1985 Haut-Bailly

1985 Château Haut-Bailly:
Ruby, brick rim. Cigars, blackcurrants, leather, minerals beneath. Perfumed. Intense nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, mouthwatering, fresh and lively, seductive, very long finish. 93

Off vintage Bordeaux tasting

1995 Château Fombrauge:
Ruby, garnet rim. Deep and plummy nose, coffee, muscat nuts, caramel, herbal and a bit dusty. Lacks acidity, feels cooked, tannins gone. Not an off vintage, but likely bad storage. Other tasters liked it more than me. 75

1993 Château Fourcas Hosten:
Ruby, brick rim. Slightly of rose petals, cassis and herbs. Lean but classic nose. Fresh acidity, ripe and few tannins, leanish body but surprisingly together. 82

1992 Château Cos Labory:
Ruby, almost brick rim. Lean nose, some herbs over blackcurrants leaf and slightly perfumed. Fresh acidity, lean body, clean and lean pretty much sums it up. Tannins gone. 78

1988 Château Lanessan:
Darker ruby, brick rim. Spicy plums, cassis but also metallic. Fresh acidity, slightly cooked fruit, tired. This isn't a off vintage, but debatable storage. 77

Blind flight of four.
1992 Château Pichon Longueville Baron:
Ruby, garnet rim. Dirt, plums, licorice, black tea. Intense. Thyme beneath. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, lean, somewhat fresher palate than nose, fine but very short. Nailed both producer and vintage. 86

1982 Château Grand- Corbin- Despagne:
Ruby, brick rim. Lots of sediments. Cassis, leather, figs, rose hips, almost perfumed and floral. Fresh acidity, tannins gone. Soft fruit, fairly elegant, not too complex and a bit short. Not an off vintage, but questionable storage put this one in. I was in Médoc.... 86

1984 Château Haut-Brion:
Bright ruby, garnet rim. Cassis, slightly perfumed, minerals, cigars, fresh, lively, lovely nose. Pine trees with more air (was decanted). Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, youngish feel, even if mature, a bit lean body, elegant nose. I was in Pessac right away, but at first on D d Chevalier, because of the pine touch. But it was too refined and elegant, and found vintage and producer with more air. 88

1984 Château Mouton Rothschild:
Ruby, garnet rim. Rich, almost opulent with vanilla, fine cassis, cigars, perfumed and floral notes. Almost feels closed. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, a bit hollow mid-palate. Fresh red apple peel, softer texture, and I was far off Mouton. With answer in hand, my by far youngest 84 Mouton. 89

Confusion about 1958 Gaja Barbaresco

1958 Gaja Barbaresco;
A level fill, perfect cork. Leather, intense, almost leaping out of the glass, not as expressive as the 61, but more nuanced, has another dimension about it, tar, roses, tobacco, pure, refined, black tea, ads more for every sip and smell. Fresh, high acidity, high of ripe tannins, pure and increadibly refined and complex. Very similar to the 61, one would almost expect them to just be bottle differences of the same vintage, very pure, amazing finish and gorgeous length. But the 58 has a little more nuance and facetts about it. 98

I wrote this tasting note on a 1958 Gaja Barbaresco about two years back. Now I just read in European Fine Wine Magazine, issue No. 4, that Angelo Gaja himself has stated that this wine has never been made. But after seeing a picture of the bottle he realized that this wine was specially made by his father to celebrate his birth in 1958. I do not know how many botles that excists of this, or was made, but all the more fun to have tasted it. And the bottle I tasted was far better than the one they had it seems.

'1958 Gaja Barbaresco, 86p
Very light, orangy brick red colour with plenty of sediments. According to Andreas Larssons words - this wine had amazingly intense oven-baked banana aromas in the glass. Then came more leathery, tarry and dried raisiny aromas. Also some volatility but not disturbingly much. Quite light although medium- bodied body weight with high acidity and mellow gentle tannins are combined nicely with sweet red fruits and high alcohol forming pleasant moderately long finish. Wine is definitely declining but still intense and very smooth'

It seems I tasted the 1961 Gaja Barbaresco beside it, or at least I wrote the tasting note on the same day here on my blog, so at least with only a few days between them. Here it is for comparison.

1961 Gaja Barbaresco;
A/B level fill, perfect cork. Garnet with broad brick rim. Leaps out of the glass, liquorice, roses, tar, leather, very complex, touch of coffee beans. Very fresh acidity, ripe tannins, lively fruit, vey pure, great balance, fantastic mature texture, stable, hardwood, increadible long length. Fantastic wine. 97

Simonnet- Febvre tasting with the winemaker

Winemaker and Managing Director of Chablis producer Simonnet- Febvre, Jean-Philippe Archambaud visited Oslo last week, and I was invited for a tasting of the range. Even if I love white Burgundies, I sometimes find the wines of the very northern part, Chablis, to be a bit too austere in its acidity, minerality, almost steelyness and, lack of fruit isn't the right word, but less fruit at least than Puligny or Meursault, to back the often sharper structure. The style of Simonnet-Febvre is a somewhat more fruit-driven style, and this suits my palate very well. But we started with some Crémant de Bourgogne.

