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Displaying [26-50] of 1000
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1990 Chateau Lafite Rothschild
(France / Bordeaux / Pauillac)
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RATED: 12/15/1993 |
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| COMMENTS: |
Deep ruby color, scented with spice, mint, and berry. Concentrated heavily, complex, and ripe. A fruit bomb with huge cassis/currant flavors. A classic Lafite.
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2001 Robert Foley
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Claret
(USA / California / Napa / Spring Mountain District)
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RATED: 10/26/2005 |
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| COMMENTS: |
Had my first bottle with Marc & Hollie at Canlis ($220), then another bottle with Dad/Mom/Zoe/Betty ($220), then again with Zoe for her birthday ($220).
RP99 The virtually perfect 2001 Claret (80% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Merlot) is a tour de force in winemaking. It possesses extraordinary concentration, intensity, purity, and ripeness, yet retains an elegant style. With a spectacular perfume of blackberry liqueur, cassis, acacia flowers, graphite, espresso roast, and chocolate as well as a 60-second finish, this long, dense 2001 is still primary, but already fun to drink. 2006-2020.
WS96 An intense and powerful youngster, with vibrant, concentrated flavors that show off exotic spicy fragrances, with dense currant and blackberry flavors that finish with a potent aftertaste that gushes with fruit and tannins.
Tanzer:95
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2001 Penfolds
Shiraz
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Grange
(Australia / South Australia)
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ALCOHOL: 14.5%
RATED: 05/10/2007 |
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| COMMENTS: |
Appearance: clear, deep intensity, ruby/garnet color
Nose: clean, pronounced, developing, pencil lead, black fruit, blackberry, black cherry, mint, eucalyptus, super intense, pepper spice, some vanilla, clove spice. The most beautiful mix of fruit, earthiness, and herb aromas. even a hint of sauteed mushrooms with some soy...weird!
Palate: dry, high acidity, high tannin, full body, pronounced intensity, big black fruit, blackberry, black cherry, lead, savory herbs, some mint/eucalyptus, coffee, tobacco, cedar, leather...this wine is FULL of all kinds of flavors. The flavors just keep jumping out left and right. Super balanced. The acidity runs right down the middle of my tongue, the tannins slowly expand fully and evenly, the fruit is not too big or too juicy, just lush and ripe and has the right amount of modesty. The finish goes and goes and goes, literally for minutes and minutes, ending with the flavor of a slightly tart fresh blackberry. Seriously, two minutes later, it tastes like I just ate a delicious blackberry. Perfect fruit!
A intensely complicated and remarkable wine. There is a lot of hype surrounding Grange for a reason, the best new world bottle I have tasted.
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| SCORE: 99
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| BY: Paddy
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| PRICE: $200 |
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1976 Chateau Cheval-Blanc
(France / Bordeaux / St-Emilion)
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RATED: 05/18/2007 |
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| COMMENTS: |
tasted at dinner with brief tasting notes made
Appearance: clear (decanted), deep garnet/tawny
Nose: dusty, hint of anise and mint, fresh and lively cherries and dried fruit, great acidity, very silky and velvety in the mouth. extremely round and balanced. very, very long smooth, sweet fruit finish.
If I had tasted this wine blind, there is no way I would have pegged it as 30 years old. More like ten years...it had such lively acidity and fresh, ripe fruit. This was far and away the best Bordeaux I have experienced. Possibly the most complex, interesting and delicious European...make that, any, wine I have tasted. Stunningly good.
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2001 Armand Moueix
- Cotes trois Moulins
(France / Bordeaux / St-Emilion)
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ALCOHOL: 13.0%
RATED: 06/02/2010 |
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| COMMENTS: |
This pleasant red wine has a cherry red colour with a brick tint. It has an elegant and complexe nose ; a mix between sweet and animals odours. It has old flavours, liquorice, sweet smell with animals flavours. On the mouth, this elegant red wine has a good balance, it has a roudness attack and fruity evolution. It is harmonious, full bodied, velvety and rich in the mouth. It stays a long time in the palate.
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1997 Alvaro Palacios
- L'Ermita
(Spain / Catalunya / Priorat)
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RATED: 08/13/2004 |
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| COLOR: |
Red Purple.
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| AROMA: |
Licorice. Bacon. Leather. Black Currant. Plum. Smoky. Oak. Vanilla.
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PROFILE: |
Complex. Balanced.
Viscous Smooth
Mouthfeel.
Voluminous Rich
Body.
Moderate
Tannin.
Long
Finish.
