The 2019 Malbec Argentino is a blend of grapes from venerable vineyards in Lunlunta and Paraje Altamira; it is essentially a premium Mendoza Malbec. A significant amount was fermented in whole bunches before spending 18 months in used French barrels. The complex nose presents notes of plum and blueberry with hints of country herb, jarilla and pennyroyal over a bed of sour cherry and cedar. There is a whiff of lavender perfume. The fine tannins act as a net that shapes rather than structures the volume. It has good energy and elasticity with grip, juicy freshness and a complex layer of fruit appearing at the back of the mouth. The 2019 is an accomplished wine in a year that allowed for nuance and freshness. (Joaquín Hidalgo, Vinous, November 2021)
— 4 years ago
There is a lot of life left in the 2002 Petite Syrah from Turley’s venerable Hayne Vineyard. Still loaded with bright and dark fruit, the richness of port without a hint of prune, a wonderful funkiness and a long, bright, peppery finish. It’s full bodied and beautiful in its middle age. — 8 months ago
Traditional Bordeaux style, old school presentation: red currants, cigar box, herbs, red fruit, some cassis, Left Bank nose & palate. Full bodied, elegant, lovely integrated tannins. Supple delicious and a solid offering from a venerable producer from Lebanon — a year ago
Still holding its own 18 years later. Fruits and tannins still in balance. A wonderful effort from this venerable winery from a year that was considered quite good in the state of Washington.  — 3 years ago
Super fresh, clean, savoury aromatics from this charming estate which the Rothschilds actually sold just one year following this vintage in 1990. This wine continues my love affair with the 1989 vintage in Bordeaux. Gorgeous cedar wood is complemented by dried cherry, balsamic and mint. The palate adds a touch of chocolatey sweetness and has great balance. Good length for this level. I had a craving for venerable Bordeaux tonight to accompany roast lamb, and this has delivered. A lovely wine. — 8 months ago
The oldest wine that I’ve ever tasted, this 73 year-old La Tour du Pin Figeac from 1950, only the third vintage of this wine since Antoine Moueix purchased the estate from the Corbieres family in 1947. The property would later be sold to Cheval Blanc in 2008, with more than a hectare of the vineyards added to Cheval Blanc and the rest used to produce what is now La Tour du Pin. It’s possible, then, that vineyards used to make Cheval Blanc today were used in 1950 for La Tour du Pin Figeac…I digress. But this was an outstanding, emotional wine, almost impossible to believe that a half bottle of venerable Bordeaux could possess such lively and youthful character - I would have guessed a more recent, powerful vintage such as 1982 or ‘89. It’s clear that it has been stored impeccably. The nose is effusive, dark and brooding with balsamic character, dried red and black fruits, bitter chocolate and espresso, while the palate has great structure and harmony, carrying the fruit through to a long, almost austere finish. Yes, I believe this wine will continue to age well. Absolutely phenomenal stuff. — 2 years ago
Above average Cotes.du Rhine from the venerable Perrin family of Chateau de Beaucastel. Fragrant nose. Lovely cherry flavor on the palate that lingers. Pairs well with a beef stew or even with lighter fare. Great value — 5 years ago
Andrew Cullimore
Medium deep garnet , medium terracotta rim . A very healthy looking colour. Quite mature and venerable on the nose , sous bois , iodine, plum, old wood , earthy with herbal touches and fresh tobacco . Reasonable volume on the palate with light sous bois and nori notes , quite fresh acidity and slightly gritty tannins still. Tobacco , grafite slightly short finish. Quite a good showing for a wine of almost 80 years old, enough interest and volume on the palate . Probably better a few decades ago , but certainly more than a curiosity as the wine stayed with us well for over 2 hours . Drink now . This was an ex chateau bottle that had been reconditioned at some point , I would imagine by the looks of the cork , about 20-25 years ago. No mention of this on the bottle however . Into neck fill. — a month ago