Simonnet- Febvre Crémant de Bourgogne Brut:
BU9457701 (159,90) Pale lemon green, tiny bubbles. Some yeast and apples with fine chalky minerals beneath. Lime and slightly floral. Fresh acidity, elegant mousse, green apple peel finish. Good length. 86

Simonnet- Febvre Crémant de Bourgogne Brut Cuvée S2008:
Pale lemon yellow, tiny bubbles. More apples and yellow plums. More fruit-driven, yeast and grapefruit peel. Fresh acidity, elegant mousse, lime and orange finish. Long. 87+

Simonnet- Febvre Crémant de Bourgogne Rosé Brut:
Pale salmon, tiny bubbles. Some red berries, touch of strawberries and floral notes. Fresh acidity, slightly on the sweet fruit, elegant mousse and texture, a bit short. 84

2011 Simonnet- Febvre Petit Chablis:
Pale lemon yellow, chalky and lemon nose, with green apples. Fresh acidity, ripe lemons palate, balanced, straight feel to it, good length. 85

2010 Simonnet- Febvre Chablis:
BU3055601 (169,90) Pale lemon yellow. Minerals, apples, lemons, almost layered feel to it actually. Fresh acidity, lemony fruit, fairly focused, good length. 87

2010 Simonnet- Febvre Chablis 1er Cru Vaillons:
Pale lemon yellow. Fresh lemons over chalky minerals, yellow apples and even a bit floral. Fresh acidity, fruit-driven, elegant body, towards creamy texture, good length. 88

2010 Simonnet- Febvre Chablis 1er Cru Montée de Tonnerre:
Pale lemon yellow. Floral, rose hips, minerals, a touch of citrus behind. A bit restrained still. Fresh acidity, lively, flinty palate, long length. 90

2008 Simonnet- Febvre Chablis 1er Cru Montée de Tonnerre:
BU5269901 (239,90) Pale lemon yellow. Apples, minerals, flinty, lime, even this is still a bit restrained. Fresh acidity, balanced, lovely texture, again almost creamy. Refreshing and long. 90

2009 Simonnet- Febvre Chablis Grand Cru Les Clos:
BU5270001 (399,90) Pale lemon yellow. Fresh apples, whiff of roses, some citrus and orange blossoms. Fresh and towards high acidity, elegant balance, feels refined and nuanced, layered and superb length. 93

03 and 05 Dal Forno Romano

2003 Dal Forno Romano Valpolicella Superiore:
Deep ruby, almost opaque with ruby rim. Intense nose of coffee beans and dark chocolate, mixed with vanilla, barrel spices and tobacco. Alcohol overtones on top. Sweet attack, fresh acidity, but feels lazy with the texture and body. High of fairly ripe tannins, just a bit rough on the edges. If that is the excessive barrel use or extraction isn't easy to tell with this amount of bombardment going on. Almost bitter, feels more like Amarone than Valpolicella. Alcohol (15%) is ever present, and it feels as well. Very long, and with less alcohol, this would be an enormous wine. Now it lacks balance. But, two other guys on the next table couldn't get enough of it, so individual palates as always. For me, 85

2005 Dal Forno Romano Valpolicella Superiore:
Almost opaque, ruby rim. Rich and intense nose, but compared to the drier notes on the 03, this is very fruit-driven. Huge amounts of figs, plums, blackberries, always with alcohol on top. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, balanced even if excessive, and less bitter and Amarone-like than the 03. Very different expressions even if similarly styled. 90

03 Conti Costanti Brunello di Montalcino

2003 Conti Costanti Brunello di Montalcino:
Deep ruby, thin brick rim. Started out sweet and sour, cherry stones and leather. Felt a bit tired and just a bit old. After decanting it, something happened after about thirty minutes. It started to pull together, feeling fresher, but it took it's time to shine. After hours of decanting, firmer nose, cherries, coffee, chocolate, fine leather and black tea. Fresh and towards high acidity, ripe tannins, body firmer as well, more focused, very long finish. 92

3 from Pierre Morey

2008 Pierre Morey Saint-Aubin 1er Cru:
Spes. best. Winetailor (249,90) Pale lemon yellow. Some barrel notes under apples and minerals. Fresh acidity, apples and butter palate, rounded texture. Good length. 87

2007 Pierre Morey Meursault 1er Cru Les Tessons:
Pale lemon yellow. Rich nose, apples, nuts and minerals Fresh acidity, elegant, citrus and lichie palate, rich and long palate. I guess this will evolve nicely with another few years, they get less fat at around seven years. 90

2007 Pierre Morey Monthelie:
Pale ruby, discreet nose of redcurrants and strawberries. Clean and pure fruit, a bit tight but still elegant. Purer feel than 04 and 05. 87

Nikolaihof vertical with Martin Saahs

 Terrible picture, but that was the one I had.

2008 Nikolaihof Im Weingebirge Grüner Veltliner Federspiel:
BU4993401 (199,90) Pale lemon green. Minerals, green apples and slightly herbal nose. Fresh acidity, elegant and fruit-driven, balanced and lacks (luckily) som of the greenes of Grüner. 87

2006 Nikolaihof Im Weingebirge Riesling Smaragd:
Spes. best. Winetailor (359,90) Pale lemon yellow. "Rich" nose of apples, minerals and slightly floral notes. Elegant palate, lively acidity, starting to open, more rounded feel. Balanced and long. 92

Im Weingebirge is thought to be the oldest named vineyard in the world. First mentioned in 511 AD. 

2008 Nikolaihof Vom Stein Riesling Federspiel:
BU4993501 (289,90) Pale lemon yellow. Fresh nose, apples and hint of citrus. Fresh acidity, playful, a bit lean, focused and good length. Needs more time. 87

2007 Nikolaihof Vom Stein Riesling Smaragd:
Spes. best. Winetailor (369,90) Pale lemon yellow. Apples and minerals, quite closed now. Fresh acidity, lively, almost raw in its youth, narrow and long. Decant it. 90

2005 Nikolaihof Steiner Hund Riesling Reserve:
Spesialbutikk (389,90) Pale lemon yellow. Fresh nose, apples, pears and minerals. Elegant palate, fresh acidity, fruity yet structured feel. Elegant and long finish. 91

1998 Nikolaihof Steinriesler Riesling Federspiel:
Pale golden, closed. Apples, minerals and lime. Fresh acidity, very subdued, easy going, good length. 88

