1995 Dr.Loosen Ürziger Würzgarten Riesling Auslese;
Clear Golden, petroleum, ripe yellow apples in the auumn, hints of roses and minerals in the back. A good mouthfeel, very sweet, great acidity, mature notes, but also fresh apples, sour strawberries and fresh raspberries, good length. 83
1990 Markus Molitor, Zeltinger Sonenuhr Riesling Auslese**;
Golden yellow, mature, elegant of botrytis and petroleum over pineapple, peach and ripe yellow apples, some lemon in the back. Good minerality. Good mouthfeel, balanced, very elegant, acidity is truly magnificent in it's balance. Long, tender and elegant finish. 91
Sunday, 29 November 2009
Back to Norway
Some bottles have quite another personal history than others. This one was bought at the producer, put on the back of the rentet bicycle (not Broadbent's), and was with me while cycling from Wehlen, over the river to the bottom of Wehlener Sonnenuhr, then through Graach, past all the vineyards untill we (the bottle and I) stopped below it's vineyard and went into Älteste Weinstube where I normally stay in Bernkastel. It was then brought back by plane to Norway, not quite as romantic.
1997 S.A.Prüm Bernkasteler Graben Riesling Spätlese;
Golden colour, quite tender, some parafin and petroleum and then very ripe apples and minerals like schistes on a rainy, fresh day. Good acidity, some tropical canned fruits, lots of fresh apples, lime and pineapples. Starting to mature, but will undoubtedly last longer. Long finish. 85
We had a good trip together and departed as friends, the memories lingers on.
1997 S.A.Prüm Bernkasteler Graben Riesling Spätlese;
Golden colour, quite tender, some parafin and petroleum and then very ripe apples and minerals like schistes on a rainy, fresh day. Good acidity, some tropical canned fruits, lots of fresh apples, lime and pineapples. Starting to mature, but will undoubtedly last longer. Long finish. 85
We had a good trip together and departed as friends, the memories lingers on.
2 times 00 Sarget de Gruaud Larose.
These bottles was bought on the same time, the first tasted in October o5, the last note from yesterday (28 Nov. 09)
2000 Sarget de Gruaud-Larose;
Ruby red, lots of blackcurrants, bell-peppers, otherwise closed and thight knit. Good acidity, thight tannins, needs at least 5 years. 81
2000 Sarget de Gruaud Larose;
Ruby with thin garnet rim, youthfull still, hints of secondary aromas, blackcurrants, autumn leaves, cigars, hints of barrel aromas, bell peppers, some fresh dirt and chantrells. Ok acidity, ripe tannins, good fruit intencity and medium body, a bit of dark chocolate at the end. Drink or keep another 5-8 years. 86
Most Bordeaux always keeps much longer than one anticipates, as clearly seen over. One bottle left of the "six pack", so let's see how long I can wait!
2000 Sarget de Gruaud-Larose;
Ruby red, lots of blackcurrants, bell-peppers, otherwise closed and thight knit. Good acidity, thight tannins, needs at least 5 years. 81
2000 Sarget de Gruaud Larose;
Ruby with thin garnet rim, youthfull still, hints of secondary aromas, blackcurrants, autumn leaves, cigars, hints of barrel aromas, bell peppers, some fresh dirt and chantrells. Ok acidity, ripe tannins, good fruit intencity and medium body, a bit of dark chocolate at the end. Drink or keep another 5-8 years. 86
Most Bordeaux always keeps much longer than one anticipates, as clearly seen over. One bottle left of the "six pack", so let's see how long I can wait!
99 Rheingau BA and 85 Barbaresco
1999 Freiherr Heyl zu Herrnsheim, Pettenthal Riesling Beerenauslese;
Golden colour, a bit closed, botrytis, honney and hints of figs. Thick consitency, fresh riesling grapes, good acidity, fresh, , then apricots, some bitter tones in the finish, long finish. Quite complex. 92
1997 Beaulieau Vineyard, Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon;
Ruby red, fresh, nice cab, blackcurrants, coffe and cigars. Rpe tannins, almost gone, a bit tired acidity, ok finish. 75
1985 Valfieri Barbaresco;
Light ruby, brown rim. Very floral, lots of anis and sweeter liquorice. Tannins are mature and almost gone, ok acidity, not the most complex, but fresh and ok finish. 83
Golden colour, a bit closed, botrytis, honney and hints of figs. Thick consitency, fresh riesling grapes, good acidity, fresh, , then apricots, some bitter tones in the finish, long finish. Quite complex. 92
1997 Beaulieau Vineyard, Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon;
Ruby red, fresh, nice cab, blackcurrants, coffe and cigars. Rpe tannins, almost gone, a bit tired acidity, ok finish. 75
1985 Valfieri Barbaresco;
Light ruby, brown rim. Very floral, lots of anis and sweeter liquorice. Tannins are mature and almost gone, ok acidity, not the most complex, but fresh and ok finish. 83
Bordeaux, Mosel and Argentina
1995 Chateau Haut-Bommes; (Sauternes)
Pure gold, clean fruity nos, some apricots and vanilla. Then honey, ok acidity, short length. 78
1999 Nicolas Catena Zapata, Mendoza, Argentina;
Clear ruby, some blackcurrants, chocolate and coffee, elegant, intence yet elegant, like velvet, kind of discreet, well balanced, but not the most complex, but I think it will develop nicely, give it more time. 83
2001 Karp-Schreiber, Brauneberger Juffer Sonnenuhr Riesling Spätlese;
Light golden yellow, sour apples, some fatness, minerals in the back, good acidity, elegant and soft mouthfeel, but atypical of Wehlen.....best guess....78
1995 Chateau Belgrave;
Ruby with garnet rim, a bit green notes,bell peppers and herbs under blackcurrants. Good acidity, tannins not fully ripe, quite complex, give it some more years, and hopefully the tannins will calm down. 86
Pure gold, clean fruity nos, some apricots and vanilla. Then honey, ok acidity, short length. 78
1999 Nicolas Catena Zapata, Mendoza, Argentina;
Clear ruby, some blackcurrants, chocolate and coffee, elegant, intence yet elegant, like velvet, kind of discreet, well balanced, but not the most complex, but I think it will develop nicely, give it more time. 83
2001 Karp-Schreiber, Brauneberger Juffer Sonnenuhr Riesling Spätlese;
Light golden yellow, sour apples, some fatness, minerals in the back, good acidity, elegant and soft mouthfeel, but atypical of Wehlen.....best guess....78
1995 Chateau Belgrave;
Ruby with garnet rim, a bit green notes,bell peppers and herbs under blackcurrants. Good acidity, tannins not fully ripe, quite complex, give it some more years, and hopefully the tannins will calm down. 86
76 Mosel and 75 Talbot
1995 St. Stephens Crown Tokaji 5 Putonyos;
Amber, some raisins, burnt, almost maderaised, som burnt almonds. Some acidity, quite boring, not how a Tokaj should be, uninterressting. 70
1976 Christoffel Prüm, Wehener Sonnenuhr Riesling Beerenauslese;
Pure deep gold, not much petroleum as expected, but rather fruity with apples, dill!, and some warm spices somehow. Full bodied, viscous, sweet, lots of fruits, acidity just plays along, ripe green apples, astonishingly fresh, apple kake, cinamon, and finally apricots. Fantastic complexity, aftertaste and length. 94
1975 Chateau Talbot;
Deep ruby! and lots of sediments. Pure mature Bordeaux nose, bell peppers, some blackcurrants, cigars and stone fruits. Not to much complexity and lots of tannins. Acidity is ik, ok finish. 80
Amber, some raisins, burnt, almost maderaised, som burnt almonds. Some acidity, quite boring, not how a Tokaj should be, uninterressting. 70
1976 Christoffel Prüm, Wehener Sonnenuhr Riesling Beerenauslese;
Pure deep gold, not much petroleum as expected, but rather fruity with apples, dill!, and some warm spices somehow. Full bodied, viscous, sweet, lots of fruits, acidity just plays along, ripe green apples, astonishingly fresh, apple kake, cinamon, and finally apricots. Fantastic complexity, aftertaste and length. 94
1975 Chateau Talbot;
Deep ruby! and lots of sediments. Pure mature Bordeaux nose, bell peppers, some blackcurrants, cigars and stone fruits. Not to much complexity and lots of tannins. Acidity is ik, ok finish. 80
85 Rioja and three 78's
1985 La Rioja Alta Reserva 904;
Ruy with brick rim, good fruit intenciy, some liquorice and prunes, quite mature. Rounded, still some oak flavors and vanilla, good acidity, no tannins, almost sweetish fruit, elegant more than very complex, well balanced, good, fresh and fruity finish. 86
1978 Tignanello;
Clear brick, fruit driven nose, quite intence, some cabernet with ell peppers, red fruits and berries. Soft, good acidity, very mature aromas, mature tannins, not much fruit left, living dangerously, but still holding on. 84
1978 Torres Gran Coronas;
Brick red, very little sediments, pure nose, some fruit left, not very intence. Ok acidity, not much fruit, some tannins still, ok finish. 80
1978 Clos Fourtet, Saint-Emilion Grand Cru;
Deepish garnet, thin orange rim, some green peppers, blackcurrants, cigars and tobacco, some prunes in the back. Fresh acidity, some stone fruits, soft tannins, could be more complex, but impressive 78. 85
Ruy with brick rim, good fruit intenciy, some liquorice and prunes, quite mature. Rounded, still some oak flavors and vanilla, good acidity, no tannins, almost sweetish fruit, elegant more than very complex, well balanced, good, fresh and fruity finish. 86
1978 Tignanello;
Clear brick, fruit driven nose, quite intence, some cabernet with ell peppers, red fruits and berries. Soft, good acidity, very mature aromas, mature tannins, not much fruit left, living dangerously, but still holding on. 84
1978 Torres Gran Coronas;
Brick red, very little sediments, pure nose, some fruit left, not very intence. Ok acidity, not much fruit, some tannins still, ok finish. 80
1978 Clos Fourtet, Saint-Emilion Grand Cru;
Deepish garnet, thin orange rim, some green peppers, blackcurrants, cigars and tobacco, some prunes in the back. Fresh acidity, some stone fruits, soft tannins, could be more complex, but impressive 78. 85
78 and 79 Leoville Barton, side by side.
1978 Chateau Leoville Barton;
Bright ruby, almost brown on the rim, lots of fine sediments. B level fill. Very closed and tender at first, after 15 minutes, it opens up greatly, cherries, bell peppers, some stable, dust and well hung meat, slightly perfumed, seductive. Very elegant and well tuned, lovelly fresh acidity, very long finish, tannins gone. 88
1979 Chateau Leoville Barton;
Bright ruby with brick orange rim, lots of fine sediments. B level fill, Not so losed, cherries, bell peppers, not as complex and eleant nose as the 78. More acidity, fine tuned tannins still, more cherry notes on the palate, more intence, but not as complex and refined and a bit thinner. 85
Bright ruby, almost brown on the rim, lots of fine sediments. B level fill. Very closed and tender at first, after 15 minutes, it opens up greatly, cherries, bell peppers, some stable, dust and well hung meat, slightly perfumed, seductive. Very elegant and well tuned, lovelly fresh acidity, very long finish, tannins gone. 88
1979 Chateau Leoville Barton;
Bright ruby with brick orange rim, lots of fine sediments. B level fill, Not so losed, cherries, bell peppers, not as complex and eleant nose as the 78. More acidity, fine tuned tannins still, more cherry notes on the palate, more intence, but not as complex and refined and a bit thinner. 85
3 Mosels
2001 Karthäserhof, Eitelsbacher Karthäuserhofberg Risling Auslese;
Pale golden, great nose of apples, minerals and slightly spiced, almost like cinamon. Great acidity, well balanced and complex. Very long elegant finish, should be kept. 90
2002 Regnery, Klüsserather Bruderschaft Riesling Eiswein;
Golden yellow, some almost ginish on the nose, like juniper, herbs and spices. On the palate the flavours roll so quickly over the tongue it is hard to folow. Strawberries, redcurrants, apples, citrus, orange, apricots, peach. Good acidity, ok finish. 87
2001 Kees-Kieren, Graacher Himmelreich Riesling Beerenauslese;
Clear golden colour. Botrytis shadows everything else on the nose. Like velet in the mouth, very balanced and rounded, fat mouthfeel, complex, elegant and good aftertaste. Fresh acidity. 93
Pale golden, great nose of apples, minerals and slightly spiced, almost like cinamon. Great acidity, well balanced and complex. Very long elegant finish, should be kept. 90
2002 Regnery, Klüsserather Bruderschaft Riesling Eiswein;
Golden yellow, some almost ginish on the nose, like juniper, herbs and spices. On the palate the flavours roll so quickly over the tongue it is hard to folow. Strawberries, redcurrants, apples, citrus, orange, apricots, peach. Good acidity, ok finish. 87
2001 Kees-Kieren, Graacher Himmelreich Riesling Beerenauslese;
Clear golden colour. Botrytis shadows everything else on the nose. Like velet in the mouth, very balanced and rounded, fat mouthfeel, complex, elegant and good aftertaste. Fresh acidity. 93
Two Mosels
2001 Hansen-Lauer Bernkasteler Graben Riesling Spätlese;
Golden yellow, light fruity flavour, some lime and apples and ripe strawberries. Ok acidity, ok lenght. 75
1998 Walter Schander, Neumagener Engelsgrube Riesling Eiswein;
Golden colour, some botrytis, rose hips, some tea, and lemon. Very sweet, fresh, actually quite lovelly in the mouth, fresh of strawberries and cherry. 82
Golden yellow, light fruity flavour, some lime and apples and ripe strawberries. Ok acidity, ok lenght. 75
1998 Walter Schander, Neumagener Engelsgrube Riesling Eiswein;
Golden colour, some botrytis, rose hips, some tea, and lemon. Very sweet, fresh, actually quite lovelly in the mouth, fresh of strawberries and cherry. 82
99 JJ Prüm And Egon Müller
1999 Joh.Jos Prüm, Graacher Himmelreich Riesling Kabinett;
Pale golden yellow, some ripe yellow apples, minerals and autumn forest. Good acidity, soft and gentle fruit, almost smoke and some petroleum and I think schistes woul taste something like this minerality. 84
1999 Egon Müller, Scharzhofberger Riesling Spätlese;
Deep straw yellow. Powerfull nose, some smoke and spices, some apples, then apricots and pineapples, even hints of honey and strawberries, it realy shines with air. Now lime is joining in, sour cherries and even overripe gooseberries. Great acidity that just cleans, very complex, balanced and aftertaste for minutes. 94
Pale golden yellow, some ripe yellow apples, minerals and autumn forest. Good acidity, soft and gentle fruit, almost smoke and some petroleum and I think schistes woul taste something like this minerality. 84
1999 Egon Müller, Scharzhofberger Riesling Spätlese;
Deep straw yellow. Powerfull nose, some smoke and spices, some apples, then apricots and pineapples, even hints of honey and strawberries, it realy shines with air. Now lime is joining in, sour cherries and even overripe gooseberries. Great acidity that just cleans, very complex, balanced and aftertaste for minutes. 94
The Prisoner
2006 Orin Swift The Prisoner Napa Valley;
Zinfandel. Deep purple, almost opaque. Lots of dark fruit, spices, coffee, liquorice and vanilla. Big in the mouth, lots of alcohol, some acidity but not quite integrated, ok finish, then alcohol and a warm mouthfeel. 78
Zinfandel. Deep purple, almost opaque. Lots of dark fruit, spices, coffee, liquorice and vanilla. Big in the mouth, lots of alcohol, some acidity but not quite integrated, ok finish, then alcohol and a warm mouthfeel. 78
1999 Cask 23
1999 Stag's Leap Wine Cellars Cask 23;
Deep ruby, garnet rim. Starting secondary aromas, and a bit closed. Some earth, nuts and then more blackcurrants and bell peppers. With more air, coffee, cigars, and lovely fruits. Very elegant texture, good acidity, mature tannins, lovelly balance, very long finish. Give it time still. 93
Deep ruby, garnet rim. Starting secondary aromas, and a bit closed. Some earth, nuts and then more blackcurrants and bell peppers. With more air, coffee, cigars, and lovely fruits. Very elegant texture, good acidity, mature tannins, lovelly balance, very long finish. Give it time still. 93
2004 Shafer Hillside Select
2004 Shafer Hillside Select;
Deep ruby, some spices, chocolate over blackcurrants, cigars and coffee. Fantastic acidity, balances the body greatly, ripe tannins, good structure, lovelly balance and cmplexiy, some pepper in the very long aftertaste, keep. 93
Deep ruby, some spices, chocolate over blackcurrants, cigars and coffee. Fantastic acidity, balances the body greatly, ripe tannins, good structure, lovelly balance and cmplexiy, some pepper in the very long aftertaste, keep. 93
Where sweetness and dryness makes a better whole.
