85 Opus One

1985 Opus One;

Ruby with brick rim, some sediments. Dusty first, hints of raisins and prunes, then Asian spices, getting more intence after 15 minutes, sweet tobacco, leather and coffee. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, good balance, surpricingly lean body, very elegant and beautifull finish. For everyone that belives all American and New World wines have to be big, try this one. 92

Merlot monster

2001 Roberto Voerzio, Vigneto Fontanetza;
Deep ruby, garnet rim, huge, intence as few, black- and blueberry concentrate, ok acidity, a bit hollow mid palate, ripe tannins, big and empty. Body builder with to much jewelry on, kind of impressive, but why. 77

1990 Soldera

1990 Gianfranco Soldera, Brunello di Montalcino Riserva;

Bright ruby with garnet rim, floral, violets, roses, tar, intence and youthfull. Beautifull attack, a bit extracted somehow, great structure, high acidity, high ripe tannins, a bit rich, tannins glues to the teeth, a bully in Brioni. More fruit with air, long finish. 93

My twin Biondi-Santi Annata

1979 Biondi-Santi, Brunello di Montalcino, Annata;

Bright ruby with garnet rim, absolutelly astonishingly beautifull colour. Perfumed black tea, sweet cherries, slight hint of volatility, some lacquer and hardwood, even blackcurants. High and fresh acidity, truly mouthwatering, transparent and elegant, very pure, layered, such elegance, quite seductive, some ripe tannins, more floral with air, could be a bit longer, but punches way over it's weight class. Impressive. After 15 minutes, cigars, getting more and more complex, leather, chocolate, leafy notes, the whole wine opens up, good length. 90

1945 Chateau Ausone

1945 Chateau Ausone;

Expedie en Barrique par Eschenauer & Co, Bordeaux. Fill B-B/C, cork soaked and very wet when pulled. Deep ruby, brick rim, orange hue. Almost leaps out of the glass, fine leather, cedar, cigars, prunes, lacquer, cherries, leafy and some blackcurrants, chocolate. Fresh acidity, sweet and sour, great balance, a bit lean body, elegant in it's transparent way, some dry tannins still, quite shorter finish than the other two bottles I have tasted, falling a bit together after 25 minutes, then then minutes later somehow recovers and gets even more intence, this is my first for that, getting some darker fruits, plums and blackberries, after two hours very floral and roses, then last sip after about four hours, very pruny and blackberries, longer finish. 93

Montrachet. Terroir or man?

2004 Baron Thenard, Montrachet;

Decanted for two hours. Pale golden, diesel, as intence as ever, not petroleum like riesling, pure diesel, then some honey and floral notes behind, then intence of minerals and barrel. Smokey, smoked salmon, wax, oily, low acidity. 83

Terroir? When you taste this wine, your pretty shure terroir has everything to do with man, and nothing to do with nature and location. This wine is a far cry from Ramonet or Sauzet, not even resembling them. Tasted blind, Rhone was on almost everyones lips. How can you question the worlds most highly praised vineyard?

Pure youth

1996 Lanson Gold Label;
Pale golden, tiny bubbles. Some toast and yeast first, but this evaporates like due for the sun, then very unripe apples and minerals emerge. Very elegant, not too complex, beautifull mousse, elegant and balanced acidity, cleans perfectly, lime and lemon in the finish, shy and still mouthwatering. Very young. Keep. 88 for now.

89 Cos

1989 Chateau Cos d'Estournel;
Ruby with thin brick rim, great nose, youthfull, but some cooked jam and fruits, liquorice, leather, ok acidity, maturing tannins, elegant body, great wine, but the fruit seems warmer than most in this vintage, and not at all up to it's status. 88

2006 Rio Vista and Echezeaux, head to head

2006 Brewer-Clifton, Rio Vista, Sta Rita Hills Pinit Noir;

Ruby with pink rim. Intence of fresh strawberries, some leather, not too complex, but very fruit driven. Lots of fruit, some oak behind, spicy notes, mint and pepper, then vanilla, quite elegant, good length. You feel some alcohol, but it hides it well, it's 15,4. 86

2006 Daniel Rion, Echezeaux;

Ruby with pink rim. Very elegant, fresh strawberries, hints of leather, some oak, but this pure strawberry just shines through. High acidity, very fresh, some barrel tannins, good fruit, pure youth, fruity intencity, needs many years. 90

82 Talbot

1982 Chateau Talbot;

A level fill, cork half soaked. Deep ruby, intence and young fruit, cassis, blackcurrants, tobacco, cigars, lots of cedar, medicinal, such complex and elegant beauty. Perfect harmony and balance, fresh and livelly acidity, ripe tannins, great fruit, fantastic long finish. I got this blind, and the only thing to hint at some age was the medicinal touch, otherwise it was so youthfull. I guessed at a 2000 First Growth or super second. Just marvelous. 96

Nature going blanc

2005 Henri Gouges, Nuits-St-Georges, La Perriere Premier Cru;

This very rare Pinot Noir blanc was a treat to find in a shelf in Beaune. Straw yellow, very closed even after two hours, just boring, a rip of. But all of a sudden, as if The Almighty himself touched it, this heavenly minerality appears, some apples, melon, acts of very mature fruit, but not a hint of tropical, not even yellow fruits. Such seductive complexity that creeps into you, the elegance is finer than the best silk, the mouthfeel is out of his world, acidity cleans perfectly, fresh, and the most elegant minarality of all burgundies I have tried, perfect balance, fantastic fruit, aftertaste never gives in. Lasts for minutes. 96

Faulty cork, still good

1973 Chateau Belgrave;A-A/B level fill, ruby with broag brick rim, cork almost soaked. Very mature, cassis, some leather, pencil, slight floral notes, the fruit is not as evolved by aromas as expected, but starting to dry up, ok acidity, cherry stone sour finish, a bit short. 82

1998 Wachtenbur Winzer, Wachenheimer Fuchsmantel, Riesling Eiswein;
(demi) Deep golden, leaking bottle. Botrytis and extreme intencity, apples, pineapples, tropical, figs, mango, some honey, maturing aromas. Fresh balance and acidity, cleans perfectly, could have been a bit longer and more complex, but seductive, even from a leaking bottle. 89

Not so swinging sixties

1969 Chateau Boyd-Cantenac;

A level fill, cork soaked and could be pushed in the neck. Bright ruby with brown-orange rim, violets, dried fruits, some tobacco and blackcurrants, dust and cellar, a bit too far, ok intencity, cherrystones, sour finish, dies of in the glass.83

1964 Faustino 1;

A level fill, cork almost soaked, pale ruby with thin orange rim. Very elegant nose, violets, strawberries, quite fresher than expected, but a bit tender. Good fruit and acidity, very mature tannins, carefull and shy, kind of elegant, a bit short.85

Two Portuguese

2004 Real Compania Vehla, Grandjo Late Harvest, Douro;
Golden, botrytis, vanilla, some muscat, honney and apricots, peach and tropical, quite Sauternes-like, but with a sweeter touch. Acidity could be higher and fresher, but, hey, this is Douro, slightly bitter and burnt almonds in finish, sweet feel. This semillon is not a Sauternes, it's too sweet for that, and also lacks the acidity, but to have this freshness on a semillon out of Douro is impressive. 84

1987 Quinta do Cotto;
My father likes to experiment. Likes to see how different wines evolve. I love it. Therefore I have the possibility to try many different wines that is not at hand, especially if older. Sometimes he ages them a bit to long, and that is actually to our benefit as well, then we can se what it becomes. This was one of those bottles, bright ruby with a broad brick rim. Metallic, stable, boiled plums and prunes. Thin, simple and acidic. 58