1995 Nikolaihof Riesling Vinothek:
Pale golden. A bit richer feel, melons, citrus, honey, yellow apples. Very subdued and tender feel. Fresh acidity, lively and mouthwatering. Long. 92

Two 07 Barolo's from Paolo Scavino

2007 Paolo Scavino Barolo:
BU5256801 (355,-)  Pale ruby, some roses, tar, anise and violets on the nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, more easygoing texture for Barolo. Fairly fruit-driven and clean with long finish. 91

2007 Paolo Scavino Barolo Bricco Ambrogio:
Pale ruby. Floral, roses, violets, perfumed, pure fruit. Deeper and more layered. Fresh acidity, high of ripe tannins, again fruit-driven style, long finish. 92

1989 Suduiraut

1989 Château Suduiraut:
BU9679101 (625,-) Golden, rich and intense nose, apricots, some caramel and pineapples. Fresh acidity, creme brulée, this a very fresh bottle, maybe it has come around it's slightly tight and rustic feel that it had just a year or so back. This bottle was lovely. Can be kept another twenty years, if you can keep your fingers from it that is. 93

Elegant and fragrant 97 d'Armailhac

1997 Château d'Armailhac:
BU9215905 (789,90) (magnum) Bright ruby, garnet rim. Slightly herbal, elegant and fruity, somewhat perfumed, an elegant and tender Armailhac. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, leanish and more classical. This is for those who love classic Pauillac where nuances is more important than power. 89

06 Les Carmes Haut-Brion

2006 Château Les Carmes Haut-Brion:
BU9679001 (495,-) Bright ruby. Light floral touch over cassis and some very subdued Pessac-minerals. Fruity nose for this estate. Fresh acidity, soft attack, ripe tannins, balanced and good length. This estate isn't always quite together, but seems to have made a lovely effort this vintage. Also a very rare find, so any Bordeaux enthusiast should grab a bottle or two. 89

2004 Château La Fleur Morange

2004 Château La Fleur Morange:
Deep ruby. Fruit-driven nose, slightly spicy, perfumed, sweet plums. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, elegant if rich and fruit-driven, long. 92

2000 Gosset Grand Millesime

2000 Gosset Grand Millesime:
Pale lemon yellow. Apples and minerals, towards chalky. Fresh acidity, elegant mousse, balanced, some yellow fruits in the finish. Long. 92

Small Pol Roger vintage tasting

2002 Pol Roger Blanc de Blancs Brut Vintage:
Pale straw yellow, tiny bubbles. Apples and yeast on the nose, fruity and subdued. Fresh acidity, elegant texture and mousse. Not every BdB twist your tongue, this is more caressing, even if a somewhat richer style. Elegant and long. 92

2002 Pol Roger Brut Vintage:
BU256101 (399,-) Pale straw yellow, tiny bubbles. Apples, minerals, very pure and clean nose. Fresh acidity, elegant mousse, lovely balance, fresh and lively, feels more mineraly than the BdB actually, long. 92

2000 Pol Roger Cuvée Sir Winston Churchill:
Pale straw yellow, tiny bubbles. Pure youth on the nose still, fresh, apples and minerals, lilies of the valley. Fresh acidity, mouthwatering with very elegant mousse. Feels slightly livelier than some 2000's, pure feel, long. 93

05 La Gravette de Certan

2005 La Gravette de Certan:
(2nd Vieux Château Certan) Decanted about three hours. Deep ruby, blueberries, vanilla, some sweet tobacco and minerals. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, elegant body, texture and structure, fresh finish, long. 90

2001 Yquem

2001 Château Yquem:
Pale golden. A differnet aspect now as the wealth of aromas and fruits have been explained so many times before. It takes control, your on in it's termes. It lets you play at your context, your knowledge, your level. Everything is in balance, everything is there, perfection yet again, the grapes plays with you, and it takes time to spot all its secrets. I can open a new world of flavours and gardens, if you look for them, and even so, its so easy to just lay on that one perfect beach that you found at the first sip. Magnificent. 100

06 Roumier Bonnes-Mares

2006 Roumier Bonnes-Mares Grand Cru:
Ruby, perfumed, somewhat floral, strawberries, elegant if tight nose. Took for ages to open, can easily be decanted four hours ahead. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, elegant body with slightly rough finish. The most complete Bonnes-Mares I've tasted. Long. 93

06 le Moine Clos de Vougeot

2006 Lucien le Moine Clos de Vougeot Grand Cru:
Bright ruby. Some barrel notes over strawberries, spices and some herbs. Benefitted from decanting. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruit-driven, still needs cellaring. 91

06 Ramonet Bienvenue Batard-Montrachet

2006 Ramonet Bienvenue Batard-Montrachet Grand Cru:
Lemon yellow. Creamy and buttery nose, subdued minerals and nuts. Fresh acidity, rich, alcohol (14%) shines through a bit. Mature next to the Chevalier from Leflaive, long, popcorn finish. 90

06 Domaine Leflaive Chevalier-Montrachet

2006 Domaine Leflaive Chevalier-Montrachet Grand Cru:
Pale golden. Citrus, minerals, apples, vanilla, just a touch of fresh butter, roasted nuts and bacon. Fresh and lively acidity, superb palate, mouthwatering, refreshing and such elegance. Feels refined, gorgeous balance and extremelly long. 95

1999 Clerget Échézeaux

1999 Christian Clerget Échézeaux Grand Cru:
Pae ruby. Tight and raw first, almost dusty. After a few hours of air, strawberry jam and perfumed, almost floral. Fresh acidity, elegant body but slightly astringent tannin structure and lack of refinement pulls it down. Good length. 88

01 Guiraud

2001 Château Guiraud:
Golden, rich nose, apricots, a touch of caramel and raisins. Pungent nose. Fresh acidity, elegant palate, playful and lively, refreshing and very long indeed. 96