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| COMMENTS: |
Highly anticipated. Critics had voted it to be the best wine in Spain of 1997. Well, it surely didn't disappoint. Deep dark inky color, a sign of super concentration. The nose exploded with multi-dimensional character and the outburst of flavors is surreal. It is so seductive with plum, smoky oak, pain grille, blackcurrant, bacon, leather, raspberry, blackberry, tropical fruit, vanilla, licorice... this list goes on forever. How can a wine possess such complexity? Are you sure it is only grapes and oak? To my surprise, this wine is not at all heavy. It is as smooth as silk with flavors dancing on the palate elegantly that seems to last forever. Every sip is a whole new world. One can feel the warmth of the sun, the soil and the vineyard where the grapes ripens. It is a wine that goes deep down to one's soul. It is a piece of art that reminded us why we love wine in the first place. It is the kind of wine that every wine lover yearns for.
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| SCORE: 99
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| BY: rchan
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| PRICE: $225 |
| DRINK:
In 5-10 years |
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1978 Jaboulet
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La Chapelle
(France / Rhone / Northern Rhone / Hermitage)
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RATED: 08/02/1999 |
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PROFILE: |
Complex. Balanced.
Medium
Body.
Moderate
Tannin.
Long
Finish.
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| COMMENTS: |
I have a particular sentimental connection to La Chappelle as it is my epiphany to the world of fine wine. This wine is the reason why I fell in love with La Chappelle. The complex finish seems to last forever that keeps changing and bringing back hints of different flavors earlier on and that cycle just keep building on every sip. It is so profound. One of those very few wines that touches your soul.
Had 2 bottles in two different setting. The other bottle while was very good but was no where comparable to this one. I guess bottle variation/storage in older wine is almost as important as a good vintage.
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| SCORE: 99
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| BY: rchan
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| DRINK:
Now |
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1986 Chateau d'Yquem
(France / Bordeaux / Sauternes)
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RATED: 01/04/2005 |
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| COMMENTS: |
It's hard to describe this wine without using foul language. It's THE reason you drink wine in the first place. Wine Spectator may have declared the Riussec as the Wine of the Year, but this is it's big brother! Quintessential d'Yquem just now starting to emerge into it's drinking window. Orange marmalade, honey, nectar, apricot and hawaiian flowers are just the beginning of your journey. This bottle takes you through a tropical rain forrest and over distant oceans before letting you down gently. You don't drink this wine, you EXPERIENCE it.
Drinking nicely now, it'll go another 25+ years.
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1982 Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande
(France / Bordeaux / Pauillac)
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RATED: 07/22/2006 |
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| COLOR: |
Brick Red.
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| AROMA: |
Dark Fruits. Woody. Nutty. Cedar. Toast. Strawberry. Tobacco. Smoky. Blueberry. Plum. Blackberry. Black Currant. Prune. Savory. Fig. Leather. Spice. Truffles. Licorice.
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PROFILE: |
Sweet. Tart.
Balanced. Complex.
Smooth Viscous
Mouthfeel.
Rich
Body.
Moderate
Tannin.
Long
Finish.
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| COMMENTS: |
dark ruby-garnet. Aromas of black fruits, meat cedar smoke complex Full-bodied a long finish very very good nearly perfect.
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| SCORE: 99
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| BY: nic
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| PRICE: $400 |
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NV Krug
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Grand Cuvee
(France / Champagne)
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ALCOHOL: 12.0%
RATED: 02/18/2006 |
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| COLOR: |
Amber.
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| AROMA: |
Apple. Pear. Butter.
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| FLAVOR: |
Pear. Butter.
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PROFILE: |
Crisp Acidity.
Complex.
Effervescent
Mouthfeel.
Medium
Body.
Moderate
Tannin.
Long
Finish.
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| COMMENTS: |
I was tasted on about 40 wines when we aquired the Clicquot biz out at Pacific. That tasting included: Dom Perignon, M & C Rose, Nectar; Clicquot NV, Vintage '99, '99 Rose, Grand Dame '96; Krug Grand Cuvee, Krug Vintage Rose, and the Clos Du Mensil '90.
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1998 d'Arenberg
Shiraz
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The Dead Arm
(Australia / South Australia / McLaren Vale)
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RATED: 06/13/2004 |
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| AROMA: |
Black Currant. Chocolate. Blackberry. Toast. Oak.
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| FLAVOR: |
Spice. Black Currant. Chocolate. Blackberry. Toast. Oak.
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PROFILE: |
Complex. Balanced.
Viscous
Mouthfeel.
Extracted Voluminous
Body.
Moderate
Tannin.
Long
Finish.
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| COMMENTS: |
Super intense, spicy, explosive with layers and layers of flavors. Very masculine. Excellent mouth feel of mocha, bitter sweet chocolate, blackberry, blackcurrant, and toasted oak. A very forward wine. Ka-baam! Like it wants to knock you out in one shot. Nice attack. Then, the magic happens. The wine becomes more and more elegant with every sip. The textures changes from chewy to creamy. The acidity slowly peep out and cuts through the well endow flavors and define its structure. The finish gains in complexity as the wine slowly opens up. Each flavor becomes more harmonious with each other rather than fighting for dominance. Still a bit coarse at this young age. Great potential we see here. Tasted more than a dozen times since release and never failed to impress. It is a steal compare to the Grange.
