Search found 318 matches

by Jeff Leve
Wed May 17, 2023 5:30 pm
Forum: Our Forum
Topic: Rhônes with Jeff
Replies: 14
Views: 1266

Re: Rhônes with Jeff

Both wines were sensational, they are Jim How kind of wines, even if not Bordeaux. That Marcoux VV was really smoking, but that's not to diminish the d'Ampuis, which was rich and opulent but certainly not over the top. I never cease to be in awe of the generosity of BWE, Jeff is yet another example...
by Jeff Leve
Mon May 15, 2023 5:13 pm
Forum: Our Forum
Topic: Rhônes with Jeff
Replies: 14
Views: 1266

Re: Rhônes with Jeff

I always like to serve wines which people are less familiar with - how did you like the two rhones Jim? I served the exact same Chateauneuf to Mr Vino when he and Peggy came to London last year but mine was a 2009 and a bit young. Glad you also like Marcoux VV Ian. Great choice. I really like how t...
by Jeff Leve
Mon May 15, 2023 5:04 pm
Forum: Our Forum
Topic: Rhônes with Jeff
Replies: 14
Views: 1266

Re: Rhônes with Jeff

Much thanks to Mr Leve for inviting me over to his beautiful Los Angeles chateau this past week, I’m rudely forgetting the name of his co-host, a historic event! It was a lot of fun. Jim, it was a pleasure sharing some wine and conversation with you. The co-hosts you forgot were Cathy and how can y...
by Jeff Leve
Thu Apr 27, 2023 6:19 am
Forum: Our Forum
Topic: New 2020 Bordeaux thread
Replies: 7
Views: 1321

Re: New 2020 Bordeaux thread

Greetings from Bordeaux. I quite like 2020. There are several great wines from every appellation, as well as at all price ranges. I tasted about 950 wines in total. https://www.thewinecellarinsider.com/2023/03/2020-bordeaux-complete-wine-buying-guide-in-bottle-tasting-report/ Pontet Canet is not in ...
by Jeff Leve
Mon Mar 27, 2023 3:36 pm
Forum: Our Forum
Topic: 2020 Bordeaux
Replies: 28
Views: 2626

Re: 2020 Bordeaux

Thanks for your notes Jeff Did you try the first growths? I can’t see notes on them and a couple of others like Ducru and LLC What would make your notes more helpful would be if you took the trouble to note the abv of each wine at the bottom of your note. While some in the industry like Edouard Mou...
by Jeff Leve
Thu Mar 23, 2023 6:10 pm
Forum: Our Forum
Topic: 2020 Bordeaux
Replies: 28
Views: 2626

2020 Bordeaux

For those of you interested in what's going on with 2020 Bordeaux, a vintage I really love, I just finished writing up close to 950 notes from the vintage, along with a vintage report and a look at good, and not-so-positive trends in Bordeaux today. You can peruse over 20 articles separated by appel...
by Jeff Leve
Mon Dec 12, 2022 6:01 pm
Forum: Our Forum
Topic: 2020s at Discount
Replies: 13
Views: 449

Re: 2020s at Discount

The 2020 vintage is likely to be epic based on the few barrel samples I’ve tried BUT it sure looks like a vintage that will need 30 years. For that money, you can buy at auction mature or close to mature First Growths from terrific vintages. Just my thought, but I cannot think of any BDX today, tha...
by Jeff Leve
Wed Nov 30, 2022 3:42 pm
Forum: Our Forum
Topic: And now for something completely different…underwhelming 82s
Replies: 52
Views: 1156

Re: And now for something completely different…underwhelming 82s

Good to see you Mr. Leve, I may be out in LA on business at some point in 2023. I'm looking to buy some 2019 Bordeaux if they ever arrive here on the east coast, but I've got my eyes on some 1983 and 1986 Gruaud Larose as well. Jim... I think you have my Email. If not, drop me a PM through my site,...
by Jeff Leve
Wed Nov 30, 2022 3:40 pm
Forum: Our Forum
Topic: And now for something completely different…underwhelming 82s
Replies: 52
Views: 1156