97 Château Coutet

1997 Château Coutet:
Golden, apricots, slightly caramel, rich and intense nose. Fresh acidity, more elegant palate, feels fresher, slightly heavier finish. Long. 92

2010 Smith Haut Lafitte blanc

2010 Château Smith Haut Lafitte blanc:
Pale lemon yellow. Rich nose, lemons, grapefruit, minerals and vanilla. Acidity feels lower than it is because of the rich texture, fresh feel, mineraly apricot finish, long. 93

09 Larrivet Haut-Brion blanc

2009 Château Larrivet Haut-Brion blanc:
Pale lemon yellow, fresh lime, minerals and apples. Fresh acidity, could have a little less oak, lemon mineraly finish, good length. 89

1995 Harlan Estate with Andreas Larsson

1995 Harlan Estate:
Deepish ruby, garnet rim. Perfumed and outlandish nose, rich, massive, hugely intense. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, again huge and massive, pushes and pushes, a bling wine, showy without too much inside it. Rich and slightly burning finish (14,5%). 88

95 Ridge Monte Bello

1995 Ridge Monte Bello:
Ruby, garnet rim. Mint, cherry stones, anise, rich cassis, perfumed. More nuanced. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, elegant if rich palate, balanced, nuanced, long. 92

1996 Beringer with Andreas Larsson

1996 Beringer Private Reserve:
Ruby, garnet rim. Blackberry jam, deep and rich nose, coffee and plums, quite intense. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, sweetish touch that balances the dark fruits and makes it feel livelier. Good length. 90

2004 Dominus with Andreas Larsson

2004 Dominus:
Ruby, garnet rim. Floral, perfumed, cassis, vanilla, quite intense and up front, but elegant nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, coffee and heavier notes. Rich palate, but manages to stay elegant. Long. 92

2007 Château Petrus

2007 Château Petrus:
(Decanted for four hours) Bright ruby. Blueberries mixed with a touch of herbs. Extremelly perfumed, layers and layers of ungrasping notes. Vague but complex. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, transparent and yet again subdued, easy to miss things going on, superbly elegant and feels fragile, even if quite intense palate. Refreshing and long finish. 93

2004 La Mission Haut-Brion

2004 Château La Mission Haut-Brion:
(Decanted for about four hours). Ruby, garnet rim. Richer nose, subdued perfumed notes behind Pessac- minerals, cassis and coffe notes. Fresh acidity, towards high of ripe tannins. Elegant would be pulling it but has a charm in its youthful roughness. Very long but needs another decade in the cellar. 92

Tasting with Andreas Larsson MS. 95 Mouton Rothschild

1995 Château Mouton Rothschild:
(Decanted for about three hours). Ruby, hardly garnet rim. Perfumed, exotic, cassis, some vanilla. Intensely seductive, gorgeous nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, soft and generous feel, velvet. Mouthwatering and refreshing palate, just superb. I've always had a week spot for the 95 Mouton. Enormous length. 96

Tasting with Andreas Larsson MS, 95 Pichon Comtesse Magnum

Master Sommelier Andreas Larsson visited Oslo and the Norwegian Sommelier Association for a tasting on legendary Bordeaux against legendary California wines. I say California since Ridge Montebello was amongst the Napa Valley wines. First wine out was:

1995 Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande:
(Magnum, decanted about three hours) Nright ruby, garnet rim. Fruit-driven, elegant and seductive. Leather, anise, cassis, some cherries and white chocolate. Simply gorgeous nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, mouthwatering palate, savory, gorgeous balance, layered, flirting and long. 94

86 Montrachet

1986 Domaine Baron Thénard Montrachet Grand Cru:
Deep golden. Rich nose, a touch of VA mixed with apricots, nuts and honey. Acidity could be fresher, lemons. Not too complex and dissapointing considering vineyard, long, lemony finish. 87

1971 Dom Perignon

1971 Dom Perignon:
Deep golden, just some bubbles (could be the glass). Rich nose, still yeast undertone, fruit stones, brioche, touch of caramel on the nose. Fresh acidity, mousse is more or less gone, so it feels more winy than sparkling. Sweetish fruit, a lovely bottle even i've had it several times with more mousse, and therefore freshness. Good length. 88

Two Rieslings from von Hövel

2010 von Hövel Scharzhofberg Riesling Spätlese Feinherb:
BU9790401 (209,90) Pale lemon-green, apples, light minerality and a touch of floral notes. Fresh and lively acidity, elegant, transparent and balanced, lovely. 86

From the cellar
1976 von Hövel Oberemmeler Hütte Riesling Auslese:
Bright golden. Apples and apricots, some lemons and fine minerals. Seductive and transparent nose. Fresh acidity, elegant body, balanced, not too complex, just pure. Very long. 90

07 Guigal Château d'Ampuis

2007 Guigal Côte-Rôtie Château d'Ampuis:
Deep ruby, spicy and floral notes, pepper, blackberries and some animal notes. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, elegant even if rich, ripe but balanced. Long. 92

2010 Paris Granit x2

2010 Vincent Paris Cornas Granit 30:
BU4849301 (245,-) Deep ruby, animal notes, dark berries, slightly spicy and blackberries. Lovely nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, elegant and balanced body, good length. 87

2010 Vincent Paris Cornas Granit 60:
BU9957901 (330,-) Deep ruby, more floral and perfumed, more layered. Blackberries and spices. Fresh acidity, rich but elegant fruit, ripe tannins. Slightly herbal finish, grippy texture, long. 89

09 Pierre Gonon Saint Joseph

2009 Pierre Gonon Saint Joseph:
BU9691801 (282,-) Deep ruby, sweetish and fruity nose, fresh acidity, ripe tannins, elegant body, balanced, a bit sweet and raspberry jam finish. 87

