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Bordeaux ’08: Far Better Than Expected (May 2009)

Deep ruby. Exotic nose shows almost exaggerated aromas of smoky black cherry, coffee, Oriental spices and soy sauce. More oaky torrefaction on the palate, along with hints of black cherry syrup, sweet spices and milk chocolate. Finishes long and lively but with slightly harsher tannins than expected. Built for the long haul, this is a…

2017 Bordeaux – Mirror, Mirror on The Wall… (Mar 2020)

The 2017 Bourgneuf has really gained in density over the course of its élevage, while remaining as restrained and understated as it always is. Pliant, silky and wonderfully nuanced with lovely aromatic top notes, Bourgneuf is one the undiscovered jewels in Pomerol – and in Bordeaux more broadly. Expressive floral and savory notes add aromatic…

Vintage Seeks Home: Bordeaux 2017 In Bottle (Jan 2020)

The 2017 Bourgneuf, as I found from barrel, does not quite "click" on the nose although, the third and fourth bottles and later tastings attested to a wine beginning to gain more cohesion and refinement. The palate is better with good grip on the entry, quite saline in the mouth with a sapid and nicely…

2006 and 2005 Rhone Valley Wines (Jan 2008)

Inky purple. Spicy dark berry and violet aromas build and expand with air, picking up suave mineral and sassafras character. Fleshy dark berry preserve flavors are complemented by zesty graphite and succulent herbs, finishing with superb depth and sweetness. Great material here, and I’ll bet that this will please drinkers not long after its release,…

2010 and 2009 Northern Rhone Wines (Mar 2012)

Opaque purple. Complex, highly fragrant aromas of candied dark fruits, cola, incense and violet, with bright mineral and spice nuances adding lift and energy. Stains the palate with deep blackberry and boysenberry flavors that expand and gain sweetness with aeration. Refuses to let up on the finish, which leaves peppery spice and floral pastille notes…

1998 and 1997 Rhone Valley Wines (Jan 2000)

Ruby-red. Port-like aromas of black cherry, roasted currant and smoky oak. Extraordinarily silky and seamless in the mouth, with uncanny texture and great suavity. Extremely long on the finish, with the tannins buried in fruit. A remarkably lush, accessible La Chapelle whose sheer density of material should enable it to develop in bottle for 15…