Such transparancy

2005 Loredan Gasparini, Venegazzu Della Casa;

Deep ruby, pink rim. Green paprika, blackcurrants, blackberries, some pepper and spices, blueberries, behind a curtain of liquorice, a bit green and herbal, but somehow it just makes it more interesting, fresh and quite intence. Very elegant and balanced, a bit lean body, but layered and transparent, fresh acidity, ripe tannins, some cherry stones. Variant of the ugly duckling that you had barely heard of, seen or noticed, but when she/he got dressed up, everybody had to stop and pay attention, not because it was the most beautifull sight ever, but because it was beautifull enough, and quite interesting. Quite long finish. 84

02 Yquem

2002 Chateau d'Yquem;

Pale golden. Honney, pineapples, peach, yellow fruits, tropical, some orange peel, bit of vanilla and botrytis, pure youth. Gorgeous balance, acidity cleans perfectly, very complex and elegant, exceptional finish. Will keep a long time. 93

Four reds

2005 Penfolds RWT, Barossa Shiraz;
Deep ruby, ruby rim. Some barrique, mint, lots of sweet morellos, pepper, vanilla and violets, a bit perfumed. Good acidity, some liquorice, overripe raspberries, some alcohol touch, needs time. 83

2001 Chateau Marquis de Terme;
Ruby, green bell peppers, cassies, green beans, blackcurrants, leather, stable and herbs. Great balance and fresh acidity, ripe tannins, a bit lean body, but elegant, great finish. 87

2004 Bodegas Alion;
Deep ruby, ruby rim. Lots of liquorice, red berries, coffee, some vanilla and dark chocolate. Very young. Fresh acidity, fruit driven for the moment, quite a few tannins, great balance and texture, keep. 89

2001 Gaja Sperss;
Bright ruby, tar and roses, some liquorice, cherries, morellos, red berries, very elegant and complex, very young still. Great acidity, ripe tannins, great balance, very intence, long finish. Drinks beautifully now, but will improve. 93

DFDS, Oslo-København

Det hender jeg vill ut på sjøen, ikke så mye på grunn av selve sjøen forsåvidt, den ser jeg ut av stuevinduet uansett, så det er mest fordi jeg ofte tar meg en tur til København.

DFDS er jo ikke bare det naturlige valget, det er det eneste. Med deres satsing på en god vinbar er det faktisk ganske trivelig. Der er det knapt bråk og fulle tenåringer, og generelt lite som minner om en harry Stena tur. Når utvalget i baren til stort sett fornuftige priser (Bordeaux kan bli litt drøyt priset) er det mange gode smaker på glass! Hva med Gaja Sperss, Mouton Rothschild, Yquem, Opus One, Penfolds Grange, Cheval Blanc og mange andre, tilgjengelig på glass! (Ihvertfall når de er i humør til det)

Er man flere er det intet problem, da åpnes det meste, også for glass. Men sist jeg var med var lugarene nyoppusset, og det er blitt SÅÅ moderne. Ok, de var kansje litt gammelmodige før, men de hørte sjøen til, nå ser de ut som ett hvilket som helst wanabee maritimt hotell.

Da er det godt å ty til ett glass god vin når man nesten sjokkert forlater sin stamlugar, lettere slukøret over fornyingene, og bølgehøyden utenfor vinduet begynner å bli høy. Så sitter man der, med sin vinplatte med rimelig gode smaker. Kjøkkenet kunne med små grep blitt enda bedre, for mye tyder på at smakssammensettninger er de gode på, men mye er nok fabrikert på forhånd, og det meste av klientellet ombord er vel heller ikke spesiellt opptatt av kvaliteten på råvarene, men heller beløpet nederst på regningen.

Jeg har reist såpass mange ganger at sjefen for de gode flasker ofte tar seg en prat mellom slagene, og diskusjonen om vin er alltid på ett godt nivå, kunnskapene er der, men man blir ikke altfor nerdete. Noen ganger kommer andre bord til også, da kan det bli riktig spennende diskusjoner. På denne reisen ble bølgehøyden etter hvert svært høy.

Da er det godt at man kan gå tilbake til hotellrommet, nei lugar var det, og sette seg i sitt private boblebad og kikke ut på stormen, med ett glass Yquem. Så sitter man der og nipper til sitt glass, kikker på de enorme kalde bølgene som raser forbi, og lurer på hva herrene i salongen på Titanic nippet til i de siste minutter.

Skål for DFDS og deres vinbar.

Not for the faint hearted

2005 Clarendon Hills, Kangarilla Grenache;
Opaque with purple rim. Sweet nose, massive dark berries, cinamon and sweet spices. Almost Port, you can't even feel the acidity in this wast ocean of dark, jammy fruit, some tannins try to form land somewhere in the horizon, enough fruit for three bottles in this one, vulgar and huge, like the Rolls-Royce Phantom, and they made that one on purpose. 80

2007 Apostelhoeve, Louwberg Maastricht, Riesling;
Straw yellow, some citrus and floral, light tropical note. Lazy acidity, dry, just boring. 63

Old beauty

1963 Ferreira Vintage Port;

Brigth ruby with thin brick rim, lots of sediments. Intence, sweet berries, spices, fills the room, slightly volatile, cherries, liquorice, mocca and some hazelnut. Soft attack, rounded first, then leaner and fresher, the acidity cleans exceptionally well, blackberries, cinamon, stone fruits, very long finish. 95

86 Poyferré

1986 Chateau Leoville Poyferré;
Deep ruby, tiny orange rim. Cassis, cigars, polished wood, leather, think interior of a Silver Shadow, pencil, blackcurrant leaves, very complex. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, perfect balance, very long finish. 90

Two Valbuena's

2000 Vega-Sicilia Valbuena;

Deep ruby, intence, chocolate, mocca, leather, some berries and floral, cassis and roses. Great acidity, very ripe tannins, great structure and balance, needs time with the oak, a bit popcorn butter in the finish, long finish. Keep ten years. 89

1993 Vega-Sicilia Valbuena;

Ruby wth garnet rim. Coffee, mocca, some cassis and cherries, then pencil and violets, very complex, needed air. Marvelous acidity, extremelly mature tannins, very fresh, great balance, great and elegant finish. Far better than expected. 92

Barca Vehla, Musar and Produttori

1991 Barca-Vehla;

Ruby with thin purple rim. Cherries, leather, liquorice, quite closed first, more intence with air, pepper. Elegant acidity, some mocca and very ripe tannins, a bit sweetish touch, and then it dries up to a very elegant finish. 90

1993 Chateau Musar;

Soaked cork, B level fill. Bright ruby with brick rim. Slightly volatile and perfumed, hints of floral, violets and roses, some spices, sweetish cherry and morello notes, quite complex, fresh and livelly acidity, mature tannins, elegant and long finish. 88

1997 Produttori del Barbaresco, Montefico Barbaresco Riserva;

Deep ruby with brick rim. Heavy nose, coffee and minerals, some perfumed and herbal, even earthy notes. High acidity, almost screaming at you, tannins, and as green as green tea, simple, astringent and a bit dry. Either an angry teenager or suicidal. 75

Back from the dead

1969 Chateau Boyd-Cantenac;

Fill A/B-level, deep ruby with orange rim, a bit earthy, rotten wood and bark, some cassis and coffee behind, even with that description, seems quite vital. Ok acidity, mature tannins, a bit lean body, some iodine and metallic, but then ads with some prunes, clings to its life, but doing it gracefully, way better than any expectation. 81

The old man

1991 Ampeau, Volnay Santenots;

Ruby with brick rim, very earthy, some strawberries, but a bit dusty. A bit acidic, and later on heavy and slow. Think that old, single, never married uncle comming, the one who thinks he is vital and funny, but smells instead, and gets easilly drunk, so you have to drive him back home, or torture a poor taxi driver with him. 84

1954 Chateau Gilette, Bordeaux Superiore;

Deep golden, greenish hue. Raisins, prunes, hint of honey and camphor, minerals and lemon, very complex, exceptional development in the glass. Bone dry, ok acidity, not quite enough body, slightly bitter finish, more of a quriosity than really good, promises a lot on the nose, but can't keep up. 82

Mr Joly

The quest continues.

