Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.8

I coravined some of the 97 early this week and as I sipped it, it was had not to think it was the best Jones Family I’ve had. A score of 98 and I have not given a wine 98 in a very long time. But no matter where you go, there you are.

Tonight I had the 01 at the “Tasting House” and it was amazing. Their Short Ribs are amongst the best I’ve had. A deliberate wine bring knowing the wine & how well it pairs w/ short ribs.

1997 was an outstanding vintage. I think we can all agree on that. Jones Family is a TRB wine that should not fly under the radar in any vintage and I have had nearly all those good vintages since 97.

The 1997 is ethereal. The nose is pure beauty. Perfectly ripe and resolved fruits. Blackberries, black raspberries, dark cherries, both plums & juicy strawberries. Perfect baking spices; clove, nutmeg, cinnamon & vanillin, sandstone/limestone, fresh tobacco, cedar to sandalwood, dark, Indian/Asian spices, camphor, black licorice, berry cola, sun tea, volcanics, tree bark w/ hints of sap, dark & red fresh flowers.

The palate is incredibly, beautiful, balanced fruit & earth. Bright cherries, blackberries, black raspberries, dark cherries, both plums, hovering raspberries & juicy strawberries. Perfect baking spices; clove, nutmeg, cinnamon & vanillin, sandstone/limestone, beautiful Indian/Asian spices w/ some plate heat, fresh tobacco, sandalwood, volcanics & dry clay, camphor, dark chocolate baking bar, black licorice, some warm caramel, berry cola, sun tea, volcanics, dark rich soil with dry leaves, tree bark w/ hints of sap, fresh & dry herbs, dark & red fresh flowers framed in lavender & liquid violets, excellent acidity with perfect; elegance, tension, balance and structured finish that last minutes landing on fresh fruit, dark spices and earth tones.

I’ve posted other bottles of 97 Jones Family that were incredible, 95-96. This one perhaps had better storage, evolution & timing. Magic. — 22 days ago

Lee Pitofsky

9.5

At age 22, Palmer 2000 is finally in a great spot and unquestionably accessible, really popping after an hour in the decanter. It has an explosive nose showing layers of intense blackberry fruit, mocha, cigar box and a kiss of cedar and soil tones. The palate, while still showing some ripe tannins, is velvety and seductive with tremendous depth, balanced acids and massive length. Many fabulous years ahead for this beauty. — 3 years ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.5

Tried a few years ago, tasting great now. Founded in 1998, Achaval-Ferrer is a team of friends who make great wines. Was lucky enough to get a taste of this beauty again. Deep Ruby with aromas of fresh berry fruits with complex spice and floral notes. On the palate flavors of cherry and rich blackberry with tobacco and cacao. Sweet fine soft tannins, long finish, well balanced with acidity ending with mineral, spice and berry fruit character. Tasting Sample. — 4 years ago

Adam Gäfvert

9.5

I had the 2014 Latour a couple of years back. It was from a half bottle and I remember it was rather disappointing. But this wine has really come around. Or maybe it has been developing much better in a full size bottle. Today it’s graceful, with great posture and in perfect balance. A timeless beauty. I had a few 2014 (both left and right bank) lately and I find them very appealing right now. A unsung vintage that turned out pretty good imo. — 5 months ago

Ron from VA

9.2

Wow! My cellar aging project scores another ‘discovery’ win. At almost 10 years from harvest, this Nate Walsh built beauty was doing what aged Nebbiolo is supposed to do! Using Horton fruit (Orange, Va), this bottle has metamorphosed into a seductive herbal-rose tea. It’s acidity is almost non-detectable, yet it was the perfect pairing for Tuscan-sausages & peppers w/creamy mash. The flavors of this Nebbiolo are so alive that they danced effortlessly with the sautéed peppers and complimented the herbs in the locally made Tuscans. Just wow…1 ‘12 remains plus 2 ‘10’s. — 3 years ago

Brecht Spileers

9.5

The 2016 is a stunning wine. Razor sharp pepper opening followed by an abundance of delicate red fruits countered by a savory finish that shows Rinaldi’s old school take on Piemonte. Pretty generic description… its beauty is in the balance, refinement and the lingering finish. Color and integration show this might be at its prime today. — 4 years ago

Eric Ford

9.1

Great wine in this price range. Full and complex. $30 at OWC. — 4 years ago

with Jill

Alessandro Dalle Carbonare

9.3

Big step ahead in quality for Mondot.
Pure fresh salty and drinkable.
Beauty 93-94 — a year ago

Shay A

9.5

Opened as part of a 2-day tasting with Alex Macdonald while he was in town. Day two was a small group of us with killer wines (2010 Chave Hermitage, mag of ‘02 Krug, Selosse Substance, 1996 Latour, 2003 Mouton, 1992 Dominus).

Quick one hour double decant to prep this beauty. While La Mouline is my favorite, La Turque still incorporates the co-ferment with Viognier. 93 Syrah/7 Viognier.

Beautiful translucent ruby in the glass. As I get with certain Cote Rotie wines (especially Guigal), barbecue and bacon fat can be overwhelming when young, but this has channeled a really balanced profile. Aromatic notes of smoked meat, cherry liqueur, and espresso. Beautifully rich yet elegant on the palate. Great nerve of acidity with a finish sporting plenty of tannin to carry this a while. Black peppered raspberries, black fruit on the palate with a little bacon and a hint of sweet/tangy barbecue sauce note (delicious). Enjoy now with a short decant or hold another 5yrs. — a year ago

Vanessa

9.1

👁 This wine was deep ruby.

👃On the nose it had a medium(+) intensity of youthful aromas. Aromas included ripe and juicy blackberry, plum, black cherry, also violet, vegetal, toast, dark cocoa, espresso, cedar, and allspice notes.

👄 On the palate this wine was dry, it had medium acidity, a full body, high alcohol, medium(+) tannins, and medium(+) intensity in flavors consistent with the nose. It had a medium(+) finish.

This was a bold Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon from Puente Alto in the Maipo Valley. It presented really strongly on all key structural elements. It was delicious paired with grilled filet mignon, roasted veggies, and sautéed maitake mushrooms and will benefit with more time in the bottle. @win_drinks_wine thank you for introducing us to this beauty!

Viña Don Melchor, Puente Alto, Cabernet Sauvignon. Vintage 2017. ABV 14.5%. — 4 years ago

with Deked1