Andrew Cullimore

9.7

Deeper ruby , narrower more intense ruby rim . Pretty closed , lots in there though not yielding much at first at least . Dark spicy cassis , tobacco and cigar , cedar , grafite, cranberry . Lots of weight and ripe black currant and red currant , cranberry , saline , marine influences. Very fine but quite noticeable tannins , longer with more structure than the 2001 . Wonderful freshness from crisp but balanced acidity. Hugely long on the palate. This needs more time , will improve over the next 20 years and probably maintain over a further 20. This gives a glimpse into what a future it has ahead of it . So complex and statuesque , perfect poise , supremely elegant . Wine of the night for me without a shadow of a doubt . — a year ago

ESF

9.0

Dense dark inky huge extraction - massive wine w/blackberry & dark fruits along w/richer red fruit like raspberry, cherry & ripe currant. Subtle mint & pepper, really takes time to unwind. Flavors vivid Day 2. Soft plush smooth on palate with gobs of ripe fruit & spice. Seamless integrated tannins & lengthy finish. Manipulated style - not for me, but it is hedonistic. — 3 years ago

MaJ CappS

8.9

Smells like a spiced pastry

Lively! Red stars dance across the tongue for only a meaty mingling moment, before the tannins start smacking every part of the mouth, up, down, left, right, Jab, Jab, Ka-pow! Those knock out tannins longer on and on.. and on..
Wish I had bought 2 bottles, this needs at least 5 years to relax those teen tannins.
I mean, don’t close your mouth for too long on these tannins, as they act like a vacuum and super glue. You’ll never get your jaws apart.. — 4 years ago

Trevor Scott

9.4

This wine is like when your crush dances with you for the first time at the school dance. — 2 years ago

with Ellyn

Joseph Barsky

9.7

2017 Vintage. 15.8% ABV. OMG, what an inky monster with velvet mouthfeel. Iodine, violets and silky long finish. Amazing. Thanks Russell! — 3 years ago

Jay Kline

9.3

One of the few producers that I purchase each and every vintage. I find that Laurence Feraud’s wines are consistently some of the more interesting and enjoyable wines made in all of Chateauneuf du Pape; particularly when value comes into play. This bottle is my first experience with her 2018 vintage and the first bottle of a small tranche that I swooped up upon release. Popped and poured; consumed over 5 hours. The color is deep ruby with a near opaque core; glossy and gorgeous to behold. Medium+ viscosity. On the nose, this is classic Pegaü with loads of dark cherry and bramble fruit, a veritable hillside full of garrigue, lavender, black pepper, and something that reminds me of old books. On that palate, the fruit is equally generous, brambles and cherries, exotic spices, Herbs de Provence and a somewhat sanguine-like character to it. Substantial structure, though it seems to be a notch lower than the previous three vintages at this point in its young life. The tannins are very sneaky. Almost imperceptible for the first hour and yet, by hour four, they were very much making themselves known (in the Medium+ range). Acid is also Medium+ indicating these have an exciting life ahead. The finish lasts for well over a minute. All in all, another lovely Pegaü that will likely live in the shadow of some of the more heralded vintages in the last ten years however, that doesn’t mean this isn’t a stunner. Absolutely lovely stuff and I very much look forward to enjoying these well into the 2030’s. — 4 years ago

Stefan Dolhain

9.4

2001 vintage. An underrated vintage in the shadow of 2000, but well worth seeking out. An elegant wine, intensely perfumed with flowers, cigar box and cassis. It features a Margaux-like grace and impeccable balance, with the well-tamed tannins kicking in on the finish. This definitely delivers at 20 years old. Abv. 12,5%. — 2 years ago

Jeanette LaFreniere

9.0

Wine adventure #5, smooth, crisp — 3 years ago

Angela Dahdouh

9.5

Really good. Young wine. Need to breath for half hours. Drank with Tatiana and Ollie. — 4 years ago

Randall Brater

9.0

Coffee, vanilla, plums, raisins on the nose. Light to medium fruit with hints of coffee, caramel, toasted oak, and a hint of tannins. This has a nice balance of fruit, spice and tannins, but is a little light for my taste. This bottle is quite enjoyable, but Hartford has others that are better. — 4 years ago