1990 Clos de la Coulee de Serrant;
Golden, explosive minerality again, honey melon, fresh pears, honey and nuts, even when decanted for two days, nothing much happens in any direction, but the acidity is lazy, a bit lean body and all the honey don't mach, like the oposite of a fat girl with a bit too small top. And still oxidized.........84

So, trying wines from 16 years from oldest to youngest, all sharing a very similar style, except the lowering of alcohol, and to some exctent, oxidation, but it is still very much a part of the style.

1989 Clos de la Coulee de Serrant;
Lemon yellow, more mature smelling, dust, leaf, minerals, quite less oxidation than the 90, flint, plaster and lemon, a bit steely and lean, not that long and an acidic finish. 83

1984 Clos de la Coulee de Serrant;
Golden, a bit closed, some minerals, apples, pears, much fresher than the 89 and 90, massive nuts, probably how a squirrel feels when it has the cheeks filled with hazelnuts, lean, acidic, a bit short finish. Still some oxidation, great balance, but a bit short. Nothing happened during 24 hours open, in the bottle. 86

Seems to get fresher again after two a bit dissapointing bottles of 90 and 89.

1980 Clos de la Coulee de Serrant;
Deep straw yellow! First light colour, and that at almost 30 years of age! Some smoked meaty notes, flint, hints of melon, more citrus, then oysters. This is really different. Even more, almost massive citrus with more air, fresh and lively minerality, very elegant and great balance, leaner than all the others, and so much fresher and more youthfull, actually has the fat girls 14,5 alcohol, but this one knows how to dress, and looks smart. Very long finish. 90

So. This last one, doesn't have any oxidation at all. Is this more of the style that made Coulee de Serrant world famous? It was a impressive old bottle from a lesser vintage. I preffer this style........

Perfection, 89 Opus One

1989 Opus One, Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon;
Ruby with thin orange rim. Blackcurrants, some vanilla, intence, cedar, tobacco, hints of leather and coffee, cigar. Great balance, elegant acidity, ripe tannins, the balance is exceptional, superb finish, perfection. There is something undescribable about this wine, so seductive, so perfect, something you can't describe, just like the 94 Opus. I wish I had more of this......a wine of dreams, words aren't enough. 99

The people around the table was all astonished, and it was tasted blind. A MW came up with 82 Cheval Blanc as a suggestion!

Burgundy and mature Napa

2004 Domaine Leroy, Vosne Romanée;
Ruby with brick rim. Some vanilla, strawberries, truffles, chocolate, leaf, fresh earth, herbs and pepper. Elegant acidity, extremelly ripe tannins, great balance, fresh, very youthfull and complex, extremelly long finish, keep. 94

1975 Chapellet, Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon;
Deep ruby, almost opaque, still thin orange rim. Coffee, dark chocolate, liquorice, blackcurrants, mint, cassis, cedar, cigars and some fresh jam, medicinal and slight volatility. Fresh and livelly acidity, great balance, great finish. 91

Great dinner with familly

1998 Pommery Cuvee Louise;
Elegant small bubblespacked in straw yellow colour, very apply nose, some plaster, elegant minerals, crayfish. Such elegant mousse, fresh acidity, some oxidized apples, lean body, transparent and balanced, elegant minerality, such seductive finesse, long lovely finish, perfection purified. 91

2006 Domaine de la Vougeraie, Vougeot, Clos Prieuré Monopole;
Pale straw yellow, thight minerality, lime citrus, honney and flint. Not as fat as expected, but fat minerality, fresh aftertaste, but maybe a bit big mid palate, gets bigger and less fresh with air unfortunatelly. 87

2004 Chateau Tertre Roteboeuf;
Ruby with garnet rim, intence, leaps out of the glass, blueberries, blackberries, some vanilla, hints of leather, very youthfull. Great texture and body, ripe tannins, fresh acidity, tannins like falling snow, great balance, wait, but drinks well with decanting allready, seductive long finish. 92

1999 Egon Müller Auslese

1999 Egon Müller, Scharzhofberger, Riesling Auslese;
(demi) AP 3 567 142-21-00 Pale lemon yellow. Just such faboulous aromas, only starting to mature, minerals and schistes, this mellow honney touch, then floral notes, roses, whiffs of petroleum and gas station, orange marmalade and maybe a single peach hiding behind. Such a gentle attack, it strokes your tongue, acidity is there but packed in velvet, such elegance, ends a bit bitter unfortunatelly. 90

Mr Joly

So. The discussion goes, especially here in Norway, have Nicolas Joly gone to far. Are the wines too oxidized? How should a really great Coulee de Serrant taste like? I had to find out.

2002 Clos de la Coulee de Serrant;
Dark lemon, high fill, no sign of sepage, but soaked cork. Intence minerality, some apples and yellow plums, petroleum, dust, cellar and fresh mushrooms. Medium body, fresh in a weird way, lots of acidity, lots of intencity, some oxidized notes, long aftertaste, different but good, needs decanting. Can be left in the bottle for weeks without much happening. 86

Not as oxidized as 05 and 06, but still, much of the same. Major difference is actually less alcohol, and that always helps.

1996 Clos de la Coulee de Serrant;
Dark golden, soaked cork. Again this almost insane minerality, pear, stone, leaves, schistes, some mushrooms, actually more youthfull than the 02!. Medium body, extreme intencity, massive and fresh acidity, yellow plums, apples and pears, acidity never gives in, very long finish, but still a bit oxidized........88

So, how much older do we have to go, to get rid of the oxidation.........

1994 Clos de la Coulee de Serrant;
Golden, cork only half soaked, this one leaps out of the glass, again this massive minerality, honey and melon, grapefruit, flint and schistes, unripe pear and is it botrytis back there? It almost has this Sauternes tropical fruit over this increadible massive minerality, it want's to love you and kill you at the same time, dry and crisp finish, still some oxidation. 92

I like them better and better, mostly because the oxidation and alcohol level both seems to drop with age......

1991 Clos de la Coulee de Serrant;
Paler than the 94, still golden, again soaked cork, but it's a older bottle. Not as intence as the 94, otherwise more or less exactly the same, more gentle, shorter and easier, more forgiving, but still a bit oxidized, and as a lighter one, it shows better. 87

A setback......

