Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.4

I remember when the 2005 Pichon Lalande was reviewed by RP, 89. I saw that & said, you would have to get in the way of the 2005 Bordeaux vintage to be that sad. I still bought 6 at a bargain basement price. A very good idea post 20 yrs+. Both Pichon’s don’t have a modern day history of getting in the way of a good vintage.

I also bought this one. 18 yrs in bottle and still acending. This will hold 5 more yrs and will last another 10 yrs properly stored.

I have visited Bordeaux 11 times. This chateau visually is still my favorite. It was showing a picture of this chateau to Sofia that launched our first visit. Sofia loved it and we have stared at it multiple times on every visit.

It was in our visit in 2007, I stood in the estate vineyard, looked & tasted their soils. After doing so, I said, “I get it.” I understood everything about what I was tasting in Left Bank Bordeaux’s early in my wine journey.

Sofia and I had dinner w/ Christian Moueix not long after the 2005 vintage was hyped/released. She asked him, when did you know you had something special?” He said, “as soon as I tasted the fruit at harvest.”

Tonight, it shows that it is a close relative, a sibling to Pichon Longueville. Cork, perfect.

The nose shows; classic left bank traits. Ripe, dark, brooding fruits, bright, mid berries, red cola, leather, tobacco, sandalwood, leather, led pencil, dark rich earth, limestone, dry river stone, hint of mushrooms, dark, red, fresh & withering florals.

The fruits on the palate show everything outstanding from the 2005 growing season. Ripe, juicy, brilliant; dark currants, blackberries, black raspberries, black plum skin, black cherries, baked/poached strawberries & some hovering raspberries. Dark chocolate bar to pudding, red cola, anise, dark spices w/ palate heat, dark, rich earth w/ dry leaves, pronounced graphite, dry tobacco, leather, limestone, dry twig, dry river stone, moist clays, moist herbs, cedar to sandalwood, withering & dry, dark flowers, red roses, some lavender & violets, beautiful rainfall acidity, excellent; balance, tension, structure, length w/ an elegant finish that lasts minutes and lands on spice & earth.

13.4 ABV. Nice.

#TheTwoHourRibcap

This held up vacuumed sealed the same night, refrigerated & enjoyed exactly a week later. — 4 months ago

Anthony Pro

9.2

Othello: this isn't another Shakespearean tragedy. There is no downfall for Christian Moueix here. Phenomenal. Huge! #Promotion — 9 years ago

Antonio Cepeda Jr.

9.4

Espectacular ! — 5 months ago

with Arturo and Toño

Jay Kim

9.0

Robinson Road - September 22, 2021 — 5 years ago

Elliot Parfitt

9.5

Exceptional.
Had it with roast beef but very drinkable on its own too. On the fuller side of medium bodied. Great without decanting. — 8 years ago

Stas Medvedev

8.9

Deep red bordeaux color. Dominating aromas of Merlot (blend Merlot 80%, CabFranc 20%). Earthy, powerful aromas of berries. This Pomerol blend expresses more woody and smoked meat notes compared to the one from St.Emilion of the same vintage. Christian Moueix put his name on this wine that guarantees its great quality. Small fraction of grapes from top Chateaus run by Moueix must be present in this assemblage. It’s like spying after Chateau Petrus through the keyhole. Great value for money anyway! Rating 3,9/5 — 9 years ago

Eric Urbani

9.2

Christian Moueix @ Dominus Estate Cab Blend - drinking well ! 14.5% abv — 2 years ago

Sipping Fine Wine

10

Estate is the Napa Valley property of Bordeaux producer Christian Moueix; wine is bottled at historic Napanook Vineyard. A blend of 89% Cab Sauv, 6% Cab Franc & 5% Petit Verdot, aged in 40% new French oak, dark Ruby with aromas of dark currant-like berries, tobacco and cedar. On the palate layers of ripe blackberry, black cherry and cassis with vanilla, cacao and espresso. Well balanced, fine soft integrated tannins, long finish ending with floral, fruit, mineral and slight earthy character. Needs a half dozen years in the bottle but will last 20+ years! As good as Cab gets! — 4 years ago

Larry Wood

8.9

To decant or not to decant this is the question! 2012 Napa. Too good to drink daily but not a grand Sunday bottle for the father-in-law either..... or so I thought. I opened the bottle and had an immediate glass. Lovely. I then let it breath for another 40mins whilst supper was made. With breathing it became very very nice indeed. Smooth, not dry, low in tanning aftertaste. Going to say rosemary and marzipan (and trying not to sound like I'm making this up - it really does!)
We ate pink duck and avocado salad and it was as good a combination I can remember. I bought 4 bottles from my merchant and I'll take time to decant at next drinking. Some wines just won't wait but I'm learning some need a little time to show their true colours! Who doesn't like to find out something new?! — 9 years ago

Milad Zabihi

8.9

Full bodied- Great smooth bitterness. — 10 years ago