Wine stalkers of 2011

So, another year has come to an end, and it's funny to think of some of the wines that one has really gotten to know during this past year. Some wines, in a certain vintage has turned up several times, and its fun to see the difference and likeness between the bottles. One wine that I've tasted a great number of times this year, both from magnum and bottle is the 2000 Pontet-Canet. This is just starting to mature now, drinking beautifully, but I would like it to stay another four-to five years (or more) in the cellar as I think it will become even better. The 1999 has been tasted several times as well, drinking beautifully now, but I would save this for a few years as well.

The 2002 Dom Perignon has also been a frequent encounter, getting slightly more open every time I taste it, but still needs some years cellaring. The 2001 Yquem is splendid as always, and almost irresistible and will probably age for an eternity, with three tastings this year, the same as the still very youthful 95 Lafite Rothschild. Forget it for another ten years, at least. On the 1986 Mouton Rothschild I've seen some bottle variations, but magnificent at best, and 1989 Latour has been almost a house wine, both original release and late 2005 Château release, and Robert Parker is way out on the field on this one. Superb!

2000 La Conseillante has been a fantastic frequent guest with its stunning aromas and seductive whole, a beauty. The 95 Comtesse de Lalande as well, there is something about this estates flirting abilities together with the Pauillac notes that is messmerizing. The 1999 Château Margaux is also one of those flirters that you just fall in love with, while the 1995 Cheval Blanc is exotic and rich. 1986 Yquem is rich, noble and has a superb acidity. The 06 Mouton Rothschild have been tasted four times, still so youthful it's almost a waste to taste it now, 2002 Cristal has, like the DP, steadily been giving off some more of it's secrets.

The 2007 Clos des Papes is ungainly rich and alcoholic, the 2007 Gaja Barbaresco needs time to swallow some of the oak slightly overshadowing fine fruit, the 2008 AJ Adam Hofberg Kabinett is just a stunning kabinett, lively and elegant, 05 Dr-Loosen Wehlener Sonnenuhr Kabinett (both Riesling) is comming back out of it's shell, give it another year. The 07 Schloss Johannisberg Rotlack (Kabinett as well) needs another year or two for my palate, but there is something behind there.

The 2008 Joseph Phelps Insignia tasted three times is powerfull, but feels more elegant and layered at this stage than the 06 and 05 did, a change of style? The 05 Caymus Special Selection is massive and forget it for at least ten years. The 1981 Ridge Montebello on the other hand is mature and drinking beautifully now, with some bottle variations as one needs to expect at thirty years of age.

The 2008 Smith Haut Lafitte blanc has been another massive visitor to my lips this year, probably a dozen bottles tasted with a rich, intense citrus and mineral note, I just love it. A close runner up is the 07 Olivier blanc, another superb white Pessac. Dry white Bordeaux is massively underrated.

05 Peter Nicolay Spätlese

2005 Peter Nicolay, Bernkasteler alte Badstube am Doktorberg Riesling Spätlese;
Lemon yellow, some maturation on the nose, starting petroleum, seems to get back on track after a few years were it seemed not to quite find itself, now getting more focused and together again. It was beautiful when young, give it another few years. 89

2010 Eberbach Kabinett

2010 Kloster Eberbach, Riesling Kabinett;
Pale straw yellow, apples, citrus and some minerals on the nose. Beautiful acidity, playful and elegant, refined feel, more aromas and body with a bit of air, refreshing and mouthwatering, nice length. 90

1975 Ducru-Beaucaillou

1975 Château Ducru-Beaucaillou;
Superb fill, in the neck, just millimetres below the cork. Fairly deep ruby (I've seen this often in the 75), brick rim. Floral, some cassis, leather, delicate, tender feel to it, some blood and iodine, anise, later more fruit towards cherries. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, still textured, refreshing, quite lean body, fuller flavours, long cherry stone finish. 91

95 Cheval Blanc

1995 Château Cheval-Blanc;
Ruby, brick rim. Intense nose, coffee, cigars, touch bell peppers, more intense than I remember a bottle from September. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruit driven, exotic, very long finish, needed air to open. 95

89 Ch. Canon

1989 Château Canon;
Ruby with tiny garnet rim, rich, fruit-driven, starting to show maturity but will last longer, still some youthfull fruit, one of the younger bottles I've tasted this year. Seductive. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, elegant texture. 94

2002 Huet Cuvée Constance

2002 Huet, Vouvray, Cuvée Constance;
Golden, closed first, some floral notes, honey, botrytis, dried fruits, lighter minerals, elegant and refined nose, youthful, light somehow, fragrant and layered. Acidity first feels almost sharp, then marvelous playfulness and integrates beautifully, quite intense palate with more subtle aftertaste, long length. 94

03 von Hövel Eiswein

2003 von Hövel, Oberemmeler Hutte, Riesling Eiswein;
Pale golden, bizarre nose of diesel and engine oil, yellow apples, lacks acidity... 77

02 von Kesselstatt Eiswein

2002 Reichsgraf von Kesselstatt, Scharzhofberger Riesling Eiswein;
Golden with orange hue, minerals, apricots, orange peel, slight oxidized touch (cork was sweaty). Gorgeous acidity, fantastic balance, long and playful even if probably not optimal bottle. 93

07 Egon Müller Scharzhofberger Auslese

2007 Egon Müller Scharzhofberger Riesling Auslese;
(AP 07-08) Pale lemon, pineapples, apricots, minerals. Fresh acidity, balanced, complex and layered, pure feel, long finish. 92

06 Mouton Rothschild

2006 Château Mouton Rothschild;
This bottle, slightly off, paprika, herbs, some sour cherries and herbs, lacks the fruit, possibly ever so slightly corked.

04 Montrose

2004 Château Montrose;
Ruby, still feels quite youthful, but has has lost some of it's edgy St-Estephe youth, realy starting to evolve nicely. Fresh and lively acidity, ripe tannins, elegant Montrose. 93

Egly-Ouriet V.P. Grand Cru

Egly-Ouriet V.P. Grand Cru;
Pale golden, tiny bubbles. Minerals, plaster, intense, steely and focused feel to it. Lime, slightly bitter finish, long. 92

08 La Mondotte

2008 Château La Mondotte;
Deep ruby, nose starting to shut, elegant blueberries in the back, nice acidity, ripe tannins, balanced and good length. 89

07 Siduri Pinot Noir

2009 Siduri, Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir;
Ruby, somewhat sweet and slightly plump Pinot fruit. Nice acidity, hardly any tannins, good length. 86

07 Shafer Hillside Select

2007 Shafer, Hillside Select;
Deep ruby, feels a bit cooler and fresher than the 08, cassis, mint, black tea and coffee. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, very young, long finish. 91

07 Saxum James Berry Vineyard

2007 Saxum, James Berry Vineyard, Paso Robles;
(Magnum) Deep ruby, spices, plums, chocolate, pepper and meaty, some coffee. Good acidity, ripe tannins, well balanced, quite intense, long. 91

As far as I know, this is a Grenache, Syrah and Mourvedre blend.