Italians

2006 Biondi-Santi Rosso di Montalcino;
Bright ruby, coffee, red fruit meat, cherries and morellos, fresh and youthfull, some cherry stones. Fresh acidity, almost crisp, fruit tea, long, clean and elegant finish. 86

1998 Marchesi di Gresy, Barbaresco Martinenga Camp Gros;
Bright ruby, brick rim. Starting to mature, liquorice, cherries, tobacco, cigars, violets, tar and roses, very complex. Fresh acidity, mouthwatering, ripe tannins, very fresh aftertaste, long, lasts many years still. 90

2004 Biondi-Santi, Brunello di Montalcino Annata;
Ruby red, garnet rim. Cherries, stone fruits, blackberries, leather and liquorice. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fresh, complex, very long finish. Transparant and layered, very elegant. 91

The real thing

2000 Tokaj Classic, Tokaj Essencia;
18 grams acidity, 480 grams r.s. Colour of golden amber, botrytis, honney, nuts, orange, lemon, pineapples, roses, jasmin, black tea, sweet, but never sticky, extreme balance, extreme elegance, both fat and slim at the same time, visquos, but the acidity makes it feel lighter, truly exceptional finish, such complexity. Wow. 98

59 Mosel

1959 Dr. Pauly Bergweiler, Graacher Domprobst, Riesling Feinste Auslese;
Golden, petroleum, minerals, citrus, apples, lemon, very mature, still increadibly fresh flavours and mouthfeel. Great balance, complex, fresh acidity, very long finish, lasts freshly for minute, very youthfull for it's 50 years. 95

Sweet legends

2007 Schloss Johannisberg, Rosa-Goldlack Beerenauslese;
(demi) Golden colour, extremelly complex, botrytis, apricots, pineapples, tropical fruits, apples, perfect balance, such elegance, fresh acidity, very stylish, fantastic length. 95

2007 Schloss Johannisberg, Goldlack Trockenbeerenauslese;
Golden, very closed, some apricots, honney, apples, pineapples, botrytis, so young and fresh, maybe even some floral notes and minerals, absolutelly stunning balance and acidity works perfectly, extremelly complex, full bodied without beeing big, fantastic length, lasts and last, a beauty for the lucky few. 96

My twin JJ Prüm

1979 Joh. Jos. Prüm, Wehlener Sonnenuhr, Riesling Spätlese;
Golden, massiev petroleum, still schistes and minerals, pear and apples, maybe some more tropical behind, elegant citrus. Fresh acidity, very mature and elegant, complex, does not seem very sweet anymore, long finish. 88

Mouton vs other Firsth Growth tasting

97 Latour

1997 Chateau Latour;
Ruby with garnet rim, some earthy tones, black tea, cassis, cedar, very youthfull, even some floral notes, fresh acidity, youthfull, keep another 5 years, long finish. 91

97 Margaux

1997 Chateau Margaux;
Ruby with garnet rim, more earthy tones, more carefull, ever so slightly more seductive and charming, some pencil and floral notes, fresh, great balance, some leather, cassis, elegant acidity and ripe tannins, soft fruit and texture, wait a few more years. 91

97 Mouton

1997 Chateau Mouton Rothschild;
Ruby, garnet rim, cassis, blackcurrants, cigars. Elegant acidity, great balance, fresh, a bit closed, ripe tannins, needs time, just started to develop. Long finish, leave another 3-5 years. 89

98 Mouton

1998 Chateau Mouton Rothschild;
Ruby with thin garnet rim. Youthfull, almost vegetal, a bit closed, then liquorice and pencil behind. Intence in the mouth very complex, cassis, plums, fresh acidity, massive ripe tannins, very long finish. Needs at least ten years. 93

98 Lafite

1998 Chateau Lafite Rothschild;
Ruby with thin garnet rim. Very closed, coffee, mocca, dark chocolate, extremelly well balanced, pure youth, fresh and lively acidity, ripe tannins, such seductive elegance and freshness, wait a long time, maybe 20 years even, a beauty. 96

98 Latour

1998 Chateau Latour;
Ruby, intence, youthfull, slightly spicy notes, some well hung game, earthy, black tea and tobacco. Blackcurrants behind. Massive tannins, some morellos, fresh acidity, medium body and fruit, elegant and long finish. Keep. 94

1998 Chateau Montrose;
Corked! 98 is the vintage with by far the most corked Bordeaux for me, is it a vintage problem or coincidence?

1990 Montrose

1990 Chateau Leoville Barton;
Ruby with brick rim. Stable, horse, hay, a bit rustic, hints of soap jam and sweetand sour fruits. Good acidity, a bit lean body, morellos, some warm fruits. Bottle probably stored a bit hot according to owner. 87

1990 Chateau Montrose;
Ruby with thin garnet rim. Intence, leather, cedar, cinamon, liquorice, extremelly complex. Intence fruit, big body, almost massive, like Napa, concentrated, great acidity, lots of ripe tannins, mint, very youthfull, increadibly long finish, keep another 20 years. 96

Any Bordeaux lover who rates this Montrose as a favorite, should also collect Napa wines, this is the closest to Napa you get in Bordeaux, and I think I would have gone Napa if blind. Or Ridge Montebello.

This view has changed somewhat after another bottle now that was more elegant and seductive... Tasted October 4th 2010, the bottle over was tasted in 2008.

90 Latour

1990 Chateau Latour;
Ruby, garnet rim. Coffee, leather, tobacco, cassis, red plums, quite inence. Fresh and elegant acidity, great balance, very complex, a wall of ripe tannins, almost like snow falling, exceptionally clean fruit, pure and elegant, very long finish. Keep many years still. 94

90 Mouton

1990 Chateau Mouton Rothschild;
Ruby, garnet rim. Very clean and typical Pauillac nose, leather, tobacco, blackcurrants, very complex, but not too intence. Such elegant acidity, fantastic balance, very refreshing, strawberries, fragrant, a joy in the glass, tannins getting softer, very long finish, seductive. Far better than most tasting notes. 94

89 Mouton

1989 Chateau Mouton Rothschild;
Ruby withbrick rim. Perfumed, floral, some sweet tobacco, seductive, cedar, blackcurrants, red plums, very complex and balanced, great acidity, maturing tannins, fragrant, very elegant, not the biggest body, but it makes it layered, youthfull still, long finish. 94

89 Latour

1989 Chateau Latour;
Ruby with very thin brick rim. Very closed first, then some fresh jam and ripe berries, then coffee. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, never opened fully, a bit boring to be honest......86

One 88 and two 89 Bordeaux

1988 Chateau La Mission Haut-Brion;
Ruby with brick ri. Some prunes, leather, stable, cigars and blackcurrants. Fresh acidity, lots of ripe tannins, some earthy, stoney tones, a little simple for this year and status. 88

1989 Chateau Gruaud Larose;
Ruby with garnet rim. Tobacco, perfumed, slight volatility, liquorice, quite mature aromas. A bit lean body, fresh acidity, maturing but a bit astringent tannins, prunes and some warm fruits, a bit short. 88

1989 Chateau Palmer;
Ruby with thin garnet rim. Very elegant, prunes, leather, liquorice, fresh jam, stble, very complex. Exceptional balance, yet again very elegant, fresh acidity, maturing tannins, layered, fantastic long finish. Always a favoite. 94

88 Lafite

1988 Chateau Lafite Rothschild;
Ruby with a hint of brick rim. Floral, fragrant, tulips, some cedar and cigars behind, blackcurrants, very complex and elegant. Fantastic balance, elegant acidity, great texture and maturing tannins, very clean and focuse, save another 10-15 years. 94

88 Mouton Rothschild

1988 Chateau Mouton Rothschild;
Ruby with garnet rim. Massive fruit, cassis, blackcurrants, coffee, anis, cedar, great balance, fresh acidity, maturing tannins, maybe a bit lean body, but very elegant, very long finish. 92

