R & M

M. Chapoutier

Domaine de Bila-Haut Occultum Lapidem Syrah Blend 2020

Cherry red. Black Fruity matured. Good concentration. Black pepper is not much. Fermented flavor.
Fruitiness M+ Sweetness M Acidity M Tannin M Soft Bitterness M Body M Finish M %
Balanced Concentrated M. Chapoutier Domaine de Bila Hait Occultum Lapidem Syrah Blend 20 @1000, city, 260629
— 4 days ago

R. López de Heredia

Viña Tondonia Reserva Rioja Tempranillo Blend 2012

Nice elegance but too light in weight for the price — 13 days ago

R. López de Heredia

Viña Bosconia Reserva Rioja Tempranillo Blend 2011

It’s been a few years since I last checked in to the 2011 vintage of LdH Viña Bosconia and, to my palate, time has been kind. This is far more balanced and open than my previous experience. Popped and poured; enjoyed over the course of an hour. The 2011 pours a ruby color with a transparent core; medium viscosity with moderate staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is developing with notes of ripe cherry, dill, toasted coconut, leather, tobacco, dried earth and spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannins and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long. Delicious. Drink now through 2036. — 2 months ago

Jan, Lyle and 13 others liked this

M. Chapoutier

Les Bécasses Côte-Rôtie Syrah 2010

2010 vintage. Courtesy of @Pinotman /// Andreas. Great fill. Nice cork. Opened with a Durand and decanted. Minimal sed. Tasted 45 minutes, 1.25 hours and 2 hours after open/decant. Initial gamey, smoky nose mostly dissipated and Chambord/dark plum rushed in to fill the vacuum. Medium-medium heavy body still. Surprising, this had not thinned out and was drinking mostly primary. Never been the biggest Chapoutier fan but will be keeping an eye out for this one in the May gray/grey market. Absolutely no rush to crush as this is aging at a (pre-Industrial Revolution) glacial pace. Thank you again @Pinotman /// Andreas!!! 4.17.26. — 3 months ago

Doug, Tom and 4 others liked this

Thierry Allemand

Cornas Reynard (R) Syrah 2014

This had amazing aromatics showing black cherry, meat, graphite, licorice, savory spice, violets & tobacco — 3 months ago

Jonathan, Severn and 7 others liked this

M. Chapoutier

De l'Orée Ermitage Blanc Marsanne 2021

M. Chapoutier “De L’Orée” Ermitage Blanc 2021, Rhône Valley, France 🇫🇷

Overview
One of Chapoutier’s most celebrated single-vineyard Marsanne wines, sourced from very old vines (60–70 years) in the Les Murets parcel. The ancient alluvial soils contribute immense concentration and depth.

Aromas & Flavors
Intensely aromatic with citrus, acacia, caramel, ripe orchard fruit, and floral undertones, layered with toasted nuts and subtle spice.

Mouthfeel
Full-bodied, powerful, and incredibly complex with remarkable length and precision.

Food Pairings
Lobster, scallops, foie gras, roasted poultry, or rich cream-based dishes.

Verdict
A monumental expression of Hermitage Blanc that demonstrates the extraordinary potential of old-vine Marsanne.

🍷 Personal Pick
My absolute favorite of the lineup. This single-vineyard Hermitage shows the firepower of old vines with stunning depth and complexity, easily among the best Marsanne ever tasted. Phenomenal.
— 4 months ago

Ted, ESF and 4 others liked this

R. López de Heredia

Viña Tondonia Gran Reserva Rioja Tempranillo Blend 1973

Touch of over the hill but still OK. Lost color. More for the geeks and aficionados - than the casual wine drinker. So this review is for you guys. — 8 days ago

Zach, Daniel and 11 others liked this
Vin d’Ottawa

Vin d’Ottawa

How long do you think the 2007 can run for? I’ve been aiming to open a magnum in 2030. Perhaps I am being too hasty!
John Howard

John Howard Influencer Badge

Always good.
Rob Brobst III

Rob Brobst III Influencer Badge

I’m your guy Andreas!! I geek out over older vintages.

