Dark fruit and gravel, with a drying effect that signals another decade+ is needed to get into full consumption mode here. Both dark and higher register cherry notes, with mineral elements washing…
This is my fourth time sampling this beauty, and it is as consistent as the day is long; the 2020 Cheval Blanc is all about class and refinement, with perfectly defined red and purple berry flavors…
Fresh and floral, this vintage of Lafleur may not have the sheer intensity or density of other vintages, but its refinement and lift are unmatchable. Red and purple berry, bushels of pink and white…
Black and red cherry, muddled strawberry, tobacco leaf, cedar, and earth. A fine food wine, but a bit mushroomy for my taste. Lacks depth and profundity. Medium-minus on the finish. Drink now.
This was best after half the bottle was recorked (not gassed) and left in a cold cellar for three days. Modern, dark, and powerful, but sans the heat after the third day. Let these lie for a number…
Leather, sherry, soil dusted plum, and caramel. This bottle was an interesting curio, but seemingly either past its prime or had some storage issues perhaps. or a combination of both. Fun to try but…
A decent amount of fruit is still alive and kicking here, with signature cherry and plum notes intermingling with some soil and leather flavors. Dried roses and river rock flavors make an appearance…
Paired great with some hifalutin French pastries, this vintage of Yquem shows some of the exuberance of the warmer year. Apricot, honey, peach, and just enough herbal pep to keep it properly in…
Unctuous, but with youthful focus and lift, the 2022 is a crème brûlée's BFF. I would say this comes off a bit more honeyed and viscous than, for example, 2021, 2020, 2019, and 2017, and perhaps more…
LOCKED UP TIGHT BRO! Completely forget about these for another two decades. A tannic monster that is fully weaponized and ready for all out war. Glory is sure to be had one day, but that day is not…
Ah yes, there's that hallmark heroic nose that only Lafleur seems to be able to conjure up. Floral (violets) and freshly washed red and purple berries. The palate is full of Miami dance club pop. A…
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…
Interestingly, I found this 1989 Montrose to be much more awake and fresher than a funky 1990 Montrose I had a while back. Mulch, forest floor, and tobacco leaf are beautifully counterbalanced by…
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…
I had the 2005 VCC a few years ago and it was pretty funky and heady. This bottle is 'certan'ly less 70's afro show, but it lacks some energy, slouching around with bad posture for most of…
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…
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…