07 Antonij Rupert

2007 Antonij Rupert, Coastal Region Cabernet Sauvignon;
Deep ruby, spicy, tobacco, cassis and coffee. Intense palate, nice acidity, ripe tannins, slightly hollow finish, needs time to hone off the edges. 90

02 Roederer Estate L'Ermitage

2002 Roederer Estate Anderson Valley L'Ermitage Brut;
Pale lemon yellow, tiny bubbles. Yellow plums and pears, some ripe notes, flowers, some minerlas far behind. Fresh acidity, elegant mousse, rounder than Champagne, very elegant, well balanced, slightly hollow if I'm picky. 90

1981 Ridge Montebello

1981 Ridge Montebello;
Ruby, brick rim. Licorice, cherry stone, cassis, leather, feels more youthful than the last bottle, coffee, but not as expressive and open either. Layered, fresh acidity, ripe tannins, long. 94

08 Ramey Oakville Pedregal

2008 Ramey, Oakville Pedregal Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon;
Deep ruby, chocolate, cassis, coffee, very ripe nose. Fresher palate, elegant acidity. ripe tannins, fresh and long finish. 90

08 Phelps Insignia

2008 Joseph Phelps Insignia;
Deep ruby, intense, somewhat herbal over cassis and chocolate, maybe a bit more open then when I tasted it in June, fresh acidity, ripe tannins, long. 92

2008 Pahlmeyer

2008 Pahlmeyer Napa Valley;
Deep ruby, refreshing nose of cassis, coffee tea and licorice. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, feels fresher than what I'm able to describe, balanced, layered, long finish. 93 for now.

08 Opus One

2008 Opus One;
Deep ruby, youthful, cassis, coffee, blueberries. Softer texture, feels very elegant even as it is so young, fresh acidity, ripe tannins, balanced, long length. 94

01 Mumm Napa DVX

2001 Mumm Napa DVX;
Straw yellow, tiny bubbles, more yellow fruits and less minerals than Champagne, lively mousse, fresh acidity, balanced, lovey if a bit short. 88

1988 Veuve Clicquot

1988 Veuve Clicquot Rare Vintage;
Golden, tiny bubbles, lively and refreshing nose, maturing beautifully, the most youthfull of probably twenty bottles, superbly elegant mousse, fresh acidity, nice texture, long finish. 93

83 JJ Prüm WS Goldkapsel

1983 Joh.Jos.Prüm Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Auslese Goldkapsel;
Golden, petroleum, peach, apricots, ripe feel, minerals and orange peel. Fresh, lively, stunning mouthfeel, but a bit lean mid palate and could be longer. 91

99 Nicolas Catena Zapata

1999 Nicolas Catena Zapata;
The bottle is as heavy empty, as others are full! Dark ruby, a lot of alcohol on the nose, coffee, violently intense and single minded. OK acidity, good length, ripe tannins, alcoholic over-tones throughout the palate, hardly balanced, a hooligan of a wine. 85

03 Camp Gros

2003 Marchesi di Gresy, Barbaresco Camp Gros;
Ruby, towards brick rim. Maturing now, tar and roses, some cherries, touch jammy but just to fill the body out. Medium acicidty for Barbaresco, tannins soft as well in this context, nice body, drink soon while fruity, fairly evolved. 90

Splendid 89 Clerc Milon

1989 Château Clerc Milon;
Bottom neck fill, soaked cork. Bright ruby, garnet rim. Fresh and lively nose, bell peppers, some leather, cassis, perfumed, roses, violets, perfect nose, beautiful. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, starting to let go, gorgeous texture, it was stated as one of Decanter's wines of the year back in 1995, it still is. 95

1975 Impérial

1975 Impérial, Rioja Gran Reserva;
Gorgeous ruby, orange rim, old leather, anise, touch dusty and cherries on the nose. Nice texture, elegant feel, playful acidity, tannins gone, good length. 89

What sort of wine do you enjoy tonight?

One that is at peak?

One many believe will be a future classic?

One with too much alcohol?

One where you should have tried a different vintage?

One that is sheer perfection?

One you need to reach for?

One that is allready empty?

One that is way too young?

A monopole vineyard?

An old and perfect one?

One that is somewhat forgotten and still splendid?

Something shiny and sparkling?

One where there is still something left?

Something overrated?

Something from a big format?

Fuck, are you having the same as me?

1962 Gruaud Larose

1962 Château Gruaud Larose;
Mid shoulder fill, ruby with thin orange rim, cloudy, nose of coffee, tomatoes, prunes and figs. Good acidity, on the verge of drying out, not the best bottle. 83

1970 Beychevelle

1970 Château Beychevelle;
(Bottled by Carl Jacobsen Vinhandel, Copenhagen) Top shoulder fill, ruby with thin brick rim. Dried stone fruit, lean, almost austere, not an exciting bottle, I have had better ones. 82

85 Drouhin

1985 Drouhin, Beaune Clos des Mouches;
Ruby, orange rim, sediments. Leafy, licorice, leather, elegant acidity, tannins long gone, slightly drying finish. 86

2004 Dagueneau Silex

2004 Didier Dagueneau Silex;
Straw yellow, minerals, some grass, herbs, layered, difficult to describe. Fresh and lively, mouthwatering, gooseberries, long and refreshing finish. (Served blind) 92

2004 Dagueneau Buisson Renard

2004 Didier Dagueneau Buisson Renard Blanc Fumé de Pouilly;
Pale golden, smoky minerals, some newly cut grass, flint and yellow plums and distinct lilies of the valley with air. Fresh acidity, lively, superb texture, amazing mineral finish. (Served blind) 93

02 Leeuwin Art Series Chardonnay

2002 Leeuwin Estate, Margaret River Chardonnay, Art Series;
(Served blind), golden, tropical and yellow fruits, popcorn nose. Screams of New World Chardonnay. Minerals, smoke, good acidity, quite fresh feel in the aftertaste, some alcohol in the finish, on the heavy side, (not as together as the 07 with answer in hand, vintage or the ageing?) Still a great wine. 91

98 Pieropan La Rocca

1998 Pieropan La Rocca;
Pale golden, minerals, elegant nose, some pear and apples with more air, yellow fruits. Nice acidity, elegant texture, feels fresh, ages much better than the Calvarinho, lovely finish. 91

1966 Château Simard from magnum

1966 Château Simard;
(Magnum) Vinmonopolet (Norway) bottling. Today this property is run by the Vignoble Vauthier Maziere of Ausone, at least Maziere was owner back then according to the label. Garnet, orange rim, earthy, thin, leaves, metallic, touch of plums. Lean palate, tannins gone, to me just over the hill, some of the fellow tasters still enjoyed it. Not too long. 84

91 Haut-Brion

1991 Château Haut-Brion;
Ruby with very thin brick rim. Terracotta, minerals, cassis, flint, leather, layered and seductive nose. Fresh and quite lively palate, mouthwatering acidity, tannins starting to let go, beautiful texture, but lacks length. A very fine wine with classical maturing Pessac aromas. 91

89 Canon

1989 Château Canon;
Another wine that seems to be one of this years abundant offerings, ruby, youthful colour, needs air, leather, blackcurrant's, dentist's office, medicinal. The least fruity of several bottles. More expressive palate, fuller and more rounded, fine acidity, gorgeous balance, ripe tannins, drinking beautifully now, will age further. 94

98 Lafleur Maillet

1998 Château Lafleur Maillet;
Ruby, plums, leather, somewhat seductive floral touches, again not that complex, but what is there is lovely. Soft texture, acidity carries on gently, cleansing the palate, ripe tannins, soft, slightly leaner than the last bottle. Drinking very well now. 89

08 Bouscaut blanc

2008 Château Bouscaut blanc;
Golden, smoky minerals, citrus, cream, quite intense. Fresh acidity, lovely mineraly palate and balance, long length. 92

