balthazar who was able to purchase Verset’s prized holdings in Chaillots. Perhaps less known is Auguste Clape also purchased some ex-Verset vines in the Sabarotte lieu-dit. The 1997 Clape pours a much deeper color, nearly opaque purple. Dense brambles with some black licorice, lavender pastilles and minerals. Somewhat reticent even at 25+ years old. The venison, umami bomb, potato and pearl onion helped coax this Clape from slumber though. Drinking well now but easily has the stuffing to see 2037 and possibly beyond. — 4 months ago

Jess

9.1

Deep purple color.
Aromas of cassis, stewed blackberry, vanilla.
Off-dry. Flavors of cassis, blackberry jam, vanilla, black pepper. Rich, chewy tannins.

Intensity: 5/5
Complexity: 3/5
Balance: 4/5
Finish: 4/5 — 15 days ago

David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.4

Amazing w/ the Allen Brothers A-5 wagyu.

This is another Bordeaux producer that makes wines for the ages. I’ve waited & waited on 2000, this shows some readiness. Yet, will go another 20 plus years.

Tonight this is well balanced earth & candied fruit. In 10 years, this is candied fruit & florals.

Still medium plus tannins. Blackberries, black raspberries, black plum with ample skin, juicy dark cherries, poached strawberries, raspberries, dry limestone grains with powder, dark, forest floor with dry leaves, some dry herbaceousiness-bay leaf, mint, dark spice, clove, nutmeg, some cinnamon, hints of vanillin, mid berry cola, sandalwood to cedar shavings, used leather, pipe tobacco, anise, some mocha, sun tea, dark, red, purple flowers with a touch of blue, excellent acidity and a well knitted structure, balanced, nicely tensioned with a ripe, elegant finish that lasts two-minutes.

Photos of; Chateau Calon Segur, tasting room, barrel cellar and estate vineyard. — 2 months ago

Robert Ahlstrom

8.9

Deep ruby/purple opaque, pepper, tobacco and red fruit, lovely Shiraz — 4 months ago