Sauvignon Blanc can often come off a bit angular for me, with any attempt to smooth out the edges resulting in a boring, though somewhat less boxy, profile. Either way, none inspire me so much…
Instantly captivating, and clearly the stallion of the stable, the powerful push on the front end of the 2009 Cheval Blanc benchpresses the initial thrust of dark black and red cherry, licorice,…
The nose on this monster is off the hook crazy intoxicating. The attack on the palate is less mind-altering initially, with a hyper-linear and primary delivery of powerfully torqued-up unripe black…
Dark chocolate, black cherry, stewed plum, medjool date, menthol, and anise dominate the profile, with earthy elements complementing chewy black licorice, purple flowers, cedar, and Christmas spice.…
Leather, burnt orange peel (or maybe I just think of this because this Margaux has an Old Fashion type of vibe to it), stewed Amarena cherries, forest floor, bark, and sherry. There is still some…
The nose and the palate match, with a sherry liqueur note that stays prominent throughout the delivery. Finishes with a bite. Muddled and stewed cherries, mushroom, leather, golden raisin, and pink…
Apricot, grass, peach, and gorgeous floral hits combine in sweet (well, semi-sweet actually) bliss. I was even more taken with this sample than the one I had a month or so ago. I'm not a huge dessert…
Even on the first glass from a pop-n-pour (cuz you have to get after it early on this wine, otherwise it'll be drained in the blink of an eye amongst this eager group of wine mongers), the 2018…
Still about 3-5 years before prime time, though there is an accessibility that displays pure and clean black and red cherry, black currant, cedar, dried roses, and hints of tobacco leaf. It rides a…
With a makeup of 90% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Franc, and 3% Cabernet Sauvignon (per Valandraud's spec sheets. Note, however, that I've seen other erroneous "pro" reports that list the CF as high as 15%…
A little Merlot-y at times, with plumy, softer and rounder contours presenting like hanging out and watching tv with your best friend, or maybe just a decent friend. A chill experience without being…
Poured alongside the Adamvs wines just for a fun comparison. The Fonplégade is of course a bit of a different animal, both in terroir and price point (most vintages of Fonplégade can be had for…
A super-duper young pup that is all about acid and freshness. Higher register yellow citrus and stone fruits, but with the signature Yquem herbal and flowery notes that immediately add interest. The…
This was a powerhouse, so much so that its brute and brawn overpowered its ability to capture finesse and nuance throughout consumption. This thing needs some serious sleepy time. Even then, it may…
I had been playing the Coravin game with this wine for a few months before finally opening the bottle tonight. It was a coiled-up beast with a super driven acid-tension thing going on that was ultra…
I'll start off by saying that I am indeed a 2019 BDX fan, believing that a number of wines from that vintage display a budding exuberance and purity that make for some early consumption enjoyment as…
Black fruit dominant, with charcoal, blackberry, soil, and bitter chocolate leading the charge. Dare I say "modern" on the attack, with a push of fruit and power at first, relaxing its flex halfway…
I still believe this wine is an over-performer, especially when compared to some other peers twice the price. This is coming into the beginning of a nice drinking window that doesn't require too much…
This is presenting as quite the agreeable unfolding of ripe black cherry, raspberry, and blackberry flavors. Ripe and round in the middle with a requisite grip that gently squeezes the sides of the…
This was probably my wine of the night. It's just so darn yummy and expressive, with a spine that is so focused and intense without overpowering the fruit or the focus. Black and beautiful fruit that…
Notably less in the funk locality than the 2005 VCC, this 2010 displayed a red berry-meets-cedar profile that was further complimented by some darker attributes, adding to the perception of depth and…
Both the 2010 and 2005 VCC were bumping 'We Got the Funk' more than any of the other wines at the table. Not surprisingly, this 2005 carried a greater display of the heady old world profile over the…
This seemed to be in a less than affable mood for most of the evening. On one hand, I think there were not only other better showing wines, but also, simply better wines that the Belair-Monange just…
