Jay Kline

9.3

Double decanted two nights before service. The 2006 pours a deep, slightly hazy garnet color with a near opaque core; medium+ viscosity with light staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is vinous with a mix of desiccated fruit and funky umami notes: bruised and desiccated strawberry, red rope licorice, nori, Cherry Dr. Pepper, cracked black pepper and leather. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannin and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is forever long and saline; it just hangs around forever. Initially, this came across as bit backward but it really gained power and character the more time it spent in the glass. Drink now with patience and through 2036. — 12 days ago

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9.2

The 2022 Chardonnay (Sta. Rita Hills) is a fabulous introduction to the range. Served last in this series of Chardonnays, the appellation Chardonnay is perhaps a bit more floral and lighter in body, but other than that, it is in no way inferior to the vineyard designates. This is beautifully done. (Antonio Galloni, Vinous, August 2024)
— 3 months ago

Jay Kline

9.2

Double decanted before service; enjoyed over a several hour period. The 1988 pours a deep garnet color with a near opaque core; medium viscosity with moderate staining of the tears and significant signs of sediment. On the nose, the wine is vinous with dried dark fruit, tobacco, mocha, grilled meat, mushrooms, damp earth and baking spices. On the palate, the wine is dry. At this point, the tannins have integrated completely and are perceived as medium; acid is similar. Finish is medium. This leaned towards the more rustic, old school style of Bordeaux and I’m all for it. While this isn’t falling off a cliff, I would drink now. — 5 months ago

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9.7

The 2020 Clos des Lambrays Grand Cru has real intensity on the nose. It's very well-defined with layers of black cherry and blue fruit, mineral-driven with hints of violet emerging with aeration. But this is backward and holding itself back. The palate has exquisite balance. It's a little granular in texture, lightly spiced bordering on peppery, building beautifully in the mouth to exert an insistent grip on the finish. There is a grandeur about this Grand Cru that keeps you entranced, but it will demand time in bottle. Tasted blind at the Burgfest tasting. (Neal Martin, Vinous, October 2024)
— 24 days ago

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9.6

The 2022 Syrah Colson Canyon Vineyard is such a unique wine. Bright floral aromatics and lively acids make a strong opening statement. Pomegranate, blood orange, raspberry jam, slate, crushed rocks and clean mineral notes all drive through this heady, explosive Syrah. This is a magical wine from Joey Tensley. (Antonio Galloni, Vinous, August 2024)
— 3 months ago

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9.1

The 2006 Musigny Vieilles Vignes Grand Cru has a rambunctious nose with raspberry ripple and crushed strawberry scents, though it doesn't fully have the complexity of other vintages. The palate is chewy, slightly muscular and impressively dense. It's surly on the finish with markedly dry tannins that don't urge you back for more. It's the kind of Musigny that I feel would not be made under the present regime. (Neal Martin, Vinous, June 2024)
— 5 months ago

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9.4

The 2020 Barolo Prapò is a complex, beguiling wine that sizzles with Serralunga nuance. Graphite, scorched earth, lavender, sage, menthol and licorice meld into a core of sepia-toned fruit. This expressive Barolo has a ton to offer. Its mid-weight personality is a bit deceptive, but there is a lot of wine here. (Antonio Galloni, Vinous, September 2024)
— 2 months ago

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9.1

The 2022 Pinot Noir Julia's Vineyard is redolent of sweet dried cherry, spice, new leather, mint and sweet pipe tobacco. This aromatic, gracious Pinot is a charmer. All the elements are nicely balanced throughout. (Antonio Galloni, Vinous, August 2024)
— 3 months ago

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9.6

The 2017 Vieux Château Certan was picked from September 12. This has a perfumed and quite floral bouquet with blackberries and violets. It shows lovely definition and mineralité, that hint of wild heather coming through but none of the previous menthol scents. The palate is exceptionally well-balanced with chiseled tannins, which are a perfect bead of acidity. I adore how this gathers momentum towards the lightly spiced, persistent finish. This shows better than when I tasted it just after bottling six years ago, hence my higher score. Tasted at the VCC vertical in Etikhove, Belgium. (Neal Martin, Vinous, July 2024)
— 4 months ago

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9.0

The 2004 Montrose has a slightly rustic bouquet but is quite charming. It offers mainly red fruit, bacon fat, undergrowth and peaty scents, which are very Saint-Estèphe in style. The palate is medium-bodied with melted tannins. It is savory and a little dry, especially towards the finish, though there is good weight, and it is well balanced. Perfect to drink now. (Neal Martin, Vinous, June 2024)
— 6 months ago