2006 Chave Hermitage blanc

2006 Chave Hermitage blanc:
Pale golden, mineral and light floral notes over just a whiff of beeswax, honey and yellow plums. Some acidity actually, and almost feels lively with the almost chalky minerality that lifts it. Long length. 90

Tasting with Tancredi Biondi Santi

I visited Biondi Santi in Brunello di Montalcino a few years back and met the legendary Franco Biondi Santi. On this occasion it was his grandson Tancredi Biondi Santi who visited Norway. Biondi Santi is an estate with friends and foes, not everybody can see the greatness.  I have to admit that it took me a while as well. It's probably the most classic and old fashioned in wine production of every legendary wine producer out there. The wines have a special structure, a structure that anticipates a full body, which is never there. The fruit is, like many classical both Sangiovese Piedmontese wines, quite narrow. High acidity and often high ripe tannins gives the wine a structure, but the purity of flavours and fruit manages to  hold the structure together, and it turns out very elegantly. The intensity of flavours on the other hand is rarely narrow, if you have the time to cencentrate over a glass, it can be a marvel. It doen't run in your face, it doesn't scream for recognition on a popularity contest, it is what it is. Either you love it, or you don't. It's more like an artist, going in its own direction. This is wine how they used to make it, and they age extremelly well. But on older bottles, there can be huge bottle variations, bigger than from most wineries. But when you get a perfect bottle after 30-40 years in the cellar, especially the Riserva, not much can beat it.

We started out with two wines from Tancredi's father, Jacopo Biondi Santi's estate, Montepó.

2008 Sassoalloro IGT Toscana:
BU9960301 (299,90) Deep ruby, fruit-driven, some floral notes, licorice and cherries. Fresh acidity, soft tannins, elegant body, could be a bit longer. 87

2003 Schidione IGT Toscana:
Deep ruby, purple rim. Rich nose of chocolate, plums, cherries and cassis. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, perfumed but everything is still in a ball. Could be longer. 88

2008 Biondi Santi Rosso de Montalcino:

BU99603 (375,-) Bright garnet. To my surprise, this still feels a bit raw and almost unrefined. Needs time still. High acidity, high of ripe tannins, superb purity and long. Give it another two or three years. 87

2007 Biondi Santi Brunello di Montalcino Annata:

BU9960401 (990,-) Bright garnet. Cherry stones, licorice, perfumed and fairly intense nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, lively feel to it, intense aromas, leaner body, refreshing and long. A bit fruitier than normal for Biondi Santi. 90

2006 Biondi Santi Brunello di Montalcino Annata:

Bright Biondi red, an intense, superbly bright garnet that I've actually nailed the producer on when wines was served blind. Red berries and perfumed nose, some anise waiting behind. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, elegant body, needs time, a rich vintage for Annata. 91

2004 Biondi Santi Brunello di Montalcino Annata:

Bright Biondi red. Perfumed, cherries, anise, leather and fine floral and violet tones. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, elegant and fruit-driven. Still feels classical. Long. 91

2006 Biondi Santi Brunello di Montalcino Riserva:

(Spesialbestilling, Plusvini er importør). Bright ruby, extremelly closed when it hit the glass, then slightly perfumed, leather and cherries, opening up, getting intense on the nose. Fresh acidity, high of ripe tannins, strawberries, very pure palate, stunning texture, very long. 94

Franco Biondi Santi from my visit in 2009

07 Château Haut-Bailly

2007 Château Haut-Bailly:
Deep ruy. Flirting nose of cassis, slightly floral over those Pessac-smoky minerals. Fresh acidity, a bit grippy tannins still, but ripe. Needs time, long if a bit lean. 90

06 Château Gazin

2006 Château Gazin:
Deep ruby, blueberries, intense nose, some vanilla and refreshing raspberry touch. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, just a bit short. 90

2000 Château Talbot

2000 Château Talbot:
Bright ruby, garnet rim. Cassis, leather and anise. Starting maturity and surprisingly easy to enjoy already. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, elegant fruit and long. 93

2009 Château Lascombes

2009 Château Lascombes:
Deep ruby, rich and intense nose, dark berries, cassis, almost in abundance. Soemthing seems to be lurking around the fruit, but needs time to get around. Medium+ acidity, ripe tannins, long. 92

First glance at 2011 Bordeaux

Since I didn't have the chance to be in Bordeaux for en primeur last April, this tasting at the Opera in Oslo was my first look on the vintage. Below are my notes in the order I tasted them. From these wines it's clear that the vintage isn't as impressive and complex as the last two vintages, but many wines, for me Saint-Julien in particular, showed real finesse and elegance. And Sauternes and the dry whites seems to be particularly good.


Margaux

2011 Château Giscours:
Deep ruby, elegant Margaux nose, fruit-driven with some floral notes and a whiff of perfume. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, balanced, fresh and good length. 91

2011 Château Du Tertre:
Deep ruby, vanilla, chocolate, dark fruit. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, slightly hollow mid palate. 89

2011 Château Ferriére:
Deep ruby. Some floral notes and cassis. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, mouthwatering, elegant and long. Keeps up nicely, one to follow the last three-four years. 91

2011 Château Lascombes:
Deep ruby, rich and fruity nose, vanilla and cassis. Fresh acidity, tannins a bit edgy and maybe not fully ripe. 89


Saint-Julien

2011 Château Beychevelle:
Deep ruby, floral, fruit-driven and very elegant nose. Seems to head towards refined already. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, lovely balance, long. 92

2011 Château Branaire-Ducru:
Deep ruby, seems to have gone back to the style it had before the 09 and 10 vintages (unfortunately) and feels green and herbal with cassis behind. I'm not afraid of herbs in Bordeaux, but they should be in the background. Fresh acidity and ripe tannins. 89

