This small report includes numerous new Bordeaux reviews, mostly focused on backfilling some 2012 and 2014 reviews into the database. These were almost all purchased by me here in the United States. While I think your money might be better spent on the upcoming 2015s (and 2016s), there’s no doubt there’s some terrific values to be had in the market today with the 2012s and 2014s.
There are a few small retrospectives on Pontet-Canet, La Conseillante, and Léoville Poyferré, as well as plenty of older Bordeaux gems in the report including the 1978s from Château Latour and Château Margaux, the incredible (immortal?) 1986 Mouton-Rothschild, a stunning 2000 Château l’Evangile, and an elegant, yet best drunk up 1970 Château Haut-Bailly.
Moving away from Bordeaux, there’s plenty of Rhône Valley love including the newly released 2015s and 2016s from Xavier Vignon and the 2012 Châteauneuf-du-Papes from Domaine de la Janasse and Vieille Julienne. A bottle of 1988 Vieux Telegraphe Châteauneuf-du-Pape from magnum was singing and this estate continues to prove its age-ability. I was lucky enough to drink a bottle of the 2000 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée Da Capo from Domaine du Pegau, and while some bottles of this can be a touch tired, this one was on fire. In addition, there’s a review on the 2015 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Chimère which comes from the Maurel brothers of Clos Saint-Jean, oenologist Philippe Cambie, and Manfred Krankl of Sine Qua Non, released in magnum only.
From the northern Rhône, the report includes a bottle of 1995 Hermitage Cuvée Cathelin from Chave, as well as a bottle of 1982 Guigal Côte-Rôtie La Landonne. I’ve written in the past that the Côte-Rôtie La Landonne is the most consistent and age-worthy of the three single vineyard releases from this incredible estate and family, and this wine proves it again. There are a few from Delas Frères, Coursodon, Gangloff, and Allemand, as well as others.
There’s also a handful of Champagne including the 2006 from Dom Pérignon and newly released 2009 from Cristal.
A few other gems include the 2004 Domaine de la Romanée-Conti La Tâche, two perfect wines from a California Genius, an incredible bottle from Napa Valley’s MacDonald Vineyards, and a massive, thick, off the charts Semour’s Vineyard Syrah from John Alban.
With over 120 wines from around the world, there’s a little for everyone.
As always, happy hunting, thank for reading, and thank you for the support!
Jeb