07 Sauzet PM Les Perriéres

2007 Etienne Sauzet, Puligny-Montrachet, 1er Cru Les Perriéres;
Pale lemon yellow, butter, some minerals way back, vanilla, yellow plums and fruits, smoky touches. Medium body, good acidity, fatty texture, subdued, secretive, doesn't tell me too much, and not as fresh as many 07's, fairly long, it's either slightly boring, slightly too perfect or something else, making it a wine that doesn't excite, even if it should.... 88

07 Mondavi Private Reserve

2007 Robert Mondavi Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley Reserve;
Deep ruby, elegant nose of cassis, coffee and some herbal tea notes. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, elegant and long length. 92

81 Ridge Montebello

1981 Ridge Montebello;
Ruby, brick rim, licorice, coffee, cassis, leather, fine, ripe, mature and beautiful. Lively acidity, tannins ripe and wearing off, beautiful length. 95

09 Mollydooker

2009 Mollydooker, Velvet Glove, McLaren Vale Shiraz;
Deep ruby, purple rim. Huge licorice, black pepper nose with some smoked meat. Good acidity, ripe tannins, somewhat sweet and jammy but has the acidity nerve to make it bearable. Where is the velvet glove and who can finish a bottle of this? 91

06 La Mission Haut-Brion

2006 Château La Mission Haut-Brion;
Ruby, ripe, intense, towards heavy for Pessac, cassis, minerals. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, very different animal from the elegant and layered Haut-Brion of the vintage, needs time. 93

Magnum dinner with the château owners or their representatives

It's not every day you have Alfred Tesseron of Pontet-Canet serving his wine around your table

1997 Château Troplong Mondot;
(Magnum) Ruby, truffles, rose hips, leather. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, elegant, feels mature, somewhat lean, good length. 87

1996 Château Cantemerle;
(Magnum) Ruby, tobacco, leather, cassis. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, lovely texture, long finish. 90

1995 Château d'Issan;
(Magnum) Ruby, mature nose of violets, cassis and leather, very elegant. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, starting to open up now, elegant finish. 91

2001 Château Léoville Poyferré;
(Magnum) Ruby, floral notes, blackcurrant's, fairly seductive nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, elegant texture, long length. 92

1998 Château Clerc Milon;
(Magnum) Ruby, leather, cigars, cassis, touch of bell peppers, classic Pauillac nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, elegant balance, long. 92

1996 Château Talbot;
(Magnum) Ruby, leather, cassis, sweet tobacco, starting to show evolution. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, balanced, long finish. 92

2004 Château Montrose;
(Magnum) Ruby, herbs and blackcurrant's, layered and complex. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, superb balance, young and lively, long. 93

2000 Château Pontet-Canet;
(Magnum) Ruby, paprika, cassis, lovely nose, way more youthful than in regular bottle. Fresh acidity, ripe and elegant tannins, long length. 93

1989 Château Suduiraut;
(Magnum) Golden, heavy of apricots, some almonds, something slightly rustic like stones of stonefruit as well. Fresh acidity, feels somewhat purer than earlier bottles and magnums of the 89 Suduiraut, (I'm never too impressed with any 89's in Sauternes, they all have this touch of astingency and roughness) maybe it's starting to come around, showing a new side? 91

04 Giscours

2004 Château Giscours;
Ruby, fresh and elegant nose, floral notes, cassis, some leather and anise. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruitdriven and elegant, pure feel to it, long length. 92

04 Haut-Bages Libéral

2004 Château Haut-Bages Libéral;
Ruby, cassis, some leather, touch of led pencil and tobacco. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, somewhat lean style, refreshing, good length. 90

04 Ferrière

2004 Château Ferrière;
Ruby, cassis and violets nose, refreshingly classic style, elegant body and texture, fresh acidity, ripe tannins, nice length, 89

70 Poujeaux

1970 Château Poujeaux;
Excellent fill, in the neck. Slightly cloudy ruby with brick rim, sediments. Bottle probably directly from the Château with this fill and as new label. Prunes, figs, anise, leather and just a touch of mint. Not too intense nose. Fresh feel, lively acidity, tannins almost gone, not that complex but stil going on fairly well, some iodine mid palate, then tobacco and leather finish, good length. 88

Easy to enjoy.

01 Masseto

2001 Masseto:
Ruby, ripe blueberries, leather, anise, touch of cherries and plums. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, very elegant, beautiful balance, gorgeous length. 94

99 Château Margaux

1999 Château Margaux;
Ruby, garnet rim, some herbs, anise, leather, floral, fresh acidity, ripe tannins, balanced and slightly tight, some bottles during the spring actually felt more open, very long and elegant finish. 94

07 Lafite Rothschild

2007 Château Lafite Rothschild;
Ruby, vanilla, leather, floral, blackcurrant's, perfumed. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, elegant, mouthwatering even, refined, nuanced, very long. Seems to be the wine of the vintage. 94

2000 Magdelaine

2000 Château Magdelaine;
Ruby, coffee, leather, blueberries and anise, more tender nose than some recent vintages, and it suits it perfectly. More power on the palate, fresh acidity, ripe tannins, gorgeous finish and length. 93

07 Issan

2007 Château d'Issan;
Bright ruby, youthfull and fruity, layered nose. Fresh acidity, tight now, ripe tannins, some barrel notes behind, good elngth. 89

06 Lascombes

2006 Château Lascombes;
Ruby, oak from the barrels shows through, behind it lovely fruit. Fresh and lively acidity, ripe tannins, give it a lot of air, or ather cellar it to make the barrel notes blend in. 90

04 Pichon Baron

2004 Château Pichon Longueville Baron;
Ruby, elegant nose, cassis, some starting leather and tobacco. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, I love the structure and texture on this, long length. 93

06 Phélan Ségur

2006 Château Phélan Ségur;
Ruby, fruit driven, raspberries and sweet morellos with some anise and leather. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, nice texture, long length. 91

07 Léoville Poyferré

2007 Château Léoville Poyferré;
Ruby, spicy and elegant nose, fresh acidity, ripe tannins, already drinking nicely, leaner body of the vintage, lovely finish.89

98 Montrose

1998 Château Montrose;
Ruby, feels like a slight touch of brett, but dissapears quickly, cherries, cassis, leather and anise. Lovely and fairly high acidity, ripe tannins, long. 92

00 Pontet-Canet

2000 Château Pontet-Canet;
Ruby, cedar, cigars, anise, cassis, gorgeous nose, the most open bottle (of many) this year. Fresh acidity, tight and ripe tannins, good length, and I recomend at least five years more cellaring, even if it's starting to become quite so beautiful. 93

05 Lynch-Bages

2005 Château Lynch Bages;
Ruby, cassis, sweet tobacco, some vanilla, starting cigars, anice and fine leather. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, just starting to show it's potential, long. 93 for now.