2011 Château Lagrange:
Deep ruby, elegant cassis and floral nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, refreshing, leaner body but still seems to continue its stride since 09 vintage. Refreshing and long. 92

2011 Château Léoville Poyferré:
Deep ruby, slightly floral over cassis and fine fruit. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, long and correct. 92

2011 Château Talbot:
Deep ruby, floral, rich nose of cassis, elegant and for now subdued complexity lurking underneath. Fresh and lively acidity, elegant and ripe tannins, long. 93


Pauillac

2011 Château Haut-Bages Libéral:
Deep ruby, elegant nose of cassis, and deeper notes of leather and anise. Fresh acidity, elegant tannins, again a slightly leaner body that just makes it feel even fresher, elegant and long. 90


Moulis-en-Médoc

2011 Château Chasse-Spleen:
Deep ruby, somewhat perfumed nose over pure cassis. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, elegant and lovely balance for Chasse-Spleen, seems to suit the vintage. 90


Saint-Estéphe

2011 Château Phélan Ségur:
Deep ruby. Fruit-driven with violets. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, minerals, elegant and easy going. Elegant for Saint-Estephe. 90


Pomerol

2011 Château Beauregard:
Deep ruby. Blueberries, pure feel, elegant and fresh. Fresh tannins as well, ripe tannins, balanced, good length. Lovely and seductive style. 90

2011 Château Gazin:
Deep ruby, perfumed and floral, blueberries underneath. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, slightly grippy now and needs cellaring. Long. 91


Saint-Emilion

2011 Château d'Aiguilhe:
Deep ruby, fresh, elegant nose, fruity with some spices. Leaner body than some vintages, fresh acidity, ripe tannins, suits this style for me. 90

2011 Clos L'Oratoire:
Deep ruby. More barrel notes up front, dark berries. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, long. 90

2011 Château Canon La Gaffeliére:
Deep ruby. Dark berrie, perfumed, blueberries. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, sweetish fruit but elegant body. 91


Pessac-Léognan

2011 Domaine de Chevalier blanc:
Pale greenish yellow. Grapefruit, lime, minerals, very fresh nose. Fresh and playful acidity, elegant, slightly rich but has perfect self-control. Superb balance, very long. 95

2011 Domaine de Chevalier Rouge:
Deep ruby. Richer nose than normal, spicy, oaky and pessac-minerals. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, balanced. 90

2011 Château Haut-Bailly:
Deep ruby, Pessac-minerals, cassis, elegant nose. Fresh and lively acidity, ripe tannins, lovely fruit and balance. Long. Seems to be back on track after the dissapointing 2010. 93

2011 Château Latour-Martillac blanc:
Pale lemon-green. Ripe lemons, melons, slightly of honey, grapefruit and minerals. Fresh acidity, elegant and more subtle, seems less barrique? New style? I welcome it. Long. 93

2011 Château Latour-Martillac Rouge:
Deep ruby. Intense nose, Pessac minerals and cassis. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, elegant and long. 91

2011 Château Larrivet Haut-Brion blanc:
Pale lemon yellow. Minerals, barrel notes over shadow a bit. Chassagne feel. Fresh acidity, elegant and easy going palate, some oak always disturbing. 89

2011 Château Larrivet Haut-Brion rouge:
Deep ruby, licorice, plums, cassis and Pessac-minerals. Medium acidity, ripe tannins, a bit short. 87

2011 Château Smith Haut Lafitte rouge:
Deep ruby. Fruity, cassis, Pessac-minerals. Fresh acidity, balanced, elegant, easy-going for SHL. 90


Sauternes

2011 Château Coutet:
Pale golden. Apricots, slightly spicy over exotic fruit, and pineapples in abundance. Fresh acidity, balanced, elegant, and refreshing long finish. 93+

2011 Château Guiraud:
Golden. Apricots, pineapples, exotic and very pure. Fresh and lively acidity, tropical and very elegant. Long. 94

07 Ramonet Puligny

2007 Ramonet Puligny-Montrachet:
Pale lemon yellow. Lime, lemons, touch of butter and vanilla and more minerals below. Fresh acidity, lively, powerful yet tender, intense and transparent. Very long and elegant finish. Perfect bottle. 92

96 Château Giscours

1996 Château Giscours:
Ruby, closed nose with some perfume, rose petals, cassis and a hint of leather comming through. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity but elegant. Long. Wait five years. 92+

95 Château Talbot

1995 Château Talbot:
Ruby, garnet rim. Perfumed, blackcurrant's, leather, fine floral over-tones. Fresh fruit, ripe tannins, slightly rawid-palate and needs another five years still to settle. Ten years even for my palate. Long. 93

1966 Château Lanessan

1966 Château Lanessan:
Top shoulder fill. Ruby, garnet rim. Leather, coffee, raisins, dades, mint and leafy. Towards perfumed. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, leaner palate. Needed air to perform, added fruit after quite a while. On form and at best. Broadbent states in 1986, 'variable, if you find any, drink up'. Not the case at all with this bottle. 93

2000 La Petite Eglise

2000 La Petite Eglise:
(2nd L'Eglise Clinet) Deep ruby, garnet rim. Rich nose, cherries, blueberries, perfumed nose. Fresh acidity, mellow and ripe tannins. Leather and licorice finish. 89

09 Blanc de Chasse-Spleen

2009 Château Chasse-Spleen blanc;
BU9772601 (265,-) Golden, honey, beeswax and a touch of VA it seems. Glue notes at least. Rich and a bit plump, suffering under the warm vintage, but either this bottle was a bit off, or its in decline. My last bottle about five months back was fresher. 86

2007 Château Olivier blanc

This château is surging forwards in quality and on the whole, the more recent vintage the better. But 2007 white Pessac-Léognan is something you should run and put in your cellar while there's still any around, and Olivier is probably the best value of them all. Superb wine.


