ESF

9.1

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 — 5 months ago

Delectable Wine

Follow to learn about our favorite wines & people.

9.5

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)
— 3 years ago

Martinez

9.1

A winemaking anomaly, Palo Cortado is a rare and mysterious Sherry style that “occurs” when a Fino fails to develop flor normally and begins to oxidize. Historically, these “deviant” casks would be marked with a crossed slash (“palo cortado”) to differentiate them from the rest, have their flor killed by fortifying the wine to 17-18 degrees and continue their life aging oxidatively like an Oloroso. They combine the aromatics of an Amontillado with the structure and smoothness of an Oloroso. This is a superb example by Cayetano del Pino, a venerable “almacenista” and one of the top Palo Cortado specialists. Intense nose with notes of orange peel and varnish. Smooth and powerful, with flavors of hazelnuts and a very long, subtly salty finish
— 4 years ago

Will Stanley

9.7

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. — a year ago

Mark Freund

9.2

Light golden color. Honey and beeswax nose. Surprisingly fresh palate. Balanced, excellent mid palate length and finish. A lovely Chard from a venerable estate known for making wines made for the long haul and this proves it — 4 years ago

with Erin

Laurent Jacques

9.5

This aromatic and robust classic is made by a venerable Tuscan estate with a history that dates back to 1877. First produced in 1927, it pays homage to the Duke of Aosta, who crossed the Alps to taste the wine whose reputation was already well established in the 19th century. — 4 years ago

ESF

9.0

Very pleasant, if a bit unusual for the venerable Argentine producer: straw colored w/big time aromas of white flowers, tropical fruit, orchard fruit, bit leesy & waxy. Med bodied, oily, sluggish acidity, but flavors reflected nose, went down easy — a year ago

Randy Fillingim

9.1

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.  — 2 years ago

Walter Fahr

9.2

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 — 4 years ago

Jeff Hasmann

9.3

The venerable Chateau Fonplegade does it again. This is a rich, full bodied wine with aromas of juicy black fruit, chocolate covered cherries, and mild espresso. The wine attacks the palate with a beautiful balance of silky tannins, lively acidity, and an opulent finish. Certainly, one of Fonplegade’s best efforts. Enjoyable now, but this will really shine in 10 years or so. 2016 vintage on Aug 26, 2019 — 5 years ago