Château Pontet-Canet

Pauillac Red Bordeaux Blend 1981

9.1

Opened 24 hours prior and decanted for sediment before returning to the bottle; enjoyed over the course of two days. The 1981 pours a deep garnet color with a near opaque core; medium viscosity with moderate staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is vinous with notes of tart brambles and plums, green bell pepper, tobacco, leather, all of the decomposing earth and soft baking spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium, mostly integrated tannins with medium+ acid, borderline high. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is medium. Overall, a wine that is a reflection upon the vintage and at 43 years of age, that’s a big compliment. The 1981 is very much alive and will likely live for a very long time. However, it is backward, rustic, and somewhat tough to love unless you’re an old-school masochist. But I’m guilty and this wine is charming despite all of its green character. Drink now and over the next 30 years probably. — 2 months ago

Bob, Ira and 12 others liked this

Tom Casagrande

Pontet Canet was underachieving big time in 81. The 82 was great (I bought futures!). And after that it was a gradual climb back to the high quality level that had been lacking in the 70s.

Jay Kline

@Tom Casagrande ‘81 was tough but they are still alive to tell the story. Agree that they have been on the ascendency since then.

Pali Wine Co.

Charm Acres Sonoma Coast Chardonnay 2018

Jerry Raphael

8.9

Been drinking this over a few nights and very nice — a year ago

Agricola Punica

Montessu Isola dei Nuraghi Carignane Blend 2019

Ray Vanderhoff

9.1

Carignan based red blend (also has small amounts of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah and Cabernet Franc). Deep ruby in color. Intense black fruit aromas and flavors. Notes of fresh herbs, purple flowers and Forrest Floor. Touch of saline on the finish. Full bodied with a velvety texture. Nicely balanced acidity and medium tannins. Beautifully rustic! Thanks for bringing this one, Petey! — 3 years ago

Bob, Clive and 2 others liked this

Domaine Auguste Clape

Cornas Syrah 2021

Alessandro Dalle Carbonare

9.3

Imprecise, rustic and truly arteasanal. Despite this I have the feeling it will improve a lot with time. Perfect wine for food pairing. 93-93+ — 5 months ago

Paul and Peter liked this

Saxon-Brown

Sangiacomo Vineyard "Green Acres Hill" Chardonnay 2019

John Chawluk

8.9

Well balanced Chardonnay. Good fruit, not overly oaky. Nice Christmas gift. — 8 months ago

R. López de Heredia

Viña Bosconia Reserva Rioja Tempranillo Blend 2011

Sipping Fine Wine

9.2

A blend of 80% Tempranillo with 15% Garnacha, rest Graciano and Mazuelo, aged 5 years in American oak, deep Ruby with aromas of ripe jammy fruits, spice and tobacco notes, resulting from a warm dry growing season. On the palate flavors of ripe plum, blueberry and ripe cherry with spice, tobacco and cedar notes. Fine big rustic tannins, long finish, savory ending with tobacco and leather notes. Nice! — 8 months ago

Vino, Tom and 7 others liked this