After a strong showing from a 1996 I had a bit ago, I was hoping this 1982 might offer up a similar profile with just a little more age on it to showcase tempting tertiary notes and classical Lalande…
Funky, tired, and fairly flat. There were grumblings about possible questionable storage here, which I unfortunately think to be the case. Cheval is one of my favorite Right Bank houses, but I think…
My notes read, "Muted and COOLER in profile; linear but still approachable. A serious side with an affable one too. Blacker style; currant and black cherry." Missing the extra layer of the flagship…
A better showing than a few months ago, this bottle was fresher and more focused. It still seems to be straining for a full depth of flavor, so perhaps more time in bottle is needed. It's very lifted…
Instantly captivating, with beautiful tobacco, leather, macerated plum, and orange rind flavors that roll across the palate with classicism and sophistication. Super fresh and fully mature, with no…
This sample was a Chewy McChewster, with black currant, dark soil-driven black fruit, licorice, and super dark spices all bundled into a chocolate chunk holiday package. I wanted to pour this thing…
Dark without being deep, the superficial expression of flavor here struggles to find foundation and direction. The elements are searching for each other, but the overall execution appears misguided…
Black fruit and cedar, with some mulchy elements that give it both earthy and modern vibes. Finishes a touch light, especially compared to other producers in 2019. Stylistically it's a little hard to…
Red and black cherry flavors present as a medium expression, with some dark fruit and cedar notes adding to the profile. A fairly simple delivery overall, especially for the 2019 vintage.
This latest iteration of Bella Oaks starts out as a round and fruity magoo, but it turns a little more serious as it swirls in the glass. Enter a nicely placed grip midway through the execution, with…
Linear and strict, with an old school vibe that represents as one of the more rustic versions of VHR. This is not atypical of Bond of course, as consumers of this producer, and in particular the…
Black fruit and cedar, with some redder cherry and soil notes to add contrast and interest. Excellent lift and freshness, with a smidge less depth than the 2018 Oakville served next to it. Drinking…
No denying the quality of Futo's Oakville Cabernet, with its seductive dark fruit and chewy (but ethereal) mouthfeel, this is a textural delight no matter how you slice it. Black cherry and currant…
Still showing beautifully since last having this three years ago, the 2015 Bettina is a classy wine. It still carries those chocolate and soil notes that compliment the dark (slightly rich) fruit.…
Freshness is at the forefront with the 20% Cab Franc pushing the Merlot to the side and flooding the senses with red/purple licorice, red cherry, and floral notes on the playful attack. With more…
This fell flat with a 4-5oz Coravin pull. It was next to a 2015 Rauzan-Segla that initially was just as dumb, but managed to wake up and eventually obliterate the Belair-Monange. The B-M displayed…
It's been five years since last having this wine. I pulled a Coravin glass of this a few months ago and thought it was one of the most boring wines I'd ever tried in my life. Red currant, red cherry,…
It's no Scarecrow, but the M. Etain isn't necessarily trying to be. Next to its big brother, it's honestly barely worth talking about. But if you can peel yourself away from the notion that it will…
The nose here is feral and a little funky, but there is a nice injection of red/black fruit, Christmas spice, black cherry, and black currant. The finish is notably long, with the back end texture…