Re: And now for something completely different…underwhelming 82s

If there is a sad point about all of this is that when I started buying and drinking Bordeaux and other fine wine, it was enthusiasts and not billionaires who bought it. Much of the top wine that ends up over here in SE Asia and even worse, China, is drunk but the new rich who would not know the di...
by Jeff Leve
Tue Nov 29, 2022 7:43 pm
Forum: Our Forum
Topic: And now for something completely different…underwhelming 82s
Replies: 52
Views: 1156

Re: And now for something completely different…underwhelming 82s

Jeff's comment about lack of selection in 82 made me wonder when this process became more routine? Or was it due to the "massive harvest"? A lot has changed since 1982. First, the harvest was massive. Chemicals and fertilizers were still in use. Green harvesting in Bordeaux did not begin ...
by Jeff Leve
Mon Nov 28, 2022 4:28 pm
Forum: Our Forum
Topic: And now for something completely different…underwhelming 82s
Replies: 52
Views: 1156

Re: And now for something completely different…underwhelming 82s

If I can chime in, the problem with tastings of 1982, and frankly, most tastings of older wine is the provenance. It is really impossible to know what the wines are like today unless you can be assured of their provenance, which is often close to impossible to do, unless you either know older collec...
by Jeff Leve
Fri Nov 18, 2022 6:00 pm
Forum: Our Forum
Topic: The 2019 La Conseillante has been uncorked and other ramblings....
Replies: 29
Views: 552

Re: The 2019 La Conseillante has been uncorked and other ramblings....

My 2019 La Conseillante observations: I have no clue what causes others, like the Jeff Leves out there, to rate this 99 points, etc. Maybe I'm missing something, it wouldn't be the first time. Hey Jim 2019 La Conseillante is as you noted, IMO, stunning in every sense of the word. It is hauntingly a...
by Jeff Leve
Sat Nov 12, 2022 3:11 pm
Forum: Our Forum
Topic: 2022 Ch. Angelus…’one of the greatest vintages’ like 1947
Replies: 21
Views: 576

Re: 2022 Ch. Angelus…’one of the greatest vintages’ like 1947

Musigny 151, You forgot Cheval Blanc 1947. Jeff, Let's see how the wines are after the malo is finished. I am a bit skeptical when some winemakers compare 2022 to 2011. The latter vintage isn't the one I value highly. Malo was finished in the wines I tasted, but I realize that is far too small of a...
by Jeff Leve
Sat Nov 12, 2022 3:55 am
Forum: Our Forum
Topic: The 2019 du Tertre has been uncorked and other ramblings....
Replies: 18
Views: 496

Re: The 2019 du Tertre has been uncorked and other ramblings....

Appreciate your input Jeff. Interesting points. It certainly contrasts what I’ve been told (mainly from winemakers who have previously worked in Bordeaux - plus a few writers I read have touched on it gently). I’m happy to remain sceptical either way - it’s all second hand information to me. Of mor...
by Jeff Leve
Sat Nov 12, 2022 3:54 am
Forum: Our Forum
Topic: 2022 Ch. Angelus…’one of the greatest vintages’ like 1947
Replies: 21
Views: 576

Re: 2022 Ch. Angelus…’one of the greatest vintages’ like 1947

Ognik wrote: Fri Nov 11, 2022 10:59 pm :roll:
So Boooooring Jeff.
Enjoy 22. I'm sure you will.
Hmmmm On a site named Bordeaux Wine Enthusiasts, can you tell me please how this is boring?
by Jeff Leve
Sat Nov 12, 2022 3:52 am
Forum: Our Forum
Topic: 2022 Ch. Angelus…’one of the greatest vintages’ like 1947
Replies: 21
Views: 576

Re: 2022 Ch. Angelus…’one of the greatest vintages’ like 1947

Musigny 151, You forgot Cheval Blanc 1947. Jeff, Let's see how the wines are after the malo is finished. I am a bit skeptical when some winemakers compare 2022 to 2011. The latter vintage isn't the one I value highly. Malo was finished in the wines I tasted, but I realize that is far too small of a...
by Jeff Leve
Fri Nov 11, 2022 4:33 pm
Forum: Our Forum
Topic: The 2019 du Tertre has been uncorked and other ramblings....
Replies: 18
Views: 496

Re: The 2019 du Tertre has been uncorked and other ramblings....