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| SCORE: 98
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| BY: rchan
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| DRINK:
In 3-5 years |
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1994 Harlan
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Estate
(USA / California / Napa)
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RATED: 10/13/2003 |
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| AROMA: |
Coffee. Smoky. Tobacco. Toast. Hazelnut. Oak. Vanilla. Red Fruits. Dark Fruits.
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| FLAVOR: |
Coffee. Smoky. Tobacco. Toast. Hazelnut. Oak. Vanilla. Red Fruits. Dark Fruits.
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PROFILE: |
Complex. Balanced.
Viscous Smooth
Mouthfeel.
Rich
Body.
Moderate
Tannin.
Long
Finish.
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| COMMENTS: |
Tasted in a magnum with Bill Harlan at a restaurant in Napa. Rarely do I find california wine that can rival a great bordeaux in terms of complexity, elegance and length. The wine seems to bring together the best of both world. Unfortunately, it is still too young to determine what it can be when it is fully matured. I wished I can afford one.
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| SCORE: 98
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| BY: rchan
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| DRINK:
In 5-10 years |
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2003 Luna
Pinot Grigio
(USA / California / Napa)
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RATED: 11/13/2004 |
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| COMMENTS: |
Rich, dark, bold, fruity wine. Much stronger than other Napa Pinot Grigios. Not dry.
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1990 Chateau Leoville Las Cases
(France / Bordeaux / St-Julien)
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RATED: 09/03/2004 |
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| COMMENTS: |
Tasted on 9.3.04 after 90 minutes in the decanter. Showing very well indeed! Super rich flavors and LONG Finish! Nose of lead, cherries, and vanilla. Full bodied, well integrated tannins. Smooth flavors of dark fruit and cassis.
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2002 Shirvington
Shiraz
(Australia / South Australia / McLaren Vale)
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RATED: 08/11/2004 |
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| COMMENTS: |
Tasted on 8.11.04 at Wind's Cafe in Dayton, OH. Priced at an AMAZING $59.00.
Amazingly dark color, and the taste of currants, and dark fruits played VERY VERY well with our appetizer of Goat Cheese Stuffed Figs wrapped in Pancetta.
Super rich! I did not have time to decant, but drank slowly over 90 minutes, and while the wine did improve, it hit the glass very well indeed.
One of my favorite Shiraz from 01-02, ahead of the 2001 Dead Arm, which I would give a 97, and just behind the record setting (in my book) 2001 Run Rig, which I would give a 99 to.
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2001 d'Arenberg
Shiraz
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The Dead Arm
(Australia / South Australia / McLaren Vale)
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RATED: 06/02/2004 |
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| COMMENTS: |
Everything it was reputed to be and more. Black core, deep purple edges. Still grapy, and massive tannins matched by insane extracted fruit. The intriguing bouquet though, I think, is really going to expode in a few years. Everything a shiraz should be - plums, licorice, and spice, with some really bold aromas. A mint element that bounces between spearmint and euclyptus. A finish lengthy enough to be impossible. Crushed Raspberries and graphite make an appearance in the nose. Swirl this monster in your glass and it'll stain the sides of the glass red. Ridiculous!
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2002 Amon-Ra
Shiraz
(Australia / South Australia / McLaren Vale)
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RATED: 06/02/2004 |
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| COMMENTS: |
The first thing you have to know is this is a MONSTER. Pouring the 2002 Amon-Ra into the glass was like pouring a black inky port. It was black as night, deep plum colored giving off scents of coffee, black licorice and overly ripe fruit. Like the Dead Arm, Amon-Ra Shiraz stains the glass when you roll it around leaving a film of blackish plum.
After decanting for over an hour (which wasn't enough), impressions of cassis, cedar, blackberry jam, toast, asphalt intermingle over a thick, viscous frame. Surprisingly, the tannins weren't overpowering, but integrated into the background nicely. Drink now if you dare, but it's better to wait 5-10 years.
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1994 Dominus
(USA / California / Napa)
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RATED: 02/03/2004 |
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| COMMENTS: |
Sampled 2/3/04. This wine is a pure treasure that is still young and evolving. It took over 1 hour for just the nose (a classic Bordeaux) to begin to open up. After 2.5 hours of decanting, the wine finally started to reveal its true measure. Blackberry up front; spice on a long, lingering finish; and a variety of different ripe fruits almost dancing on your tongue throughout. Given the wine's youth, I probably won't open another bottle of this vintage for at least a couple more years. It's probably a 30 year or greater wine.