Louis M. Martini

Lot No. 1 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

Drank my last bottle. Upped my rating a bit. A lovely wine. — 16 days ago

R. López de Heredia

Viña Tondonia Reserva Rioja Blanco Malvasia Viura 2008

Salted orange peel. Butterscotch. Toasted nuts. Amaze balls. — 2 months ago

Tom, Scott@Mister and 1 other liked this

Louis M. Martini

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

This was tasty worth the extra $ — 3 months ago

R. López de Heredia

Viña Gravonia Crianza Rioja Viura 2016

Big winner at dinner tonight — 4 months ago

Alessandro NardiSarah Bignami
with Alessandro, Sarah and 2 others
Doug, Tom and 3 others liked this
Chris MacLean

Chris MacLean Influencer Badge

In a great place

M. Chapoutier

Chante - Alouette Hermitage Blanc Marsanne 2020

M. Chapoutier “Chante-Alouette” Hermitage Blanc 2021, Rhône Valley, France 🇫🇷

Overview
A benchmark Hermitage Blanc made from Marsanne sourced from multiple parcels including Le Méal and Les Murets. The soils combine clay, limestone, and decomposed granite, contributing both richness and tension.

Aromas & Flavors
Complex and layered with quince, acacia honey, almond, ginger, and delicate floral tones. Hints of walnut and spice emerge with air.

Mouthfeel
Rich yet balanced with vibrant tension. The palate shows remarkable depth with a long, textured finish.

Food Pairings
Lobster, foie gras, roasted poultry, truffle dishes, or aged cheeses.

Verdict
A sophisticated Hermitage Blanc that showcases the complexity and longevity of Marsanne from this legendary hill.

🍷 Personal Pick
A horse of a different color, deeply complex and cerebral. The nutty, honeyed character balanced by vibrant tension makes this a fascinating and thought-provoking wine.
— 4 months ago

Ted, Daniel and 2 others liked this

R. López de Heredia

Viña Cubillo Crianza Rioja Tempranillo Blend 2017

Simple light red - low on minerality with good structure — 4 months ago

M. Chapoutier

Les Greffieux Ermitage Syrah 2010

Coming round now and quite drinkable. Good fruit with a complex nose with tobacco, spice, iron, Meatiness and good clarity. Driving well. — 21 days ago

Jay, Jan and 1 other liked this

M. Chapoutier

l'Ermite Ermitage Syrah 2005

Papas gaucho — 6 days ago

Billy, Juan and 1 other liked this

M. Chapoutier

Les Meysonniers Crozes-Hermitage Syrah

Rich French red blend, served on Viking Danube cruise — 3 months ago

Rufus King

Rufus King

Rich French red blend, served on Viking Danube cruise
Rufus King

Rufus King

Well-balanced French red blend enjoyed on Viking Danube River cruise

M. Chapoutier

Belleruche Côtes-du-Rhône Grenache-Syrah Blend

2024 vintage.
Grenache and Syrah blend.
Bright ruby colour.
Medium bodied, spicy, lively and juicy.
Plums, cherries, raspberries and currants with a woodsy, slightly earthy and a white pepper finish.
— 2 months ago

Bob and Tom liked this

M. Chapoutier

Le Méal Blanc Hermitage Marsanne 2009

Opened prior to dinner. The 2009 “Le Méal” Blanc pours a light gold color with medium+ viscosity. On the nose, the wine was initially a bit reductive but that eventually gave way to ripe peaches, passion fruit, a mix of white and yellow flowers, beeswax, almonds, minerals and there was also a wild note of Bandaid with Neosporin (you can’t make this up). On the palate, the wine is dry with medium acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long. The alcohol is high but balanced. Drink now with patience through 2039. — 4 months ago

Jeroen, Scott@Mister and 14 others liked this

M. Chapoutier

Monier de La Sizeranne Hermitage Syrah 2020

M. Chapoutier “Monier de la Sizeranne” Hermitage Rouge 2020, Rhône Valley, France 🇫🇷

Overview
A classic Hermitage Syrah sourced from several parcels including Les Bessards, Le Méal, and Les Greffieux. The vineyards combine granite and clay soils that give the wine both structure and richness.

Aromas & Flavors
Raspberry, blackberry, and cassis are complemented by black pepper, licorice, and subtle smoky notes.

Mouthfeel
Elegant yet structured with concentrated tannins and a long, spicy finish.

Food Pairings
Venison, roasted beef, duck, or aged cheeses.

Verdict
A refined Hermitage Syrah that captures the balance of power and elegance characteristic of the appellation.

🍷 Personal Pick
A beautifully structured Hermitage Syrah that showcases the depth and elegance of the appellation with impressive balance and complexity.
— 4 months ago

Ted, Daniel and 3 others liked this