A Century - Not Out: Talbot 1919-2010
France: Bordeaux, Verticals & Retrospectives, featured
, Oct 2019
In December last year, Château Talbot celebrated a century of ownership by the Cordier family with a vertical tasting at the property. This article assesses the vintages and where they place Talbot in the Saint-Julien hierarchy as a new chapter opens.
Mugneret-Gibourg’s Clos Vougeot 1984 - 2015
France: Burgundy, Verticals & Retrospectives, featured
, Oct 2019
An extensive tasting of their top Grand Cru this spring demonstrated that sisters Marie-Christine and Marie-Andrée Mugneret have quietly and methodically taken their famous father’s estate to greater heights through steady improvements in the vineyards and in the winery.
Domaine Leflaive Chevalier-Montrachet: 1981-2012
France: Burgundy, Verticals & Retrospectives, featured
, Sep 2019
An extensive vertical tasting of Domaine Leflaive’s Chevalier-Montrachet encompassing wines from four decades demonstrated the remarkable longevity of an exalted white Burgundy terroir in the right hands.
Larkmead’s Solari Cabernet and LMV Salon: 2001-2015
Verticals & Retrospectives, featured, United States: California
, Aug 2019
My recent tasting of Larkmead’s Solari Cabernet and LMV Salon blend showcased the comprehensive renewal that has taken place at this venerable property over the past 20 years in both the vineyards and the winery under the tenure of Cam and Kate Solari Baker.
Raveneau Chablis Montée de Tonnerre: 1985-2015
France: Burgundy, Verticals & Retrospectives, featured
, Aug 2019
Raveneau’s Chablis Montée de Tonnerre is one of the most coveted wines in the world. And with good reason. The Raveneaus have established an enviable track record for consistent quality and longevity through three generations of winemaking. A recent vertical tasting back to 1985 showed why this premier cru Chablis is so highly regarded.
Drink Your Idols: Roumier’s Musigny 1976-2008
France: Burgundy, Verticals & Retrospectives, featured
, Aug 2019
They say you should never meet your “heroes”. So when I was invited to a once-in-a-lifetime vertical of Christophe Roumier’s Musigny, did these fabled bottles live up to expectations?
The 2009 Napa Valley Cabernets at Age 10
Verticals & Retrospectives, featured, United States: California
, Jul 2019
The 2009 Napa Valley Cabernets, beautifully balanced wines from a mild growing season without weather extremes, are aging slowly and gracefully, with the better examples still short of their peaks, proving once again how well the best Napa Valley Cabernets can develop with time in bottle.
Precious Clay: L’Eglise-Clinet 1929–2015
France: Bordeaux, Verticals & Retrospectives, featured
, Jul 2019
Pomerol runs through the veins of proprietor Denis Durantou, who single-handedly has made L’Eglise-Clinet one of the most sought-after wines in Bordeaux. This article examines how recent vintages are evolving, as well as rare gems back to the Twenties.
"G" Acte 1 to 8
France: Bordeaux, Verticals & Retrospectives, featured
, Jul 2019
The Guinaudeau family, owners of Lafleur, unveiled “Acte” almost a decade ago. Following a complete vertical in London, their right-hand man Omri Ram explains the concept behind Acte and why they feel it deserves a new name.
Paul Hobbs’ Cabernet Beckstoffer To Kalon: 1999-2016
Verticals & Retrospectives, featured, United States: California
, Jul 2019
The prolific Paul Hobbs makes his most complete Cabernet Sauvignon from the historic To Kalon vineyard, with recent vintages displaying all of the elements to ensure exceptional longevity.