>> When you use RO, you reduce water and alcohol, as well as potentially reduce other solids, which could impact flavor. >> Of course, Jeff. But you can lower the alcohol level by distilling off the alcohol and putting the rest back into the wine. That would result in a loss of flavor. But the bott...
by Jeff Leve
Fri Nov 11, 2022 4:31 pm
Forum: Our Forum
Topic: 2022 Ch. Angelus…’one of the greatest vintages’ like 1947
Replies: 21
Views: 576

Re: 2022 Ch. Angelus…’one of the greatest vintages’ like 1947

An interesting take. And Jeff is right, even if the wines are the same quality and type as 1947, I will have no problem passing. I have had a fair number of 1947 (a close friend is from the vintage), and only Canon and Lafite were enjoyable.They were an exception in those days, and I am not partial...
by Jeff Leve
Fri Nov 11, 2022 4:11 pm
Forum: Our Forum
Topic: 2022 Ch. Angelus…’one of the greatest vintages’ like 1947
Replies: 21
Views: 576

Re: 2022 Ch. Angelus…’one of the greatest vintages’ like 1947

lol... oooh can't wait.... It's like my supposed claims that I'm retiring from the practice of law. I'm supposedly done buying new Bordeaux vintages. While the part about claiming another great vintage is a bit tiring, having been in BDX recently, I had the opportunity to taste some samples of 2022...
by Jeff Leve
Fri Nov 11, 2022 4:06 pm
Forum: Our Forum
Topic: The 2019 du Tertre has been uncorked and other ramblings....
Replies: 18
Views: 496

Re: The 2019 du Tertre has been uncorked and other ramblings....

Possibly a silly question (?) But I’ve heard using reverse osmosis to reduce alcohol levels is absolutely rampant in Bordeaux at the moment. Could that explain why the wine tastes like / has flavours more in tune with 15% when the actual reading is a fair bit less? They’ve picked on those flavours ...
by Jeff Leve
Wed Oct 05, 2022 3:58 pm
Forum: Our Forum
Topic: St.Emilion's new classification has been published...
Replies: 41
Views: 1342

Re: St.Emilion's new classification has been published...

There are different criteria for Bordeaux and Burgundy concerning the incorporation of other vineyards. They are allowed in Bordeaux to include vineyards of the same Cru status. I think there's a significant quality difference between some GCCs. It’s a little more involved. Even-in the Medoc, if it...
by Jeff Leve
Tue Sep 13, 2022 4:29 pm
Forum: Our Forum
Topic: St.Emilion's new classification has been published...
Replies: 41
Views: 1342

Re: St.Emilion's new classification has been published...

Anyone have any thoughts on my question as to whether the 2016 Figeac is actually a good wine? Or whether Robert's trashing of recent Figeac as having sold out to the dark side for classification is justified? Hey Everyone! 2016 Figeac is one of the wines of the vintage! It is an extraordinary wine...
by Jeff Leve
Sun Sep 27, 2020 11:55 pm
Forum: Our Forum
Topic: AFAIC, RP’s questionable palate or scoring?
Replies: 27
Views: 910

Re: AFAIC, RP’s questionable palate or scoring?

To me the difficult with projecting complexity is that if its a new style/region, there is not much of a history to look at. Just hypothetically if we observe chocolatey notes in young St Emilion, we might reasonably guess that in 20 years it will turn peanut buttery, truffley, sandalwoody etc. (I'...
by Jeff Leve
Sun Sep 27, 2020 11:47 pm
Forum: Our Forum
Topic: AFAIC, RP’s questionable palate or scoring?
Replies: 27
Views: 910

Re: AFAIC, RP’s questionable palate or scoring?

