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.