1988 Latour

1988 Chateau Latour;
Ruby with thin brick rim. Great of tobacco, a bit tender first, leather, coffee, cigars, cedar, cassis. Extreme balance, great and fresh acidity, mature and elegant tannins, very young, such elegance and complexity, long length. Keep another 5 to 10 years, no hurry. 94

1982 Bordeaux

1982 Chateau Ducru Beaucaillou;
Ruby with brick rim. Mature, prunes, cedar, cassis, hints of leather. Slightly sweet fruit and mouthfeel, fresh acidity, very ripe tannins, great balance, a bit lean maybe for the fruit, very long finish. 90

1982 Chateau Cos d'Estournel;
Ruby with brick rim. Vanilla, red berries, biscquits, blackberries and butter. Good acidity, but not that fresh, mature tannins, slightly dry finish, a bit sweetish fruit again. 87

1982 Chateau Calon Segur;
Ruby with broad brick rim. Perfumed, prunes, roses and violets. Mature but some astringent tannins, ok acidity, seems to lack some freshness and seems to dry a bit at the end. 86

61 Montrose, 66 Las Cases and 66 Lynch Bages

1966 Chateau Lynch Bages;
Ruby with broad brick rim and orange hue. Prunes, dry plum stone, some black tea, very mature. Slightly acidic feel, leaner body, great complexity, but a slightly metallic feel ruins a bit, good length. 85

1966 Chateau Leoville Las Cases;
Ruby with orange rim. Very clean fruit, seems more youthfull than it apears, coffee, chocolate, strawberries, very seductive. Ripe tannins, fresh acidity, elegant, redcurants, elegant and fresh. long finish. 90

1961 Chateau Montrose;
A bit deeper ruby with orange rim. A bit dusty, some leather, hay, fresh berries, cassis, stable and wiff of cigars. Kind of sweetish fruity attack, fresh acidity, great dark fruit, slightly metallic and drying a bit in the finish. 91

45 Ausone

As blogspot is really hopeless when it comes to pictures, this is the only one from the tasting at this stage.

1945 Chateau Ausone, Trondheim fine wine encounter, Nidelven, part 1

1945 Chateau Ausone;
Expedie en barriques par Eschenauer & Co, Bordeaux. Deep ruby, brick rim, cork soaked and splitt in two, B-level fill. Mature, much prunes first, some meat and blood, minerals and some iodine, then hints of coffee and chocolate, then blackberries, hints of tobacco, hay and liquorice, subtle yet complex, needed some minutes in the glass. Fresh acidity, tannins gone, a bit lean, slightly rustic on the mid palate, acidity starts out fresh, then goes slightly metallic, then prunes and plum stones, changing all the time, Aromas flushes back and forth and changes like Aurora Borealis (northern light), now earthy and leafy, ads and ads while other aromas dissapear, black tea, then leather, then sour cherries, good balance, complex yet fragile and tender, transparent and layered, quite velvety texture after 45 minutes, never gives in, lasts for minutes. 95

This wine flowered during the war, and was picked during peace!!

This bottle was more developed than the last one, more fragile even, but this exceptionaly fragile finish that cuts through everything they have in common. This also showed such an array of aromas, and now, some days after, going through some extraordinary tasting notes, it is almost like seeing a movie, I'm shure it will be remembered as even better.

1958 Chateau Ausone, Trondheim fine wine encounter, Nidelven, part 2

1958 Chateau Ausone;
Bright ruby, orange rim. A/B level fill, cork soaked, but came out intact. Starts out metallic, after five minutes, some artificial blueberries, then some floral notes and tulips, increasingly floral notes, some roses. Medium acidity, very ripe tannins, more structure than flavours, fresh mouthfeel, perfect balance, it somehow manage to last very well without having flavours, a ghost of a wine. 83 The day after, prunes and figs, still seems closed somehow, and still this beautifull strucure. Barelly one glass left.

Trondheim fine wine encounter, Nidelven, part 3

1976er Staatsweingüter Kloster Eberbach, Hocheimer Domdecahney, Riesling Auslese;
Golden orange, increadibly colour. Oily, terrine de foie gras, mandarin, slight minerality far behind. Some acidity, a bit fat, tastes and behaves like foie gras on a cracker with a mandarin boat on the top, with a slight touch of bitterness, quite dry. 70 for beeing a good bisquit:)
The day after, a totally different wine, hardly a glass left, way more minerals, elegant fruit, apricots and honey, petroleum, orange marmalade, great balance, long finish. 88

1989 Francois Cotat, Chavignol, Sancerre Rosé;
Oxidized!

2004 Raveneau, Chablis Premier Cru, Vaillons;
Straw yellow, closed big time. Some minerals and even less of nuts, maybe some lime if pushing it. Hmmm. Then, very slowly starting to open, some citrus, more minerals, fresh and livelly, mouth watery minerals after a while, works perfectly with the acidity. 90 (What is it? Chenin? Chadonnay? Maybe Meursault with that minerality, Who knows?) The day after, it had barelly opened up more, and that was with just half a glass left in the bottle!

2006 Vylyan, Villanyi Pinot Noir; (Hungary)
Ruby, garnet rim, some spices and ripe strawberries, vanilla and some oak, intence, leaping out of the glass. Very fresh acidity, some oak tannins, some herbal notes, a bit bitter finish, hints of coconut and chocolate. 85 (Pinot, no doubt, not US, to fresh, fruit of Burgundy, also elegance, but the coconut, New Zeeland?)

Trondheim fine wine encounter, Nidelven, part 4

1975 Chateau Clerc Milon;
A/B Fill, Bright ruby, brick-orange rim. Liquorice, cassis, cedar, mature prunes, hints of figs. Quite fruity, very elegant and soft, complex but not so intence, very elegant and fruit seems younger on th palate than nose. 89 (Must be left bank, classed growth, St.Julien fruit on Pauillac body, 4th or 5th, but how old,85- 88? -I have been fooled by the 75 vintage before:))

2005 Graci, Arcuria, Etna Rosso, Nerello Mascarese;
Bright ruby, meat, well hung game, some cherries, not too complex but very fresh. Livelly acidity, a bit fat body, much ripe tannins, some minerals, fresh and elegant, cool fruit, long finish. 75 (I do not remember what I guessed at, no notes on it, did not get it right anyway)

1999 Aldo Conterno, Barolo Gran Bussia Riserva;
Ruby with brick rim, needs a lot of air to open, then some tar, roses a minute later, swirl and swirl, some oak notes apears, then violets, more floral, gets fresher and fresher, liquorice and slight volatility. Intence after ten minutes, fantastic freshness, great balance, extremelly complex, very elegant tannins, soft for a Barolo, fresh but not high acidity again for a Barolo, hints of Earl Grey tea, a bit sweet fruit, and great long finish. Hides 14,5 alcohol very well, not warm at all, just a bit sweet. Keeps well, but maybe the structure isn't for the long haul. 93

1993 Serafin, Charmes-Chambertin, Grand Cru;
Bright ruby, brick rim. Strawberries and spices, fresh and fruity, a bit alcoholic nose. Ok acidity, fresh mouthfeel, quite complex, elegant, a bit short, drinks well now. 86
This bottle did really show the danger of having a wine for just a few minutes in the glass. After ten minutes, much more elegance, more fruit, more intencity, totally different structure, even tannins was much riper, oak feeling went away, fantastic elegance and finish. A beauty. 93 ( Must be Burgundy, Vosne or Gevrey, premier cru. After airing it, probably even grand cru)