Guys One factor that affected RP's palate is the simple fact that he tried (by his own admission) around 600 wines a day. Where did you read this? Can you cite this? Or is this some urban legend? At 60 seconds per wine, that is 10 hours a day with no break. That does not seem possible. I can tell y...
by Jeff Leve
Sun Sep 27, 2020 11:44 pm
Forum: Our Forum
Topic: AFAIC, RP’s questionable palate or scoring?
Replies: 27
Views: 910

Re: AFAIC, RP’s questionable palate or scoring?

I align with Jacques on this issue. I really do not care what personal preference someone else has. With a good description from a critic I can decide whether I will probably like the wine. Is 2009 Cos a poorly made wine? "...overripeness, lack of acidity, lack of precision" suggests a po...
by Jeff Leve
Sun Sep 27, 2020 11:41 pm
Forum: Our Forum
Topic: AFAIC, RP’s questionable palate or scoring?
Replies: 27
Views: 910

Re: AFAIC, RP’s questionable palate or scoring?

I think the idea of balance is where we start to run into problems. Jeff finds that you can have balanced wines with extremely high alcohol. For some reason, I cannot get his descriptors for the Troplong Mondot 2010, but he did give it a 98. Just to be clear, the wine weighed in at 16.2%. Despite n...
by Jeff Leve
Sun Sep 27, 2020 11:36 pm
Forum: Our Forum
Topic: AFAIC, RP’s questionable palate or scoring?
Replies: 27
Views: 910

Re: AFAIC, RP’s questionable palate or scoring?

I find these threads to be nonsense. The reason is, Parker enjoyed a broader range of wine styles than most people. Yes, he loved powerful wines. But he also adored elegance and finesse. Some examples in this thread. He likes Paul Autard Chateauneuf, yet Rayas earned higher scores. He likes Troplong...
by Jeff Leve
Mon Aug 10, 2020 6:15 pm
Forum: Our Forum
Topic: 2002 Cos d'Estournel and Maine oysters on the back deck....
Replies: 35
Views: 1129

Re: 2002 Cos d'Estournel and Maine oysters on the back deck....

2002 Cos is one of the wines of the vintage. Was that in the $29-$39 price?
by Jeff Leve
Mon Aug 03, 2020 6:30 pm
Forum: Our Forum
Topic: La Conseillante with Marielle Cazaux
Replies: 130
Views: 3676

Re: La Conseillante with Marielle Cazaux

Change is not relevant, What is important is what is in the glass . That is how I look at every wine. The portion of Micro vinification is still quite small. And except for the fact that is bothers you, what is wrong with it? It adds a bit more roundness to the texture in its youth. Once it is blen...
by Jeff Leve
Mon Aug 03, 2020 6:24 pm
Forum: Our Forum
Topic: La Conseillante with Marielle Cazaux
Replies: 130
Views: 3676

Re: La Conseillante with Marielle Cazaux

I’m a simple drinker. I pay my own way. I don’t get samples or insider access. My views are my own. I’m not reliant on anyone for access or wine. I do not seek attention with wine writings and blogs. My opinion is frank, honest. It is me. So we are clear, because I find this post odd, as I would no...
by Jeff Leve
Mon Aug 03, 2020 6:20 pm
Forum: Our Forum
Topic: La Conseillante with Marielle Cazaux
Replies: 130
Views: 3676

Re: La Conseillante with Marielle Cazaux

I'll have to try one of these modern and spoofilated DdCs. This is an estate that I have enjoyed for 50 years and was happy that it was under the radar. Tonight Lucie and I drank the 1998 with duck breasts. While it will not be mistaken for LMHB or even Smith-Haut-Lafitte, it is a wonderful and tru...
by Jeff Leve
Mon Aug 03, 2020 5:46 pm
Forum: Our Forum
Topic: La Conseillante with Marielle Cazaux
Replies: 130
Views: 3676