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1991 Dominus
(USA / California / Napa)
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RATED: 11/28/2004 |
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| COMMENTS: |
Sampled 11/27-28/04. There are few wines that have the depth of color as this wine. I had this wine 16 months ago and it took 8 hours of decanting before it opened up. This time we, decanted the wine for 24 hours and it was still closed and tannic, willing to only unleash the smallest hints of how big this wine really is. I think the wine is going through an awkward stage of development and it might be years before it comes out of it. Keep this baby on its side for another 5 years before trying it. You won't miss its peak in another dozen or more.
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1989 Chateau Lynch-Bages
(France / Bordeaux / Pauillac)
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RATED: 02/10/2005 |
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| COMMENTS: |
Very deep color. Woodsmoke, cherry, cassis scents that are totally inviting. Super smooth tannins, loads of fruit that continue through the elegant finish. Outstanding! Aging beautifully
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1989 E. Guigal
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La Mouline
(France / Rhone / Northern Rhone / Cote-Rotie)
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RATED: 03/03/2005 |
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| COMMENTS: |
Tasted at Au Tour Gascone in Paris. Massive and powerful. The wine has great power and complexity. Extraordinary in its structure but surprisingly well balance given all the elements so jam packed in the bottle. After decenting for about an hour, the wine has turned into an almost burgundian aromatics. Layers and layers of flavor unfolding at every sip.
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2005 Portalupi
Pinot Noir
(USA / California / Sonoma / Russian River Valley)
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ALCOHOL: 14.5%
CASES: 650
RATED: 12/07/2006 |
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| COMMENTS: |
Are you kidding I've been a Pinot fan from Russian River Valley for almost 30 years and nobody has been this overtly gracious as Portalupi....... ever!!!! And believe me I go back to old Joseph Swann,Hanzell not to mention William/Selleym in the real years and everybody else since. Hey all the rest of you overpriced California and Oregon pinot guys buck up,... this is burgundy. Max
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1955 Chateau Lafite Rothschild
(France / Bordeaux / Pauillac)
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RATED: 03/30/1999 |
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| COLOR: |
Brick Red.
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| AROMA: |
Tobacco. Plum. Blackberry. Mango.
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| FLAVOR: |
Blackberry. Earthy.
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PROFILE: |
Balanced.
Effervescent
Mouthfeel.
Full Bodied
Body.
Moderate
Tannin.
Long
Finish.
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| COMMENTS: |
50 years in a proper cellar is ideal for most Lafites. This bottle aged and developed a surprising complexity. The wine is centered on a trifected of blackburry, tobbacco, and minerals.
Score Breakdown: Base score: 50 Appearance/Color: 5/5 Aroma/Bouquet: 14/15 Taste/Finish: 19/20 Overall Quality/Longevity: 10/10
Total = 98/100
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1990 Chateau Montrose
(France / Bordeaux / St-Estephe)
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RATED: 08/01/2002 |
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| COMMENTS: |
Brilliant purple, bit dusty, fat tears. Perfect decent dark fruity nose. Full body, massive fruit, very well balanced - nearly "round". Bit bitter liquorice in the finish. Great if bit fruity. Score: 50 + 5 for optic + 15 for bouquet + 19 for taste + 9 for overall = total score of 98.
Gourmet Hiking 2002. Not blind. Decanted shortly before drinking. Riedel Syrah glass.
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1999 Chateau Lafleur-Gazin
(France / Bordeaux / Pomerol)
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ALCOHOL: 13.0%
RATED: 09/18/2004 |
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| COLOR: |
Opaque Purple.
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| AROMA: |
Truffles. Lime. Smoky. Tobacco. Dark Fruits.
Cocca : Truffles.
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| FLAVOR: |
Earthy. Jam. Chocolate. Plum. Raspberry.
Roots.
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PROFILE: |
Viscous
Mouthfeel.
Medium
Body.
Light
Tannin.
Long
Finish.
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| COMMENTS: |
An absolute triumph! Chateau Lafleur's 1999 is a prodigious Bordeaux. The bouquet is a huge blend of Dark Fruit, tobacco, cocco, lime, truffles, and smoke. The aroma alone stays with the drinker for minutes. On the palate, the wine explodes with a myriad of perfectly balanced and broad flavors. Those flavors include raspberries, jam, plum, chocolate, soil, and roots. The mouthfeel has light and balanced tannins that end in rounded perfection. The wine is moderately viscous and chewey, and the finish is extraordinarily long with hints of smoke. This may be the finest wine of the vintage. Score breakdown: Color: 5/5, Aroma: 15/15, Taste: 19/20, Quality: 9/10
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| SCORE: 98
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| BY: kurtzhouse
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| PRICE: $50 |
| DRINK:
In 3-5 years |
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Displaying [26-50] of 1000
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