Chinese New Year 2018: The Year of the Dog
Bollinger
R.D. Extra Brut Champagne Blend 1982
Bollinger’s 1982 R.D., disgorged in 1995, makes for a great palate cleanser. Mature, but with enough freshness to drink well for at least another handful of years, the 1982 is a fabulous example of just how well Champagne can age with proper storage. Hints of almond, chamomile, mint, dried pear and baked apple leave a lasting impression in this super-polished, silky Bollinger. The 1982 retains quite a bit of freshness, especially considering it was disgorged more than a decade ago. (Antonio Galloni, Vinous, May 2016) — 7 years ago
Philip Togni Vineyard
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 1994
Two bottles of the 1994 Cabernet Sauvignon (Library Release) have both been terrific. Today, at twenty years of age, the 1994 is firing on all cylinders, with breathtaking complexity and nuance to burn. The 1994 is a classic Togni Cabernet laced with savory/spiced overtones, graphite and spices, all supported by firm yet nicely balanced tannins. I imagine the 1994 will drink well for another decade or so, although I don't expect to see too much improvement from here. Sadly, all my bottles are gone. (Antonio Galloni, Vinous, Dec 2014) — 7 years ago
Giacomo Conterno
Barolo Nebbiolo 1958
Follow to learn about our favorite wines & people.
Delectable had this 7 years ago
Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande
Pauillac Red Bordeaux Blend
Another dazzling wine, the 1982 Pichon Lalande is utterly profound from the very first taste. In the glass, the 1982 is powerful and explosive, with seemingly endless layers of flavor that continue to unfurl over time. Vivid, intensely aromatic and seamless, the 1982 has enough pedigree and depth to drink well for at least several decades. What a wine! (Antonio Galloni, Vinous, Oct 2017) — 7 years ago
Taittinger
Comtes de Champagne Brut Blanc de Blancs Champagne Chardonnay 2006
The 2006 Comtes de Champagne is striking, especially in the way it brings together elements of ripeness and freshness in a hypothetical blend of the 2002 and 2004. Smooth and creamy on the palate, the 2006 is all about texture. There is a real feeling of density and weight in the 2006, qualities I expect to see grow with time in the bottle. All the elements fall into place effortlessly. The 2006 has been nothing short of magnificent both times I have tasted it. Comtes de Champagne remains the single best value (in relative terms) in tête de cuvée Champagne. I suggest buying a case and following it over the next 20-30 years, which is exactly what I intend to do. There is little doubt the 2006 Comtes de Champagne is a magical Champagne in the making. (Antonio Galloni, Vinous, Jul 2015) — 7 years ago
Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande
Pauillac Red Bordeaux Blend 2006
One of the most pleasant and unexpected surprises in this tasting, the 2006 Pichon Lalande is gorgeous, which is something I can’t say about too many wines in a vintage marked by climatic ups and downs and irregular ripening. Dark, powerful and intense, the 2006 possesses exceptional balance. A host of black cherry, plum, smoke, licorice and menthol flesh out in this decidedly somber, virile Pichon Lalande. In a vintage in which so many wines are so rustic, the 2006 Pichon Lalande is all class. This sleeper Pichon Lalande will drink well for at least the next two decades, perhaps longer. (Antonio Galloni, Vinous, Oct 2017) — 7 years ago
R. López de Heredia
Viña Tondonia Gran Reserva Rioja Tempranillo Blend
(aged in American oak barrels for nine years and then in bottle for a minimum of eight more years) Faded brick-red. Aromas of red berries, dried rose, cedar and tobacco show outstanding delineation and pick up woodsmoke and herb nuances as the wine opens up. Sweet and seamless in texture, offering mineral-accented red currant, cherry and blood orange flavors that spread out steadily on the back half. The extremely long, tannin-free finish shows compelling sweetness, lingering florality and an echo of smoky oak. (Josh Raynolds, Vinous, May 2017) — 7 years ago
Joseph Phelps Vineyards
Insignia Estate Grown Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 1994
(100% new French oak from here on; from a harvest featuring relatively small berries): Healthy bright, dark red. Captivating aromas of raspberry, tobacco, truffle and smoke are distinctly darker than those of the 1990. Wonderfully suave, fine-grained wine with superb intensity and retention of dark fruit flavors. Harmonious acidity and a firm tannic spine give this wine noteworthy thrust and extend the finish. The wine's 10% Merlot component was partly from the cooler Hudson and Hyde vineyards in Carneros. This impeccably balanced wine remains remarkably fresh. (Stephen Tanzer, Vinous, Apr 2016) — 7 years ago
Delectable Wine
Follow to learn about our favorite wines & people.
Delectable had this 7 years ago