2005 Schrader Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard, "Old Sparky" Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon; (Magnum)
Almost purple,lots of vanilla, sweetish, a bit heavy fruit on the nose. Good aciidty, ripe tannins, clean fruitiness in the mouth, very elegant, a very suprising body for the nose especially, it is almost split personality with the sweet, heavy nose, then the pure and elegant fruit in the mouth and the almost thin body and very elegant long finish. How will this develop? I'm intrigued. 90
2000 Schramsberg, J.Schram Rosé, Noth Coast;
Pale pinkish, small bubbles. Very nice nose, minerals,, plaster, yellow oxidized apples, very Champagne on the nose. Great mousse, fresh acidity, bone dry body but tiny sweetness on the fruit which gives quite an astonishing and different combination. It won me over. 93
Almost purple,lots of vanilla, sweetish, a bit heavy fruit on the nose. Good aciidty, ripe tannins, clean fruitiness in the mouth, very elegant, a very suprising body for the nose especially, it is almost split personality with the sweet, heavy nose, then the pure and elegant fruit in the mouth and the almost thin body and very elegant long finish. How will this develop? I'm intrigued. 90
2000 Schramsberg, J.Schram Rosé, Noth Coast;
Pale pinkish, small bubbles. Very nice nose, minerals,, plaster, yellow oxidized apples, very Champagne on the nose. Great mousse, fresh acidity, bone dry body but tiny sweetness on the fruit which gives quite an astonishing and different combination. It won me over. 93
Sparkling California
1999 Roederer Estate Brut Anderson Valley L'Ermitage;
Pale golden yellow, good acidity and ok mousse, starting secondary aromas, some sweetish fruit and yellow plums against a dry body. Good balance and long finish. 86
Pale golden yellow, good acidity and ok mousse, starting secondary aromas, some sweetish fruit and yellow plums against a dry body. Good balance and long finish. 86
2 times Ridge Montebello 1978
2005 Pahlmeyer Napa Valley;
Deep ruby, a bit closed, some vanilla over dark fruits, blackcurrants and lquorice whit hints of sweet morellos. Elegant, but keeps beeing closed, does not show all. Elegant structure, best guess. 86
1978 Ridge Monte Bello Santa Cruz Mountains;
Pale ruby, orange rim, very dry, almost austere and raisins. Then some dried fruits and prunes, a bit tired, fresh acidity and tannins gone, hangs on for it's bare life. Not too bad finish. 84
1978 Ridge Monte Bello Santa Cruz Mountains;
Ruby with orange rim, great fresh acidity, beautifull structure, tannins gone, very complex, raisins, prunes, some earthy tones, minerals, very elegant and balanced, even some vanilla in the back, coffee and cigars. Very long finish. 95
The two bottles have been lying next to each other in the same cellar all their life, and they were drunk side by side. This goes to show that there are only good bottles, not wines at 30 years of age. Fantastic experience. Unfortunatelly I did not get to see their fill as they were decanted. Colour was not that differenet!
Deep ruby, a bit closed, some vanilla over dark fruits, blackcurrants and lquorice whit hints of sweet morellos. Elegant, but keeps beeing closed, does not show all. Elegant structure, best guess. 86
1978 Ridge Monte Bello Santa Cruz Mountains;
Pale ruby, orange rim, very dry, almost austere and raisins. Then some dried fruits and prunes, a bit tired, fresh acidity and tannins gone, hangs on for it's bare life. Not too bad finish. 84
1978 Ridge Monte Bello Santa Cruz Mountains;
Ruby with orange rim, great fresh acidity, beautifull structure, tannins gone, very complex, raisins, prunes, some earthy tones, minerals, very elegant and balanced, even some vanilla in the back, coffee and cigars. Very long finish. 95
The two bottles have been lying next to each other in the same cellar all their life, and they were drunk side by side. This goes to show that there are only good bottles, not wines at 30 years of age. Fantastic experience. Unfortunatelly I did not get to see their fill as they were decanted. Colour was not that differenet!
Mondavi Reserve and Opus One head to head.
2005 Peter Michael Les Pavots, Knights Valley;
Deep ruby, some blackcurrants, bell peppers, coffee and mocca and almost mineral in the back. Great balance and fruit intencity, good acidiy and ripe tannins with good length. 90
2004 Robert Mondavi Napa Valley Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon;
Deep ruby, sweet raspberries on the nose, some coffee in the back, a lean body with good fruit intencity, ripe tannins and ok acidity, lacks a bit of complexity, and unlike late Mr. Robert Mondavi, maybe some personality, it is all a little too much textbook in a way, does not stick out. When it comes to the table, you know it will be good, but will it be exciting? 85
2005 Nickel & Nickel Oakville Martin Sterling Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon;
Dark ruby, and a very different nose. Some walnuts, dust and above this some sweet fruit notes and spices. Ripe tannins and a good body, the acidity is here, but barely noticable even if it does do it's job quite well. 86
2005 Opus One;
Deep ruby, lovely nose, almost Bordeaux, some blackcurrants, bell peppers, cigars, coffee, vanilla and white chocolate. Then spices, some anis and pepper. Very complex, typical cab. Very elegant structure, good acidity, ripe tannins, very pleasant and long finish. Very exciting. 94
Deep ruby, some blackcurrants, bell peppers, coffee and mocca and almost mineral in the back. Great balance and fruit intencity, good acidiy and ripe tannins with good length. 90
2004 Robert Mondavi Napa Valley Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon;
Deep ruby, sweet raspberries on the nose, some coffee in the back, a lean body with good fruit intencity, ripe tannins and ok acidity, lacks a bit of complexity, and unlike late Mr. Robert Mondavi, maybe some personality, it is all a little too much textbook in a way, does not stick out. When it comes to the table, you know it will be good, but will it be exciting? 85
2005 Nickel & Nickel Oakville Martin Sterling Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon;
Dark ruby, and a very different nose. Some walnuts, dust and above this some sweet fruit notes and spices. Ripe tannins and a good body, the acidity is here, but barely noticable even if it does do it's job quite well. 86
2005 Opus One;
Deep ruby, lovely nose, almost Bordeaux, some blackcurrants, bell peppers, cigars, coffee, vanilla and white chocolate. Then spices, some anis and pepper. Very complex, typical cab. Very elegant structure, good acidity, ripe tannins, very pleasant and long finish. Very exciting. 94
Kosta Browne and Kistler
2001 Kathryn Kennedy Winery Santa Cruz Mountains Cabernet Sauvignon;
Purple with ruby rim, great fruitdriven nose, liquorice, cassis, cherries, red ripe plums, some cofee and chocolate in the back. Fresh acidity and mature tannins, balanced and long finish, drink or hold. 89
2006 Kistler, Kistler Vineyard, Russian River Valley Pinot Noir;
Bright ruby, quite fresh and elegant pinot nose, strawberries and some spices in the back, a hint of alcohol on top. Very fresh acidity, very pleasant and somehow the medium minus body and fresh fruit hides the alcohol in the mouth. 89
2006 Kosta Browne Rosella's Vineyard, Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir;
Bright ruby, very fruit sweet nose, camphor, vanilla, fresh strawberry jam. Some sweet fruit aromas in the mout as well, but they are fresh, the acidity is almost too much, very fresh, vey long finish. 88
Purple with ruby rim, great fruitdriven nose, liquorice, cassis, cherries, red ripe plums, some cofee and chocolate in the back. Fresh acidity and mature tannins, balanced and long finish, drink or hold. 89
2006 Kistler, Kistler Vineyard, Russian River Valley Pinot Noir;
Bright ruby, quite fresh and elegant pinot nose, strawberries and some spices in the back, a hint of alcohol on top. Very fresh acidity, very pleasant and somehow the medium minus body and fresh fruit hides the alcohol in the mouth. 89
2006 Kosta Browne Rosella's Vineyard, Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir;
Bright ruby, very fruit sweet nose, camphor, vanilla, fresh strawberry jam. Some sweet fruit aromas in the mout as well, but they are fresh, the acidity is almost too much, very fresh, vey long finish. 88
Heitz, Hess and more
2002 Heitz Cellar, Trailside Vineyard Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon;
Dark ruby, some liquorie, lightly spicy, some pepper, blackcurrants, cigars, elegant fruit, good acidity, lots of ripe tannins, balanced and elegant with long finish, needs time. 90
2004 Hess Collecion, Mount Veder Cabernet Sauvignon;
Dark ruby, elegant nose, some spice, blackcurrants, coffee, chocolate and elegant dark fruits. Good acidity and tannin structure, balanced and well made, lacks very little to be fantastic, but it does not quite manage to thrill me. 85
2004 John Anthony Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon;
Deep ruby, lots of spices, pepper, herbs, some chocolate, elegant, fresh and a bit different style but I cannot pinpoint what it is. 87
2005 Kapcsandy Estate Cuvee, State Lane Vineyard, Napa Valley;
Purple with ruby rim, great fruit, but there was too much talking so there was not much of a tasting note. But I remember a very fresh and lively acidity, that somehow is all I have noticed, and a score of 90
Dark ruby, some liquorie, lightly spicy, some pepper, blackcurrants, cigars, elegant fruit, good acidity, lots of ripe tannins, balanced and elegant with long finish, needs time. 90
2004 Hess Collecion, Mount Veder Cabernet Sauvignon;
Dark ruby, elegant nose, some spice, blackcurrants, coffee, chocolate and elegant dark fruits. Good acidity and tannin structure, balanced and well made, lacks very little to be fantastic, but it does not quite manage to thrill me. 85
2004 John Anthony Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon;
Deep ruby, lots of spices, pepper, herbs, some chocolate, elegant, fresh and a bit different style but I cannot pinpoint what it is. 87
2005 Kapcsandy Estate Cuvee, State Lane Vineyard, Napa Valley;
Purple with ruby rim, great fruit, but there was too much talking so there was not much of a tasting note. But I remember a very fresh and lively acidity, that somehow is all I have noticed, and a score of 90
Saturday, 28 November 2009
2004 Harlan Estate
2004 Harlan Estate;
Ruby red, some vanilla, good fruitintencity, blackcurrants, coffee, chocolate, sweet tobacco, elegant, yet intence and almost powerfull. Lots of tannins, fruits and acidity. Liquorice and oak on the finish. Needs time. 94
Ruby red, some vanilla, good fruitintencity, blackcurrants, coffee, chocolate, sweet tobacco, elegant, yet intence and almost powerfull. Lots of tannins, fruits and acidity. Liquorice and oak on the finish. Needs time. 94
Napa Chadonnay, one pinot and two cabs.
2005 Dominus Estate Napa Valley;
Deep ruby, lots of vanilla and floral notes, a bit closed, good structure, very young, ripe tannins, fresh acidity, some cooked jam, blackcurrants, liquorice and coffee. Should be kept. 89
2005 Far Niente Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon;
Deep ruby with thin purple rim, some smoke, a bit closed, seems elegant underneath. Good fruit intencity, medium body, ripe tannins and good acidity, long aftertaste. 89
2006 Freestone, Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir;
Bright ruby, light and clean Pinot fruit, some strawberries and spices, elegant, good acidity keeps it fresh, good finish. 89
2005 Grgich Hills Carneros Selection Napa Valley Chardonnay;
Golden yellow, a bit sweetish and yellow fruits, very clean in it's charming fruitiness, refreshing acidity, slim body, quite elegant and fresh finish. Not rying to be European. 90
Deep ruby, lots of vanilla and floral notes, a bit closed, good structure, very young, ripe tannins, fresh acidity, some cooked jam, blackcurrants, liquorice and coffee. Should be kept. 89
2005 Far Niente Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon;
Deep ruby with thin purple rim, some smoke, a bit closed, seems elegant underneath. Good fruit intencity, medium body, ripe tannins and good acidity, long aftertaste. 89
2006 Freestone, Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir;
Bright ruby, light and clean Pinot fruit, some strawberries and spices, elegant, good acidity keeps it fresh, good finish. 89
2005 Grgich Hills Carneros Selection Napa Valley Chardonnay;
Golden yellow, a bit sweetish and yellow fruits, very clean in it's charming fruitiness, refreshing acidity, slim body, quite elegant and fresh finish. Not rying to be European. 90
4 Cabs and one sweet Napa
2005 Chappellet Pritchard Hill Estate Vineyard Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon;
Dark ruby, good fruit, some blackcurrants, ok acidity and good length, but it does not thrill me in any way, a bit boring really......still a very good wine by any means. 89
1999 Chateau Montelena, The Montelena Estate Cabernet Sauvignon;
Dark ruby, garnet rim, tender, elegant nose, very complex and subtle, blackcurrants and cigars, hints of chocolate, good acidity, good fruit intencity and ripe tannins. 91
1997 Chateau St.Jean Sonoma County Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon;
Dark ruby, lots of oak still, some sweetish fruit, ok acidity, good in it's style, but not for me. 86
2004 Diamond Creek, Red Rock Terrace Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon;
Deep ruby, nice nose, slightly mineral, some floral notes, vanilla, very elegant, but could have had a little more acidity and freshness, ripe tannins and ok length, therefore 88.
2004 Dolce Late Harvest Napa Valley;
Golden yellow, vanilla and botrytis over apricots and pineapples. Supricingly lean body, acidity needs to be higher with this sugar level, nice fresh fruits, slightly monotone. 82
Dark ruby, good fruit, some blackcurrants, ok acidity and good length, but it does not thrill me in any way, a bit boring really......still a very good wine by any means. 89
1999 Chateau Montelena, The Montelena Estate Cabernet Sauvignon;
Dark ruby, garnet rim, tender, elegant nose, very complex and subtle, blackcurrants and cigars, hints of chocolate, good acidity, good fruit intencity and ripe tannins. 91
1997 Chateau St.Jean Sonoma County Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon;
Dark ruby, lots of oak still, some sweetish fruit, ok acidity, good in it's style, but not for me. 86
2004 Diamond Creek, Red Rock Terrace Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon;
Deep ruby, nice nose, slightly mineral, some floral notes, vanilla, very elegant, but could have had a little more acidity and freshness, ripe tannins and ok length, therefore 88.
2004 Dolce Late Harvest Napa Valley;
Golden yellow, vanilla and botrytis over apricots and pineapples. Supricingly lean body, acidity needs to be higher with this sugar level, nice fresh fruits, slightly monotone. 82
Caymus Special Selection, Bond and more.
2004 Bond Pluribus Napa Valley;
Deep ruby, light fruity nose with some vanilla, hints of Bordeaux, violets and floral notes. Good acidity, well balanced, lots of ripe tannins, a bit rustic and ruff finish. 88
2007 Bonny Doon, Monterey County, Ca'del Solo Estate Vineyard, Albarino;
Pale straw yellow, clean, fresh fruit, lovely acidity, elegant and cool fruit, very fresh and good albarino. 81
2005 Cadence Ciel du Cheval Vineyard, Red Mountain;
Deep ruby, some blackcurrants (Bordeaux blend), very sweet fruit, but fresh. Not the most complex, but still good. 84
1993 Caymus Special Selection;
Deep ruby, very complex, almost Bordeaux like nose, cedar, blackcurrants, coffee, hints of mocca and chocolate, medium body, very young still, great and fresh acidity, lots of ripe tannins, good fruit intencity, keep. 93
Deep ruby, light fruity nose with some vanilla, hints of Bordeaux, violets and floral notes. Good acidity, well balanced, lots of ripe tannins, a bit rustic and ruff finish. 88
2007 Bonny Doon, Monterey County, Ca'del Solo Estate Vineyard, Albarino;
Pale straw yellow, clean, fresh fruit, lovely acidity, elegant and cool fruit, very fresh and good albarino. 81
2005 Cadence Ciel du Cheval Vineyard, Red Mountain;
Deep ruby, some blackcurrants (Bordeaux blend), very sweet fruit, but fresh. Not the most complex, but still good. 84
1993 Caymus Special Selection;
Deep ruby, very complex, almost Bordeaux like nose, cedar, blackcurrants, coffee, hints of mocca and chocolate, medium body, very young still, great and fresh acidity, lots of ripe tannins, good fruit intencity, keep. 93
Thursday, 26 November 2009
American short notes
2005 Au Bon Climat XXV Anniversary Nuits-Blances au Bouge Santa Maria Valley Chardonnay;
Vanilla, toast, fresher in the mouth, lots of oak behind the fruit, a bit warm finish. 83
2005 Beaulieu Vineyard Georges de Latour Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Private Reserve;
Meat with spices, some oak, ok acidity, ripe tannins, god length. 86
Vanilla, toast, fresher in the mouth, lots of oak behind the fruit, a bit warm finish. 83
2005 Beaulieu Vineyard Georges de Latour Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Private Reserve;
Meat with spices, some oak, ok acidity, ripe tannins, god length. 86
Some short notes, Salon and Screaming Eagle amongst others.
2002 St. Urbans-Hof Okfener Bockstein Riesling Auslese;
Golden yellow, some notes of cellar, apples, citrus and heavy minerals. Good acidity and length. 86
1995 Salon;
(Note from 05) Pale lemon yellow, some butter, minerals, oxidized apples. Fantastic foam, fresh acidity, indescribable, long length. 98
2002 Screaming Eagle Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon;
(Note from 05) Deep ruby, some flavours of Mediteranian spices and herbs, blackcurrants, coffe and chocolate. Tastes a bit of warm fruits, good acidity. 90
2001 Chateau Suduiraut;
(Note from 05), Pale golden, closed, fresh, some spices adn apricots over pineapples. Elegant, perfect acidity, complex, long aftertaste.
Golden yellow, some notes of cellar, apples, citrus and heavy minerals. Good acidity and length. 86
1995 Salon;
(Note from 05) Pale lemon yellow, some butter, minerals, oxidized apples. Fantastic foam, fresh acidity, indescribable, long length. 98
2002 Screaming Eagle Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon;
(Note from 05) Deep ruby, some flavours of Mediteranian spices and herbs, blackcurrants, coffe and chocolate. Tastes a bit of warm fruits, good acidity. 90
2001 Chateau Suduiraut;
(Note from 05), Pale golden, closed, fresh, some spices adn apricots over pineapples. Elegant, perfect acidity, complex, long aftertaste.
