Simply Naked

Dunn Vineyards

Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon 2007

Simply remarkable- as it should have been for the $$$. Top notch Cali Cab. — 7 years ago

Beth Zitzman
with Beth

Marchesi Antinori

Tignanello Toscana Super Tuscan Blend 2018

2018 vintage. Last tasted 04.08.23 (9.5), 12.01.22 from a 375ml (9.5) and upon release 06.07.21 (9.5). Decanted and tasted after 45 minutes. Mysterious, dark-fruited and dusty nose. Medium body with excellent darkness of night color. Previous baby-fat overtures approximately 90% gonzo. Slimming down and getting more toned. In a state of transition with undeniable tension that can easily be misconstrued as underperforming. Last wine I tasted that was under this sort of metamorphosis at this level was the 1996 Pichon-Lalande about 1.5 years ago. Such a privilege to experience world-class wines in such a vulnerable moment. Everything is laid out bare/naked before you and you can see where the wine is headed and whether it will be following a trajectory that agrees with you. Definitely unusual to find this occurring in a wine this youthful but the 21st Century is smashing the old 20th Century clay tablets and digitizing. For most wine enthusiasts sampling this wine now, expecting some disappointment in the scoring. For myself, this is currently in the perfect symmetry of past, present and future. Will it show critically better in the future according to the accepted trials, palates, judges and juries? Probably. Will they experience the potential, doubts, insecurities and questions? Doubtful. This kid stays in this exact picture for another 2-4 years imho before striking another pose and I would love to taste this again during that time frame. An above and beyond thank you to FLB (Friday Lunch Bunch) regular Todd. 08.15.25. — 8 months ago

Dave, Ruud and 19 others liked this

Château Margaux

Premier Grand Cru Classé Margaux Red Bordeaux Blend 2001

The sleeper vintage, one at this time I bet to be even more showy than the illustrious 2000. It’s simply just ready to go after a short decant wafting from the glass with layers of cassis, black truffle, violets and licorice. This is a wine of texture and elegance, as Margaux should be—It’s liquid cashmere in the mouth with melting tannins and a black truffle and mineral inflicted finale that keeps on going. Superb showing tonight, with still a long life ahead. — 8 months ago

Dave, Bob and 7 others liked this

Château Pontet-Canet

Pauillac Red Bordeaux Blend 2014

STUNNING!! Always smooth and full of energy… simply love it. ❤️ — 2 years ago

Iwan, Austin and 7 others liked this

Jacques Selosse

Brut Rosé Champagne Blend

10/21 disgorgement is simply perfect, rocking tonight and unmistakable with its infinite layers of red berry fruit, blood orange and chalky minerals that wrap around the palate, with incredible texture, density and intensity before its forever finale. The best. — 3 years ago

Severn, Shay and 3 others liked this

Pol Roger

Cuvée Sir Winston Churchill Brut Champagne 2002

I simply love this. It’s my sweet spot for Champagne. Decadently sweet and rich. Deep golden color. My favorite champagne. — 5 months ago

David, Tom and 16 others liked this

Opus One

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2009

So for those who don’t know, this wine is a collaboration between one of the most famous California winemakers and one of the most famous Bordeaux wine makers (the grapes are from Napa).

The young expression when I first had it 10 years ago was big bold ripe fruit, probably the quintessential Napa cab.

The aged expression had more secondary and tertiary characteristics, terroir, and represented Baron Rothschild in respects of crafting a wine that could grow and develop and express the care that goes into winemaking as opposed to simply growing good fruit.

The young version of it perfectly expresses Mondavi and Napa. The aged version captures the elegance of Bordeaux winemaking and Rothschild’s fingerprints. You cannot fully experience this wine unless you’ve had it young and old. Unbelievable experience tonight.
— 8 months ago

Dave liked this