06 Inniskillin

2006 Inniskillin Riesling Ice Wine;
Golden, tropical, honey, pineapple. Fresh, intense and elegant fruit and body, high acidity, balanced and long finish. 93

1960 Cossart Gordon Sercial

1960 Cossart Gordon Sercial;
Amber, nuts, caramel, butter, flowers. High and very lively acidity, makes the spit production go bananas, very long finish. 92

02 Jadot Latricieres

2002 Louis Jadot Latricieres Chambertin Grand Cru;
Pale ruby, some strawberries, closed nose. Opens slowly. Fresh acidity, slightly edgy texture, tannins on the rough side still, oak is too up front, needs years of refinement in the cellar, long. 92

08 Adam Hofberg Kabinett

2008 AJ Adam Hofberg Riesling Kabinett;
Pale lemon yellow, quite intense citrus, minerals and apples in Hofbergs slightly fuller style. Superb balance, lively acidity, nice length, a serious Kabinett. One of those wines you can't keep your fingers off, and one drinks them too quickly. 90

2010 Dr.Loosen WS Kabinett

2010 Dr.Loosen, Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Kabinett;
Pale lemon yellow, some apples, touch of minerals, tight and not giving much. High acidity, nice balance, could be more playful, but a bargain that noramlly age well. 83

09 Dr.Loosen ÜW Spätlese

2009 Dr.Loosen, Ürziger Würzgarten Riesling Spätlese;
Pale lemon yellow, apples, minerals, touch of apricots behind and ripe pears. High acidity, nicely balanced, elegant fruit, but feels uninspired somehow. 87

00 Léoville Barton

2000 Château Léoville Barton;
Ruby, elegant if a bit closed still, flirting cassis, leather, cigars and floral notes behind. Fresh acidity, ripe and soft tannins, texture feels ready, but fruit is still youthfull. Sexy wine. 93

'When people ask me what sort of wine I make, I answer drinkable.' Anthony Barton

07 Leeuwin Art Series Chardonnay

2007 Leeuwin Estate, Margaret River Art Series Chardonnay;
Pale golden, fairly rich and popcorn nose with butter, bacon, minerals and vanilla, less intense than a 05 bottle a few months back, but in similar shoes. Nice acidity, ripe and long length. Probably the best Chardonnay in Australia. 92

05 Lagrange

2005 Château Lagrange;
Ruby, elegant and almost tender nose, slightly herbal over flirting Saint-Julien fruit. Good acidity, ripe tannins, on the verge of being realy exciting, good length. 89

07 Château Margaux

2007 Château Margaux;
Ruby, fresh feel to it, herbs and lilies over cassis. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, chocolate mid palate, has beautiful flavours but on the lean side. What I've started to wonder about the 07's are if they actually would be the classic and old style of Bordeaux, with the greener touches and leaner bodies, but with modern and ripe tannins. Will they age gracefully or not? Will they remain lean, or will they become the truly elegant and layered wines of the olden days? 90-91

PLEIADES, you need to try this one!

XIX Sean H Thackrey, Pleiades;
Have you seen Oz & James, great wine adventure in California? This is the guy with all the barrels out in the forest. On the label it reads as follows: The object of Pleiades old vines is to be delicious, delight the jaded, irritate the Wine Police, and go well with everything red wines goes well with. This nineteenth edition, bottled in June 2010, includes Sangiovese, Viognier, Mourvedre, Syrah and Petite Sirah, to name but a few. Fragrant and voluptous when first released, it will become far more subtle and complex with a year or two of bottle age, altough such restraint may be just a bit too much to ask of most of us.....

Brightish ruby with garnet rim, rich of anise, leather, some meat behind, cherries, redcurrant's, in front of you, kind of telling you to sod off, also refined and seductive, alluring, and something else in the back, that you can't really get a grip on, that gentleman on the terrace, behind shades, beacuse this is masculine, this is a manly wine. Mint, mocca. Palate has fresh acidity, few tannins, alcohol is a bit too obvious unfortunately, also giving a warm finish to a very cool and different wine/ fruit. If you keep swallowing, you keep on getting flavours, otherwise it's to lazy and give in, to the alcohol. Keep on swallowing and it keeps going for quite a long time. This wine is somewhere between a cool and agile basketball youngster in white tube socks and baggy shorts and someone quite a lot older, Hemingway sort of man, refined but stil rugged, Wayfarer's, Turnbull & Asser shirt, khaki shorts, drinking GT with Cadenhead's Old Ray on a terrace in India, overlooking Taj Mahal, but doesn't care, seen it before, rather keep on reading Kierkegaard sort of atmosphere, playful, interesting, complex, sexy, yet a touch overdone, the alcohol turning it down, maybe. Maybe it's the alcohol that actually makes it this exciting. I don't know. This is the sort of wine that doesn't wan't a score, doesn't deserve it, doesn't feel like it, but it klings to you, it will be remembered, it's a one man out sort of thing, and I hope to get to try it again.

98 Lafite Rothschild

1998 Château Lafite Rothschild;
Ruby, nose starting to open, layers of refined fruits, cigars, tobacco, anise, very complex and elegant nose. Acidity is fresh and carries the flavours elegantly througout the taste curve, ripe tannins, very long indeed. 96+

08 Kracher TBA No.11

2008 Kracher, Zwischen den Seen No.11 Scheurebe Trockenbeerenauslese;
Golden, botrytis, apricots, raisins, intense. Sweet with superb acidity, playful and lively, lovely texture if not too complex, long length, 92

03 Roederer BdB

2003 Roederer Blanc de Blancs;
Pale lemon yellow, really tiny bubbles, apples, yeast, minerals, elegant nose. Very elegant texture and mousse, almost velvety feel, my first Champagne feeling like that, nice acidity, not as high as many, long length. 92

02 JJ Prüm WS Auslese

2002 Joh.Jos.Prüm Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Auslese;
Pale golden, apricots. pure of yellow apples, some petroleum, minerals, pears and yellow plums. Good acidity, balanced, slightly boring for JJ, stil a very nice wine. 88

04 Leroy Vosne-Romanée

2004 Domaine Leroy Vosne-Romanée;
Medium ruby, thin brick rim, slightly cloudy. Touch of strawberries, pepper and spices, autumn leaves and dirt. Some vanilla high notes. Fresh and quite high acidity, some green and herbal touches, slightly edgy even if tannins are almost gone, needed time to open fully, good length. 92

09 Kosta Browne

2009 Kosta Browne, Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir;
Ruby, sweet strawberry jam, and cinamon. Fresh acidity, ripe and soft tannins, just a bit on the sweet side. 88

01 Feytit-Clinet

2001 Château Feytit-Clinet;
Ruby with thin brick rim. Fruit driven, plums, starting maturity, well balanced, soft texture, fresh acidity, ripe and soft tannins, good length. 90

08 Kistler Vine Hill Vineyard

2008 Kistler Vine Hill Vineyard, Russian River Valley Chardonnay;
Pale golden, minerals, yellow fruits and lime, touch of popcorn. Good acidity, balanced and refreshing, very long finish. 93

07 Jadot PM Les Combettes

2007 Louis Jadot, Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru Les Combettes;
Straw yellow, apples, minerals, and feels like a touch of botrytis. Fresh acidity, beautiful balance, creamy texture, good length. 89

05 Issan

2005 Château d'Issan;
Ruby, violets, cassis, hints of leather and anise. Elegant, fresh acidity, ripe tannins, beautiful balance, very elegant finish. 92

07 Inniskillin Riesling Ice Wine

2007 Inniskillin Riesling Ice Wine;
Golden, intense of pineapples and apricots. Beautiful acidity, lively refreshing, mouthwatering. Very elegant texture and structure, long. 92

08 Paul Hobbs

2008 Paul Hobbs Dr.Crane Vineyard, St.Helena Beckstoffer Cabernet Sauvignon;
Who said German wine labels had too much info, too long names, and was impossible to understand? Deep ruby, cassis, vanilla, coffee and chocolate. Good acidity, ripe tannins, slightly sweet feel to it, good length, but lacks some nuance, complexity and excitement. 88