3 Bordeaux and a fantastic 85 Ridge Monte Bello
1996 Chateau Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande;
Deep ruby, garnet rim, first some fresh durt, then blackcurrants, leather, some liquorice and coffee in the back, then cigars. Good acidity and ripe tannins, well balanced, complex and quite elegant. Drink now or the next 15 years. 93
2000 Chateau Rauzan-Segla;
Deep ruby with ruby rim, a bit light on the nose, some floral and mineral notes, and blackcurrants. Good acidity and ripe tannins, elegant and fruit driven aftertatse, good structure, a bit short length at the moment. Give it some more years. 89
1985 Ridge Monte Bello, Santa Cruz Mountains Cabernet Sauvignon;
Bright ruby with brick rim. Mature nose, some cassis, cedar, cigars, leaves, a bit of warm fruits, some prunes in the back and leather, then coffee and chocolate. Good acidity, mature tannins, starting to wear off, complex and balanced, very long aftertaste. 95
1998 Chateau Rieussec;
Golden yellow, some mushrooms, apricot hints in the back, not the best nose. Quite good acidity, a bit big on the body, complex, but not fresh, the acidity can't quite make it. 86
Deep ruby, garnet rim, first some fresh durt, then blackcurrants, leather, some liquorice and coffee in the back, then cigars. Good acidity and ripe tannins, well balanced, complex and quite elegant. Drink now or the next 15 years. 93
2000 Chateau Rauzan-Segla;
Deep ruby with ruby rim, a bit light on the nose, some floral and mineral notes, and blackcurrants. Good acidity and ripe tannins, elegant and fruit driven aftertatse, good structure, a bit short length at the moment. Give it some more years. 89
1985 Ridge Monte Bello, Santa Cruz Mountains Cabernet Sauvignon;
Bright ruby with brick rim. Mature nose, some cassis, cedar, cigars, leaves, a bit of warm fruits, some prunes in the back and leather, then coffee and chocolate. Good acidity, mature tannins, starting to wear off, complex and balanced, very long aftertaste. 95
1998 Chateau Rieussec;
Golden yellow, some mushrooms, apricot hints in the back, not the best nose. Quite good acidity, a bit big on the body, complex, but not fresh, the acidity can't quite make it. 86
Egon Müller, Rubicon, Opus One and Palmer
2003 Egon Müller Scharzhofberger Riesling Spätlese;
Pale golden, exotic fruits, apples, pineapple, minerals, apricots. Very refined and even manages to have good acidity which I find a bit rare in 03's, even in Mosel. Long length. 88
2001 Niebaum-Copploa Rubicon, Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon;
Dark ruby, blackcurrants and bell pepper with tobacco, coffee and some vanilla. Great structure, ripe tannins and good acidity, very elegant and balanced, and long length. Drink or keep. 91
2002 Opus One;
Dark ruby, ruby rim. Some wet earth underneath, lots of blackcurrants, bell peppers, cigars, coffee and chocolate. Intence and elegant at the same time. Complex and balanced with good acidity and ripe big tannins. Long length. 91
2001 Chateau Palmer;
Dark ruby, elegant, cedar, cigar, blackcurrants, violets and floral notes and some minerals in the back. Nice acidity, ripe tannins, extremely elegant, and almost tender. A bit short finish, but probably more because of youth than quality. 90
Pale golden, exotic fruits, apples, pineapple, minerals, apricots. Very refined and even manages to have good acidity which I find a bit rare in 03's, even in Mosel. Long length. 88
2001 Niebaum-Copploa Rubicon, Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon;
Dark ruby, blackcurrants and bell pepper with tobacco, coffee and some vanilla. Great structure, ripe tannins and good acidity, very elegant and balanced, and long length. Drink or keep. 91
2002 Opus One;
Dark ruby, ruby rim. Some wet earth underneath, lots of blackcurrants, bell peppers, cigars, coffee and chocolate. Intence and elegant at the same time. Complex and balanced with good acidity and ripe big tannins. Long length. 91
2001 Chateau Palmer;
Dark ruby, elegant, cedar, cigar, blackcurrants, violets and floral notes and some minerals in the back. Nice acidity, ripe tannins, extremely elegant, and almost tender. A bit short finish, but probably more because of youth than quality. 90
1995 Chateau Mouton Rothschild
1995 Chateau Mouton Rothschild;
Dark ruby, garnet rim. A true beauty. Cedar, tobacco, blackcurrants, cigars, coffee, chocolate, stable, expensive leather, thoroughbred. Tannins like snow falling, texture like velvet, great balance and complexity, fresh acidity, very long finish. Keep for a long time. 96
Dark ruby, garnet rim. A true beauty. Cedar, tobacco, blackcurrants, cigars, coffee, chocolate, stable, expensive leather, thoroughbred. Tannins like snow falling, texture like velvet, great balance and complexity, fresh acidity, very long finish. Keep for a long time. 96
Laroche, Margaux and Mission.
2003 Domaine Laroche Les Blanchots Chablis Grand Cru Reserve de l'Obedience;
Golden yellow, some smoked aromas, minerals, some butter, apples and some exotic fruits, and floral notes. Soft acidity, but does manage to pull through, just. A bit tropical aftertaste. Complex and balanced, but not a very typical Chablis. 89
1999 Chateau Margaux;
ruby with garnet rim. Still youthfull and elegant. Some minerals, floral notes, elegant blackcurrants, some violets, cigars and tobacco. Good acidity, ripe tannins, starting to mature, great balance and elegant complexity. Enjoy now or keep another 10 years, maybe more. 91
2001 Chateau La Mission Haut-Brion;
Dark ruby, ruby rim, a bit closed an thight knit at first, then opens up to some forest floor, minerals and after some more minutes in the glass, great bell peppers, blackcurrants and liquorice. Good acidity as all 01's, ripe tannins, increadibly elegant, everything in balance and well integrated, very long finish. 93
Golden yellow, some smoked aromas, minerals, some butter, apples and some exotic fruits, and floral notes. Soft acidity, but does manage to pull through, just. A bit tropical aftertaste. Complex and balanced, but not a very typical Chablis. 89
1999 Chateau Margaux;
ruby with garnet rim. Still youthfull and elegant. Some minerals, floral notes, elegant blackcurrants, some violets, cigars and tobacco. Good acidity, ripe tannins, starting to mature, great balance and elegant complexity. Enjoy now or keep another 10 years, maybe more. 91
2001 Chateau La Mission Haut-Brion;
Dark ruby, ruby rim, a bit closed an thight knit at first, then opens up to some forest floor, minerals and after some more minutes in the glass, great bell peppers, blackcurrants and liquorice. Good acidity as all 01's, ripe tannins, increadibly elegant, everything in balance and well integrated, very long finish. 93
1998 Chateau Lafite Rothschild, uncorked to find cork
1998 Chateau Lafite Rothschild;
Corked. Twice. Cork is good in it's way, but maybe a screw cap is better. On whites at least, it seems to be true. I have very little problems with cork. I have to say that I feel very lucky, I do not have corked wines as often as 5-7 percent, as they say, for me it's more like 2. On cheaper wines, maybe upp to 4. Thank God. But it happens when you really do not wan't to. It does not matter too much on everyday plonk, even if it's really annoying, especially when you do not have a spare.
But when it ruins a good bottle, then it is just sad. When it ruins a truly great one, it's tragic. This one was. Corked as few, when it is absolutelly no doubt. Wet wool socks, wet cardboard, mold, not very pleasant. Al the cigar, blackcurrants and the fantastic pauillac notes gone. On this true beauty, it was tragic, this is one big favorite of the 98's, actually of all Bordeaux. I hope the TCA at least apreciated the wine while ruining it.
I have had corked Carruades in 98 as well, I hope it's not a problem of this vintage with Lafite.
I like wines to be corked once, then you can uncork it and have a great drink. Twice, and there is no pulltap in the world to uncork the second cork, unfortunatelly.
Corked. Twice. Cork is good in it's way, but maybe a screw cap is better. On whites at least, it seems to be true. I have very little problems with cork. I have to say that I feel very lucky, I do not have corked wines as often as 5-7 percent, as they say, for me it's more like 2. On cheaper wines, maybe upp to 4. Thank God. But it happens when you really do not wan't to. It does not matter too much on everyday plonk, even if it's really annoying, especially when you do not have a spare.
But when it ruins a good bottle, then it is just sad. When it ruins a truly great one, it's tragic. This one was. Corked as few, when it is absolutelly no doubt. Wet wool socks, wet cardboard, mold, not very pleasant. Al the cigar, blackcurrants and the fantastic pauillac notes gone. On this true beauty, it was tragic, this is one big favorite of the 98's, actually of all Bordeaux. I hope the TCA at least apreciated the wine while ruining it.
I have had corked Carruades in 98 as well, I hope it's not a problem of this vintage with Lafite.
I like wines to be corked once, then you can uncork it and have a great drink. Twice, and there is no pulltap in the world to uncork the second cork, unfortunatelly.
2001 Chateau Haut-Brion
2001 Chateau Haut- Brion;
Ruby, very elegant, and first thing that hits me is minerals like a rainy day in a quarry, blackcurrants, cedar, cigars, hints of cherries and sweet tobacco in the back. Great acidity, ripe tannins, so elegant and structure like velvet, great aftertaste. Drinks well now, but I would keep it for another 10-15 years. 93
Ruby, very elegant, and first thing that hits me is minerals like a rainy day in a quarry, blackcurrants, cedar, cigars, hints of cherries and sweet tobacco in the back. Great acidity, ripe tannins, so elegant and structure like velvet, great aftertaste. Drinks well now, but I would keep it for another 10-15 years. 93
Heitz Martha's, Far Niente and Charles Heidsieck.
2002 Far Niente Oakville Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon;
Dark ruby, different cab, some spices and roses, quite floral over blackcurrants and cigars, some coffee in the back. Soft and elegant structure, good acidity and mature tannins, very delicate finish. Drinks well now, can keep. 91
1999 Heitz Cellars, Martha's Vineyard, Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon;
Bright ruby, garnet rim, almost smoked meat, some blackcurrants, coffee and tea, elegant nose. Fresh and pure, elegant body, silky tannins and good acidity, maybe a bit holow in the mid palate, but considering the age of the vines in 99, this is true craftmanship. 92
1995 Charles Heidsieck Blanc des Millenaires;
Pale lemon yellow, tiny bubbles, very chalky and mineral notes, some green apples. Good acidity, the mousse is elegant, good intencity, and well balanced. Keep. Note is from October 05. 90
Dark ruby, different cab, some spices and roses, quite floral over blackcurrants and cigars, some coffee in the back. Soft and elegant structure, good acidity and mature tannins, very delicate finish. Drinks well now, can keep. 91
1999 Heitz Cellars, Martha's Vineyard, Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon;
Bright ruby, garnet rim, almost smoked meat, some blackcurrants, coffee and tea, elegant nose. Fresh and pure, elegant body, silky tannins and good acidity, maybe a bit holow in the mid palate, but considering the age of the vines in 99, this is true craftmanship. 92
1995 Charles Heidsieck Blanc des Millenaires;
Pale lemon yellow, tiny bubbles, very chalky and mineral notes, some green apples. Good acidity, the mousse is elegant, good intencity, and well balanced. Keep. Note is from October 05. 90
Cos, Climens and Tokaji
2002 Chateau Climens;
Golden colour, beautifull nose, some botrytis, exotic, apricots, pineapple and peach. Fresh and elegant. Some hints of cinamon. Great acidity that clears the sugar away, complex and full bodied. Needs time, very good aftertaste. Have noticed some bottle variations.....92
2001 Chateau Cos d'Estournel;
Bright ruby, some liquorice, cigars, blackcurrants and bell peppers, good acidity and ripe tannins, very elegant and no signs of the sweetish fruit that I sometimes find in Cos, strycture like velvet, very elegant and long finish. 92
2000 Disznoko Tokaji Aszu 6 Puttonyos;
Dark gold, orange hints. Botrytis and dried fruits, some apricots, raisins, hints of wallnuts. Tender and fruit fresh Tokej, very elegant, but lacks some complexity for top notch. 87
Golden colour, beautifull nose, some botrytis, exotic, apricots, pineapple and peach. Fresh and elegant. Some hints of cinamon. Great acidity that clears the sugar away, complex and full bodied. Needs time, very good aftertaste. Have noticed some bottle variations.....92
2001 Chateau Cos d'Estournel;
Bright ruby, some liquorice, cigars, blackcurrants and bell peppers, good acidity and ripe tannins, very elegant and no signs of the sweetish fruit that I sometimes find in Cos, strycture like velvet, very elegant and long finish. 92
2000 Disznoko Tokaji Aszu 6 Puttonyos;
Dark gold, orange hints. Botrytis and dried fruits, some apricots, raisins, hints of wallnuts. Tender and fruit fresh Tokej, very elegant, but lacks some complexity for top notch. 87
One fantastic Rheingau and one fantastic Yquem.
2005 Robert Weil, Kiedrich Gräfenberg Riesling Auslese Gold Cap;
Lemnon yellow, closed, pure and elegant, apples and minerals. Fantastic acidity, pure perfection in balance, complex, intence, almost lost for words. Extremelly long finish. The acidity just keeps on refreshing, truly beautifull. 96
1998 Chateau d'Yquem;
Golden colour, pure youth still, alle nuances one want's from a Sauternes, apricots, peach, apples, pineapples, botrytis, still some vanilla notes, pear, some minerals in the back. So complex and elegant, and still such gracefull intencity. Good acidity, needs another 20 years, extremelly long finish. Spriced that a 98 can be this beautifull. Love it. 96
Lemnon yellow, closed, pure and elegant, apples and minerals. Fantastic acidity, pure perfection in balance, complex, intence, almost lost for words. Extremelly long finish. The acidity just keeps on refreshing, truly beautifull. 96
1998 Chateau d'Yquem;
Golden colour, pure youth still, alle nuances one want's from a Sauternes, apricots, peach, apples, pineapples, botrytis, still some vanilla notes, pear, some minerals in the back. So complex and elegant, and still such gracefull intencity. Good acidity, needs another 20 years, extremelly long finish. Spriced that a 98 can be this beautifull. Love it. 96
Pomerol and Barbera
2006 Vieux Chateau Certan;
Dark ruby, elegant nose, complex, cigars, blackcurrants in the back, some vanilla and tea. Great acidity, ripe tannins, good balance and wel structured, give some years in the cellar. 94
1999 Roberto Voerzio Barbera d'Alba, Vigneto Pozze dell'Annunziata Riserva;
Ruby, intence nose, some barrel notes, liquorice, big and bold. Good acidity, very complex, long finish, but could be more nuanced. 85
Dark ruby, elegant nose, complex, cigars, blackcurrants in the back, some vanilla and tea. Great acidity, ripe tannins, good balance and wel structured, give some years in the cellar. 94
1999 Roberto Voerzio Barbera d'Alba, Vigneto Pozze dell'Annunziata Riserva;
Ruby, intence nose, some barrel notes, liquorice, big and bold. Good acidity, very complex, long finish, but could be more nuanced. 85
Vall LLach and Vega sicilia Unico
2004 Vall LLach Priorat;
Dar ruby, coffee, liquorice, intence and still elegant. Nice acidity, some sweetish fruits, big body, one of the better Priorats, maybe I had it to quickly, so it could have opened up and showed more of it self. For now 82
1999 Vega- Sicilia Unico;
Dark ruby, great and pure nose, some coffee, liquorice, red berries, blueberries and blackberries. Some hints of cigars. Fantastic fresh acidity and ripe tannins, well balanced and very complex. Great long finish, needs time in the cellar as always. 94
Dar ruby, coffee, liquorice, intence and still elegant. Nice acidity, some sweetish fruits, big body, one of the better Priorats, maybe I had it to quickly, so it could have opened up and showed more of it self. For now 82
1999 Vega- Sicilia Unico;
Dark ruby, great and pure nose, some coffee, liquorice, red berries, blueberries and blackberries. Some hints of cigars. Fantastic fresh acidity and ripe tannins, well balanced and very complex. Great long finish, needs time in the cellar as always. 94
2 times Australia
2005 Torbreck, RunRig Barossa Valley;
Purple, some vanilla and barrel spices, intence of pepper, and provence herbs. Good acidity, ripe tannins, sweet fruit, but this somehow goes well with the structure and the result is quite elegant for such a big wine, very long finish. 91
2006 Two Hands, Ares, Barossa Valley- McLareb Vale;
Purple, lots of barrel aromas and vanilla, spices, mints, big and intence. Quite fresh acidity, ripe tannins, big, not so sweet fruit as one could excpect, quite elagant in the end and long finish. Not for the Norwegian palate. 92
Purple, some vanilla and barrel spices, intence of pepper, and provence herbs. Good acidity, ripe tannins, sweet fruit, but this somehow goes well with the structure and the result is quite elegant for such a big wine, very long finish. 91
2006 Two Hands, Ares, Barossa Valley- McLareb Vale;
Purple, lots of barrel aromas and vanilla, spices, mints, big and intence. Quite fresh acidity, ripe tannins, big, not so sweet fruit as one could excpect, quite elagant in the end and long finish. Not for the Norwegian palate. 92
2 great Napa's and 05 Suduiraut.
