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.

Petrus, 1998 Bordeaux Right Bank Horisontal part VII

1998 Château Petrus;
Ruby, ruby rim, floral, herbs, bell peppers (I and most around the table thaught this to be the Cheval) leather, intense nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, lively, not as easy going as number two (Ausone), ads in length with air, very refreshing, stunning. 97

My first bottled (2010 is outstanding) Petrus to really impress, WOW!

Cheval Blanc, 1998 Bordeaux Right Bank Horisontal part VII

1998 Château Cheval Blanc;
Ruby, pink rim, floral, violets, mint, layered, again impossible to describe fully. Close to perfect balance, playfull and stil relaxed acidity. tannins soft, stunning texture, mouthwatering, just ads and ads with air, incredible length, never ending, I keep raising the score on this as it keeps unlocking more and more secrets. I wish I had cases of this one. 98

Served blind, I was sure it was Petrus, as was most of the table. Wine of the evening!

Ausone, 1998 Bordeaux Right Bank Horisontal part VII

1998 Château Ausone;
Ruby, floral and enormous purity, intense, layered and seductive. Gorgeous texture, acidity towards high, playful, ripe tannins, mouthwatering, nervy, impossible to describe, enormous complexity. Velvet. 96

Lafleur 1998 Bordeaux Right Bank Horisontal part VII

1998 Château Lafleur;
Ruby, garnet rim, floral, bell peppers, herbacious side, lovely nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, on the verge of hard barrel notes, otherwise refreshing and playful, good length. 92

1998 Bordeaux Right Bank Horisontal part VI with a Napa

2001 Philip Togni, Philip Togni Vineyard Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon;
Ruby, plums, cassis and vanilla, touch of chocolate and coffee. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, full body but feels gentler, long finish. 92

Fantastic sirloin with marrow and mild pepper sauce

1998 Bordeaux Right Bank Horisontal part V

1998 Vieux Château Certan;
Ruby, ruby rim, somewhat powerful nose, ripe, coffee, plums, vanilla and oak dust. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fresher body than most, refreshing finish. 93

Splendid breast of duck

1998 Château Trotanoy;
Ruby, floral and perfumed, coffee below, dark fruits. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, structure feels somewhat unbalanced with itself, ripe finish. 89-90


1998 Château L'Evangile;
Ruby, ruby rim, sweet plums, vanilla, oak. Fresh acidity, leaner body, slightly rough texture, good length. Then comming back to it later on, way more elegant, more together, rougness has dissapeared, longer. 92


1998 Château L'Eglise Clinet;
Ruby, ruby rim. Tighter nose, floral, feels tight and closed. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fresher, even slightly herbal hints and chocolate, mint, cherries and redcurrant's. Long length. 93+

1998 Bordeaux Right Bank Horisontal part IV

1998 Château Pavie Decesse;
(Blind, we did not know that this was in the flight) Ruby, garnet rim, intense and alcoholic, floral and perfumed behind, ripe plums and white chocolate. OK acidity, ripe tannins, not well put together. 83


1998 Château Pavie;
Ruby, garnet rim. Rich, intense blueberry jam and chocolate, roled in vanilla, stuffed in plums. Good acidity, ripe tannins, fatty texture, feels like a lot of alcohol on the body, rich. 85
(What a waste of splendid terroir, this wine could be made anywhere in the world....)


1947 Château Pavie Macquin;
(Bottled by Københavns Kontrollerede Vinhandel M&E Holst) Deep ruby, orange rim, C-level fil, cork soaked, Madeira notes and plums, unfortunately oxidized and tired.


1998 Château Pavie Macquin;
Ruby, garnet rim. Rich. coffee and intense of plums. Big, ungainly, but luckily acidity to back it up, not that long. 85

I'm so happy I haven't wasted money on any of the wines in this flight.....

1998 Bordeaux Right Bank Horisontal part III

Billecart-Salmon Brut Rosé NV;
(Magnum) Owner stated about ten years of cellaring on this one, pink-salmon color, tiny bubbles. Youthful expression, minerals, apples and some red berries. Elegant mousse, fresh acidity and lovely balance, easy to drink, stil serious enough to never be boring, long length. 90



2008 Château Smith Haut Lafitte Blanc;
Pale golden, very closed first, then some minerals and oysters, later the citrus mineral heaven so typical for it, but more closed than any of my former bottles, a new face? Fresh acidity, after thirty minutes fairly full bodied, lovely balance, long. 93

1998 Bordeaux Right Bank Horisontal part II

1998 Château Latour a Pomerol;
Ruby, garnet rim. Slightly rustic nose at first, farmyard touch, then opens up gorgeously and nuanced just minutes after, something ripe far behind, flirting, seductive, tender yet intense. Fantastic texture, soft, elegant acidity, tannins ripe and feels soon gone, very long indeed. I was sure this was Conseillante.... 95



1998 Château La Fleur Petrus;
Ruby with garnet rim, closed and gamey, firm and somewhat tannic, needs a lot of time, long finish. Later on coffee, leather, lacks something in the structure, feels rough, to me quite typical of La Fleur Petrus, always a bit edgy. 92



1998 Château La Conseillante;
Ruby, garnet/pink rim. Herbacious, bell peppers, perfumed and roses, stunning nose. Goes over to red berries and strawberries with more air. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, elegant texture, quite intense, layered, slightly hollow finish first, but this added fruit later on, feels very pure, truly well balanced, superb, give it another five years. 94

1998 Bordeaux Right Bank Horisontal

25 wines of the splendid 1998 Right Bank vintage to be tried side by side made me take a trip to Denmark. A fine tasting with some splendid food as well, and an unorthodox line up was a great way of doing it. First two flight's of red, then Champagne, white Bordeaux and starters and first course, then back to new flights of red. Brilliant not to start with the Champagne! The tasting notes will follow the pictures of the bottles, not necesarily the right order of tasting, but all are in the right flight. All wines served semi-blind. We knew the wines in each flight.


1998 Château Berliquet;
Ruby, towards pink rim. Fruity black berries and chocolate, vanilla and plums. Good acidity, ripe tannins, soon gone, slightly cooked feel on the palate, some coffee in the OK length and a slight touch of VA. 87



1998 Château Clinet;
Ruby, garnet rim. Sweet and artificial notes, cheese, feels simple, lacks acidity and structure, short. After twenty minutes, oozes anize, lots of barrel notes, then after thirty minutes, oxidizes and dies of. Hopefully a faulty bottle. 85 at best.


1998 Château Troplong Mondot;
Ruby, gorgeous garnet rim, vanilla, pure blueberries, seductive and flirting, elegant and even refined texture, fresh and lively acidity, needs time, feels layered, marsipan finish. 92-93


1998 Clos de L'Oratoire;
Ruby with thin pink rim. Oak and barrel notes over blueberries and chocolate, slightly floral. Good acidity, ripe tannins, slightly edgy and somewhat rustic texture, towards lean finish, quite long. Even so, this is one of the more elegant Clos de L'Oratoire I've tried. 91