86 Soutard

1986 Château Soutard;
Ruby, garnet rim. Cooked plums, figs and prunes. Very mature, on the verge of being to old, but I also know this has not been stored optimal, it has been left standing in an office for at least a year. Still a decent wine. 80

08 Henscke Mount Edelstone

2008 Henschke Mount Edelstone, Eden Valley Shiraz;
Deep ruby, even if sweet and towards extracted, way more refreshing than Hill of Grace, this one can be seen through in a way, anise, dark berries and pepper, good acidity, ripe tannins, long. 91

06 Rudi Pichler Smaragd

2006 Rudi Pichler, Weissenkirchener Steinriegl, Riesling Smaragd;
Pale golden, apples, grapefruit peel, minerals, but also somewhat oxidized and lack of finesse. Quite high acidity, balanced, fine fruit concentration, but is it getting too old, or somwhat faulty bottle? 86

05 Pieropan Calvarinho

2005 Pieropan Soave Classico Calvarinho;
Golden, slightly oxidized, matured more than anticipated, and seems to age less well than La Rocca. Was better a few years back while fresh and vigorous. 83

99 Heitz Martha's Vineyard

1999 Heitz Martha's Vineyard;
Ruby, very layered and complex nose, just starting to evolve. Very well balanced, fresh acidity, ripe tannins, enormous elegance, anise in the finish, a beauty, long length. 95

95 Charles Heidsieck Blanc des Millénaires

1995 Charles Heidsieck, Blanc des Millénaires;
Pale lemon, tiny bubbles. Fresh, intense, refined feel even if closed and tight. Need a lot of air or rather time to open, high acidity, elegant mousse. 93

1989 Château Latour

1989 Château Latour;
And one more late cellar release (2005) bottle. More full bodied Pauillac than the last bottle, exceptional complexity, layered and refined, just starting to show its real potential, superb texture and structure, fresh aciditym ripe tannins, balanced, nuanced and extremely long. 98

06 Haut-Brion

2006 Château Haut-Brion;
Ruby, minerals, anice, blackcurrant's, almost smoky behind. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, spicy feel to it, complex, needs time. 94 for now.

00 Haut-Bailly

2000 Château Haut-Bailly;
Ruby, licorice, blackcurrant's, leather, starting to show development. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, complex, layered and long. 92

05 Olivier rouge

2005 Château Olivier rouge;
Ruby, leather, Pessac smoke, perfumed and violets. Good acidity, ripe tannins, nice texture, balanced and long length. There has been quite a few improvements on this estate since 05. 88

08 Olivier rouge

2008 Château Olivier rouge;
Ruby, perfumed, some smoky notes, layered, elegant texture, playful acidity, ripe tannins, elegant body, pure feel to it, well balanced and long. 91

07 Harlan Estate

2007 Harlan Estate;
Deep ruby, licorice, blackberries, chocolate, intense and layered nose. Palate doesn't feel quite as exciting, classic Napa, and maybe somewhat more elegant style than former bottles I've tried. 92

07 Bouscaut blanc

2007 Château Bouscaut blanc;
Golden, minerals, citrus, tropical. Fat body, creamy texture, acidity seems a bit low for the vintage, still refreshing, balanced and good length. 88

(Tasted from horrible glass!)

08 Fonbadet

2008 Château Fonbadet;
Ruby, quite elegant Pauillac on the nose, fresh acidity, nice tannins, some chocolate notes, balanced and fine length. 88

04 Giscours

2004 Château Giscours;
Ruby, floral, cassis, fine leather, seductive nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, mouthwatering texture, balanced, elegant, very long finish. 92-93

04 du Tretre

2004 Château du Tertre;
Ruby, starting to open up, some development, cassis, leather, hint of figs. Elegant texture, fresh acidity, ripe tannins, elegant texture, long finish. 91

01 Gunderloch BA

2001 Gunderloch, Nackenheim Rothenberg Riesling Beerenauslese;
Pale golden, heavy botytis, raspberries, apples and beeswax on the nose. Acidity barely managing the sweetness, complex, long length. 90

VKR dinner, Domaine de Chevalier vertical and corked 89 Montrose

All served blind

1998 Domaine de Chevalier rouge;
Ruby with garnet rim,perfumed, oak shines through, closed. Good acidity, ripe tannins, even with air it feels somewhat untypical, seems to be some bottle variations on this vintage as I've tasted both lovely and poor bottles of this one, this was, like my last bottle, not up to DdC standards. 88

1985 Domaine de Chevalier rouge;
Ruby, orange rim, mature Bordeaux, somewhat dry and leafy, feels tired, cigars and prunes with more air. Good acidity, few but dry tannins, to old. I have had better bottles with answer in hand. 85

1990 Domaine de Chevalier rouge;
Ruby, brick rim, sediments. Flirting and seductive nose, some foral touches, ripe berry notes, red berries and cassis. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fairly elegant, could have been longer, but lovely. 91

1999 Domaine de Chevalier rouge;
Ruby, difficult nose to get anything out of, is it the wine or the glass? Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, elegant texture, somewhat short. Have had better bottles of this as well.... 88

I wonder how the wines above have been stored and how long they have been together, as most, maybe except of the 1990, felt like they might have had unproper storage.

1989 Château Montrose;
Corked so intensely that there was absolutely nothing to get out of it. Such a shame as this is a wine I really want to try.

VKR dinner, the first reds

2005 Breuer Spätburgunder;
Pale ruby, strawberries and dirt, some vanilla. Fresh acidity, some sticky/edgy in the texture, a bit short, warm finish (14,5%) 87
(It was ponted out that it lost it in the glass way before the Burgundies)

2003 Louis Boillot Gevrey-Chambertin 1er Cru Cherbaudes;
Ruby, ripe, strawberry jam, fresh acidity, hollow and oaky, not phenolicaly ripe. 80

2000 Henri Gouges, Nuits-St-Georges 1er Cru les Vaucrains;
Ruby, garnet to brick rim. Somewhat dusty, leafy, some underripe berries, herbal. Fresh acidity, somewhat lean, rustic even, ads body with air, chocolate finish. 85


2000 Mongeard-Mugneret, Grands-Échezeaux;
Ruby, a bit cloudy. Rich, strawberries, pepper, later on redcurrant's. Very fruit forward, flirting, very easy to be seduced by. Fresh and lively, even playful acidity, tannins starts to be polished of, clean feel, beautiful balance, long. Drink fairly soon. 92

2004 Bond Vecina Napa Valley;
Deep ruby, intense, spicy, bell peppers and coffee, layered and complex. Medium acidity, high of ripe tannins, cinamon, first some alcohol and barrel notes, later more layered and complex, long finish. 90


2004 Felsina Rancia Chianti Classico Riserva;
Ruby, cassis, blueberries, good acidity, tannins drying, rough and warm finish. 82

2005 La Cascina Brunello di Montalcino;
Ruby with garnet rim, touch of brett, cherries. Good acidity, ripe tannins, lean red fruit, short. 78



2005 Casanova de Neri, Brunello di Montalcino;
Ruby, vanilla, ripe and sweet fruits, mint and eucalyptus. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, oak barrels, coffee stone fruits, vanilla finish. 88

2001 Quintarelli Valpolicella Classico;
Ruby, perfumed and sweet berries. Medium acidity, ripe yannins, needed time to open, refreshing and long. I liked the 99 more, it felt firmer and more classic. 89

VKR dinner, the whites and sparkling's

A sudden invite to the Norwegian wine club 'Kåte Rhoner' made last Thursday evening an event instead of some boring TV watching. The food was very good, I'm so impressed at the level of cooking in many homes. But it seems to follow the level of the wine interest in many places. All wines served blind.