2005 Shafer Hillside Select, Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon;
Dark ruby, young, intence nose of red berries, tobacco, coffee, some mint in the back. God acidity, great ripe tannins, pleasant structure, perfect balance, lovelly complexity, very long finish. A charmer now, and will develop greatly. 94
2000 Stag's Leap Wine Cellars S.L.V. Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon;
Dark ruby, mocca, coffe, chocolate, bell peppers, complexand intence. Great acidity, ripe tannins, very elegant with a long finish. Fresh fruit. 91
2005 Chateau Suduiraut;
Golden colur, great nose of botrytis, honney, orange peel, apricots and pineapple. Very fresh and livelly acidity, beautifull balance, clean fruit aromas, very elegant and complex, just beautifull now, and will age greatly. Long finish. 92
Dark ruby, young, intence nose of red berries, tobacco, coffee, some mint in the back. God acidity, great ripe tannins, pleasant structure, perfect balance, lovelly complexity, very long finish. A charmer now, and will develop greatly. 94
2000 Stag's Leap Wine Cellars S.L.V. Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon;
Dark ruby, mocca, coffe, chocolate, bell peppers, complexand intence. Great acidity, ripe tannins, very elegant with a long finish. Fresh fruit. 91
2005 Chateau Suduiraut;
Golden colur, great nose of botrytis, honney, orange peel, apricots and pineapple. Very fresh and livelly acidity, beautifull balance, clean fruit aromas, very elegant and complex, just beautifull now, and will age greatly. Long finish. 92
Sassicaia, Barolo, Napa and Mosel
2004 Sassicaia;
Deep ruby, pure and elegant noe, some spices and Tuscan herbs in the back, vanilla, barrel notes, cassis and cherries. Medium fruit, more intencity, acidity could be a bit fresher, beautifull ripe tannins, very long finish. 91
2005 Paolo Scavino Barolo Bric del Fiasc;
Bright deep ruby, perfumed, intence of rose water and liquorice, great acidity an ripe tannins, very long finish, this really needs time. for now. 89
2006 Schrader Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard "Old Sparky" Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon;
Deep ruby, intence sweetish fruit, jam, mint and some anis. Big body, still quite elegant, lots of ripe tannins, good acidity, wins you over, could have more complexity and refinement. Long finish. 87
2007 Selbach-Oster Zeltinger Schlossberg Riesling Auslese*;
Pale lemon yellow, pure nose of pineapple, some ripe aples and lemon, but the pineapple really shines through. Delicious acidity and balance the sweetness greatly, very elegant. 86
Deep ruby, pure and elegant noe, some spices and Tuscan herbs in the back, vanilla, barrel notes, cassis and cherries. Medium fruit, more intencity, acidity could be a bit fresher, beautifull ripe tannins, very long finish. 91
2005 Paolo Scavino Barolo Bric del Fiasc;
Bright deep ruby, perfumed, intence of rose water and liquorice, great acidity an ripe tannins, very long finish, this really needs time. for now. 89
2006 Schrader Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard "Old Sparky" Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon;
Deep ruby, intence sweetish fruit, jam, mint and some anis. Big body, still quite elegant, lots of ripe tannins, good acidity, wins you over, could have more complexity and refinement. Long finish. 87
2007 Selbach-Oster Zeltinger Schlossberg Riesling Auslese*;
Pale lemon yellow, pure nose of pineapple, some ripe aples and lemon, but the pineapple really shines through. Delicious acidity and balance the sweetness greatly, very elegant. 86
Sandrone, Rubicon and Betsek
2000 Royal Tokaji Wine Co Tokaji Aszu 6 Puttonyos Betsek;
Amber, overripe apples, windfall fruit, raisins, nuts. Clean and elegant, pur fruit, no oxidized notes. Perfect balance between residual sugar and acidity, fantastic freshness, very pure and elegant, very long finish. 94
2006 Rubicon Estate, Rubicon Rutherford; (Former Niebaum- Coppola Rubicon)
Deep ruby, very young, a bit closed, some red and dark berries, vanilla, hints of coffee in the back. Great acidity and massive ripe tannins, great balance, fresh and youthfull, complex and intence, very long finish, needs a lot of time. 93
2004 Sandrone Barolo Le Vigne;
Bright ruby, floral, sweet mature fruits, cherries, hints of liquorice in the back. Nice acidity and tannins, clean and elegant, but too young, wait! 90
Amber, overripe apples, windfall fruit, raisins, nuts. Clean and elegant, pur fruit, no oxidized notes. Perfect balance between residual sugar and acidity, fantastic freshness, very pure and elegant, very long finish. 94
2006 Rubicon Estate, Rubicon Rutherford; (Former Niebaum- Coppola Rubicon)
Deep ruby, very young, a bit closed, some red and dark berries, vanilla, hints of coffee in the back. Great acidity and massive ripe tannins, great balance, fresh and youthfull, complex and intence, very long finish, needs a lot of time. 93
2004 Sandrone Barolo Le Vigne;
Bright ruby, floral, sweet mature fruits, cherries, hints of liquorice in the back. Nice acidity and tannins, clean and elegant, but too young, wait! 90
Wednesday, 25 November 2009
2002 Cristal
2002 Roederer Cristal;
Pale lemon yellow, tiny bubbles. Yet again a thin nose, some minerals and oxidized apples. Ok acidity and mousse, my fourth bottle, all excactly the same. Simple and short finish. I hope and believe it will become better, the 99 was quite like this when it was released, now it's starting to open up into something great. But I really do not understand this wine young. I cross my fingers. For now. 75
Tasted at launch in the US at Sherry Lehmans, Park Avenue.
Pale lemon yellow, tiny bubbles. Yet again a thin nose, some minerals and oxidized apples. Ok acidity and mousse, my fourth bottle, all excactly the same. Simple and short finish. I hope and believe it will become better, the 99 was quite like this when it was released, now it's starting to open up into something great. But I really do not understand this wine young. I cross my fingers. For now. 75
Tasted at launch in the US at Sherry Lehmans, Park Avenue.
Another flabby 2003, and one actually fresh!
2003 Chateau Rieussec;
Golden yellow, big, almost vulgar nose, botrytis, honney, apricots, pineapple and some vanilla. Flabby acidity, cannot handle the massive sweetness, helps to serve it ice cold, then it seems fresher, but with a bit more normal Sauternes temperature, it is almost unbearably sweet. 75
2003 Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte;
Dark ruby, fresh fruits, blackcurrants and some minerals and sweet tobacco. Good acidity, elegant with very ripe tannins, ok finish and good balance. One of the better 03's this autumn.
Golden yellow, big, almost vulgar nose, botrytis, honney, apricots, pineapple and some vanilla. Flabby acidity, cannot handle the massive sweetness, helps to serve it ice cold, then it seems fresher, but with a bit more normal Sauternes temperature, it is almost unbearably sweet. 75
2003 Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte;
Dark ruby, fresh fruits, blackcurrants and some minerals and sweet tobacco. Good acidity, elegant with very ripe tannins, ok finish and good balance. One of the better 03's this autumn.
Fantastic 1989 Ridge Montebello!
1989 Ridge Montebello, Santa Cruz Mountains;
Pale ruby with tiny brick rim. Mature nose, fantastic complexity, pruns, liquorice, leather, blackcurrants, cigars and minerality. Great acidity, medium body and fantastic balance, very complex, and fantastic long finish. Very fresh fruit. Perfekt now, but will last. 96
Pale ruby with tiny brick rim. Mature nose, fantastic complexity, pruns, liquorice, leather, blackcurrants, cigars and minerality. Great acidity, medium body and fantastic balance, very complex, and fantastic long finish. Very fresh fruit. Perfekt now, but will last. 96
JJ Prüm and great Rauzan-Segla.
2004 Joh. Jos. Prüm Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Spätlese;
Pale lemon yellow, elegant nose of apples, pear, lemon, minerals ond some pineapple in the back. Great acidity, almost packed in, great balance and complexity, very transparent. Great length, will keep. 89
2001 Chateau Rauzan- Segla;
Ruby with tiny garnet rim, some tobacco, cigars, hints of sweet fruits, some floral and violets, hints of blackcurrant. Extremely elegant, nice acidity packed in, perfekt balance, some mocca, ripe tannins, very long. Give it some more years. 90
Pale lemon yellow, elegant nose of apples, pear, lemon, minerals ond some pineapple in the back. Great acidity, almost packed in, great balance and complexity, very transparent. Great length, will keep. 89
2001 Chateau Rauzan- Segla;
Ruby with tiny garnet rim, some tobacco, cigars, hints of sweet fruits, some floral and violets, hints of blackcurrant. Extremely elegant, nice acidity packed in, perfekt balance, some mocca, ripe tannins, very long. Give it some more years. 90
2004 Pontet- Canet
2004 Chateau Pontet- Canet;
Ruby red, delicious Pauillac notes, leather, cassis, cigars, some sweet tobacco, fresh and youthfull. Also some hints of spices and blackcurrant leaves. Fresh 04 acidity, ripe tannins, well balanced and complex. Will age well. 90
Ruby red, delicious Pauillac notes, leather, cassis, cigars, some sweet tobacco, fresh and youthfull. Also some hints of spices and blackcurrant leaves. Fresh 04 acidity, ripe tannins, well balanced and complex. Will age well. 90
Both Pichons, different vintages.
2003 Chateau Pichon- Longueville Baron;
Ruby, warn fruit, slighly cooked jam, coffee, mocca, chocolate. Almost flabbe acidity, ripe, even mature tannins, good fruit, and fresher than the nose, balanced, but a bit short. 88
2006 Chateau Pichon- Longueville Comtesse de Lalande;
Dark ruby, very young, some spices, fruit driven, blackcurrants, leather, very elegant. Nice acidity, ripe tannins, a bit hollow at the mid palate at this stage, ok finish. 89
Ruby, warn fruit, slighly cooked jam, coffee, mocca, chocolate. Almost flabbe acidity, ripe, even mature tannins, good fruit, and fresher than the nose, balanced, but a bit short. 88
2006 Chateau Pichon- Longueville Comtesse de Lalande;
Dark ruby, very young, some spices, fruit driven, blackcurrants, leather, very elegant. Nice acidity, ripe tannins, a bit hollow at the mid palate at this stage, ok finish. 89
F.X. Pichler, RWT and Belle Epoque.
2006 Penfolds RWT, Barossa Valley Shiraz;
Dark ruby, pepper, vel hung game, dark berries and some barrel notes. Great acidity, ripe tannins, fresh fruit, elegant shiraz, very long finish, will age. 91
1999 Perrier- Jouet Belle Epoque;
Pale lemon yellow, light nose of oxidized apples, nice acidity and mousse, lacks minerals, light fruit, yellow fruits, a bit simple, short finish. A bit simple. I have had some bad bottles lately of Belle Epoque, I think this was another one. 80
2008 F. X. Pichler, Dürnsteiner Kellerberg, Smaragd Riesling Trocken, Wachau;
Pale lemon yellow, very pure and fresh nose, apples, lemon and minerals. Great acidity, very elegant and balanced, clean fruit aromas, very youthfull. Will keep. 91
Dark ruby, pepper, vel hung game, dark berries and some barrel notes. Great acidity, ripe tannins, fresh fruit, elegant shiraz, very long finish, will age. 91
1999 Perrier- Jouet Belle Epoque;
Pale lemon yellow, light nose of oxidized apples, nice acidity and mousse, lacks minerals, light fruit, yellow fruits, a bit simple, short finish. A bit simple. I have had some bad bottles lately of Belle Epoque, I think this was another one. 80
2008 F. X. Pichler, Dürnsteiner Kellerberg, Smaragd Riesling Trocken, Wachau;
Pale lemon yellow, very pure and fresh nose, apples, lemon and minerals. Great acidity, very elegant and balanced, clean fruit aromas, very youthfull. Will keep. 91
L'Ermita 07 and Palmer 99
2007 Alvaro Palacios L'Ermita; (Priorat)
Deep ruby. Youthfull, a bit closed and light on the nose, some liquorice and cherries. Nice acidity, very elegant, (finally a elegant priorat next to Clos Mogador), great tannin structure (ripe), very fresh in it's fruit intencity, complex and elegant long finish. 93
1999 Chateau Palmer;
Ruby with garnet rim, fruit driven for the moment, some banana!, blackcurrants and backcurrant leaf with some violets and bergamot and some barrel notes. Nice acidity, lean and elegant body, very elegant fruit intencity, ripe tannins and long finish. Will keep. 88
Deep ruby. Youthfull, a bit closed and light on the nose, some liquorice and cherries. Nice acidity, very elegant, (finally a elegant priorat next to Clos Mogador), great tannin structure (ripe), very fresh in it's fruit intencity, complex and elegant long finish. 93
1999 Chateau Palmer;
Ruby with garnet rim, fruit driven for the moment, some banana!, blackcurrants and backcurrant leaf with some violets and bergamot and some barrel notes. Nice acidity, lean and elegant body, very elegant fruit intencity, ripe tannins and long finish. Will keep. 88
La Nerthe, Opus One and Ornellaia.
2004 Chateau La Nerthe, Chateauneuf du Pape, Cuvee des Cadettes;
Dark ruby, dusty notes, chocolate, mocca and coffe. Some darker fruits in the back. Intence, ok acidity, ripe tannins, but I do not think I get this one, to me, a bit boring although a very good wine. 89
2006 Opus One;
Bright ruby, light in colour for a Napa. Pure youth, a bit closed, leather, blackcurrants, cassis, cigar. Nice acidity, ripe and elegant tannins, very complex and intence, will need 20 years, great balance, long length. 93
2006 Tenuta dell'Ornellaia, Ornellaia;
Dark ruby, very young, liquorice, cherries, mocca and chocolate. Nice acidity and ripe tannins, elegant with pure fruit flavours, very good, but should have some more layers, hopefully that arrives with age. 90
Dark ruby, dusty notes, chocolate, mocca and coffe. Some darker fruits in the back. Intence, ok acidity, ripe tannins, but I do not think I get this one, to me, a bit boring although a very good wine. 89
2006 Opus One;
Bright ruby, light in colour for a Napa. Pure youth, a bit closed, leather, blackcurrants, cassis, cigar. Nice acidity, ripe and elegant tannins, very complex and intence, will need 20 years, great balance, long length. 93
2006 Tenuta dell'Ornellaia, Ornellaia;
Dark ruby, very young, liquorice, cherries, mocca and chocolate. Nice acidity and ripe tannins, elegant with pure fruit flavours, very good, but should have some more layers, hopefully that arrives with age. 90
2005 Chateau Mouton Rothschild
2005 Chateau Mouton Rothschild;
Pure, bright ruby, fantastic colour. Pure youth, cassis, leather, blackcurrants, cedar, hints of chocolate and cigars. Very complex. Fantastic balance and concentration, still medium body. Ok acidity, could have been a bit fresher, but this is beeing picky really, fine, ripe tannins, extremely long finish. Wait if you're lucky enough. 95
Pure, bright ruby, fantastic colour. Pure youth, cassis, leather, blackcurrants, cedar, hints of chocolate and cigars. Very complex. Fantastic balance and concentration, still medium body. Ok acidity, could have been a bit fresher, but this is beeing picky really, fine, ripe tannins, extremely long finish. Wait if you're lucky enough. 95
Mondavi, Montrose and Egon Müller.
2006 Robert Mondavi Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve;
Deep ruby, a bit closed nose, mocca and hints of chocolate, coffe and blackcurrants. Nice acidity, some sweetish fruits, ripe tannins, a bit short finish, and could be more complex. Good still. 85
2000 Chateau Montrose;
Ruby witk pink rim. Fantastic nose, even when closed, this smells thoroughbred. Hints of stable, minerals, a bit rustic as normal in St. Estephe, some blackcurrants, pure youth. Great acidity, elegant tannins, this one needs 10, if not 20 years, will be great. 94
2006 Egon Müller Scharzhofberger Riesling Spätlese;
Pale lemon yellow. Clean and beautifully fragrant nose, minerals, overripe red apples, raspberries, pears, some tropical hints in the back. Fresh, lovely acidity, taste comes in wave after wave, elegance and perfection, long finish. A truly beautifull spätlese. 92
Deep ruby, a bit closed nose, mocca and hints of chocolate, coffe and blackcurrants. Nice acidity, some sweetish fruits, ripe tannins, a bit short finish, and could be more complex. Good still. 85
2000 Chateau Montrose;
Ruby witk pink rim. Fantastic nose, even when closed, this smells thoroughbred. Hints of stable, minerals, a bit rustic as normal in St. Estephe, some blackcurrants, pure youth. Great acidity, elegant tannins, this one needs 10, if not 20 years, will be great. 94
2006 Egon Müller Scharzhofberger Riesling Spätlese;
Pale lemon yellow. Clean and beautifully fragrant nose, minerals, overripe red apples, raspberries, pears, some tropical hints in the back. Fresh, lovely acidity, taste comes in wave after wave, elegance and perfection, long finish. A truly beautifull spätlese. 92
04 Masseto, Peter Michael and Mission Haut-Brion
2004 Tenuta dell'Ornellaia Masseto;
Fantastic bright ruby colour. Massive nose of different jam and coffee. Fresh acidity, mocca, intence, massive ripe tannins, drinks well right now. Big more than charming, intence more than complex. 90
2006 Peter Michael Les Pavots, Knights Valley; (Bordeaux blend)
Pale ruby, clean elegant nose, bell peppers, herbs, red berries, blackcurrants. Very cool fruit. Nice acidity, ripe tannins, well balanced, long and elegant. Sweetish fruit on the palate. 92
2003 Chateau La Mission Haut- Brion;
Dark ruby, intence, slightly cooked fruits again in an 03, massive tannins, a bit green some of them, some acidity, I do not know again what will happen here......81
It seems when I have tasted some really top 2003 Bordeaux estates this last month, that the fruit were overripe because the taste cooked and the acidity is not fresh, on some even flabby. Then there is this green tannin mouthfeel, almost as the tannins was not able to ripe fast enough for the fruit and sugar levels. I am not convinced by this vintage.
Fantastic bright ruby colour. Massive nose of different jam and coffee. Fresh acidity, mocca, intence, massive ripe tannins, drinks well right now. Big more than charming, intence more than complex. 90
2006 Peter Michael Les Pavots, Knights Valley; (Bordeaux blend)
Pale ruby, clean elegant nose, bell peppers, herbs, red berries, blackcurrants. Very cool fruit. Nice acidity, ripe tannins, well balanced, long and elegant. Sweetish fruit on the palate. 92
2003 Chateau La Mission Haut- Brion;
Dark ruby, intence, slightly cooked fruits again in an 03, massive tannins, a bit green some of them, some acidity, I do not know again what will happen here......81
It seems when I have tasted some really top 2003 Bordeaux estates this last month, that the fruit were overripe because the taste cooked and the acidity is not fresh, on some even flabby. Then there is this green tannin mouthfeel, almost as the tannins was not able to ripe fast enough for the fruit and sugar levels. I am not convinced by this vintage.