Trondheim fine wine encounter, Nidelven,part 5

2003 Leitz, Rüdesheimer Kirchenpfad, Riesling Auslese;
(demi) Straw yellow, fresh and mineral, pear, apricots and peach, seems fresh but acidity can't manage the sweetness fully, and get's a bit flat at the end, kind of one dimentional, apply finish. 82

1988 Chateau Lafaurie Peyraguey;
(demi) Pale amber, botrytis, pineapples, apricots, vanilla, some bitter touches, starting to mature. Good acidity, fresh and very elegant, pure, some apples and raisins, complex and balanced, extreme elegance, bisquits, youthfull expression even f some maturity is going on, elegant and very long finish. 89

1975 Michael Weber KG (Trier), Erzeugerabfüllung Nik. Klüsserath-Britz, Trittenheimer Altärchen, Riesling Beerenauslese;
Orange, botrytis, apples, pineapples, mature and fresh, raisins and honey. Fresh acidity, elegant, but a bit hollow mid palate, splits and get very lean and watery. 80
The day after, much more apples and apricots, very mineral, very complex, rounded and elegant, only two glasses left in the bottle, subtle and charming, totally different. 89

Wines from the New Years dinner.

2006 Lucien Le Moine, Puligny Montrachet Les Enseigneres Premier Cru;
Lemon yellow, butter, minerals, walnuts, flint, slightly smoked, some lemon and unripe peach. Fresh acidity, very mineral, intence, complex, very young and very long finish. Keep. 91

1993 Michel Juillot, Corton-Perrieres Grand Cru;
Bright ruby, broad brick rim. Fresh earth and autumn leaves, some fresh strawberry jam, figs, prunes, quite mature, anis, leather and minerals. Fresh acidity, slightly metallic, tannins gone, just starting to dry. Drink within the next few years. 87

1998 Pommery Cuvee Louise;
Pale lemon yellow, beautifull small bubbles. Lime, apples, plaster, minerals, very fresh and youthfull, elegant as always. Fresh acidity, elegant mousse, great balance, elegant more than complex, long finish. 91

3 times Burgundy

2006 Ramonet, Puligny Montrachet Les Enseigneres Premier Cru;
Pale lemon yellow, quite closed, some flint and minerals, then lemon peal and ripe apples, hints of orange marmalade. Very balanced and elegant, fresh and high acidity, even more minerals and flint in the aftertaste, some butter and nuts, very long finish. 93

2007 Ramonet, Chassagne Montrachet Boudriotte Premier Cru;
Pale lemon yellow, more body and minerals, quite intence, apples, lemon. Fresh acidity, balanced, intence and very complex, schistes, very long and fresh mineral finish. 92

2006 Nicolas Potel, Clos de la Roche Grand Cru;
Bright ruby, garnet rim. Some strawberries, hints of vanilla and spices, some anis, fruitdriven, maybe some minerals behind. Very fresh and elegant, some herbal notes, good acidity, very ripe tannins, needs time, great balance and complexity, elegant body, very long finish. 91

Trondheim tasting (blind) part 4

1989 Chateau d'Arlay, Cotes du Jura;
Golden yellow, oxidized, like sherry but for my palate more elegant, fruit fresher also, minerals, nuts, hazelnuts and flor. Good acidity, complex, fresh for the style, good balance, exceptional finish, but it is not for me. Still 89. (Chateau Chalon?, no, it's too lean isn't it, Jura? Chateau d'Arlay? Nailed it)

1983 Graham's Vintage Port;
Ruby, brick rim, some sediments. Floral, dark red fruits, elegant, some roses. Fresh acidity, a bit on the lean side, good, could be better. 85 (Must be Port, has sediments but seems lean for a vintage, also too dark for a vintage tawny. Hmmm.)

1963 Ferreira Vintage Port;
Bright ruby, brick-orange rim, lots of sediments. Fruity, prunes, figs, darker berries, such elegance and complexity. Transparent and layered, very fresh acidity, getting a bit drunk now, but it's so seductive. Fantastic finish. The third time I enjoy this beauty, the second best bottle. 96

Trondheim tasting (blind) part 3

1997 Alois Kracher, No.6 ?? Welschriesling;
Pale amber, raisins, dried apricots, caramel, prunes, orange marmalade, and quite mature. Ok acidity, but you really need more at this sugar level, intence but short, not to complex. 72 (Not riesling, not Tokaji, not Sauternes, something Alsace? Austria? Welschriesling?)

1996 Albino Rocca, Barbaresco, Vigneto Brich Ronchi;
Ruby with garnet rim. Closed, vanilla, oak, cassis, milk-chocolate, hints of coffee and mocca, even mints. Fresh acidity, a bit lean body, tannic and alcoholic. 84 (I guessed California, Santa Cruz or Howell Mountain because of cab fruit and the high acidity, some new producer trying a bit to hard. The structure was the only thing to tell you it actually had to be nebbiolo, but it still tasted like Napa Cab)

1997 Chave Hermitage Blanc;
Golden, oxidized, some minerals behind, lazy acidity, not fresh, not balanced, unpleasant. 61
(Jurancon? Jura? Ruined bottle? Yet another oxidized Chave Hermitage.)

Trondheim tasting (blind) part 2

1999 Castello di Monsanto, Chianti Classico Riserva, Il poggio;
Ruby with garnet rim, lots of sediments. Intence of cherries, liquorice, prunes, tobacco, slightly oxidized and quite mature. Quite acidic, rustic tannins, intence but a bit one dimentional, drying out. (bottle have been so frozen the cork was pulled out, and then left for a couple of days with a cork in the bottle. Quite impressive it lasted so well, how would a perfect botle be?) 75

1999 Domenico Clerico, Barolo Ciabot Mentin Ginestra;
Ruby with thin garnet rim. Intence of roses and tar, hints of liquorice and violets, maturing. Fresh acidity, ripe wall of tannins, great balance, complex, great structure, some oak in the finish still, will last, keep another five years. 89 (My bottle, no guesses)

1995 Chateau d'Issan;
Deep ruby towards brick rim. Soft, gentle of tobacco, cigars, hints of prunes, cassis, some earthy notes and slightly spicy. Fresh acidity, ripe and quite mature tannins, leaner body, elegant, good length. 88 (Bordeaux, left bank, St Julien? 4th or 5th growth, maybe 90?)

2007 Schloss Gobelsburg, Riesling Trockenbeerenauslese;
Golden colour, botrytis, apricots, intence pineapple. Fresh acidity, very fresh fruit, elegant, a bit heavy and sweet, good finish. 82 (Can't be German, to heavy, SDG lesser producer Alsace? or very clean sweet something from northern Italy?)

Trondheim tasting (blind) Part 1

2007 Horst Sauer, Eschendorfer Lump, Riesling GG Trocken;
Pale straw yellow, some floral and spicy notes, alcoholic touch. Low acidity, a bit fat, high alcohol, warm short finish, unballanced, lacks freshness and complexity. 73 Gewürz?Warm Pinot Gris? (Was difficult to see much riesling in this one)

2000 Baron zu Knyphausen, Erbacher Marcobrunn, Riesling Spätlese;
Lemon yellow, mature, petroleum, apricots, some schistes and peach. Fresh acidity, great balance, some unripe strawberries and raspberries, smokey minerality, more complex than it seems, long finish. 75-82 Vintage, Riesling, Rheingau? Probably 82? (Way younger and shockingly mature for it's age!)