First wine was 1999 Piere Peters Blanc de Blanc Millésime; Pale golden, tiny bubbles, minerals, apples, autolysis, yeast. Fresh acidity, not too intense, starting to mature, would be way fresher and more refined with less dosage, this being almost sweetish at the finish. Dies to quickly in the glass. 85


2002 Bollinger Grande Anée;
Pale golden, tiny bubbles. Minerals, tighter, apples and pear peel. Fresh acidity, lively, nuts and butter starting to appear, refined and long. 92

1994 Château Couhins-Lurton;
Pale golden, nettles, lemons and some barrel notes. Fresh acidity, feels almost full bodied, creamy texture, slightly oxidized (by age), oak is always showing (very typical with answer in hand), good length. 88


1992 Viña Tondonia;
Pale golden, tropical, floral, touch of botrytis it seems? Lowish acidity, flabby and sweet feel. boring. 80

1988 Domaine de Chevalier blanc;
Pale golden, nuts and minerals, touch tropical and oxidized. Fresh acidity, short first, getting longer and more layered with air. After an hour oxidation started to let go, getting ever more complex and fresher, after three hours oxidation was gone, and the wine turned out to be beautiful. 92-93


1996 Robert Ampeau Meursault;
Bright lemon, SO2. smoke and barrels, unbalanced, ungainly, not at all balanced, awful wine. 63

The bottle variation from this estate is greater than the difference between man and tuna. You never know what you get, but you always know it's dissapointing.

07 Guigal Ampuis

2007 Guigal Château d'Ampuis;
Deep ruby, layered, pepper, raw meat,dark berries. Gorgeous acidity, ripe tannins, balanced, complex, quite intense and still very elegant Rhône, long length. 93+

01 Gruaud Larose

2001 Château Gruaud Larose;
Ruby, a bit tight now, some herbs, cassis, leather, starting cigars. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, needs to be decanted or even better, cellared for another few years, long. 92

88 Grivot Échezeaux

2008 Jean Grivot, Échezeaux;
Pale ruby, strawberries, spices and barrel aromas. Slightly lean body, refreshing acidity, ripe tannins, needs time, hope the fruit is there to overcome the barrels. 88

1997 Graham's Vintage

1997 Graham's Vintage Port;
Deep ruby, slightly leaner nose for vintage Port, black berries, coffee and chocolate, elegant and refreshing palate, lively acidity, long. 92

05 Giscours

2005 Château Giscours;
Ruby, violets and quite intense Margaux fruit, cassis, anise and sweet tobacco. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, maybe it will get more nuanced with age, long. 92

Georgian Saperavi

2005 Marani Saperavi;
Ruby, fruity nose with some funky side aromas difficult to describe, maybe some licorice/ tobacco mix of some sort. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, one dimentional and fruity, quite long length. 78

04 Christoffel Eiswein

2004 Joh.Jos.Christoffel, Ürziger Würzgarten Riesling Eiswein;
Golden, apples, minerals, apricots, orange marmalade, very complex and refined nose. High acidity, very playful and lively, beautiful texture, very elegant, mouthwatering. 93

03 Winter TBA

2003 Weingut Winter, Dietelsheimer Leckerberg Riesling Trockenbeerenauslese;
Golden, botryits, apples, apricots. rich nose. Fresh acidity to balance the sweetness, very elegant and easy drinking, complex and long. 91

98 Lafleur Maillet

1998 Château Lafleur Maillet;
Ruby, blueberries and vanilla, some tobacco. More or less perfectly mature now, fresh acidity, tannins ripe, very elegant and lovely balanced Pomerol, not too complex, drink soon. 88

What does a barrel taste like?

At Château de Valois, a splendid Pomerol estate, I got the chance to taste samples from different barrels. This is a rare treat, and something that is of great fun to the wine geek. After a barrel tasting from different barrels, one admirer the people, and the skill of those who decide on the final blend.

2010 Merlot from Château de Valois, all sampled, fermented in the same tank.

Tonneliere Remond Medium toast; (Allier)
Soma vanilla, perfumed, nuanced, very elegant fruit, nice texture, pure and floral.

Tonneliere Remond Medium+ toast (Allier)
Somewhat more coffee and tea, chocolate behind, imediately a deeper expression, or let's call it darker. Still perfumed, more structure, more difficult to enjoy fully.

Tonneliere Taransaud Medium Toast; (Allier)
Flirting roses, blueberries and touch of chocolate, very fresh, seductive.

2010 Cabernet Franc from Château de Valois, all sampled, fermented in the same tank

Tonneliere Remond Medium Toast (Allier)
Cassis, floral, violets, nice acidity and texture, fine balance, refined, pure, long and elegant.

Tonneliere Taransaud Medium Toast (Allier)
Cassis, some woody high-notes, touch of smoke. Fresh, fruity, feels slightly more intense, nice texture.

Tonneliere Francis Medium Toast (Allier)
Cassis, fruit driven, pure, some seductive floral notes. More fruit forward palate, very elegant lovely texture.

Then Merlot from fifty year old vines from Château de Valois, fermented in barrel;

Tonneliere Baron Medium + Toast (Allier)
Intense, chocolate, blueberries, sweeter fruit, lovely balance and very long indeed.

Tonneliere Cavin Medium Toast (Allier)
More chocolate but also red berries, but wood is hovering over the fruit.

And then some finished wines.....

2009 Château de Valois;
Ruby, floral notes, lovely red and darker berries, perfumed and elegant nose. Fresh acidity, pure, elegant, nice balance, nuanced, long finish. 93

2008 Château de Valois;
Ruby, intense, blackberries, needs time to open in the glass, nice texture, elegant acidity, ripe tannins, lively finish, long. 92

07 Giacosa Asili Riserva

2007 Bruno Giacosa Barbaresco Riserva Asili;
Ruby, very elegant and seductive nose, refined, roses, cherries, some tar, anise. High and lively acidity, more body than many, high of ripe tannins, balanced, beautiful length. Right now 92, but from some limited experience, I believe it will pay you back way more, but only in twenty years or so. You just get a glimpse of the stunning future when you drink these to young, took me a while to understand that, but with Rake knowledge a phonecall away, one learns quickly.