2001 Chateau Margaux
2001 Chateau Margaux;
Ruby with garnet rim. Fantastic nose, blackcurrants, floral notes, violets and tulips, hints of sigar and tobacco behind, truly complex and elegant. Youthfull, great fruit intencity, medium body, ripe tannins like falling snow, fresh acidity, exceptional balance, and incredibly long finish. A marvelous wine from a undervalued vintage. 95
Ruby with garnet rim. Fantastic nose, blackcurrants, floral notes, violets and tulips, hints of sigar and tobacco behind, truly complex and elegant. Youthfull, great fruit intencity, medium body, ripe tannins like falling snow, fresh acidity, exceptional balance, and incredibly long finish. A marvelous wine from a undervalued vintage. 95
05 Lynch Bages
2005 Chateau Lynch- Bages;
Ruby, pure youth of a Pauillac, such a waste to have this now. Blackcurrants, cigar, bell peppers. Clean and elegant fruit, nice acidity, ripe tannins, well balanced and complex, great finish. Will develop nicely, save another ten years. 90
Ruby, pure youth of a Pauillac, such a waste to have this now. Blackcurrants, cigar, bell peppers. Clean and elegant fruit, nice acidity, ripe tannins, well balanced and complex, great finish. Will develop nicely, save another ten years. 90
Two Leoville's, way too young, and a Mosel
2000 Chateau Leoville Barton;
Dark ruby, with ruby rim. Still youthfull and closed, mostly pure blackcurrant aromas and blueberries. Nice acidity, ripe tannins, super elegant, at this stage, a bit tender because of it's closed aromas, but there is a lot going on in the back, very long and pure St.Julien finish. Give it lot's of time. 92
2006 Chateau Leoville Las Cases;
Dark ruby, pure youth, green notes, herbs and a lot of blackcurrants. Great balance, nice acidity and ripe tannins. Too young to give a good foresight, I think it will improve a lot with age. 92
2007 Dr. Loosen Ürziger Würzgarten Riesling Spätlese;
Pale lemin yellow, very clean and pure nose, apples, minerals, hints of raspberries. Great acidity, well balanced, a bit hollow in the mid palate at this stage, very long finish. 86
Dark ruby, with ruby rim. Still youthfull and closed, mostly pure blackcurrant aromas and blueberries. Nice acidity, ripe tannins, super elegant, at this stage, a bit tender because of it's closed aromas, but there is a lot going on in the back, very long and pure St.Julien finish. Give it lot's of time. 92
2006 Chateau Leoville Las Cases;
Dark ruby, pure youth, green notes, herbs and a lot of blackcurrants. Great balance, nice acidity and ripe tannins. Too young to give a good foresight, I think it will improve a lot with age. 92
2007 Dr. Loosen Ürziger Würzgarten Riesling Spätlese;
Pale lemin yellow, very clean and pure nose, apples, minerals, hints of raspberries. Great acidity, well balanced, a bit hollow in the mid palate at this stage, very long finish. 86
Two very different Chardonnay's
2007 Louis Latour Corton Charlemagne;
Pale straw yellow, a bit simple nose, apples, butter, hints of nuts, but I miss minerals. Ok acidity, good balance, but a little short. 88
2005 Leeuwin Estate, Margaret River Art Series Chardonnay;
Lemon yellow, great nose, complex, some smoke, flint and minerals over ripe green apples. Hints of citrus and some vanilla and barrel notes. Nice acidity, great fruit intencity, great balance, very long and elegant finish. The only thing pulling down is a slightly warm finish. 89
Pale straw yellow, a bit simple nose, apples, butter, hints of nuts, but I miss minerals. Ok acidity, good balance, but a little short. 88
2005 Leeuwin Estate, Margaret River Art Series Chardonnay;
Lemon yellow, great nose, complex, some smoke, flint and minerals over ripe green apples. Hints of citrus and some vanilla and barrel notes. Nice acidity, great fruit intencity, great balance, very long and elegant finish. The only thing pulling down is a slightly warm finish. 89
1995 Chateau Latour
1995 Chateau Latour;
Ruby with thin garnet rim. Fantastic nose, very complex, cassis, blackcurrants, leather, liquorice, cigars, some secondary aromas starting, medicinal hints, tobacco, very elegant and quite intence. Great acidity, ripe tannins, medium body, and the finish last for ages, extremelly long. A truly exceptional wine, should be kept, but fantastic now as well. 96
Ruby with thin garnet rim. Fantastic nose, very complex, cassis, blackcurrants, leather, liquorice, cigars, some secondary aromas starting, medicinal hints, tobacco, very elegant and quite intence. Great acidity, ripe tannins, medium body, and the finish last for ages, extremelly long. A truly exceptional wine, should be kept, but fantastic now as well. 96
2 great American Pinot's
2007 Kistler Cuvee Natalie, Silver Belt Vineyard, Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir;
Pale ruby, clean fruit, strawberries, some spices, pepper almost and vanilla. Smells of Burgundy! The fruit is so fresh and elegnat, and acidity is fres as well, very long finish. Fantastic New World Pinot. Save or drink, perfect both ways. 93
2007 Kosta Browne, Russian River Valley Pinot Noir;
Pale ruby, pure elegant fruit and slightly picy nose. Great acidity, very pure and fresh, Very long aftertaste. Lacks a bit in colplexity but still a very good Pinot. 89
Pale ruby, clean fruit, strawberries, some spices, pepper almost and vanilla. Smells of Burgundy! The fruit is so fresh and elegnat, and acidity is fres as well, very long finish. Fantastic New World Pinot. Save or drink, perfect both ways. 93
2007 Kosta Browne, Russian River Valley Pinot Noir;
Pale ruby, pure elegant fruit and slightly picy nose. Great acidity, very pure and fresh, Very long aftertaste. Lacks a bit in colplexity but still a very good Pinot. 89
Inniskillin and two dissapointments.
2007 Hess Collection, Mount Veeder Napa Valley Chardonnay;
Normally I am a great fan of American wines, especially for a Scandinavian palate, but sometimes it all seems to go wrong, at least for my taste. This one was just overripe yellow fruits, and that was all, I could not find much more. Pleasant, ok, I admit, but neither interesting or exciting, for me anyway. Where is the minerals, or at least a playfull acidity for the fruit to play against? 72
2007 Inniskillin Niagara Vidal Icewine;
Pale golden colour, so fresh nose, like misty roses, intence nose, you can smell sweet fruits. Very sweet, acidity freshens things up, very balanced, pineapples, peaches, clean berry aromas, very long finish. Beautifull as always. 91
2006 Louis Jadot Chassagne- Montrachet Morgeot Clos de la Chapelle Domaine Duc de Magenta;
Pale yellow lemon. Unripe gooseberries, apples, some butter and slightly fat body, a bit simple and boring, a Chassagne should be better than this in my book.87
Normally I am a great fan of American wines, especially for a Scandinavian palate, but sometimes it all seems to go wrong, at least for my taste. This one was just overripe yellow fruits, and that was all, I could not find much more. Pleasant, ok, I admit, but neither interesting or exciting, for me anyway. Where is the minerals, or at least a playfull acidity for the fruit to play against? 72
2007 Inniskillin Niagara Vidal Icewine;
Pale golden colour, so fresh nose, like misty roses, intence nose, you can smell sweet fruits. Very sweet, acidity freshens things up, very balanced, pineapples, peaches, clean berry aromas, very long finish. Beautifull as always. 91
2006 Louis Jadot Chassagne- Montrachet Morgeot Clos de la Chapelle Domaine Duc de Magenta;
Pale yellow lemon. Unripe gooseberries, apples, some butter and slightly fat body, a bit simple and boring, a Chassagne should be better than this in my book.87
Heitz and Henschke
2004 Heitz, Martha's Vineyard, Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon;
Dark ruby, beautifull nose, cherries, some varm fruits, blackcurrants, vanilla and spices. Fantastic mouthfeel, intence and full bodied, and still it manages to be elegant. Acidity cleans perfectly and ripe tannins. Very long finish, and a great wine. 91
Martha's Vineyard was devastated by Phyloxera and there was a total replanting of the vineyard. First vintage in minute quantities after replanting was 96, and then more normal amounts in 97. I think it is really impressive to make this wine from vines this young.
2005 Henschke Mount Edelstone, Eden Valley;
Dark ruby, intence nose of smoked meat, chocolate, spices and sexy sweet dark fruit. Very complex. Great acidity, ripe tannins, leaner body and more elegant than the nose give signs of, very balanced, really great shiraz. My first and so far only Henschke. I will try to find some more! 92
Dark ruby, beautifull nose, cherries, some varm fruits, blackcurrants, vanilla and spices. Fantastic mouthfeel, intence and full bodied, and still it manages to be elegant. Acidity cleans perfectly and ripe tannins. Very long finish, and a great wine. 91
Martha's Vineyard was devastated by Phyloxera and there was a total replanting of the vineyard. First vintage in minute quantities after replanting was 96, and then more normal amounts in 97. I think it is really impressive to make this wine from vines this young.
2005 Henschke Mount Edelstone, Eden Valley;
Dark ruby, intence nose of smoked meat, chocolate, spices and sexy sweet dark fruit. Very complex. Great acidity, ripe tannins, leaner body and more elegant than the nose give signs of, very balanced, really great shiraz. My first and so far only Henschke. I will try to find some more! 92
Charles Heidsieck Blanc des Millenaires
1995 Charles Heidsieck Brut Blanc des Milleaires;
Pale straw yellow, tender nose, between youth and starting mature aromas, oxidized apples, some minerals and plaster, nice acidity, very elegant mousse, more minerals with air, elegant more than intence, very long finish, great balance. Keep, will last. 90
Pale straw yellow, tender nose, between youth and starting mature aromas, oxidized apples, some minerals and plaster, nice acidity, very elegant mousse, more minerals with air, elegant more than intence, very long finish, great balance. Keep, will last. 90
Tuesday, 24 November 2009
2003 Lafite and Haut- Brion
2003 Chateau Lafite Rothschild;
Dark ruby, mature fruit!, cassis, blackcurrants, fresh jam, hints of prunes, cedar and cigars. Medium body but acidity could definetly be better, mature and few tannins, clean cool fruit, but very mature for it's young age, more mature than the 98 Haut- Bailly on previous post, elegant but not Lafite Material, short finish. Truly dissapointing. 80
2003 Chateau Haut- Brion;
Deep ruby, some liquorice and sweetish fruit, youthfull. Mature tannins, but there is some hints of something green and not quite ripe, lacks acidity, medium fruit intencity, medium finish, this is not anywhere near a first growth in quality, again truly dissapointing. 81
I do not understand why some love the 2003's from Bordeaux. To me they are like badly made Napa, and nowhere near the great Napa. It is Napa fruit, but not acidity, they are not together and they mature way too early. I am very sceptical. But please prove me wrong in the future.
Dark ruby, mature fruit!, cassis, blackcurrants, fresh jam, hints of prunes, cedar and cigars. Medium body but acidity could definetly be better, mature and few tannins, clean cool fruit, but very mature for it's young age, more mature than the 98 Haut- Bailly on previous post, elegant but not Lafite Material, short finish. Truly dissapointing. 80
2003 Chateau Haut- Brion;
Deep ruby, some liquorice and sweetish fruit, youthfull. Mature tannins, but there is some hints of something green and not quite ripe, lacks acidity, medium fruit intencity, medium finish, this is not anywhere near a first growth in quality, again truly dissapointing. 81
I do not understand why some love the 2003's from Bordeaux. To me they are like badly made Napa, and nowhere near the great Napa. It is Napa fruit, but not acidity, they are not together and they mature way too early. I am very sceptical. But please prove me wrong in the future.
Harlan Estate and 2 times Bdx
1999 Chateau Gruaud- Larose;
Ruby, hints of garnet rim. Great nose, starting to mature, cassis, cigars, leather and hints of stable. Staring secondary aromas, very complex. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, intence fruit, very elegant and complex, long great finish. 92
2005 Guigal Cote- Rotie Brune et Blonde;
Faulty bottle I hope, very rustick and unbalanced, not very pleasant........
2005 Harlan Estate Napa Valley;
Dark ruby, mocca, coffee, ripe dark fruits, cassis, a bit warm fruit if I'm really picky. Good acidity, a bit hollow in the mid palate, but very young, so this will come around, lot's of ripe tannins, long finish, keep for a long time. 93
1998 Chateau Haut- Bailley;
Ruby with tiny garnet rim, blackcurrants, minerals, still young, liquorice. Very intence, beautifull acidity, ripe tannins, and a truly long finish. Elegant more than very complex. Can still keep. 91
Ruby, hints of garnet rim. Great nose, starting to mature, cassis, cigars, leather and hints of stable. Staring secondary aromas, very complex. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, intence fruit, very elegant and complex, long great finish. 92
2005 Guigal Cote- Rotie Brune et Blonde;
Faulty bottle I hope, very rustick and unbalanced, not very pleasant........
2005 Harlan Estate Napa Valley;
Dark ruby, mocca, coffee, ripe dark fruits, cassis, a bit warm fruit if I'm really picky. Good acidity, a bit hollow in the mid palate, but very young, so this will come around, lot's of ripe tannins, long finish, keep for a long time. 93
1998 Chateau Haut- Bailley;
Ruby with tiny garnet rim, blackcurrants, minerals, still young, liquorice. Very intence, beautifull acidity, ripe tannins, and a truly long finish. Elegant more than very complex. Can still keep. 91
Napa, Pomerol and 2x Barolo
2002 Far Niente Oakville Estate Bottled Cabernet Sauvignon;
Deep ruby, coffee, mocca, some berries in the back, very closed. Nice body and intencity, clean fruit, fresh acidity, ripe tannins, long finish. Will keep longer. 91
2005 Chateau La Fleur- Petrus;
Dark ruby, elegant nose, some dark berries, hints of herbs, some tobacco in the back. Very elegant and balanced, tender more than complex, ok acidity and lots of ripe tannins, long fresh finish. A charmer for the cellar. 90
2004 Gaja Sperss;
Bright ruby, clean and extremely elegant, tar, roses, hints of barrel, very closed, but true greatness beneath. Incredible acidity, ripe tannins, fantastic balance and elegance, very complex, extremely long finish. 96
2004 Bruno Giacosa Barolo Le Rocche del Falletto Riserva;
Brigth ruby, very closed, some cherries, hints of tar and roses in the back. Nice acidity, massive tannins, the fruit does not show too much, needs at least ten years in the cellar. 90, but this will probably go higher with age.
Deep ruby, coffee, mocca, some berries in the back, very closed. Nice body and intencity, clean fruit, fresh acidity, ripe tannins, long finish. Will keep longer. 91
2005 Chateau La Fleur- Petrus;
Dark ruby, elegant nose, some dark berries, hints of herbs, some tobacco in the back. Very elegant and balanced, tender more than complex, ok acidity and lots of ripe tannins, long fresh finish. A charmer for the cellar. 90
2004 Gaja Sperss;
Bright ruby, clean and extremely elegant, tar, roses, hints of barrel, very closed, but true greatness beneath. Incredible acidity, ripe tannins, fantastic balance and elegance, very complex, extremely long finish. 96
2004 Bruno Giacosa Barolo Le Rocche del Falletto Riserva;
Brigth ruby, very closed, some cherries, hints of tar and roses in the back. Nice acidity, massive tannins, the fruit does not show too much, needs at least ten years in the cellar. 90, but this will probably go higher with age.
Dom. Serene, Dominus, Ducru and Faiveley
2006 Domaine Serene Evenstad Reserve, Willamette Valley Pinot Noir;
Pale ruby, clean and fresh nose, some spices, strawberries, pepper, tiny hints of barrel, elegant and complex nose. Nice acidity, some and very ripe tannins, very clean fruitiness and nice fruit intencity, long finish. 91
2006 Dominus Estate Napa Valley;
Ruby red, sweet plums, cherries, cool fruit, but still some sweet dark fruits and jam in the back. Ok acidity, ripe tannins, and lots of them, ok finish. 90
2006 Chateau Ducru-Beaucaillou;
Deep ruby, very young, intence nose of leather and darker fruits, some chocolate, very complex and quite a charmer allready. Elegant, great balance, nice acidity, ripe tannins, very long. I would wait at least ten years. 93
2007 Domaine Faiveley Latricieres- Chambertin Grand Cru;
Pale ruby, clean fruity nose, strawberries and some spices, a bit simple fruit, ok acidity, ok length. Some barrel flavours. Either boring or extremely closed down. For now.88
Pale ruby, clean and fresh nose, some spices, strawberries, pepper, tiny hints of barrel, elegant and complex nose. Nice acidity, some and very ripe tannins, very clean fruitiness and nice fruit intencity, long finish. 91
2006 Dominus Estate Napa Valley;
Ruby red, sweet plums, cherries, cool fruit, but still some sweet dark fruits and jam in the back. Ok acidity, ripe tannins, and lots of them, ok finish. 90
2006 Chateau Ducru-Beaucaillou;
Deep ruby, very young, intence nose of leather and darker fruits, some chocolate, very complex and quite a charmer allready. Elegant, great balance, nice acidity, ripe tannins, very long. I would wait at least ten years. 93
2007 Domaine Faiveley Latricieres- Chambertin Grand Cru;
Pale ruby, clean fruity nose, strawberries and some spices, a bit simple fruit, ok acidity, ok length. Some barrel flavours. Either boring or extremely closed down. For now.88
2 times Napa and Tokaji
2006 Dalla Valle Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon;
Dark ruby, fantastic nose of Mediteranian spices and herbs, cassis, sweet morellos, complex, youtfull and elegant. Sweetish fruit, ok acidity, ripe tannins, ok finish. Normally a big favorite of mine, but not quite happy with this vintage, or is it only it's stage of development? 88
2004 Diamond Creek Volcanic Hill Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon;
Bright, dark ruby. Some minerals, almost volcanic behind red berries. Complex and youthfull. Very clean and great fruit, cherries, nice, fresh acidity and ripe tannins, very elegant and balanced. Long length, needs time. 93
2000 Disznoko Tokaji Aszu 6 puttonyos;
Pale amber or dark gold, nose is either closed or very boring. Very sweet, but the acidity does not do much, not too much fruit and short finish. Must be a faulty bottle somehow. It is not corked........
