Sipping Fine Wine

9.0

Estate dates back to Crusades & Scottish navigator, George Smith, owner in the 18th century. Followed by M. Duffour-Dubergier, Mayor of Bordeaux, then Louis Eschenauer, a famous wine shipper. In 1990, Daniel & Florence Cathiard now own estate. Blend of 60% Cab Sauv & 40% Merlot, dark berry aromas, herbs and earthy spice. On the complex palate flavors of cherry and currant with pepper, tobacco and cacao notes. Soft ripe tannins, long finish ending with an earthy mineral character. — 2 months ago

Byron Fuller

9.2

Thrilling. Decanted 90 mins. Still dark brooding core, lightly brickish ruby toward the rim, clear edge. Classic Graves— hot stones, crunchy fruit nose true to the palate. No obvious wood notes. Great length & purity. Still middle-ages for this— long life ahead. Really beautiful. Dream with grouse. — 2 years ago

Bob McDonald

9.2

The 6th wine from the Downs Club Italian dinner. Also from Magnum. Brief notes. A totally different expression from this Super Tuscan made up of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Merlot. Blackberry with vanilla oak scents at this young age. Has a lot of developing still to do. Just a touch of tobacco. Infanticide to be drinking this, particularly from magnum. From the producers of the much more famous Sassicaia. — 2 years ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.3

A tribute to the crest called Rattlesnake Hill, highest point of Monte Rosso Vineyard, famous for rattlesnakes living among the vines, seeking sunshine by day and coiling around the vines at night. Dark Ruby with aromas of berry fruits, tangy herb, pepper and sweet spice. On the palate flavors of blackberry and ripe cherry with black pepper spice, vanilla and earthy sweet herbs. Soft chewy tannins, medium+ finish ending with fruit, spice and earthy oak. Nice! — 4 months ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.0

Pouilly and Fuissé are the names of two villages in the Mâconnais region, located at the foot of the famous Solutré and Vergisson rocks. The vineyards cover a total of 850 hectares which are divided between four communes. Medium lemon color with aromas of citrus, stone fruits and nutty floral notes. On the palate flavors of apple, melon and lemon citrus with notes of honey and nutty oak. Medium+ finish, vivid acidity and ends with minerality. Nice! — a year ago

Kelley Raymond

9.1

Really solid, lots of blackberry notes and a finish that stays with you — 3 years ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.0

One of the wines that has made Allegrini famous, vineyard surrounds Villa della Torre. A blend of 40% Corvina Veronese, 30% Corvinone, 25% Rondinella & 5% Sangiovese, deep Ruby with aromas of dried berry fruit and black pepper spice. On the palate flavors of dried blackberry and black cherry with cinnamon, figs and licorice notes, good balance, lively acid with fine chewy tannins. Medium finish ending with fruit, mineral and earthy spice. Nice value. — 3 years ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.5

Blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot. This estate owes its name to Connetable Talbot, the English general & governor of the province of Guyenne who was defeated at the famous Battle of Castillon in 1453. Deep Ruby, purple hues, with aromas of black fruits, herb, tobacco and earthy notes. On the palate flavors of plums and black currants with cacao and tobacco spice, on a well balanced frame. Fine tight tannins, long finish ending with fruit, earthy spice and cedar character. Nice! — 9 months ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.3

History of Chapoutier family dates back to the early 19th century when current owner Michel Chapoutier’s great-, great-, great-grandfather Marius purchased estate & famous l’Hermitage vineyards. Medium Ruby with aromas of rich red/black fruits and spice, 16 months in 25% new French oak. On the palate raspberry, cherry & black currant flavors with notes of oak. Soft dusty tannins, well balanced ending with fruit, spice and cedar. Very nice! I wouldn’t age long, great now! — 2 years ago

Bob McDonald

9.5

The chosen white wine for the Downs Club Magnum dinner This was a cellar release from Jim Barry recently purchased by the Club. Noticeable Kerosene aromas. Lime and mineral on the palate developing toasty maturity. A long life ahead coming from magnum. The Florita vineyard was famous in the 70s and 80s for the brilliant long lived Riesling made by John Vickery for the Leo Buring label. This wine given 98 points by James Halliday. — 3 years ago