2004 Jaques Frederic Mugnier, Chambolle-Musigny, Les Fuées Premier Cru;
Bright ruby, garnet rim. Very strawberry, some hay and herbs, some spicy notes, quite intence. Fresh acidity, slightly green, a bit astringent, some oak, smokey vanilla touch in the finish, good length. Needs time, 5 years at least. 88 Must be 2004, those spicy notes, maybe Vosne Romanée and premier cru level. (almost had it)

2001 Dessilani Fara;
Ruby with garnet rim, hints of alcohol and very ripe fruit, sweet and jammy plums, pepper. Ok acidity, ripe tannins, drying a bit and somewhat hollow and green. Not quite together. 75 No idea, Refosco with this greeness? (It wasn't, but not very typcal for Nebbiolo either)

Relaxing in Copenhagen

2006 Weingut Eser, Oestricher Doosberg, Riesling Spätlese;
Pale golden, some roses, allready some petroleum, pineapples, pear and lemon. Sweet, acidity just manages to be fresh, quite elegant, but a bit simple, ok finish.83

2001 Chateau Lilian Ladoys, Cru Bourgeois;
Ruby, some dark fruits, spices, hints of anis. Good acidity, ripe tannins, good intencity, not too complex but with god length.85

68 Mouton

2007 Max Ferd. Richter, Graacher Himmelreich, Riesling Spätlese;
Pale straw yellow, pure apple, very ripe, hints of honney, pineapples and pear, very elegant. Acidity kind of packed in, not very noticable but does the job, great elegance and balance, good finish but not the most complex. 85

1968 Chateau Mouton Rothschild;
Fill on C level, cork soaked, garnet with orange rim. Light, some cigars and floral otes, then dental office, fluor and slightly metallic, then green apples, subtle changes all the time, some red berries clinging on for their bare life. No tannins, ok acidity, no length. 65

Bordeaux from a bad cellar.

1988 Chateau Cissac;
Ruby with brown-orange rim. Leather, cedar, mahogany, cigar and lacquer. God acidity, some dry tannins, a bit old. 65

1990 Chateau Pouget;
Ruby with orange rim, lots of sediments, prunes and liquorice, thin, lean, ok acidity, a bit sweet finish. 58

1990 Chateau Pouget;
A bit higher fill, Ruby with brick rim, prunes and dark chocolate, some dry notes and anis, still thin, but more fruit, sour cherries and a bit metalic. Ok length. 67

1986 Chateau Marquis de Terme;
Deep ruby, brick rim. Some leather, red plums, fresh acidity, ok balance, some prunes and liquorice, a bit short and dry. 70

1986 Chateau Marquis de Terme;
Higher fill than first, almost identical bottles.

1985 Chateau Clerc Milon;
Ruby, orange rim. Dry and dusty, some dark fruits behind, prunes and raisins. Ok acidity but lean and metallic, long but a bit unpleasant finish. 60

1985 Chateau Clerc Milon;
Higher fil, very little sepage. Ruby with brick rim, some cedar prunes and plums, even slight tobacco with air. A bit lean body, quite elegant, good acidity, quite fresh, ripe tannins. 72

1985 Chateau Kirwan;
Ruby, brown-orange rim. Some liquorice and floral notes, lean, simple, ok finish. More elegance and balance than any Bag in Box, but not more complexity or aromas. 62

1989 Chateau Lascombes;
Ruby with thin brick rim. Warm and dusty notes, some plums and liquorice. Good mouthfeel, ok acidity, no tannins, a bit charming if not a great bottle. 75

1989 Chateau Marquis d'Alesme Becker;
Ruby with garnet-brick rim. Coffee, tobacco, otherwise lean and mineral. Thin and dry, short finish. Some prunes. 62

1983 Chateau Pontet Canet;
Totally dried up.

1985 Chateau Haut Bages Liberal;
Ruby with thin orange rim. Some cheese and prunes, ok acidity and tannins gone, ok structure but not much happening. 63

All wines had A/B-B level fill, all corks dry and showing signs of sepage. Normally there should be a range of good wines here, just tragic that some people do not care about what they have, and aren't curious enough to find out.

Two Mosel TBA's

2005 Mönchhof, Erdener Prälat, Riesling Trockenbeerenauslese;
Pale golden, increadibly intence, very complex, layered, honney, camphor, perfumed, apples, roses, pineapples, apricots. Perfect balance, such elegance, fresh even at this level of sweetness, just exceptional, lost for words. 210 Oechsle, just 60 litres made. 98

2003 Joh. Jos. Christoffel Erben, Ürziger Würzgarten, Riesling Trockenbeerenauslese;
Golden yelow, apricots, honney, almost some vanilla and coconut, tropical and pineapples. Very sweet, acidity barely shows in the mouth, still it somehow is able to make it all seem fresh and elegant, cleans perfectly, fantastic aftertaste, the freshest 03 riesling the last year. Only 60 litres made. 97

Mature Grans-Fassian and fantastic TBA

1975 Grans-Fassian, Trittenheimer Apotheke, Riesling Auslese;
Pale amber, great petroleum, apricots, peach, prunes, slightly spicy. Getting quite dry, feels like a feinherb, minerals, fresh, lots of fruit, some beech bark and cloudberries, very long finish. 93

1994 Grans-Fassian, Trittenheimer Apotheke, Riesling Trockenbeerenauslese;
Amber, apricots, peach, minerals, gunpowder, flint, fresh buds, schistes, fresh like dew. Very sweet, acidity cleans perfectly, elegant, very intence and complex, great balance, great finish. 94

67 Erdener Trepchen

1967 Pauly Bergweiler, Erdener Trepchen, Riesling Auslese;
Golden colour, fantastic petroleum, grapefruit, mandarin, apples, pear, very complex. So subtle, great acidity, perfect balance, very clean and elegant, transparent and layered, great long finish. 92

96 DRC Echezeaux

1996 Domaine de la Romanée Conti, Echezeaux;

Bright ruby, garnet rim. Fantastic spicy nose, some white pepper, strawberries, hints of vanilla and wood, fresh, intence and youthfull. Lively acidity, great fruit and structure, some tannins, well hung game, some toast, just starting to develop, very complex and elegant, long finish. 92

1985 Howell Mountain

1985 Dunn Howell Mountain, Napa Valley cabernet Sauvignon;
Dark ruby, pink rim. Soaked cork. Intence, surpricingly youthfull, casis, leather, blackcurrants, some vanilla, spice, hints of liquorice, cedar, very pure aromas. Medium body, lots of lively acidity, some coffee and mocca, chocolate and blueberries, very ripe tannins, complex and great balance, very long aftertaste. Drink or age further. Will last a long time still. 94

Dining with a fantastic Opus One

1998 Chave Hermitage Blanc;

Golden, very oxodized, bananas, almonds, marsipan and cream cake. Extreem minerality, lean body, way to oxidized for me, but I have had three of this one in different vintages the last few months, all oxidized, house style? 81

1989 Chateau Cantenac Brown;

Ruby with thin brick rim. Leather, blackcurrants, maturing, some earth and minerals, slight volatile touch, but only so it makes it more complex. Great acidity, mature tannins, elegant fruit, good balance, quite complex, some dried fruits and prunes, long finish. 87