Dark ruby, fantastic nose of Mediteranian spices and herbs, cassis, sweet morellos, complex, youtfull and elegant. Sweetish fruit, ok acidity, ripe tannins, ok finish. Normally a big favorite of mine, but not quite happy with this vintage, or is it only it's stage of development? 88
2004 Diamond Creek Volcanic Hill Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon;
Bright, dark ruby. Some minerals, almost volcanic behind red berries. Complex and youthfull. Very clean and great fruit, cherries, nice, fresh acidity and ripe tannins, very elegant and balanced. Long length, needs time. 93
2000 Disznoko Tokaji Aszu 6 puttonyos;
Pale amber or dark gold, nose is either closed or very boring. Very sweet, but the acidity does not do much, not too much fruit and short finish. Must be a faulty bottle somehow. It is not corked........
Climens, Aldo Conterno and Cos.
2005 Chateau Climens;
Intence golden colour. Nose has intence aromas of botrytis, pineapple, peach and apricots. Also some canned tropical fruits. Sweet and lucious, full bodied, elegant acidity, some caramell and burned aromas in the back, long finish. 93
2005 Aldo Conterno Barolo Cicala;
Brigth ruby, beautifull clean Barolo nose of tar, roses and liquorice. Very elegant, outstanding fresh acidity, ripe tannins, elegant and refreshing, complex and clean fruit flavours, great length, keep a long time. 93
2006 Chateau Cos d'Estournel;
Dark ruby, very young, some stable hints in the back, lots of blackcurrants and some herbs and slightly green notes. I would have liked some more acidity, and the tannins are lmost monumental. Sweetish fruit, ok finish. 82
Intence golden colour. Nose has intence aromas of botrytis, pineapple, peach and apricots. Also some canned tropical fruits. Sweet and lucious, full bodied, elegant acidity, some caramell and burned aromas in the back, long finish. 93
2005 Aldo Conterno Barolo Cicala;
Brigth ruby, beautifull clean Barolo nose of tar, roses and liquorice. Very elegant, outstanding fresh acidity, ripe tannins, elegant and refreshing, complex and clean fruit flavours, great length, keep a long time. 93
2006 Chateau Cos d'Estournel;
Dark ruby, very young, some stable hints in the back, lots of blackcurrants and some herbs and slightly green notes. I would have liked some more acidity, and the tannins are lmost monumental. Sweetish fruit, ok finish. 82
Ceretto, Cheval Blanc, and Clarendon Hills
2004 Ceretto Barolo Bricco Rocche;
Ruby red, intence, youthfull, leather, liquorice, and rose hip rather than roses. Great acidity and monumental ripe tannins. Lots of complexity, and this wine will need cellaring, easily 20 years. Long finish with pure fruit. 89
2001 Chateau Cheval Blanc;
Ruby with some sediments. Very closed, blackcurrants and bell peppers. After more air, a truly elegant and complex nose, expensive leather, cigars, tobacco, red fruits. Great acidity, ripe tannins, fresh and elegant and the scidity really refresh and cleans the palate. Exceptionnal balance,and mothfeel. A trylu great wine. Cellar it long if you're lucky enough! 95
2005 Clarendon Hills Syrah Hickinbotham;
Dark ruby, almost opaque. Totally closed nose, some pepper over dark fruit way in the back, and some raw meat. Huge, intence, the acidity barelly manage to be fresh with this intence and big body, a bit short finish. Big and bold, but where is the elegance and complexity? 79
Ruby red, intence, youthfull, leather, liquorice, and rose hip rather than roses. Great acidity and monumental ripe tannins. Lots of complexity, and this wine will need cellaring, easily 20 years. Long finish with pure fruit. 89
2001 Chateau Cheval Blanc;
Ruby with some sediments. Very closed, blackcurrants and bell peppers. After more air, a truly elegant and complex nose, expensive leather, cigars, tobacco, red fruits. Great acidity, ripe tannins, fresh and elegant and the scidity really refresh and cleans the palate. Exceptionnal balance,and mothfeel. A trylu great wine. Cellar it long if you're lucky enough! 95
2005 Clarendon Hills Syrah Hickinbotham;
Dark ruby, almost opaque. Totally closed nose, some pepper over dark fruit way in the back, and some raw meat. Huge, intence, the acidity barelly manage to be fresh with this intence and big body, a bit short finish. Big and bold, but where is the elegance and complexity? 79
Fantastic Bond and Caymus
2005 Bond, Vecina Napa Valley;
Dark ruby, Fantastic nose of blackcurrants, cassis, some sweeter dark fruit notes, hints of chocolate, a bit sexy actually, some spices and vanilla. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, very long finish. Some cofe in the aftertaste. Needs ten more years. 93
2005 Chateau Canon;
Ruby, very youthfull, some red and dark berries, blackcurrants, some spices. Clean and nice fruit, fresh acidity, mouth watering, ripe tannins, very elegant, long. 94
2004 Casanova di Neri Brunello di Montalcino Cerretalto;
Beautifull ruby, some coffee, cherries, cherry stones, fruity and delicate nose. Nice acidity, maybe not the sharpest for a Sangiovese, some tannins, elegant and long finish. But although very well made, I find it a bit boring. 88
2003 Caymus Special Selection;
Dark ruby, ruby rim. Very young still, blackcurrants, coffee, chocolate, mocca, incredibly complex nose, smells fantastic. Sweetish attack, strawberries, really intence blackcurrants, medium body and high fruit intensity, very clean fruit and a very long aftertaste. Great acidity, ripe tannins, long and very well balanced. Keep. 94
Dark ruby, Fantastic nose of blackcurrants, cassis, some sweeter dark fruit notes, hints of chocolate, a bit sexy actually, some spices and vanilla. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, very long finish. Some cofe in the aftertaste. Needs ten more years. 93
2005 Chateau Canon;
Ruby, very youthfull, some red and dark berries, blackcurrants, some spices. Clean and nice fruit, fresh acidity, mouth watering, ripe tannins, very elegant, long. 94
2004 Casanova di Neri Brunello di Montalcino Cerretalto;
Beautifull ruby, some coffee, cherries, cherry stones, fruity and delicate nose. Nice acidity, maybe not the sharpest for a Sangiovese, some tannins, elegant and long finish. But although very well made, I find it a bit boring. 88
2003 Caymus Special Selection;
Dark ruby, ruby rim. Very young still, blackcurrants, coffee, chocolate, mocca, incredibly complex nose, smells fantastic. Sweetish attack, strawberries, really intence blackcurrants, medium body and high fruit intensity, very clean fruit and a very long aftertaste. Great acidity, ripe tannins, long and very well balanced. Keep. 94
One Chile, one Bdx and two Napa
2006 Almaviva:
Dark ruby, green bell peppers, herbs, minerals, blackcurrants and dark fruits. Complex nose. Very elegant, almost like velvet, tannins are very ripe and like snow, nice acidity, very long finish, needs time. 91
2005 Chateau Angelus;
Dark ruby, ruby rim, blackcurrants, leather, liquorice, cigar, complex and youthfull. Very clean and elegant, nice acidity, ripe tannins, nice fruit, maybe a bit to nice? Smooth and rounded. 93
2006 Beaulieu Vineyard Georges de Latour;
To me, this wine is again a dissapointment, there is always something that do not please me, or I do not understand with this wine. I found it short, unripe tannins all over the place, wood tannins, and lacking acidity, maybe it's me? 77
1995 Beringer Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley Private Reserve;
Another of the Napas, that I never get very prosaic about. Great intence tobacco nose, nice acidity, ripe tannins, a bit hollow in the mid palate and aftertaste, prunes and cooked dark fruits, ok finish. 80
Dark ruby, green bell peppers, herbs, minerals, blackcurrants and dark fruits. Complex nose. Very elegant, almost like velvet, tannins are very ripe and like snow, nice acidity, very long finish, needs time. 91
2005 Chateau Angelus;
Dark ruby, ruby rim, blackcurrants, leather, liquorice, cigar, complex and youthfull. Very clean and elegant, nice acidity, ripe tannins, nice fruit, maybe a bit to nice? Smooth and rounded. 93
2006 Beaulieu Vineyard Georges de Latour;
To me, this wine is again a dissapointment, there is always something that do not please me, or I do not understand with this wine. I found it short, unripe tannins all over the place, wood tannins, and lacking acidity, maybe it's me? 77
1995 Beringer Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley Private Reserve;
Another of the Napas, that I never get very prosaic about. Great intence tobacco nose, nice acidity, ripe tannins, a bit hollow in the mid palate and aftertaste, prunes and cooked dark fruits, ok finish. 80
86 Vieux Chateau certan
1986 Vieux Chateau Certan;
Ruby with brick rim. Very balanced and almost soft nose of blackcurrants, vanilla, cigars, cassis, bell peppers, complex and mature. Nice acidity, mature tannins, more like a Medoc in structure, very elegant, long finish. Drinks beautifully now. 94
Ruby with brick rim. Very balanced and almost soft nose of blackcurrants, vanilla, cigars, cassis, bell peppers, complex and mature. Nice acidity, mature tannins, more like a Medoc in structure, very elegant, long finish. Drinks beautifully now. 94
More Mosel
1997 S.A.Prüm Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Auslese Fass 30;
Pale golden yellow. Petroleum, apricots, apples and bisquits with minerals, very elegant and complex. Nice acidity, balanced, yellow apples apricots and pinapple above petroleum and minerals. Good length. 86
2002 Max Ferd. Richter Graacher Himmelreich Riesling Auslese;
Pale golden yellow, some mineral notes, fresh tropical fruit. Good acidity, sweet mothfeel of ripe apples, raspberry jam, a bit closed, does it have what it takes? I think I have one or two more bottles to find out. 84?
2002 Dr. Loosen Erdener Treppchen Riesling Spätlese;
Golden yellow, raspberry, apples, great minerality, very young still. Great acidity, very balanced, even more youthfull on the palate. Some tropical notes, still a bit closed. A bit like the 2002 above, you do not quite know where they are going. 86?
2001 Reichsgraff von Kesselstatt, Scharzhofberger Riesling Auslese;
Golden yellow. Ripe apples, honney, great minerality and apricots. Some pineapple in the back and lemon. Great acidity, very integrated and balanced, lemon, lime, complex, very long and delicate aftertaste. 92
Pale golden yellow. Petroleum, apricots, apples and bisquits with minerals, very elegant and complex. Nice acidity, balanced, yellow apples apricots and pinapple above petroleum and minerals. Good length. 86
2002 Max Ferd. Richter Graacher Himmelreich Riesling Auslese;
Pale golden yellow, some mineral notes, fresh tropical fruit. Good acidity, sweet mothfeel of ripe apples, raspberry jam, a bit closed, does it have what it takes? I think I have one or two more bottles to find out. 84?
2002 Dr. Loosen Erdener Treppchen Riesling Spätlese;
Golden yellow, raspberry, apples, great minerality, very young still. Great acidity, very balanced, even more youthfull on the palate. Some tropical notes, still a bit closed. A bit like the 2002 above, you do not quite know where they are going. 86?
2001 Reichsgraff von Kesselstatt, Scharzhofberger Riesling Auslese;
Golden yellow. Ripe apples, honney, great minerality and apricots. Some pineapple in the back and lemon. Great acidity, very integrated and balanced, lemon, lime, complex, very long and delicate aftertaste. 92
Mosel notes.
1998 Fritz Haag Brauneberger Juffer Sonnenuhr Riesling Auslese;
Golden yellow, grat mineral, mature apples, some petroleum, apricots and citrus. Great acidity, like chewing apples, very well balanced, complex in it's own tender way, but still intence, fantastic finish. 93
2002 Hubertushof, Trittenheimer Altärchen Riesling Eiswein;
Dark golden colour. Lots of apples and mineral under tones, raspberry jam, some apricots and nice fresh nose. Very sweet, the acidity does not quite handle the residual sugar and the palate does not follow up on the great nose. But a very good wine still. 83
Golden yellow, grat mineral, mature apples, some petroleum, apricots and citrus. Great acidity, like chewing apples, very well balanced, complex in it's own tender way, but still intence, fantastic finish. 93
2002 Hubertushof, Trittenheimer Altärchen Riesling Eiswein;
Dark golden colour. Lots of apples and mineral under tones, raspberry jam, some apricots and nice fresh nose. Very sweet, the acidity does not quite handle the residual sugar and the palate does not follow up on the great nose. But a very good wine still. 83
Bordeaux short notes
1997 Chateau Gravas; (Sauternes)
Golden yellow, ok balance, some ripe apricots and honey, simple and fresh Sauternes. 75
1997 Chateau Lafaurie- Peyraguey;
Gold colour, great balance, complex, beautifull acidity, honey, apricots, botrytis, very long and elegant, will keep for a long time. 92
1998 Chateau de Fontenille;
Ok, everyday Bordeaux 66
Golden yellow, ok balance, some ripe apricots and honey, simple and fresh Sauternes. 75
1997 Chateau Lafaurie- Peyraguey;
Gold colour, great balance, complex, beautifull acidity, honey, apricots, botrytis, very long and elegant, will keep for a long time. 92
1998 Chateau de Fontenille;
Ok, everyday Bordeaux 66
4 Bordeaux 1982's
1982 Chateau Bonnet;
Ruby with orange rim. Dried fruit, some leather, lacquer and mahogany. Simple, slightly metallic on the palate, ok acidity, lean short finish. But has kept better than expected, remember, this is a very inexpensive wine. 70
1982 Chateau Lagrange;
Ruby, thin brick rim. Some tea, dried fruits, some lacquer and coffee. Some dust, very mature. With more air, real Earl Grey. Nice acidity, lean body, a bit short and hollow finish. 77
1982 Chateau Grand Puy Ducasse;
Ruby with thin brick rim. Radiator dust, intence liquorice, thinn, acidic, simple and short finish. Over the hill. 66
1982 Chateau Brane Cantenac;
Ruby with broad brick rim. Lovely floral nose, some leather, liquorice, great Earl Grey tea, light and elegant, still complex nose. Fresh acidity, mature tannins, almost gone, nice fruit, elegant and well balanced, but not so complex in the mouth. Ok finish. 80
Ruby with orange rim. Dried fruit, some leather, lacquer and mahogany. Simple, slightly metallic on the palate, ok acidity, lean short finish. But has kept better than expected, remember, this is a very inexpensive wine. 70
1982 Chateau Lagrange;
Ruby, thin brick rim. Some tea, dried fruits, some lacquer and coffee. Some dust, very mature. With more air, real Earl Grey. Nice acidity, lean body, a bit short and hollow finish. 77
1982 Chateau Grand Puy Ducasse;
Ruby with thin brick rim. Radiator dust, intence liquorice, thinn, acidic, simple and short finish. Over the hill. 66
1982 Chateau Brane Cantenac;
Ruby with broad brick rim. Lovely floral nose, some leather, liquorice, great Earl Grey tea, light and elegant, still complex nose. Fresh acidity, mature tannins, almost gone, nice fruit, elegant and well balanced, but not so complex in the mouth. Ok finish. 80
Domaine de Chevalier 95, 89, 85 and 79
1995 Domaine de Chevalier;
Ruby, some spices, leather, liquorice, a bit thight at the moment, some perfume and sweeter notes in the back. Nice acidity, ripe tannins, clean and elegant fruit, a bit short finish, otherwise very good indeed. 87
1989 Domaine de Chevalier;
Ruby, thin brick rim. Some strawberries, hints of flowers, pure and fresh, ripe fruits and still youthfull. Nice acidity, ripe and starting to be mature, nice fruit intencity, fresh and very long finish. 91
1985 Domaine de Chevalier;
Ruby with brick rim. Some green leaf, liquorice, some leather and dried fruits, some fruity tea notes, complex and secondary aromas. Nice acidity, mature tannins, almost gone now, very elegant fruit and body, nice balance, long finish. 90
1979 Domaine de Chevalier;
Ruby with brick rim. Very mature, some leather, iodine, liquorice, hints of stable, only secondary and tertiary aromas. Nice acidity, lean body, no tannins left, very mature, but is still holding on, and will not be better. Nice but a little lean finish. Fruit intensity is medium. 81
Ruby, some spices, leather, liquorice, a bit thight at the moment, some perfume and sweeter notes in the back. Nice acidity, ripe tannins, clean and elegant fruit, a bit short finish, otherwise very good indeed. 87
1989 Domaine de Chevalier;
Ruby, thin brick rim. Some strawberries, hints of flowers, pure and fresh, ripe fruits and still youthfull. Nice acidity, ripe and starting to be mature, nice fruit intencity, fresh and very long finish. 91
1985 Domaine de Chevalier;
Ruby with brick rim. Some green leaf, liquorice, some leather and dried fruits, some fruity tea notes, complex and secondary aromas. Nice acidity, mature tannins, almost gone now, very elegant fruit and body, nice balance, long finish. 90
1979 Domaine de Chevalier;
Ruby with brick rim. Very mature, some leather, iodine, liquorice, hints of stable, only secondary and tertiary aromas. Nice acidity, lean body, no tannins left, very mature, but is still holding on, and will not be better. Nice but a little lean finish. Fruit intensity is medium. 81
Domaine de Chevalier 00, 99, 98 and 96
2000 Domaine de Chevalier;
Ruby, nice fruity blackcurrants, some barrel notes, liquorice and leather, very young, complex. Nice acidity, ripe tannins, a bit hollow in the mid palate at this stage, but I think this will develop nicely. Elegant and long finish. 92
1999 Domaine de Chevalier;
Ruby, liquorice, leather, some medicinal notes, dark berries underneath and some secondary aromas. Nice acidity, more fruit, ripe tannins, some green hints and herbs and bell peppers. Fresh finish. 87
1998 Domaine de Chevalier;
Ruby, pencil, some leather, very elegant nose, blackcurrants and coffee underneath, very complex. Youthfull, fresh, nice acidity, ripe tannins, some spices, very long finish. 89
1996 Domaine de Chevalier;
Ruby, Even more green hints, bell peppers, hints of leather. Delicious acidity, refreshing, ripe tannins, nice fruit, blackcurrants, some dried fruits and a good finish. 87
Ruby, nice fruity blackcurrants, some barrel notes, liquorice and leather, very young, complex. Nice acidity, ripe tannins, a bit hollow in the mid palate at this stage, but I think this will develop nicely. Elegant and long finish. 92