2007 Château Olivier blanc:
BU9127301 (337,-) Pale golden, fresh lemons, grapefruit and minerals. Fresh acidity, elegant body and lively. Pure, fresh, young and playful. Mouthwatering and very long. 93

04 Domaine de la Solitude blanc

2004 Domaine de la Solitude blanc:
Golden. Honey, grapefruit and orange marmalade. Fresh acidity, less rich palate, apricots and lemons. Minerality feels subdued. Fresh finish. 88

1990 Delas Hermitage

1990 Delas Hermitage Marquis de la Tourette:
Deep ruby, thin garnet rim. Cooked plums and blackberry jam. Medium acidity, ripe tannins, rich palate, feels alcoholic and sweet even at (according to label) 13%. Too much, but not of the good things. 88

1997 Jamet Côte-Rôtie

1997 Jamet Côte-Rôtie:
Deep ruby, towards garnet rim. Perfumed, floral, rich fruit, plums and blackberries. Youthfull still. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, mouthwatering and refreshing, a herbal touch that almost feels like the back bone of the flavours. Long. 93

1982 Jaboulet La Chapelle

1982 Jaboulet Aine Hermitage La Chapelle:
Deep ruby, brick rim. Leather, prunes, licorice and mature nose. Fresh acidity, few and ripe tannins, a bit more evolved than my last bottle and feels less exciting. Red berry finish. 90

Charming Chianti

The picture above isn't the same wine, but the style of bottle is now back at Vinmonopolet. And one would easily think of it as just a gimmick, but there is a lovely Chianti wine inside the bottle. So pull out the red and white checkered table cloth and dream of Tuscany.

2010 Scopetani Chianti:
BU 9963201 (135,-) Pale ruby. Light floral nose and morellos. Not too complex, but feels of pure fruit. Savory, fresh acidity, ripe tannins, super for pizza and pasta. 83

One Weinbach and two lovely from Rhône

Domaine Weinbach (Alsace) has long been a favorite and the acidity of the 2010 vintage really suits them.

2010 Domaine Weinbach Riesling Grand Cru Schlossberg Clos des Capusines:
BU9670301 (289,90) Pale lemon yellow. Apples and minerals, elegant nose, ever so slightly floral. Fresh acidity, feels lifted by the acidity, very refreshing, elegant apply palate and finish. 91

And everyone that has followed me for a while know that I have some difficulties with the alcohol and sweetness of some wines from the Rhône valley. A friend reported that he found a 16% alcohol Châteauneuf du Pape in the shelf today. Who can drink that? Here was two that I enjoyed.

2009 Herve Souhaut Saint Epine Saint-Joseph:
Pale purple, fruit-driven, blackberries, some spices, naunced and fresh nose. Fresh acidity as well, ripe tannins, elegant texture and fairly elegant and at 13%, balanced. 89

2009 Domaine du Coulet Cornas Bille Noires:
BU5635301 (549,-) Almost purple, spicy nose, blackberries and violets mixing together. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, elegant fruit and body (13,5%), they can if they want in the Rhône valley as well. Long. 90

Sorry for the lack of pictures.

Soalheiro

A friend of mine gave me a bottle, just a few weeks back, of a 2008 Soalheiro Reserva and wanted me to taste it. I did and posted a note on it a few days later. I have tasted these wines before, but never noticing them. That Reserva opened my eyes. A few days back I got a chance to taste two further wines from this producer.

2010 Soalheiro Espumante Bruto:
BU5140901 (199,90) Pale lemon green with small bubbles. Elegant and fruity nose with yellow plums and yeast. Fresh acidity, lively and fruit-driven, nice length. 85

2009 Soalheiro Alvarinho Primerias Vinhas:
5227201 (219,90) Pale lemon yellow. Almost Burgundian nose, just slightly more yellow fruits. Fresh acidity, very yellow apples palate, elegant and a lovely balance, long length. 88

2011 Bruno Giacosa Dolcetto d'Alba

2011 Bruno Giacosa Dolcetto d'Alba;
BU4017501 (214,20) I'm not that into Dolcetto as the low acidity for me easily makes them a bit flabby. Luckily that isn't always the case. Ruby with fruity and perfumed nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, elegant for Dolcetto as well. Fresh and nuanced feel. 88

Utvidet distribusjon av spesialprodukter i VP i løpet av 2012

Nytt fra Vinmonopolet.

Testperiode for utvidet distribusjon av spesialprodukter

Vinmonopolet har i dag to spesialbutikker, Vika i Oslo og Valkendorfsgaten i Bergen. Det er stor interesse for produkter i spesialbutikkene. Vinmonopolet ønsker derfor å teste utvidet distribusjon av spesialprodukter, og vil innen utgangen av 2012 gå i gang med en testperiode der CC-Vest i Oslo, Kvadrat i Sandnes, Hamar og Sandefjord får et utvalg av disse produktene. Butikkene er ikke spesialbutikker med nyhetslanseringer på lik linje som dagens spesialbutikker, men vil ha et utvalg av spesialprodukter, som lanseres fortløpende. Dersom det i butikkene lanseres produkter knyttet til nyhetslanseringene i spesialbutikk, skjer lanseringen samtidig. Kundeordre behandles først én time etter åpningstid og butikkene må kontaktes direkte. Spesialprodukter kan ikke overføres til andre butikker.

Spesialprodukter er ikke tilgjengelig i nettbutikken. Det skyldes utfordringer knyttet til systemstøtte, forsikring, transport og oppbevaring. Det jobbes med å finne løsninger for å muliggjøre salg via nettbutikk.

Kun produkter som selges i nettbutikken, kan vises ved søk i nettbutikken.

