Jay Kline

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

Hugh O'Riordan

9.1

Dark and rich earth flavors. Very well balanced with good finish. It’s from Livermore not Australia! — 3 years ago

Paul J

9.4

Great as always!! Dark red color. Nose of earth, graphite, and French terroir. Silky smooth. Medium plus depth with rustic tones and dark fruit. Medium plus finish. Great pairing with BBQ short ribs. — 3 years ago

with Brooke

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9.1

The 2014 Musigny Vieilles Vignes Grand Cru is a vintage I have not tasted for some time. Quite rustic on the nose, it offers red fruit, juniper berries, leather and forest floor scents that take time to cohere. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannins, austere like so many of the Côte de Nuits reds, and a slightly dry finish. (Neal Martin, Vinous, June 2024)
— 4 months ago

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

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

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

Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego

9.0

1986 vintage. Sampled five bottles for a 1986 BDX tasting @ Mister A's in San Diego. Double decanted and tasted over four hours. Medium body. Pretty rustic early on and that stayed consistent till the end. Opened up a little later with a splash of bright cherry fruit. Should stay the course for another 5-6 years. 3.14.24 — 6 months ago

Vasanth Balakrishnan

9.1

The elegant side of #grenache - High-toned strawberry + red floral elements on the nose, elegant creamy texture on palate, soft tannins, balanced acidity. Lovely wine from I. Brand & Family Winery. #centralcoastwine — 2 years ago

Paul J

9.2

Medium red color. Rustic nose. Medium tannins with minimal fruit. Seemed more like a Super Tuscan or Barolo than Napa red blend. Medium minus finish. I think this was past prime, but still nice. — 3 years ago