1999 Domaine de Chevalier;
Ruby, liquorice, leather, some medicinal notes, dark berries underneath and some secondary aromas. Nice acidity, more fruit, ripe tannins, some green hints and herbs and bell peppers. Fresh finish. 87
1998 Domaine de Chevalier;
Ruby, pencil, some leather, very elegant nose, blackcurrants and coffee underneath, very complex. Youthfull, fresh, nice acidity, ripe tannins, some spices, very long finish. 89
1996 Domaine de Chevalier;
Ruby, Even more green hints, bell peppers, hints of leather. Delicious acidity, refreshing, ripe tannins, nice fruit, blackcurrants, some dried fruits and a good finish. 87
Monday, 23 November 2009
Chateau Palmer 96, 95, 90 and 89
1996 Chateau Palmer;
Beautifull ruby, some sediments. Leather, some cassis, cigars, mint, slightly perfumed, complex nose, some cedar and floral notes. But tender. Nice acidity, fresh, clean fruit, extremely elegant and balanced, youthfull and very long indeed. Wait. 91
1995 Chateau Palmer;
Ruby, slightly lighter than the 96, still sediments. Leather, cassis, lots of cigars, some barrel hints, very complex and very elegant, floral notes, violets and tulips. Nice acidity, again, great balance, very elegant, a bit more than the 96 now, very long elegant finish, wait. 91
1990 Chateau Palmer;
Beautifull ruby, thin brick rim, some sediments. Open, transparent yet complex. Great floral nose, roses, tulips and violets and on top some fresh strawberries, jasmin hedge and hints of blackcurrants. Elegance, perfect balance, the acidity is packed in, ripe tannins and fantastic length. Almost elegance perfection. 93
1989 Chateau Palmer;
Ruby, thin brick rim and some sediments. Closed and takes a lot of time to open. Some floral notes, cigar, hints of blackcurrants. Again, great balance, almost Burgundy Grand Cru in its strawberry, acidity and spices, exceptional complexity and fantastic youthfullness and cleanness of fruit. Fantastic length, truly awesome. 95
Beautifull ruby, some sediments. Leather, some cassis, cigars, mint, slightly perfumed, complex nose, some cedar and floral notes. But tender. Nice acidity, fresh, clean fruit, extremely elegant and balanced, youthfull and very long indeed. Wait. 91
1995 Chateau Palmer;
Ruby, slightly lighter than the 96, still sediments. Leather, cassis, lots of cigars, some barrel hints, very complex and very elegant, floral notes, violets and tulips. Nice acidity, again, great balance, very elegant, a bit more than the 96 now, very long elegant finish, wait. 91
1990 Chateau Palmer;
Beautifull ruby, thin brick rim, some sediments. Open, transparent yet complex. Great floral nose, roses, tulips and violets and on top some fresh strawberries, jasmin hedge and hints of blackcurrants. Elegance, perfect balance, the acidity is packed in, ripe tannins and fantastic length. Almost elegance perfection. 93
1989 Chateau Palmer;
Ruby, thin brick rim and some sediments. Closed and takes a lot of time to open. Some floral notes, cigar, hints of blackcurrants. Again, great balance, almost Burgundy Grand Cru in its strawberry, acidity and spices, exceptional complexity and fantastic youthfullness and cleanness of fruit. Fantastic length, truly awesome. 95
Chateau Figeac 04, 95 and 89
2004 Chateau Figeac;
Ruby. Dark berries, chocolate, vanilla, sweet anis, drops, some artificial fruits, cinamon and spices. Big nose. Ok acidity, lot's of tannins, a bit green and bell peppers and some unripe tannins show in the back and aftertaste. Not quite together it seems. 88
1995 Chateau Figeac;
Dark ruby, garnet rim. Perfumed, jamy, strawberries, liquorice, vanilla, cherries and coctail berries. Intense nose. Ok acidity, ripe tannins, sweetish fruit, very ripe, some coffee, texture like velvet. I would like more complexity and length 89
1989 Chateau Figeac;
Ruby with brick rim. Mature, dried fruits, leather, coffee, almost intense and opulent liquorice and a bit sweetish. Better acidity and fresher than it's nose, mature ripe tannins, some hardwood lacquer. A bit short finish. 87
Ruby. Dark berries, chocolate, vanilla, sweet anis, drops, some artificial fruits, cinamon and spices. Big nose. Ok acidity, lot's of tannins, a bit green and bell peppers and some unripe tannins show in the back and aftertaste. Not quite together it seems. 88
1995 Chateau Figeac;
Dark ruby, garnet rim. Perfumed, jamy, strawberries, liquorice, vanilla, cherries and coctail berries. Intense nose. Ok acidity, ripe tannins, sweetish fruit, very ripe, some coffee, texture like velvet. I would like more complexity and length 89
1989 Chateau Figeac;
Ruby with brick rim. Mature, dried fruits, leather, coffee, almost intense and opulent liquorice and a bit sweetish. Better acidity and fresher than it's nose, mature ripe tannins, some hardwood lacquer. A bit short finish. 87
Chateau Leoville Las Cases 99, 89, 88 and 83
1999 Chateau Leoville Las Cases;
Ruby with ruby rim. A bit thight knit, some dark fruits, vanilla, some chocolate, liquorice, some barrel spices?!, youthfull and very complex. Nice acidity, very refreshing, ripe tannins, cleans the mouth well, a bit hollow in the back of the mid palate, but great length and balance. Needs time, and I hope the barrel flavours will go into the wine soon......89
1989 Chateau Leoville Las Cases;
Ruby with brick rim. Hints of cedar, bell peppers, cassis, expencive leather, very complex and beautifull, some coffee. Beautifull velvety mouthfeel, tannins like snow falling, nice, fresh acidiy, great balance, elegance and complexity. Youthfull in it's expression. Great length, will keep. 94
1988 Chateau Leoville Las Cases;
Ruby with brick rim. Some cedar, blackcurrants, more green notes, liquorice, blackcurrant leaves, elegant notes of chocolate, leather and cinamon. Nice acidity, ripe tannins, somehow lean after the 89. Ok finish. 90
1983 Chateau Leoville Las Cases;
Ruby with garnet rim. Some cheese, leather, dark fruits, a bit closed, like a Turner in fog, toned down. Nice acidity, ripe tannins, nice balance, fresh finish. I cannot get it to tell it's secrets, best guess 88
Ruby with ruby rim. A bit thight knit, some dark fruits, vanilla, some chocolate, liquorice, some barrel spices?!, youthfull and very complex. Nice acidity, very refreshing, ripe tannins, cleans the mouth well, a bit hollow in the back of the mid palate, but great length and balance. Needs time, and I hope the barrel flavours will go into the wine soon......89
1989 Chateau Leoville Las Cases;
Ruby with brick rim. Hints of cedar, bell peppers, cassis, expencive leather, very complex and beautifull, some coffee. Beautifull velvety mouthfeel, tannins like snow falling, nice, fresh acidiy, great balance, elegance and complexity. Youthfull in it's expression. Great length, will keep. 94
1988 Chateau Leoville Las Cases;
Ruby with brick rim. Some cedar, blackcurrants, more green notes, liquorice, blackcurrant leaves, elegant notes of chocolate, leather and cinamon. Nice acidity, ripe tannins, somehow lean after the 89. Ok finish. 90
1983 Chateau Leoville Las Cases;
Ruby with garnet rim. Some cheese, leather, dark fruits, a bit closed, like a Turner in fog, toned down. Nice acidity, ripe tannins, nice balance, fresh finish. I cannot get it to tell it's secrets, best guess 88
Chateau Talbot 99, 90 and 61
1999 Chateau Talbot;
Ruby with ruby rim. Mature nose, some secondary aromas allready, coffee, chocolate, leather, some leaf, slightly warm fruit. Ok acidity, ripe atnnins, very mature for it's age, some dried fruits, drying a bit in the finish, good length. 84
1990 Chateau Talbot;
Ruby, brick rim. Perfumed black tea, like a real good breakfast Earl Grey, then leather, bell peppers and perfume. Hints of dried fruits in the back. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, quite soft and wll balanced, good length. 88
1961 Chateau Talbot;
Fill top shoulders, about 2,5 cm bellow cork in old Cordier bottle. Cork soaked, but not dry. Pale ruby, orange rim. Very mature, some leather, leaves, some forest floor, slight iodine, dut and minerals. Medium body and intensity, elegant but a little thin, nice sour finish, good length. Medium acidity, tannins long gone. Not drying up yet, but past it's best. 86
Ruby with ruby rim. Mature nose, some secondary aromas allready, coffee, chocolate, leather, some leaf, slightly warm fruit. Ok acidity, ripe atnnins, very mature for it's age, some dried fruits, drying a bit in the finish, good length. 84
1990 Chateau Talbot;
Ruby, brick rim. Perfumed black tea, like a real good breakfast Earl Grey, then leather, bell peppers and perfume. Hints of dried fruits in the back. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, quite soft and wll balanced, good length. 88
1961 Chateau Talbot;
Fill top shoulders, about 2,5 cm bellow cork in old Cordier bottle. Cork soaked, but not dry. Pale ruby, orange rim. Very mature, some leather, leaves, some forest floor, slight iodine, dut and minerals. Medium body and intensity, elegant but a little thin, nice sour finish, good length. Medium acidity, tannins long gone. Not drying up yet, but past it's best. 86
Thursday, 19 November 2009
Pizza wines
1989 Bruno Giacosa Barolo Villero di Castiglione;
Ruby with brick rim, some sediments. Very elegant nose, tender at first, then very fresh and youthfull, lots of roses, tar, cherries and very floral with some liquorice in the back. Lots of ripe tannins still, fantastic acidity, great fruit intensity and very complex, great balance also. Slightly dry in the aftertaste, the tannins needs even more time, very youthfull still. 93
Finally, my first older Giacosa, and now I understand the fuss, they develop greatly.
1990 Bruno Giacosa Barolo Falletto di Serralunga Riserva;
Ruby with brick rim. More floral, violets and roses, almost like entering a flower market, some wet bark and dirt, hints of liquorice and cherry stones, hardwood floors and varnish. Coffee and mocca with more air. Intence mouthfeel, massive ripe tannins, great acidity, pure youth. Needs time, wait another 20 years. 95
1967 Cappelano Barolo Serralunga;
Pale ruby with brick rim. Foliage, hints of forest floor, expencive leather, truffles, chocolate, mature morellos, mature and fantastic complexity. Elegant body, roses and tar in the mouth, mature tannins, great acidityvery fresh, some medicinal, bandaid, hints of strawberries, very long finish. 88
The wines were had after some great Champagnes when the palate was in great need of some reds. We had pizza next to them, probably the greatest pizza wines I have had.
Ruby with brick rim, some sediments. Very elegant nose, tender at first, then very fresh and youthfull, lots of roses, tar, cherries and very floral with some liquorice in the back. Lots of ripe tannins still, fantastic acidity, great fruit intensity and very complex, great balance also. Slightly dry in the aftertaste, the tannins needs even more time, very youthfull still. 93
Finally, my first older Giacosa, and now I understand the fuss, they develop greatly.
1990 Bruno Giacosa Barolo Falletto di Serralunga Riserva;
Ruby with brick rim. More floral, violets and roses, almost like entering a flower market, some wet bark and dirt, hints of liquorice and cherry stones, hardwood floors and varnish. Coffee and mocca with more air. Intence mouthfeel, massive ripe tannins, great acidity, pure youth. Needs time, wait another 20 years. 95
1967 Cappelano Barolo Serralunga;
Pale ruby with brick rim. Foliage, hints of forest floor, expencive leather, truffles, chocolate, mature morellos, mature and fantastic complexity. Elegant body, roses and tar in the mouth, mature tannins, great acidityvery fresh, some medicinal, bandaid, hints of strawberries, very long finish. 88
The wines were had after some great Champagnes when the palate was in great need of some reds. We had pizza next to them, probably the greatest pizza wines I have had.
Tuesday, 17 November 2009
Salon 1997
1997 Salon;
Pale, almost watery lemon yellow, elegant bubbles. Crisp, aoutlyses, complex, plaster, apples, minerals, very clean fruit aromas and off course very elegant. Great mousse and acidity, very elegant and balanced, and pure youth. Very long elegant finish. Needs time. 93
Pale, almost watery lemon yellow, elegant bubbles. Crisp, aoutlyses, complex, plaster, apples, minerals, very clean fruit aromas and off course very elegant. Great mousse and acidity, very elegant and balanced, and pure youth. Very long elegant finish. Needs time. 93
Old Veuve Clicquots
1973 Veuve Clicquot Brut;
Oxidized and maderized.
1970 Veuve Clicquot Brut;
Oxsidized, but fresher than 73, some apricots and tropical fruits, but very tired.
1969 Veuve Clicquot Brut;
Light oxidation, apples, some yeast and burnt bread. Ok acidity, nice fruit, elegant, but neither complex or long. Interesting more than very good. 71
1964 Veuve Clicquot Brut;
Corked.
Oxidized and maderized.
1970 Veuve Clicquot Brut;
Oxsidized, but fresher than 73, some apricots and tropical fruits, but very tired.
1969 Veuve Clicquot Brut;
Light oxidation, apples, some yeast and burnt bread. Ok acidity, nice fruit, elegant, but neither complex or long. Interesting more than very good. 71
1964 Veuve Clicquot Brut;
Corked.
Champagne 88 times four
1988 Veuve Clicquot Rare Vintage;
Golden yellow, some bubbles. Mature, some mushrooms. A bit tired, some acidity, but it just do not keep toghether. I have had many bottles of this wine, and all have been much better, I think something is wrong with this one.
1988 Bollinger R.D.;
Golden yellow, fresh and complex nose, very mature, some vanilla, marzipan, nuts, butter, yeast. Very fresh and elegant, nice mousse, apples, minerals, at peak, no reason to keep. Very good champagne, but a little boring in this company. 88
1988 Salon;
Golden yellow. This has a class on it's own, hints of boiled crab, svaberg, hints of fresh green apples, still very youthfull and off course, elegant as few. Very complex. Fragrance perfection. The balance is on a league of it's own, exceptionally delicate and tender, still so complex and intence, the acidity is perfectly cleansing and fresh, aftertaste is almost infinite. Dessert island wine......98
Golden yellow, some bubbles. Mature, some mushrooms. A bit tired, some acidity, but it just do not keep toghether. I have had many bottles of this wine, and all have been much better, I think something is wrong with this one.
1988 Bollinger R.D.;
Golden yellow, fresh and complex nose, very mature, some vanilla, marzipan, nuts, butter, yeast. Very fresh and elegant, nice mousse, apples, minerals, at peak, no reason to keep. Very good champagne, but a little boring in this company. 88
1988 Salon;
Golden yellow. This has a class on it's own, hints of boiled crab, svaberg, hints of fresh green apples, still very youthfull and off course, elegant as few. Very complex. Fragrance perfection. The balance is on a league of it's own, exceptionally delicate and tender, still so complex and intence, the acidity is perfectly cleansing and fresh, aftertaste is almost infinite. Dessert island wine......98
Four Champagne's of 95
1995 Krug Vintage;
Almost golden yellow, minerals, leaner than the 96, but not lean, hints of vanilla, still a bit closed, very young. Very energic acidity, beautifull mousse, but gentler, the acidity and minerals playes the first violin now, some toast, yeast and rolls. Some oxidized apples, exceptional wine by any standard, very long finish. 95
1995 Pommery Cuvee Louise;
Light golden yellow, intence minerality, mussels, boiled crab, hint of wet wool socks, and people around the table does not agree if it is slightly corked. Nice acidity, the acidity could be more fun, but it might be the Krug before, the fruit seems very clean and elegant, but the finish is a bit short. I remeber better bottles of this. 88
1995 Veuve Clicquot La Grande Dame;
Pale golden yellow. English toffee, butter, minerals, oxidized apples, some autumn leaves, intence, mineral and kelp on the cliffs. Nice acidity and mousse, apples, som burnt aromas (toast?), boiled crab again, hints of liquorice and barrel spices. Almost some hints of sherry in the aftertaste. 88
(This bottle was aquired on a ferry about 3 years ago, maybe it is not in perfect condition, but it was very good still)
1995 Charles Heidsieck Blanc des Millenaires;
Pale golden yellow. Intence aromas, toast, yeast, oxidized aples, burnt bread, and sweeter macaroon. Very elegant mousse, nice acidity, very clean finish. This wine is very young still, put away for a few years. 91
Almost golden yellow, minerals, leaner than the 96, but not lean, hints of vanilla, still a bit closed, very young. Very energic acidity, beautifull mousse, but gentler, the acidity and minerals playes the first violin now, some toast, yeast and rolls. Some oxidized apples, exceptional wine by any standard, very long finish. 95
1995 Pommery Cuvee Louise;
Light golden yellow, intence minerality, mussels, boiled crab, hint of wet wool socks, and people around the table does not agree if it is slightly corked. Nice acidity, the acidity could be more fun, but it might be the Krug before, the fruit seems very clean and elegant, but the finish is a bit short. I remeber better bottles of this. 88
1995 Veuve Clicquot La Grande Dame;
Pale golden yellow. English toffee, butter, minerals, oxidized apples, some autumn leaves, intence, mineral and kelp on the cliffs. Nice acidity and mousse, apples, som burnt aromas (toast?), boiled crab again, hints of liquorice and barrel spices. Almost some hints of sherry in the aftertaste. 88
(This bottle was aquired on a ferry about 3 years ago, maybe it is not in perfect condition, but it was very good still)
1995 Charles Heidsieck Blanc des Millenaires;
Pale golden yellow. Intence aromas, toast, yeast, oxidized aples, burnt bread, and sweeter macaroon. Very elegant mousse, nice acidity, very clean finish. This wine is very young still, put away for a few years. 91
1996 Krug Vintage
1996 Krug Vintage;
A little deeper lemon yellow, minerals, toast, some vanilla, slightly closed at first, opened up beautifully, very young and refreshing. Some starting development. Great mousse and acidity, intence, balanced, complex and incredibly beautifull. Fantastic. Very long finish. Needs time. 97
Takk til Øyvind Haug som åpnet dette unikummet av en Champagne.