1994 Opus One Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon;

Ruby with pink rim. Fantastic nose, very clean and elegant fruit, slightly perfumed, roses, cassis, leather, cigars, paprika and perfect balance. Fresh and lively acidity, ripe tannins, beautifull fruit, great intencity, very long finish. Amazing how fresh and little development on this one. True beauty. Wish I had a case. 95

2007 Schloss Johannisberg, Grünlack, Riesling Spätlese;

Pale lemon yellow. Decanted for five hours, and opened up beautifully. Apples, citrus, pineapples, very layered and seductive and elegance perfection. Fresh and lively acidity, but so tamed somehow so you do not really notice how it works, great balance, pears, lemon and raspberries, imagine a perfect fruit and berry dessert, long elegant finish. 90

Four 07 Lucien Le Moine Pinot Grand Cru

2007 Lucien Le Moine, Echezeaux;

Ruby with thin purple rim. Elegant and clean pinot fruit, strawberries, slightly spicy, some vanilla and slightly perfumed anf some floral notes. Very elegant, fresh acidity, elegant body, some tannins, good length. Keep 7 years or more. 87

2007 Lucien Le Moine, Grands Echezeaux;

Ruby with ruby rim, again very clean fruit, strawberries, raspberries, slightly spicy, pure youth, on this the barrel is allready fully integrated. Very complex, extremely elegant, great balance, fresh acidity, just a few oak tannins in the back, very long finish. 91

2007 Lucien Le Moine, Romanée-St-Vivant;

Ruby with thin purple rim. Heavier aromas, great floral overtones, again some perfumed touches, some black tea, fantastic elegance. Great balance, fresh and elegant acidity, ripe tannins, long finish. 92

2007 Lucien Le Moine, Richebourg;

Ruby with pink rim. Extremely floral, black tea, bergamot, perfumed, strawberries, very elegant and tender aromas. Fantastic balance, fresh acidity, very ripe tannins, subtile and complex, a bit closed, fantastic long finish. Seductive. 93

06 La Tache

2006 Domaine de la Romanée Conti, La Tache;

Ruby with thin pink rim, strawberries, raspberries, white pepper, tiny touch of leather, floral, some jasmin and violets, even roses behind. Black tea hoovers over it all. Such elegance, fresh acidity and ripe and elegant tannins, exceptionnal balance, such pure youth, such indulging elegance, and what a fantastic aftertaste, never ends. 97

98 DRC RSV

1998 Domaine de La Romanée Conti, Romanée-St-Vivant;

Ruby with garnet rim. Strawberries, some white pepper, tender, a bit closed, no development in sight, very youthfull. Fresh and beautifull acidity, great balance, fragile tannins, such elegance, truly thoroughbreed, seductive. Fantastic long and tender length. 94

Leroy 69 and 49

1949 Leroy Chevalier Montrachet;

Pale golden colour, needs five minutes in the glass to open, starts with some nuts, then intence minerality, almonds, fried nuts, very elegant and balanced, fresh acidity, amazing how long it takes before it really starts to show. Very long finish. Way younger than expected. 96

1969 Leroy Montrachet;

Golden with amber notes. Powerfull and fruity, very intence, sea, crayfish, orange peel, heavier and not as fresh as the other bottle. Medium body and fruit, some medicinal notes, dentist's office, fresh and livelly acidity, lemon, long length. 94

69 Leroy Montrachet

1969 Leroy Montrachet;
Golden, hints of amber. Minerals, tender of seashells, some yellow and green fruits beneath, layered, complex, tender, transparent, just amazing combination. Slight oxidation, but just a hint, really does only make it even more complex, acidity has to work a bit with the slightly fat body, nothing near as much butter and nuts as one would expect, but they are there in the background, very tender and elegant finish, last for minutes. Very impressive that you never feel that the wine is big or intence, still it has this layered and exceptionnal complexity and length, that just clears every other flavours in the mouth. Amazing wine. 98

Two great 78's, Las Cases and Margaux

1978 Chateau Leoville Las Cases;
B level fill. Bright ruby with thin brick rim. Mature, elegant, leather, tobacco, cedar, violets and prunes. A bit lean body, great acidity, very few mature tannins, great intencity, grat balance, long finish. Drink now. 91

1978 Chateau Margaux;
A/B level fill. Ruby with brick rim. Expencive black tea, tobacco, some blackcurrants, cherries, leather, pharmacy and medicinal, hint of prunes, mature and expressive. High intencity. Such delicate and elegant body, fantastic acidity, perfect balance, very intence for this vintage, a marvel of a wine, bottle in perfect condition. 95

Silex and mature Ducru Beaucaillou

2007 Didier Dagueneau Silex;
Straw yellow, intence minerality, a bit fat body feel, lime and green fruits, the minerality is mindblowing. Very fresh acidity, complex, great balance, fantastic finish, lasts and lasts. 94

1983 Chateau Ducru Beaucaillou;
Ruby with brick rim, lots of sediments A/B level fill. Cigars, cassis, blackcurrants, hay, leather, very complex and mature, black tea and prunes. Very mature tannins, fresh acidity, beautifull structure, great balance, at peak. Will keep if you do not want primary aromas. 92

Rhone and Napa

2007 Domaine de La Mordorée, Lirac, Reine des Bois;
Deep ruby, purple rim. Complex, some vanilla and red fruit. Plums, blackberries and some spices, elegant fruit, good acidity, ripe tannins, a bit astringent finish. Keep. 87

2007 Chateau Fortia, Cuvee de Baron, Chateauneuf du Pape;
Ruby, blackberries, cherries, peppers, some hints of herbs and other spices, lovely acidity, elegant, kind of gentle structure, elegant more than very complex, long length. 88

2006 Joseph Phelps Insignia, Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon;
Deep ruby. Very closed, vanilla, spices, chocolate and coffee first, then cassis, blackberries and plums, very complex and balanced, intence, fresh and lively acidity, ripe tannins, very long finish. Keep 15 years. 92

2007 Joseph Phelps Eisrebe;
Bright golden colour, floral, honney, some candy fruits. Inceadibly fresh acidity, very clean and elegant fruit, tropical, pineapples, one of the freshest New World sweet wines I have tasted, fantastic. 92

There are no laws about beauty

1995 Roc de Cambes;
Ruby with almost garnet rim. Great nose, tobacco, some well hung game, blackberries, blueberries, hints of black tea, very elegant and complex. Good balance, fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fresh and youthfull, hardly any development. 90

1988 Chateau Tertre Roteboeuf;
Ruby with garnet rim, minerals, spices, black tea, chocolate, blackcurrants, plums, some stone fruits, tobacco, very elegant and intence, still a bit tender, almost new aromas showing up, almost transparent and layered. Mature tannins, elegant acidity, gorgeous aftertaste. Fantastic wine. 95

1986 Chateau Tertre Roteboeuf;
Ruby with garnet rim, hints of brick. More mature, cherries, black tea, tobacco, cigars, cedar and pencil. Very complex and elegant. Fresh, mature tannins, seems at peak to me, fantastic finish. Drink now and in the next ten years, will last longer. 94

One to watch

So, what happens when you put Francois and Miloute of Terter Roteboeuf's son, ten metres outside Saint-Emilion?

2008 Domaine de L'Aurage, Cotes de Castillon;
Ruby colour. Bottled just before tasting. Fruitdriven, red and darker berries, blackberries, plums, morellos, vanilla and spices. Elegant, some herbs and green paprika, fresh acidity, a bit short finish. Hard to judge at this stage, but showed very well for beeing three days in bottle. Watch!