Plumsand some menthol-eucalyptus on the nose. Pretty big and intense. Beautiful fruit, tannic but not out of whack. Such a good wine. This could sit for a few more years, but given the inconsistency of my cellar, i didnt want to wait. Had it with a grilled, dry- aged NY Strip. Oh my.... — 4 years ago
Great wine. But it is better to wait a little bit to drink it — 5 months ago
Rarely do I go over the top on ratings but this is very deserving. Just extraordinary in its complexity, balance and profile. Dark and inky in the glass, loads of red and black fruits, cedar and a hint of chocolate. The finish just lingers and the tannins have softened. I'd say this was well worth the wait. — 7 months ago
Fresh apricot, glazed almond, nutmeg, and cardamon spice. Layered with honeysuckle, pear, and green apple. There is a short crust, pear tart character on the nose. Still so grab and lively on the palate. Stone fruit, orchard fruit, toasted almonds, and Danish butter cookies. Linear acidity with bright, zesty finish with pithy lemon notes and tart apple. Lingering finish with a touch of warm spice. Waited a while to pop this one - it was well worth the wait! — a year ago
2012 | Pinot Noir
Beaux Frères; Beaux Frères Vineyard (Estate)
Ribbon Ridge; Willamette Valley, OR, USA
(93-95; Drink 2027-37)
Delayed 2023 Thanksgiving with the extended family.
Much to look forward to here, all the B-F traits to love, strawberry, black raspberry, plum, white pepper, still bold and wanting several more years to really enter the zone for my palate.
The 2004 vintage is drinking perfectly now, a respectable presentation of the AVA. I can't wait for this to catch up. — 7 months ago
1949 vintage (!!!). Very special half bottle, but more than half the volume lost to evaporation. Opened this gem at Totoraku yesterday to go with two full bottles of Chateau Lafite Rothschild, 1996 and 1952 (!!). This Temple of Beef demands special occasion wines. Cork fell apart in the bottle so we poured it all in a decanter but did not wait to sip. Pale strawberry-orange color, surprising tart fruit nose, supremely delicate taste with just a bit of fruit and life left. Not the best bottle on the table but certainly not the undrinkable. Interesting experience. Would gladly do it again in the name of science. Oldest Red Bordeaux I have ever tasted. — 7 months ago
Agree with those who describe the finesse in this reserve. Long open but worth the wait every time. apparently higher in sangiovese than other vintages and it works just fine. Really nice Antinori offering! — 3 years ago
Victor Hsu
Promising red fruit on the nose but a bit too tannic—decanting was de rigueur. After 45 minutes it was better but still tight. It took a full two hours to open up fully and show interesting notes of tobacco, earth and pencil shavings to balance the fruit and acid. Tells me that I should wait another five years before opening my remaining bottles. Enjoyed the 2021 vintage with prime ribeye cap steak from Costco, chicken liver pate and Taleggio cheese, with visiting family (William, Teresa, Xander and Samantha). — 13 days ago