Second Growth

Château Cos d'Estournel

Les Pagodes de Cos Saint-Estéphe Red Bordeaux Blend 2015

A 2nd respected wine label of Cos D’Estournel (a 2nd Growth of the 1855 Grand Cru Classification) with a blend of Cab Sauv at 44%, Merlot at 46,2%, Cab Franc at 5,8% and Petit Verdot at 4% brings out an opulent, intense, deep, yet refined and properly-balanced red. The V’15 is perfectly poised, seductive, and extremely enjoyable. Eruptive fruity, with powerful aromatics in baked red fruits. The level of ripeness and raisins in notably persistent. Pagodes V’15 seats among my top favorites from Saint-Estèphe sub-appellation that will never disappoints and/or falls short of expectations. Cheers! — 14 days ago

Bob, Ted and 4 others liked this

Château Léoville Barton

Saint-Julien Red Bordeaux Blend 2016

My second time trying the 2016 vintage. I’ll hang on to my remaining bottles as it’s only getting better. — 3 months ago

Somm, Peter and 4 others liked this

Tenuta San Guido

Guidalberto Toscana Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot 2017

Second wine still quite young, decant for sure and purple fruit comes alive in the glass. Robust acidity, spice on finish along with fine tannins. #toscana — 5 months ago

Château Latour

Premier Grand Cru Classé Pauillac Red Bordeaux Blend 1995

Age 30 has 1995 Latour is in an amazing place, finally, fully open and giving wafting unmistakable Pauillac perfume, integrated and seamless and liquid velvet in the mouth with melting tannins and an explosively long finale. My fav first growth 💯 — 24 days ago

Jay, Jan and 11 others liked this

Tenuta San Guido

Bolgheri Sassicaia Cabernet Sauvignon Cabernet Franc 2008

A wonderfully balanced Cabinet blend from Bolgheri. Definitely Cabernet notes but so balanced that nothing stands out. Sassicaia is definitely Bordeaux First or Second Growth standard. Understated but irresistible nonetheless. 85% Cabernet Sauvignon; 15% Cabernet Franc. Probably one of the best non Bordeaux Cabernet blends. — 3 months ago

Ira, Jeroen and 26 others liked this

Château Mouton Rothschild

Pauillac Red Bordeaux Blend 1982

Forty-plus years on, people still talk about the greatness of the 1982 vintage in Bordeaux. There are multiple factors that contribute to this and it’s fair to say that Robert Parker’s reaction played a major role in the early popularity; certainly in the States. While some may say that 1982 was merely a “good” vintage by today’s standards, I think history has proven it to be empirically special; there was just so much quality from top to bottom. And yet, even with the high praise of the vintage, the tone shifts to hushed whispers when the 1982 Mouton gets mentioned. Up until that point, the Chateau had sort of underachieved after receiving its unprecedented promotion in 1973. But in 1982, a year full of great wine, they created a legend and firmly cemented their First Growth status. Today, I’m pleased to report the plaudits for the ’82 are all warranted.

Opened and double-decanted earlier in the day. The ’82 Mouton pours a deep garnet color with a near opaque core with some sediment; almost youthful when compared to many of the other older wines poured on the night. On the nose, the wine is developing still; loaded with cassis, black berries, leaf tobacco, leather, and fine baking spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with fabulous structure. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long and full of power. A stunning wine and well in its prime…a window I expect will remain open for a longtime to come. Drink now with bacchanalian abandon and through 2082.
— 4 months ago

Ira, Jan and 29 others liked this
Somm David T

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I picked the Mouton Merlot in 2012 for a day. At the two harvest lunches I attended, they served the 82. Every time they bottle, they take the remaining barrel juice, filter it and then serve the remains at their harvest luncheons for workers & guests. The second lunch I attended, we were seated at the Baroness’s table may she RIP as she passed in 2014. In 2012, they drank the last of the 82.
Jay Kline

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@David T what an awesome story and experience
Bob McDonald

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@Jay Kline I agree re the 1982 Bordeaux vintage. The Chateau Margaux was one of the greatest wines I have ever drunk whereas the Lafite Rothschild was somewhat underwhelming. Bought at the same time from the same shop and stored the same way.

Opus One

Overture Napa Valley Petit Verdot Blend 2021

Opus One second wine. A beauty! Extremely giving already and pure velvet in the mouth — a month ago

Ted, Jan and 11 others liked this

Château Durfort-Vivens

Margaux Second Grand Cru Red Bordeaux Blend 2010

Perfect Margaux perfectly aged. Black fruit followed by tar, earth, and leather. — 3 months ago

Rob and Tom liked this

Château Cantemerle

Haut-Médoc Red Bordeaux Blend 2013

A 5th Growth from the left bank of Bordeaux that never disappoints. Multi-layered, enticing aromas of red fruit, leathery and dried leaf, raising and date fruits, makes this earthy wine a nice option. Had the 2013 vintage and still delivers. Solid tannins, dry and not so aggressive on the mid-range of the palate. Silky finish. — 3 months ago

Daniel liked this

Château Pontet-Canet

Pauillac Red Bordeaux Blend 2009

Second only to the Montrose. Excellent. — 4 months ago

Vino, Austin and 4 others liked this