Kim turns 50

Even if this was a social celebration, not a wine event, there was quite a high level of the wines served, and I noted the following ones. The tables were filled with the odd bottles, and there were many I did not get to taste or even see, but heard about them later on talking with other wine nuts (of which there were several) this evening. These are from memory, and no full tasting note was made, we were all in too high spirits for that.

2006 Egon Müller, Scharzhofberg Riesling Kabinett;
I did not note the AP number, which is crucial on this producer as Kabinett does not have to be the same Kabinett and so on. Anyway, tight, somewhat closed and astringent with apples and tight lemon/lime behind. Sharp minerals, focused, really needs five to ten years to relax its clamped jaws, long length. 91 for now.

2005 Larrivet Haut-Brion;
Towards pale gold, vanilla, fat, butter, hides the Pessac lemons and minerals, slightly heavy on the oak and the lesser 05 acidity doesn't quite help it either. Fatty texture, good length, but I preffer it in a fresher vintage. 89

2005 Château Haut Bages Averous;
Ruby, elegant and typical Pauillac in a lighter style and more forward. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, starting to drink nicely now. 89


2004 Altesino, Brunello di Montalcino;
(6 litre, Imperiale in Bordeaux) Pale ruby, lots of barrel and oak, spicy and coffee over shadowing Sangiovese aromas, slightly edgy texture, needs a lot of time, especially from this format. 88 now.

2003 Château de Beaucastel;
Ruby, bick rim, sediments. Vulgar, and sweet nose, plums and alcohol. On the palate it falls apart completely, simple and alcoholic. 82

2000 Château Lagrange;
This was a surprice to me, drinking beautifully now, so fruitdriven and none of that herbal touches I have always associated with this estate. This charmed the whole table this evening and was the first bottle to be empty. 91

1996 Château Malescasse;
(Double Magnum) Ruby, blackcurrant's, still some vanilla, herbs and tobacco. Good acidity, somewhat rough tannins and structure, has it got the fruit to manage for the future? 88


1995 Château Haut-Bailly;
This was classy, elegant nose, starting to mature, opened up beautifully, leather, cassis, minerals. Lovely balance and texture, refreshing acidity, ripe tannins, long. 92

1983 Château La Lagune;
Lovely fruit , elegant body and texture, lacks the layers and elegance of the 75. 87

1979 Château La Lagune;
Tight, a bit lean and simple fruit, still it has aged better than expected, descent old claret, still fairly lively. 86

1975 Château La Lagune;
The vintage typical bright ruby. This was elegant and classic mature Médoc. Cassis, pencil led, tobacco, leather and anise, layered and transparent. Fine length. 89-90

2007 Gini, Recioto di Soave Classico Col Foscarin;
Golden with amber hue, gorgeous nose, cloud berries, raisins, citrus and orange marmalade. The acidity on the other hand could have been higher, to liven it up a noch, long length. 87

Thanks to Kim Aanerud for sharing such wines with us on his great evening. We had great fun, especially with some films! The food was made and prepared by Kari Innerå and the team from Cru, it was excellent!