Our small "76-tasting" Reds

1st
1985 Chateau Lafite Rothschild;
Bright ruby, garnet rim, exceptional nose, jumps out of the glass, elegant, very complex, thoroughbred, violets, roses, cassis, perfume, blackcurrants, paprika, some cigars in the back, very well balanced, one of a kind, very elegant and long finish. 95

2nd
1985 Chateau Latour;
Bright ruby, garnet rim, more mature fruits, prunes, cassis, leather, coffee, cigars, very fresh acidity, ripe and mature tannins, extremelly complex and elegant, fantastic finish. More mature than the Lafite. 93

3rd
1995 Chateau Cos d'Estournel;
Ruby, garnet rim, very elegant, floral, dark berries, leather, liquorice, paprika, cassis, roses, perfumed notes, very elegant and complex. Tannins like velvet, acidity could be a bit fresher if I'm picky, coffee, long finish. 92

4th
1976 Joseph Phelps Insignia;
Dark ruby, orange rim, cassis, prunes, warm fruits, blackberries, leather, liquorice and intence coffee. Lots of fruit, elegant, dry tannins, fresh acidity, this bottle was not in perfect condition. 84

5th
1990 Dalla Valle Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon;
Ruby with thin garnet rim, great nose, some spicy notes, cassis, coffee, blackberries, quite intence. Very sweet fruit, fresh acidity, ripe tannins, then a very elegant and truly long finish. 91

1994 Ridge Montebello Santa Cruz Mountains Cabernet Sauvignon;
Deep ruby, garnet rim, heavy cabernet nose, cassis, liquorice, paprika, leather, cigars, very complex. Sweetish fruit, great acidity, ripe tannins, very elegant, long finish. 92

1995 Joseph Phelps Insignia;
Deep ruby, garnet rim, warm cassis, blackcurrants, blackberries and coffee. Massive fruit, still elegant, needs time, fresh acidity, ripe tannins, long finish. 89

8th
1975 Chateau Gruaud Larose;
Garnet with brick rim, took a long time to open, very mature, some prunes, raisins, cassis, liquorice, leather. Fresh acidity, some tannins, very elegant, could be longer. 88

9th
1994 Dominus Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon;
Ruby with garnet rim, very elegant nose, cherries, tar, leather liquorice, sweet spicy notes, complex. Very soft texture, a bit dry and astringent tannins, I'm not shure it will come round. 88

10th
1999 Domaine de Chevalier;
Ruby, garnet rim. Dark berries, eukalyptus, or is it pine, quite closed. Ok acidity, very elegant, some minerals and rocks, ok length. Keep. 89

Two spoiled wines, 99 Nicolas Catena Zapata (Cork unlike I have ever smelled) and 90 Ducru Beaucaillou, oxidized, probably stored to hot.