Maison Ilan Chambertin

I laughed when this was served, but I have to say, this was a spectacular bottle of Chambertin. Despite the terrible backstory of Scammin' Ray Walker, this Chambertin was full of bright red fruit, exotic spices, fresh florals, and lovely perfume. Surprisingly nice complexity here. For the low price my friend paid, I'd definitely drink more of this anytime. Fuck Ray Walker though.

Maison Ilan @ Medlar : Bright ruby, a little lighter. Some evolution. Harmonious. Not much more substance here than the Chaffots. Nice, but that’s slightly faint praise in the context. A bit more stuffing cf the Chaffots 11 but I prefer the latter’s delicacy. ***1/2

Death by Lobster (Four Seasons Hotel, Atlanta) : Not bad, but lacking intensity and complexity with most of the interest generated from a not unpleasant stemminess and aromas strangely reminiscent of a Varsity chili dog.

This is a WOW wine. The aromas are beautiful even at this young age. Darker fruit. Spicy. There is some elevate char at this point but to me it is integrated. The interplay of fruit and acid is perfect here as in most better 2010s. Very long finish. This is young and absolutely extraordinary.

ON THE PATIO @ OEGSTGEEST : Wow complex flavors and aromas of red and black cherries, plum, spice and earth. On the palate perfectly focused and balanced with stunning grip on the very pure and intense finish - what a gorgeous wine this is.

Rotating Dinner Series-Wines Jimmy Likes (Acadia, Chicago IL) : Nose: The nose has a quiet power to it with dark red fruits, earth, dark red cherries, violets, and some perfumes. This is very well balanced with excellent depth and it relies more on nuance than power. Taste: Medium/full bodied with medium/high acidity and very youthful tannins. The structure doesn't seem too imposing, but it's very sneaky as the tannins become more pronounced with air. Even with the palate showing size, …

A little reduction that blew off. Intense red fruit. Complex. Nice grip. Powerful, but not heavy or tiring. Savory, not sweet. Very enjoyable. I drank it to test its character: young and juicy at this point...all about potential, for me.

Very tight and closed but the wine feels good and feels right. It has great line in the mouth and builds to a crescendo where the wine drives right through the finish and fans out. Enormous potential here.

Barrel tasting with Ray Walker May 2011 This has less overt body than the Charmes right now, but more depth to me, with an beautiful inner perfume. Loads of finesse, beautiful poise, all the time being deceptively powerful and simultaneously deft. A wine that impresses by getting out of the way between the soil and the taster. nicely done! Outstanding.