Andrew Cullimore

9.3

5th wine . medium deep ruby , touch more garnet . Slightly wider rim . Quite cool and mineral again , more grafite with some cool cassis , blackberry. On the palate this is slightly lighter in body , leaner perhaps but very elegant , fresh and quite saline, tobacco , grafite and herbal tinges on the finish . Reasonable saline length. Fine lightly grippy tannins , good acidity . This is showing quite well though would perhaps benefit from a few more years . Better in 3-5 years and drink well a further 7- 10 . The next day this actually shows a little better , elegant and refined, nothing showy , very Lafite , so I’m glad I guessed this correctly ! Overall this was a very interesting tasting , there is nothing showy or remarkable about the 2006 1st growths , they are quite classic and also showing quite a lot of structure still , with good freshness though they perhaps lack a little stuffing and intensity . They were quite even quality wise, with the high points being the Mouton (though the Lafite improved the following day to upgrade its score and draw level ) and the low point being a relatively disappointing Margaux . The vintage will continue to improve over the next 5 perhaps 10 years in general , though they may always just lack a little density and excitement . — 4 days ago

Seth Masterson

9.2

Wow. The best German chardonnay I think I've ever tasted.
Earthy, earthy- a feature that I love about the Spatburgunder of the Ahr region and now I smell it here. Plus toasted brioche. Almost caramel,
Mouthfeel is balanced between the fine acids (think underripe pineapple) and minerality.
Cheers to climate change? — 7 days ago

Jay Kline

9.4

Opened prior to dinner and enjoyed over the course of a few hours. The 1997 La Mouline pours a deep ruby/purple color with a slightly hazy, near opaque core; medium+ viscosity with significant staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is vinous with notes of ripe and desiccated black and red fruits: mixed brambles, black cherry, spiced meat, olives, purple flowers, black pepper, dried herbs, rocky earth, a mix of cool and warm spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium tannin and medium acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long. Powerful and modern. Lots of energy left. Drink now through 2042. — 8 days ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.1

Gérard Bertrand – Orange Gold – 2023
Vin de France – France 🇫🇷

Overview
A thoughtfully crafted orange wine made from a blend of 40% Chardonnay, 30% Grenache Blanc, 15% Viognier, 10% Muscat, and 5% Gewürztraminer. This is a cerebral, texture-driven expression that leans into aromatic intensity and phenolic structure rather than immediate approachability.

Aromas & Flavors
Honeysuckle, ripe peach, and orange peel lead the profile, followed by roasted almonds and subtle spice. A gentle grapefruit-like bitterness adds lift, while floral and exotic notes from Muscat and Gewürztraminer bring complexity.

Mouthfeel
Medium-bodied with a distinctive textured grip. Light tannic astringency from skin contact gives structure, balanced by fresh acidity. The interplay between softness and phenolic tension keeps the palate engaged throughout.

Food Pairings
Glass noodles with vegetables and shrimp, Mediterranean dishes, roasted poultry, spiced cuisine, or dishes with umami depth. A strong performer at the table.

Verdict
A fascinating and layered orange wine that rewards attention. This wine can be an acquired taste when enjoyed on its own, but truly shines when paired with food. A true “thinking wine.”

Did You Know?
Orange wines are made by fermenting white grapes with their skins, similar to red wine production, extracting tannins, color, and structure rarely found in traditional white wines.

🍷 Personal Pick
A wine that keeps your brain really busy, in the best way. Pair it with food and it absolutely shines. — 5 days ago

Pooneet K

9.4

Absolutely excellent pape clement. At 21 years this is still quite primary, which confirms the general view that the 2005s will last forever (and likely longer than the 2000s). Paired with a rack of lamb for Easter, absolutely perfect. Delicious. — 7 days ago

Amanda Speier

9.6

Really interesting. Green apple, smoke, wet stone. Body. Seek out again. — 8 days ago

Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego

9.4

2019 vintage. Last tasted two years ago 4.3.24 (9.4). Dusty, decaying rose petals in the nose with a hint of quality dark chocolate. Medium body. Pink peppercorns aplenty, some tar, some grilled green onion, orange citrus influence (tangerine?) and Luxardo cherry reduction in the flavors. Only 4 bottles left on the list at $125 a bottle. May hafta take it off the list and buy it all. Currently occupying that weird Barolo space between drinkability and don't you dare. Flashing those tannic, Wolverine adamantium claws now. Leaning more towards the don't even think about it, Bub. This was delicious tho. 4.6.26. — 5 days ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.3

Pale lemon color with aromas of ripe fruits, citrus, vanilla and spice scents. On the palate complex flavors of apple, peach, pineapple and lemon citrus, well balanced with acidity on a nice mouthfeel. Long finish ending with oak, vanilla, mineral and citrus notes, will continue to age. A beautiful Chardonnay. Pair this with a tuna steak. — 5 days ago

Jeremiah Diaz

9.4

Clear, deep ruby in color; on the nose, it's clean with pronounced intensity primary and secondary aromas of blackberries, cassis, and pencil shavings; on the palate, it's dry with high acidity, high tannins, high alcohol, medium body, and pronounced primary and secondary flavors of black cherries, black currants, eucalyptus, and wet gravel with a medium finish. This wine is balanced, complex, and intense. Overall, I rate this wine as outstanding. Nellie says it's ok. — 7 days ago

with Nellie

Joel Lara

9.2

So tasty, a good finish to the week. Cherry on the nose with white pepper and hints of fresh mint coming through. Mouthfeel is silky smooth with medium+ body. On the palate, beautiful cherry and anise. Tannins seem to be providing a longer finish than most langhe nebbiolos, with mineral and cherry flavors coming through. Acidity is medium. My favorite langhe nebbiolo. — 9 days ago