Re: La Conseillante with Marielle Cazaux

I am sure Lillian Barton would not let Rolland anywhere near her estate. Ian... And so what does that have to do with the price of tea in China? Over the past 10-15 years, Leoville Barton has changed. The wines are riper, the tannins and softer, the wine shows more polish and drinks well earlier. I...
by Jeff Leve
Mon Aug 03, 2020 5:39 pm
Forum: Our Forum
Topic: La Conseillante with Marielle Cazaux
Replies: 130
Views: 3676

Re: La Conseillante with Marielle Cazaux

JimHow wrote:I have two bottles of 2014 La Conseillante that I will hold.
I'm debating whether to buy a bottle of the 2016 at $228.
Jim, 16 is a much better wine. It is significantly better than the 14. It will be a legendary La Conseillante in the years to come.
by Jeff Leve
Mon Aug 03, 2020 5:38 pm
Forum: Our Forum
Topic: La Conseillante with Marielle Cazaux
Replies: 130
Views: 3676

Re: La Conseillante with Marielle Cazaux

Your bugaboo about Rolland is IMO, just plain silly. You might not like many wines, OK, no problem. But in most cases, especially at La Conseillante and Figeac, as well as at other high-end estates, he is there mainly for the blending. How is that an issue? Jeff, in lawyer speak, we would say you a...
by Jeff Leve
Sat Aug 01, 2020 7:39 pm
Forum: Our Forum
Topic: La Conseillante with Marielle Cazaux
Replies: 130
Views: 3676

Re: La Conseillante with Marielle Cazaux

Oh Jeffois, you know better than that. While I am not a wine critic that sits in my Villa in Beverly Hills, free samples galore, I am a bit more sophisticated than you are suggesting. I’ve easily had well over 100+ Bordeaux that Rolland has “graced”. Bottles, not “tastings”. While I will not discou...
by Jeff Leve
Sat Aug 01, 2020 7:31 pm
Forum: Our Forum
Topic: TN: Cos d’Estournel 2009
Replies: 62
Views: 2298

Re: TN: Cos d’Estournel 2009

One thing I give you lots of credit for Jeff — in your notes, one usually gets a clear sense of this style of a wine whether or not you like it. Given how subjective wine appreciation is (and music, art, food, etc.), the style of a wine is at least as important as any qualitative measure of the win...
by Jeff Leve
Sat Aug 01, 2020 12:02 am
Forum: Our Forum
Topic: La Conseillante with Marielle Cazaux
Replies: 130
Views: 3676

Re: La Conseillante with Marielle Cazaux

Arv... Sorry. My bad. Edited and corrected due to a senior moment.
by Jeff Leve
Fri Jul 31, 2020 11:36 pm
Forum: Our Forum
Topic: TN: Cos d’Estournel 2009
Replies: 62
Views: 2298

Re: TN: Cos d’Estournel 2009

I think it was pretty clearly marked as a combination of a bunch of different notes and thus a parody. Just look at it as a more palate-coating, intense, and extracted version of regular Jeff Leve! Frankly, you would have much better wine in your cellar if you paid more attention to the intense, an...
by Jeff Leve
Fri Jul 31, 2020 11:33 pm
Forum: Our Forum
Topic: La Conseillante with Marielle Cazaux
Replies: 130
Views: 3676

Re: La Conseillante with Marielle Cazaux

Unless I'm missing something, the point of reviewers writing reviews of wines is to help others -- who do not receive free samples -- decide what wines on which to spend hard-earned money. Now if the reviewers think that anyone else reading the notes and acting thereupon is foolish, why do the revi...
by Jeff Leve
Fri Jul 31, 2020 9:00 pm
Forum: Our Forum
Topic: TN: Cos d’Estournel 2009
Replies: 62
Views: 2298

Re: TN: Cos d’Estournel 2009

>> It is inane and childish and misleading. >> Also a pretty funny parody (rather than satire), Jeff. I doubt that any regular reader of BWE thought that Marcus gave an accurate summary of your reviews. BTW: I like reading your tasting notes, which I find give accurate descriptions. Our tastes diff...