07 Feytit-Clinet

2007 Château Feytit-Clinet;
Dark ruby, plums, intense, complex, smells older than 07. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, slightly lean texture, somewhat rouge finish. 88

08 Grand Corbin Despagne

2008 Château Grand Corbin-Despagne;
Ruby, dark fruits on the nose, ripe. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, nice balance, good length. 88

07 Gaja Barbaresco

2007 Gaja Barbaresco;
Ruby, tar, roses licorice, spices, some cherries behind, vanilla. High acidity, high of ripe tannins, some barrel tannins, long, but lacks nerve. 89

1989 Château Latour

1989 Château Latour;
Yet another late cellar release 2005 bottle. Ruby, thin brick rim, intense, maturing nose, superb complexity, layered. Stunning texture, beautiful acidity, high of ripe tannins, balanced, powerful, very long. 97

03 Les Forts de Latour

2003 Les Forts de Latour;
Ruby, thin brick rim. Tobacco, cassis, leather, layered and fresh nose. Good acidity, feels fresh for 03, tannins ripe, starting to drink very nicely now. 93

Gorgeous 96 Palmer

1996 Château Palmer;
Ruby, garnet rim, seductive like few, floral notes, layered, refined, gorgeous nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, maturing beautifully, elegant, subtle, very long. 95

00 La Mission Haut-Brion

2000 Château La Mission Haut-Brion;
Ruby, thin garnet rim. "Heavy" smoke from the minerals, cassis, leather, perfumed, intense. Fresh acidity, high of ripe tannins, layered, needs time to open, and actually celaring, beautiful. 94 for now.

09 Fonseca Vintage

2009 Fonseca Vintage Port;
Black, massive nose, very intense, almost impenetrable now. Fresh acidity, wall of ripe tannins, lively palate. 93

04 Château Margaux

2004 Château Margaux;
Ruby, perfumed and layered nose, very elegant, dark berries, complex, violets, stunning nose. Fresh acidity, lively feel to it, youthful, ripe tannins, elegant, very long. 94+

03 Phélan Ségur

2003 Château Phélan Ségur;
(Magnum) Ruby, garnet rim. Some jammy notes, chocolate and perfumed. Good acidity, ripe tannins, herbal touch in the finish, good length. 89

09 Far Niente Chardonnay

2009 Far Niente Napa Valley Chardonnay;
Pale golden, yellow flowers and fruits, popcorn, good acidity, but would suit higher acidity very nicely, balanced and long. 90+

08 Cos Labory

2008 Château Cos Labory;
Ruby, perfumed and elegant nose, fairly fruity. Frash acidity, ripe tannins, nice texture, good length. 89-90

08 Ducru-Beaucaillou

2008 Château Ducru-Beaucaillou;
Ruby, beautiful and elegant nose, cassis, floral notes, seductive. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, beautifulbalance, very elegant and refined, long length. 94

Dow's 20 yrs

Dow's 20 years old Tawny;
Ruby with brick rim, intense and slightly oxidized nose, raisins, prunes and dark berries. Fresh acidity, lively, tannins are there but not so nitisable in all the fruit, long. 92

08 Lilian Ladouys

2008 Château Lilian Ladouys;
Ruby, somewhat closed nose, cassis, vanilla and tobacco. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, nice texture, elegant fruity finish, good length. 88

08 and 06 Phélan Ségur

2008 Château Phélan Ségur;
Ruby, elegant tobacco, leather, classic style, cassis, some herbs far back to liven it up. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, nice texture, long length. 92

2006 Château Phélan Ségur;
Ruby, quite seductive nose, layered and fairly open, firmer body and texture, fresh acidity, high of ripe tannins, good length. 90

08 Meyney

2008 Château Meyney;
Ruby, quite intense nose, fresh, lively even, beautiful fruit, lots of ripe tannins, long. I always find such joy in Meyney, classic Bordeaux. 90

02 Dom Perignon

2002 Dom Perignon;
I've had this so many times this autumn it's almost embarrasing, this one of the more open bottles, fresh and almost agressive mousse and acidity, lively, minerals and lime, tight DP, focused, I would give it some more time, but seems to give a bit more every month. 93

08 Dominus

2008 Dominus, Napa Valley;
Deep ruby, very refined and elegant Dominus, layered and complex, fresh acidity, ripe tannins, one of the better Dominus I've tasted. 93-94

08 Domaine Serene

2008 Domaine Serene, Mark Bradford Vineyard, Dundee Hills Pinot Noir;
Ruby, elegant nose of slightly ripe strawberries and cinamon. Fresh acidity, soft tannins, elegant and lovely length. 91

06 Meyney

2006 Château Meyney;
Ruby, cassis, leater, some herbs, classic St Estephe. Fresh acidity, elegant fruit and fruity Meyney, nice texture, good length. 89

2x Ormes de Pez

2008 Château Ormes de Pez;
Ruby, fresh, lively, nicely textured, fruity style, fresh acidity, ripe tannins, good length. 88

2004 Château Ormes de Pez;
Ruby, again fresh and lively, somewhat higher acidity than 08, more elegant fruit, long. 90

2000 Diznókó 6 Puttonyos

2000 Disznókó Tokaji Aszú 6 Puttonyos;
Golden, amber hue. Botrytis, lots of tropical and yelow fruits, lacks a bit of acidity to back the sweetness fully, otherwise, elegant complex and long. 92

00 Montrose

2000 Château Montrose;
Ruby, garnet rim. Elegant nose, cassis, leather and cigars. Firm structure and texture, fresh acidity, high of ripe tannins, complex, feels tighter than my last bottle. Long. 94

05 Cos

2005 Château Cos d'Estournel;
Ruby, elegant nose, dried up, not as sweet and ripe as it has had tendencies of. Complex, getting more elegant, good level of acidity, ripe tannins, long. 93

08 Joseph Phelps range

2008 Joseph Phelps, Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon;
Dark ruby, intense nose, elegant dark fruits and chocolate, nice acidity, ripe tannins, balanced and long length. 91

2008 Joseph Phelps Insignia;
Ruby, intense nose, complex, somewhat shut at the moment, intense palate, nice acidity, ripe tannins, balanced, very long length. 93

2008 Joseph Phelps Eisrebe;
Pale golden, some very elegant tropical notes, very fresh and lively feel, elegant, long finish. 90

2000 Diamond Creek, Red Rock Terrace

2000 Diamond Creek, Red Rock Terrace Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon;
Ruby, leather, cassis, minerals, layered and refined. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, lovely texture and structure, long length. 93

2007 Mouton Rothschild

2007 Château Mouton Rothschild;
Pale ruby, herbs, cassis, bell peppers, spices, layered and nuanced. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, lively and long if a bit lean. 92

2008 Dalla Valle Maya

2008 Dalla Valle Maya;
Deep ruby, intense nose but less massive than the 96, more layered and complex. Cassis, coffe, some perfume, coffee. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, intense but fairly elegant finish. 93(+)

07 Coutet

2007 Château Coutet;
Golden, fresh acidity, elegant apricots, pineapple and honey. Fresh acidity, lively, balanced and long. A refreshing style that suits it nicely. 92

04 Cos

2004 Château Cos d'Estournel;
Ruby, cassis, dark berries, some herbs, vanilla. Fresher and more elegant than the latest vintages from Cos, lovely acidity, ripe tannins, on the verge of elegant and refined, give it another five years or more. 92

07 Viader

2007 Viader Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon;
Deep ruby, on the verge of being too sweet on the fruit, acidity to balance and structure to cary, then warm finish to spoil it. 86

08 Shafer One Point Five

2008 Shafer One Point Five Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon;
Deep ruby, fruit driven, more elegant than many, fresh, ripe, nicely balanced, fresh acidity, ripe tannins, long. 90

06 Grgich

2006 Grgich Estate, Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon;
Dark ruby, intense, ripe, sweet plums, good acidity, ripe tannins, good length. Not too exciting. 87

2007 Aldo Conterno Cicala

2007 Aldo Conterno Barolo Bussia Cicala;
Ruby, tar and roses, red berries, anise, maybe a touch of spices. High acidity, high of ripe tannins, fresh and lively, long finish. 93

