West of the mountains

2003 Le Dix de Los Vascos;
(Domaines de Rothschild, Lafite). Deep ruby with ruby rim. Incredible nose of mint leaves, some green bell peppers, hints of liquoice, blackcurrants and white chocolate. Very pure and elegant, very good acidity, ripe tannins, well balanced, green notes like all Chilean wines it seems, fresh, minty, long finish. Keep. 86

I was served this wine blind, and found it to be a overly minty Carruade. I was nowhere near Chile, but it was not Bordeaux either, but it had such a resemblence with Carruade. At least the owners were right.


2002 Heitz, Martha's Vineyard, Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon;
Deep ruby, almost opaque, thin ruby rim. Fantastic nose, somehow light and floral, but also complex and intence. Red currants as fresh as they get, black currants, herbs, fantastic pure nose, hints of sweet tobacco behind. Perfect mouthfeel, tannins need some more years, they are ripe but massive at the moment, cool fruit, a fantastic wine. Keep for ten years or more. 93