A little deeper lemon yellow, minerals, toast, some vanilla, slightly closed at first, opened up beautifully, very young and refreshing. Some starting development. Great mousse and acidity, intence, balanced, complex and incredibly beautifull. Fantastic. Very long finish. Needs time. 97
Takk til Øyvind Haug som åpnet dette unikummet av en Champagne.
1987 Chateau Mouton Rothschild
1987 Chateau Mouton Rothschild;
A level fill, less than 1 cm from the cork. Cork soaked through. Ruby with wide brick rim. Not decanted. First wiff, pure wet dirt. Then a fantastic pure blackcurrant nose, some cedar and cigarbox comes along, with more air hints of laquer, hardwood floors, liquorice and coffee in the back. Some of the forest floor lingers on. After one hour some leather. Incredible nose. Ok acidity, tannins gone, pure fruit, light alcohol, so refreshing, such opulence and elegance. Lacks some complexity, but so elegant, quite a charmer and a great bottle of 1987. 86
A level fill, less than 1 cm from the cork. Cork soaked through. Ruby with wide brick rim. Not decanted. First wiff, pure wet dirt. Then a fantastic pure blackcurrant nose, some cedar and cigarbox comes along, with more air hints of laquer, hardwood floors, liquorice and coffee in the back. Some of the forest floor lingers on. After one hour some leather. Incredible nose. Ok acidity, tannins gone, pure fruit, light alcohol, so refreshing, such opulence and elegance. Lacks some complexity, but so elegant, quite a charmer and a great bottle of 1987. 86
Four Champagne 96
1996 Salon;
Lemon yellow, exceptional elegance, complex and refined, apples, minerals, plaster, tender and intence, fantastic is the only word. Almost unbelievably fresh, great balance, lovely mousse, great elegance, and complexity and playfull in the mouth. How can such tenderness and the complexity become one? Fantastic and very lon elegant finish. Very young still. 97
1996 Jaquesson Avize Grand Cru;
Lemon yellow, nice toasty and yeasty aromas, bakery, aples, grat nose, complex and young. Almost intence mousse, great acidity, apples, pear, great minerality, grips your palate, slightly bitter and unripe aples and aple stones. Great finish. 92
1996 Taittinger Comtes de Champagne;
Lemon yellow, very intence and complex nose, great balance between roll, apples, minerals, barrel and toast aromas, nuts and butter. Great acidity, lovely intence mousse, very refreshing even with this body and fruit intencity, long and very complex finish. Big. Give it time. 92
1996 Duval- Leroy Femme;
Lemon yellow, fruity with it's around 80% Pinot, red berries, some minerals, cream and butter. Clean, elegant mousse, refreshing acidity, very elegant and long. A bit closed, needs time. 88
Lemon yellow, exceptional elegance, complex and refined, apples, minerals, plaster, tender and intence, fantastic is the only word. Almost unbelievably fresh, great balance, lovely mousse, great elegance, and complexity and playfull in the mouth. How can such tenderness and the complexity become one? Fantastic and very lon elegant finish. Very young still. 97
1996 Jaquesson Avize Grand Cru;
Lemon yellow, nice toasty and yeasty aromas, bakery, aples, grat nose, complex and young. Almost intence mousse, great acidity, apples, pear, great minerality, grips your palate, slightly bitter and unripe aples and aple stones. Great finish. 92
1996 Taittinger Comtes de Champagne;
Lemon yellow, very intence and complex nose, great balance between roll, apples, minerals, barrel and toast aromas, nuts and butter. Great acidity, lovely intence mousse, very refreshing even with this body and fruit intencity, long and very complex finish. Big. Give it time. 92
1996 Duval- Leroy Femme;
Lemon yellow, fruity with it's around 80% Pinot, red berries, some minerals, cream and butter. Clean, elegant mousse, refreshing acidity, very elegant and long. A bit closed, needs time. 88
One old Mosel
1967 Pauly Bergweiler Erdener Trepchen Riesling Auslese;
Golden, fantasic nose of petroleum, grapefruit, tangerine, apples, pear, extremely complex. So subtle in the mouth, yet great acidity, and perfect balance, Unbelievably clean fruit flavours. Very long and elegant finish. 92
Golden, fantasic nose of petroleum, grapefruit, tangerine, apples, pear, extremely complex. So subtle in the mouth, yet great acidity, and perfect balance, Unbelievably clean fruit flavours. Very long and elegant finish. 92
Champagne 1999's
1999 Dom Perignon;
Pale golden with tiny bubbles. Clean and elegant nose, minerals, plaster and oxidized apples, quite young still. Fresh, great balance, slightly introvert phase now, needs decanting, slightly closed and secondary aromas on the way, great balance and texture like cream. Wait. 90
1999 Roederer Cristal;
Pale golden yellow, tiny bubbles. Great smell even when closed, some minerals and mature apples. Fantastic elegant mousse, oysters, citrus, apples, clean fruit aromas, very elegant and balanced, both unripe apples and mature yellow apples at the same time, some plums. Some yeast and bread with more air. Nice acidity, packed in, so you don't really notice it, very long finish. Give it some more years. 93
1999 Bollinger Grand Anneé;
Plae golden yellow, nice bubbles. Beautifull nose, hints of barrel and toast, yeast, match, some red berries, plaster and minerals. Elegant mousse, som sweetish fruits and berries, nice acidity, but not quite together at the moment, probably just the phase, very long finish. 88
Pale golden with tiny bubbles. Clean and elegant nose, minerals, plaster and oxidized apples, quite young still. Fresh, great balance, slightly introvert phase now, needs decanting, slightly closed and secondary aromas on the way, great balance and texture like cream. Wait. 90
1999 Roederer Cristal;
Pale golden yellow, tiny bubbles. Great smell even when closed, some minerals and mature apples. Fantastic elegant mousse, oysters, citrus, apples, clean fruit aromas, very elegant and balanced, both unripe apples and mature yellow apples at the same time, some plums. Some yeast and bread with more air. Nice acidity, packed in, so you don't really notice it, very long finish. Give it some more years. 93
1999 Bollinger Grand Anneé;
Plae golden yellow, nice bubbles. Beautifull nose, hints of barrel and toast, yeast, match, some red berries, plaster and minerals. Elegant mousse, som sweetish fruits and berries, nice acidity, but not quite together at the moment, probably just the phase, very long finish. 88
Champagne
Laurent Perrier Grand Siecle;
Probably 90,93 and 95 vintages. Pale yellow, small bubbles. Fantasic nose, oxidized aples, plaster, complex, mineral nose, quite slim. Elegant mousse, lean and elegant body, mature aples, pears and sweeter fruits, nice acidity, long, slender finish. 88
Krug Grande Cuvee;
This has been cellared for about 3 years. Pale golden yellow, beautifull small bubbles. Fantasic nose, bred crums, burnt bread, plaster, minerals, oxidized aples, fresh rainy morning, popcorn and butter. Great mousse and acidity, lovely balance, very elegant and still powerfull and complex. Very long finish. The three years has really done good. 91
1998 Veuve Cliquot La Grande Dame;
Pale golden yellow, tiny bubbles. Light elegant nose, some mature fruits, aples and plums. Elegant mousse, slightly sweetish, is it fruit or dosage?, elegant, but a little boring, not quite together, ok finish. Hopefully just a phase. 86
1998 Perrier Jouet Belle Epoque;
Unfortunatelly corked.
Probably 90,93 and 95 vintages. Pale yellow, small bubbles. Fantasic nose, oxidized aples, plaster, complex, mineral nose, quite slim. Elegant mousse, lean and elegant body, mature aples, pears and sweeter fruits, nice acidity, long, slender finish. 88
Krug Grande Cuvee;
This has been cellared for about 3 years. Pale golden yellow, beautifull small bubbles. Fantasic nose, bred crums, burnt bread, plaster, minerals, oxidized aples, fresh rainy morning, popcorn and butter. Great mousse and acidity, lovely balance, very elegant and still powerfull and complex. Very long finish. The three years has really done good. 91
1998 Veuve Cliquot La Grande Dame;
Pale golden yellow, tiny bubbles. Light elegant nose, some mature fruits, aples and plums. Elegant mousse, slightly sweetish, is it fruit or dosage?, elegant, but a little boring, not quite together, ok finish. Hopefully just a phase. 86
1998 Perrier Jouet Belle Epoque;
Unfortunatelly corked.
Ny stjerne
Ny stjerne er innkjøpt, men ikke montert enda. Min misstanke om at stjerneknekking ikke er normalt lenger ble bekreftet da jeg hentet den nye i går. Han på delelageret hadde ikke hørt om stjerneknekking på mange år nå, så han var overrasket. Kanskje er det nedgangstider som gjør folk misunnelige igjen?
Monday, 16 November 2009
Stjernesmell
Så kom fredag den 13ende, normalt sett en ganske normal dag, og for meg var den jo egentlig det. Men lørdag morgen var bilen fått seg en stjernesmell og stjerna som tronet så stolt foran på panseret var vekk.
Nå trodde jeg dagene for slikt var over og at nordmenn flest svømte i penger og at en Mercedes C-klasse var det samme som Passat. De koster jo det samme for de som ikke har lagt merke til det. Nå har jeg kjørt Mercedes i rundt 10 år, og stjernen har blitt brukket av tre ganger, alle tre gangene i Moss. Den gamle arbeiderbyen er tydelighvis fortsatt det.
Jeg bor på Jeløya, og jeg synes det ser ut som at vi svømmer i Mercedeser, Audier, BMWer, og Jaguarer. Jeg ser opptil flere av hver sort stort sett hver gang jeg ferdes her ute. Selv Masserati, Ferrari og en og annen Aston Martin er ikke helt uvanlig i sommernatten, selv om de trekker innendørs når vinteren kommer.
Det er jo selvfølgelig irriterende med hærverk mot ens eiendom, men det som slår meg er, hva skal man med en slik stjerne? Det er kun ett sted den gjør sin jobb, nettop på ett panser (som sitter på en Mercedes). Har noen tenkt å pynte opp Toyotaen?, Skal de ha den på veggen? Smykke? På mopeden? Ja hva vet jeg.......
Toyotaen blir jo ikke en Mercedes selv med en stjerne på, og det er jo forsåvidt like greit, på veggen blir den jo borte, med mindre man har en veldig liten vegg, og å smykke seg med stjålet gods er kansje ikke tingen, det er også ganske vulgært og vitner om dårlig smak. På en moped? Grow up, bokstavelig talt.
Det finnes kansje andre bruksområder også, hva vet jeg. Nå slipper den i alle fall å stå nyvasket og blank på ett panser og få være med på tur rundt om i det ganske land, og utland. Tenk alt den ikke får sett bare fordi noen en mørk høstkveld i november fant det for godt å brekke den ubarmhjertig av og putte den i lommen. Det kaller jeg stjernesmall.
Nå trodde jeg dagene for slikt var over og at nordmenn flest svømte i penger og at en Mercedes C-klasse var det samme som Passat. De koster jo det samme for de som ikke har lagt merke til det. Nå har jeg kjørt Mercedes i rundt 10 år, og stjernen har blitt brukket av tre ganger, alle tre gangene i Moss. Den gamle arbeiderbyen er tydelighvis fortsatt det.
Jeg bor på Jeløya, og jeg synes det ser ut som at vi svømmer i Mercedeser, Audier, BMWer, og Jaguarer. Jeg ser opptil flere av hver sort stort sett hver gang jeg ferdes her ute. Selv Masserati, Ferrari og en og annen Aston Martin er ikke helt uvanlig i sommernatten, selv om de trekker innendørs når vinteren kommer.
Det er jo selvfølgelig irriterende med hærverk mot ens eiendom, men det som slår meg er, hva skal man med en slik stjerne? Det er kun ett sted den gjør sin jobb, nettop på ett panser (som sitter på en Mercedes). Har noen tenkt å pynte opp Toyotaen?, Skal de ha den på veggen? Smykke? På mopeden? Ja hva vet jeg.......
Toyotaen blir jo ikke en Mercedes selv med en stjerne på, og det er jo forsåvidt like greit, på veggen blir den jo borte, med mindre man har en veldig liten vegg, og å smykke seg med stjålet gods er kansje ikke tingen, det er også ganske vulgært og vitner om dårlig smak. På en moped? Grow up, bokstavelig talt.
Det finnes kansje andre bruksområder også, hva vet jeg. Nå slipper den i alle fall å stå nyvasket og blank på ett panser og få være med på tur rundt om i det ganske land, og utland. Tenk alt den ikke får sett bare fordi noen en mørk høstkveld i november fant det for godt å brekke den ubarmhjertig av og putte den i lommen. Det kaller jeg stjernesmall.
Some older Rheingau's
1975er Kloster Eberbach, Rhauenthaler Baiken Riesling Kabinett;
Golden yellow, fresh, fruity petroleum, lemon, some apricots, oksidized cloudberry stones (very Norwegian term I guess). Great acidity, medium body, elegant and clean fruit flavours. mature yellow aples, pear, yellow plums, very fresh, long finish. 85
1983 Hans Barth, Hatteneheimer Wisselbrunnen Riesling Spätlese;
Golden yellow, very tropical, very clean and elegant fruit, petroleum, pineaple, rainy morning, botrytis. Medium sweet, great acidity, cirtus, lemon peal, tropical fruits shines through, cleansing and fresh, but lacks in complexity. Good length. 80
1971 Johannishof Geisenheimer Kläuserweg Riesling Spätlese;
Golden yellow, slightly oxidized aromas, very closed. Fresh, ok acidity, mature apples and yellow plums, not quite balanced, ok finish. 75
1976 Kloster Eberbach Rauenthaler Gehrn Riesling Auslese;
Golden yellow, Fantastic nose, light, botrytized nose, apricots, pineaples, orange peal, some jasmin, and a bit heavier fruit. Sweet, the acidity actually dries the mouth, elegant, complex, slightly bitter and drying finish. 83
Golden yellow, fresh, fruity petroleum, lemon, some apricots, oksidized cloudberry stones (very Norwegian term I guess). Great acidity, medium body, elegant and clean fruit flavours. mature yellow aples, pear, yellow plums, very fresh, long finish. 85
1983 Hans Barth, Hatteneheimer Wisselbrunnen Riesling Spätlese;
Golden yellow, very tropical, very clean and elegant fruit, petroleum, pineaple, rainy morning, botrytis. Medium sweet, great acidity, cirtus, lemon peal, tropical fruits shines through, cleansing and fresh, but lacks in complexity. Good length. 80
1971 Johannishof Geisenheimer Kläuserweg Riesling Spätlese;
Golden yellow, slightly oxidized aromas, very closed. Fresh, ok acidity, mature apples and yellow plums, not quite balanced, ok finish. 75
1976 Kloster Eberbach Rauenthaler Gehrn Riesling Auslese;
Golden yellow, Fantastic nose, light, botrytized nose, apricots, pineaples, orange peal, some jasmin, and a bit heavier fruit. Sweet, the acidity actually dries the mouth, elegant, complex, slightly bitter and drying finish. 83
Friday, 6 November 2009
Cask 23
2003 Stag's Leap Wine Cellars Cask 23;
Ruby with ruby rim, pure youth, bell peppers, herbs, cassis, sweet and ripe fruits, hints of mint and eucalyptus. Nice acidity, ripe tannins, very fresh and cleansing, great balance and drier fruits than on the nose. Complex and way too young. Very long finish. Give it ten more years or more. 94
Ruby with ruby rim, pure youth, bell peppers, herbs, cassis, sweet and ripe fruits, hints of mint and eucalyptus. Nice acidity, ripe tannins, very fresh and cleansing, great balance and drier fruits than on the nose. Complex and way too young. Very long finish. Give it ten more years or more. 94
Two Giacomo Conternos.
1996 Giacomo Conterno Cascina Francia Barolo;
Ruby with brick rim, intese nose of liquorice, tar and roses, youthfull, some cherries and hints of truffles. Nice acidity, ripe tannins, pure, slender, elegant fruit, intence cherry stone, some mocca and dark chocolate. Not the biggest aftertaste. 88
1997 Giacomo Conterno Monfortino;
Ruby with brick rim. How seductive! Beautifull youthfull nose, fantastic elegance, truffles, coffe, red berries, cherries, Belgian chocolates, perfumed and roses. The balance is out of this world, fantastic acidity and ripe tannins in the back ground, intense and complex and still extremely elegant and a long finish. 95
Ruby with brick rim, intese nose of liquorice, tar and roses, youthfull, some cherries and hints of truffles. Nice acidity, ripe tannins, pure, slender, elegant fruit, intence cherry stone, some mocca and dark chocolate. Not the biggest aftertaste. 88
1997 Giacomo Conterno Monfortino;
Ruby with brick rim. How seductive! Beautifull youthfull nose, fantastic elegance, truffles, coffe, red berries, cherries, Belgian chocolates, perfumed and roses. The balance is out of this world, fantastic acidity and ripe tannins in the back ground, intense and complex and still extremely elegant and a long finish. 95
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