00 Palmer

2000 Château Palmer;
Ruby, elegant and seductive nose, violets, cassis, leather, some tobacco behind, Beautiful texture and the elegance is to die for, fresh acidity, ripe tannins, splendid wine, will get better. 94

07 Climens

2007 Château Climens;
Golden, apricots, peach, vanilla, fresh and lively feel to it, elegant, has Climens increased it's acidity lately?. Elegant, beautiful balance, long! 94

95 Montrose

1995 Château Montrose;
Ruby with garnet rim, starting to show some development, touch of prunes behind St-Estephe vigour. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, stunning texture, very long. 95

2000 Conseillante

2000 Château La Conseillante;
Bright ruby, fresh, fruity, youthful, pure, very seductive nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, superb balance, refined, layered, red berries, very long finish. 94

99 Suduiraut

1999 Château Suduiraut;
Golden, tropical, apple peel, honey and apricots. Beautiful balance, fresh acidity, elegant, fresh and lively, long finish. 92

05 Clerc Milon

2005 Château Clerc Milon;
Ruby, some bell peppers (to me this is something I love in a Bordeaux, just a touch of it), blackcurrant's, leather, classic nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, elegant if slightly lean mid-palate, long. 92

2002 Suduiraut

2002 Château Suduiraut;
After a somewhat boring Haut-Bergeron, I tried this one, golden, lean nose of pure tropical fruits, more full bodied on the palate, fresh and lively, elegant texture, very long length. 92

03 Haut-Bergeron

2003 Château Haut-Bergeron;
Golden, intense nose but one-dimentional. Lots of fruit, good acidity, nice length. 83

08 Chryseia

2008 Chryseia, Douro;
Deep ruby, intense and massive, as dark as Douro can be without being Port. More elegant palate with playful and lively acidity, ripe tannins, long length. 91

07 Montrose

2007 Château Montrose;
Ruby, some herbs of the vintage, elegant nose, the greeness is going away, now its more in the background. Intense and ripe fruit, fresh acidity, ripe tannins, long finish. Another 07 showing better than at the IMW tasting.... 92

07 Pontet-Canet

2007 Château Pontet-Canet;
Ruby, intense nose, fruit driven for the vintage, seems more open and fuller than the IMW tasting, elegant acidity, ripe tannins, balanced, very long, beautiful 07. 92

2005 Cheval Blanc

2005 Château Cheval Blanc;
Ruby, bell peppers, blackberries, touch of coffee, dark and ripe feel to it. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, balanced, intense, complex, very long indeed, needs a lot of time, but you do not have to. 95

09 Jean Chartron Puligny

2009 Jean Chartron, Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru Clos du Cailleret;
Pale lemon yellow, minerals apples and ripe lemons. Fresh acidity, balanced, good but lacks some playfullness or something, doesn't quite thrill, or is it just me? 87

07 Chapoutier Hermitage

2007 Chapoutier Hermitage Monier de la Sizerrane;
Deep ruby, intense of white pepper and blackberries. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, there is something that might become very exciting lurking in the back, long. 91

2007 Ceretto Bricco Rocche

2007 Ceretto, Barolo Bricco Rocche;
Ruby, tar and roses with some red berries and cherries. High acidity and high of ripe tannins, leaner body, very typical, but is it lacking something? 89

09 Caymus Special Selection

2009 Caymus, Special Selection, Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon;
Dark, almost purple, intense of licorice, coffee, cassis and blackberries, massive nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, easier palate, long finish. 93

05 Casanova di Neri, Tenuta Nuova

2005 Casanova di Neri, Brunello di Montalcino, Tenuta Nuova;
Ruby, licorice, cherry stone and barrel notes. High acidity, ripe tannins, elegant, balanced and long, needs time. 92

08 Canon-la-Gaffelière

2008 Château Canon-la-Gaffelière;
Ruby, ripe blueberries, vanilla, some coffee and chocolate. Good acidity, ripe tannins, nice texture, long length. 90

01 Château Canon

2001 Château Canon;
Ruby, elegant nose of blueberries and leather, not too complex, but very fine and balanced. Good acidity, ripe tannins, fairly long. 91

08 Magari

2008 Ca'Marcanda, Magari;
Ruby, vanilla, cassis and cherries, some chocolate and spices behind. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, slightly oak dusty texture, long. 89

05 Brane-Cantenac

2005 Château Brane-Cantenac;
Ruby, floral, layered and elegant, fresh acidity, ripe tannins, very elegant floral finish, the most together and finest Brane-Cantenac I've tasted, maybe besides the 2010. Would be fantastic if there is new ambitions here. 92

07 Bond, Quella

2007 Bond, Quella, Napa Valley;
Deep ruby, herbs, cassis and licorice, elegant and slightly lean flavour profile, doesn't quite make a statement, and not as "violent" as the Vecina, long. 89

07 Gerard Bertrand Minervois

2007 Gerard Bertrand, Le Viala, Minervois La Livniere;
Deep ruby, intense, sweet and alcoholic nose, feels extracted. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, for masochist's. 84

07 Haut-Brion

2007 Château Haut-Brion;
Pale ruby, cassis, minerals, leather, blueberries, slightly floral. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, elegant and fresh if a bit lean, smoky mineral finish. 91

08 Beaulieu Georges de Latour

2008 Beaulieu, Georges de Latour, Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon;
Deep ruby, cassis, leather, coffee. Good acidity, ripe tannins, and even if well made, yet again it fails to inspire, why is it never thrilling? 87

05 Beaucastel

2005 Château de Beaucastel;
Ruby, ripe, but not as big and sweet as in some vintages, seems to start to pull itself together, licorice, spices, good acidity, ripe tannins, long. 89

2X Quarts de Chaume

2008 Domaine des Baumard, Quarts de Chaume;
Lemon yellow, yellow fruits and some metal, nose is not that nice, better palate, fresh acidity, lively, focused and elegant, long. 89

2007 Domaines des Baumard, Quarts de Chaume;
Lemon yellow, again this yellow fruit and metal, riper palate and fatter texture than 08, less acidity to balance it, long. 88

08 Dr.Bassermann-Jordan GG

2008 Dr.von Bassermann-Jordan, Forster Jesuitengarten Grosses Gewächs;
Pale lemon, fresh nose, yellow flowers, wax, heavy honey and ripe apples. Good acidity and nicely balanced, long length. 90

2007 Solaia

2007 Antinori Solaia;
Ruby, cassis, leather, vanilla nose, quite intense and elegant. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, again elegant texture and structure, should be longer. 91

1998 Bordeaux Right Bank Horisontal part VIII

Lovely selection

Enthusiastic!

1998 Château Angélus;
Ruby, ripe, rich, served a bit cold. Good acidity, ripe tannins, not an optimal bottle, lacks a bit, have had better with result in hand. 89


1998 Château de Valandraud;
Ruby, fresh, plums, blackberries, even if on the ripe side, vanilla, fresh acidity, ripe tannins, elegant with answer in hand. 91-92


1998 Château La Mondotte;
Ruby, intense, ripe, plums. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, balanced, feels lively in the finish, good length more than complex. 92


1998 Château Tertre Roteboeuf;
Ruby, brick rim. Intense and ripe, sweet anise. Medium acidity, ripe tannins, feels ripe throughout, rich feel, good length. 90

Many thanks to Peter Groth Eriksen for inviting me to this splendid evening at Vester Skerninge Kro, with some great scenery and fabulous food and service.