John Malcolm

9.5

Powerful! Dark cherries, blackberries, spice, cassis, dark chocolate. Looong, satisfying finish with a touch of sweetness. — 3 months ago

Norma Normington

9.5

Got this bottle on my last Virgin Voyage and I had extra $ on my bar tab - a fantastic opportunity to purchase a couple exclusive (expensive) bottles like this. Sassicaia is a known leader in Super Tuscans. My first time trying Sassicaia… opened the bottle only for a couple of hours but a big beautiful bouquet of big jammy goodness that definitely isn’t shy. Wow 🤩 a delicious wine that doesn’t disappoint! — 6 months ago

Boris Mathiszik

9.2

Very nice classic Napa cab. — 4 years ago

Byron C Mayes

9.1

Pale straw gold with silver highlights. Somewhat shy nose of underripe Fuji apple and Asian pear. Firm acidity leads the smoky/flinty light-bodied palate of underripe pome fruit and citrus rind. Remarkably long (8-9 secs) palate cleansing finish. Merciful saints! This is the entry level wine from the Dagueneau portfolio and it makes you want to go higher! Food is, of course, its friend, but if you’re into “sipping culture” this will work for you as well. Seafood (cooked or sushi) is a particularly fine pair, naturally. Drink now through 2027. — 5 years ago

Jason Soloway

8.9

Not sure what to make of this bottle. It was shy on opening and unfurled over a couple of hours to a pleasing Chardonnay that did little to offend or inspire. — 5 years ago

Jay Eagan

9.0

Had the 2016 last night - this is lighter. It has a blackberry with a touch of cigar box. Also 17 may have been a more difficult vintage but this is a winery to explore - literally they seem VERY hospitable (on Zoom)! — 6 years ago

with Kristine

Byron C Mayes

8.9

Bright and deep red. Shy nose and more present palate of pomegranate, citrus rind, dry red flowers, and anise fruit leather. Bracing acidity shores up the medium to full (for a rosé) body. Young Tavel giving a glimpse of what could come five to ten years on. A great wine with light “red wine” or heavier “white wine” dishes as well as an intriguing late summer/early fall sipper. Drink now or hold through 2028. — 6 years ago

Andy Wigginton

9.4

Opened with chocolaty notes, and finished with loads of red fruit. This wine would age for a decade and should be paired with big, bold flavors. Good acid and weight, it is a beast now, but should age like, well, a fine red wine. Thanks S and K Bennet! Happy 40th birthday to my lovely wife. Cheers! — 3 months ago

Daniel Ciolek

8.9

Nice - not spectacular. Shy nose of candied cherries and earth. A little tight on opening - fully expressive in about 3 hours. Palate of raspberries, candied cherries, mossy undergrowth and minerals, rounded out by a kick of clove spiciness. Tannins were grippy but not overwhelming. — 3 years ago

Paul T, Missing My Beautiful Wife 24/7

9.5

Lunch 🥪

K&L notes as follows, Grand Pontet is an interesting property, positioned in the neighborhood of other stars of the appellation such as Châteaux Canon, Beau-Séjour-Bécot and Clos Fourtet. It is, however, a small estate, a mere 14 hectares, and its prices are much better than some of its more prestigious neighbors. In 1980 it was purchased by Gerard and Dominique Bécot, owners of the neighboring Beau-Séjour-Bécot. They have applied the same high standards to both Châteaux in their possession, and their winemaking team crafts Grand Pontet alongside the Beau-Séjour-Bécot wines. Recently purchased in 2021 by Domaines Clarence Dillon (Haut-Brion, La Mission Haut-Brion, et al.), the property was combined with and incorporated into Château Quintus. Full-bodied and luscious, this Grand Pontet is laden with ripe blackberry fruits, savory tobacco, licorice notes, and ripe, softened tannins. It’s seamless and bold, not shy. It’s going to require something decadent to pair with, such as filet mignon or some other black-tie dish with plenty of flavor and rich umami presence. — 4 years ago

Laith A

9.4

Delicious as always.. perfect for a hot day outside! — 5 years ago

Chad Brewer

9.2

Thick rich and juicy — 6 years ago

Derek Shanahan

8.9

Nice delicate Syrah, awesome pizza wine. For the price a great bottle to have around — 6 years ago

Mike Beltran

9.3

Good quality Latour that’s holding up well. Nose was shy and took time to open. Color is still quite good. Not as assertive as I have had in the past- but still quality claret. At Bourbon Steak Santa Clara. Sommelier Rob was outstanding on all levels. — 7 years ago

John W

9.8

Deep ruby coloration with zero translucency. Strong, jammy black fruits with oak and vanilla on the nose and mirrored on the palate with notes of spice. Long finish. Extremely rich and lush mouthfeel. — 6 months ago

Austin Hohnke

9.2

Worth a check in at 10 years. Always an outstanding nose. Needed hours of air and still pretty shy, fruit in particular is closed. Paired with NY strip tonight. Have half a case left of this vintage and will check in again in a couple years. — 2 years ago

Byron C Mayes

9.1

Very pale straw with pale green highlights and elegant tiny bubbles. Shy but inviting nose of honeysuckle and Bosc pear. Bright palate yields honeysuckle nectar, ripe pear, and a hint of flinty mineral mid palate to finish. That Glera darkness suggests itself but never fully shows, making this one of the most delightful Prosecco experiences one will ever have. Valdobbiadene is the top level of Prosecco and Cartizze is the pinnacle of Valdo. And it shows. I dare say this even works as an alternative to NV Champagne (blanc de blancs, of course). Pair with salads and pungent cheeses (I’m having pear and bleu cheese on butter lettuce) as a starter, or with a main course of light fish or poultry. Brunch is understood. Drink it when you buy it. — 5 years ago

Carter Pelham

9.4

*chef's kiss*

For me just shy of an immaculate wine.
Immediately upon opening got a super prominent whiff of stewed vegetal / green peppers aroma. Blew off a bit over time. Flinty and graphite mineral and relatively muted fruit aromas.

Beautiful cherry/cassis/blackberry fruit. Medium body. Relaxed tannins. Lower acidity than I expected. But the finish. Elevated and never ending. One of those wines you never feel compelled to take the next sip, in a good way...you never lose the taste of your last drink.

Second almaviva we've had. Loved them both, very different from the '98. — 5 years ago

with Linh and Larry

Shawn R

9.5

En Mag, shy nose at first-took an hour to open up. Grape bubble gum on the nose, you know that kind you bought at the baseball field. Jam jar and super fine tannins make for a great showing. — 6 years ago

Adam Knoerzer

9.2

I think this is their most successful Pinot in the past few vintages. A little shy right now, sure, but I think it’s going to be firing on all cylinders in 2-3 years. Restrained, perfumed, and with enough structure to develop nicely. — 7 years ago