07 Ramonet CM Boudriotte

2007 Ramonet Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru Boudriotte:
Pale lemon yellow. Fresh lime, minerals, apples and vanilla nose. Fresh acidity, elegant, fruity and fresh feel. Its very clear from this bottle that my last one had starting oxidation. This one. 91

1945-1990 Cheval-Blanc, 10 vintages

1945 Château Cheval Blanc:
Echenauer bottling. Top shoulder fill. Bright garnet with orange rim. Rich nose, sweet lilies, exotic, spices, layers upon layers and very complex. Fresh acidity, tannins polished and more or less gone, or at least extremelly integrated into the texture. Lively, balanced, fresh and long. Broadbent: ' A total contrast to the uniquely mammoth '47. A more typical Cheval Blanc in its fragrance, deft touch and elegance'. 95


1949 Château Cheval Blanc:
Vandermeulen bottle, half rotten, old cork stating Vandermeulen Ostende. Deep ruby, orange rim. Dusty nose first, quickly blowing over to plums, figs, slightly of VA, cassis and perfumed. Fresh acidity, high even, mouthwatering, full bodied. Ripe tannins, intense, fragrant and lifted, savory, very long. Broadbent: 'Another wonderful wine which along with the Ch Mouton Rothschild and Ch Margaux, having the most perfect expression of the vintage'. 98


1955 Château Cheval Blanc:
Not much left of the label, but Berry Bros bottling seems to be confirmed by the cork and capsule. Top shoulder fill, bright ruby, brick rim. Exotic and floral notes over pure blueberries and figs. Fresh acidity, coffe and fuller palate, ripe tannins, elegant, long and cassis hint. Broadbent: 'Still being shipped in hogsheads to English wine merchants, some excellent Berry Bros' bottlings drinking beautifully at 30 years of age: rich, soft, earthy, completely rounded.' It continues to deliver at nearly 60. 94


1959 Château Cheval Blanc:
Mid shoulder fill. Deep ruby, orange rim. Nose feels unfocused, lacks a lot, feels tired and almost dry. On the other hand, the very last sip I had, seemed to have gained some fruit and had aquired some length. Either it was just my hope, or it would have needed a few hours of decanting. According to Broadbent '...deliciously lively...rich, glorious with perfect tannin and acidity.' , this one was never even close to that. Tired bottle.


1961 Château Cheval Blanc:
Top shoulder fill. Ruby, orange rim. Plums, warm fruit and exotic feel, some herbs. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, not as rich, opulent, complex, actually miles from my last bottle (TN glued in below for comparison). Even so. 92

1961 Chateau Cheval- Blanc;
Bottled by Kjær & Sommerfeldt, Copenhagen. Opaque, brick rim. Intens nose of mocca, chocolate, red plums, dried fruits, almost like mature Colheita Port, some dust and forest floor, fantastic intensity and complexity. Intense mouthfeel, fantastic acidity which is almost packed into the fruit, fantastic long finish, coctail berries and dark chocolate, lasts for minutes. Really powerfull wine. 98


1966 Château Cheval Blanc:
Bottom neck fill. Pale ruby, orange rim. Perfumed, floral and figs. Lacks that overwhelming nose and seductiveness of my last bottle. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, elegant, mouthwatering even so, fruit-driven and exotic finish. Broadbent: 'I have always preferred the 66 to the great 47 for though the latter is hugely impressive the 66 is the epitome of elegance. Apart from a cask sample in 67, with an understandable touch of greenness an tannins, evolving splendidly through the 80's, 5 star appearing several times......... This is what claret is all about. ***** '94


1971 Château Cheval Blanc:
Bottom neck fill. Pale ruby, brick rim. Tobacco, exotic, floral and perfumed. Nuanced. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, elegant if lean body, nose gives more than palate, good length. 91


1975 Château Cheval Blanc:
Bottom neck fill. Ruby, garnet rim. Pure blueberries, cassis, leather end exotic spices and flowers. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, nice body and balance, but lacks a bit of its regular excitement. Long, and maybe I'm hard with it. 92


1978 Château Cheval Blanc:
Bottom neck fill. Ruby, orange rim. Perfumed, floral, touch of bell peppers that will probably scare off a few fans, anise and fine leather. Slightly exotic, spiced figs. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, mouthwatering, elegant and fruit driven. Long. 94


1990 Château Cheval Blanc:
Bright ruby, garnet rim. Nose has everything one want's from Cheval, rich, exotic, spicy, perfumed and even some floral high-notes. Perfect body, fresh acidity, ripe tannins. Superb balance, complex and long. 98

1928-1990 Château Ausone, five vintages

1928 Château Ausone:
Estate bottled. (served blind) Top shoulder fill (told afterwards). Garnet with orange rim. Redcurrant's, leather, figs, light but very complex nose, Burgundian feel, but more complex than most Burgundies. Floral high-notes, fresh tobacco and cigars. Almost cedary, ads and ads with air. Fresh acidity, tannins gone, leanish body, more fruit and flavour intensity. Mouthwatering, body ads as well with air. Not the longest. Broadbent: 'By the early eighties it had lost a good deal of colour yet, despite of fungi on the nose, was fairly harmonious..... (In 1998) ....on the palate surprisingly full and rich with good length and acidity. Not my favorite '28, but, at best ***'. 95 (Oh, by the way, I was about 40 years off on this blind..... )


1955 Château Ausone:
Mid-shoulder fill, estate bottled. Bright ruby, brick rim. Coffee, heavy, rich, spicy and chocolaty nose with figs, prunes and licorice beneath. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fatter body and not quite as charming, but who am I to complain? Still a great wine, balanced and fairly elegant, long. Broadbent has no notes on this. 93


1961 Château Ausone:
Late château release 2007, fill one centimeter below cork, recorked in 2007 om release. Bright ruby, so pure, so young. Pure blueberries, Christmas spices, leather, you can forget yourself in this nose. Perfect palate, fresh acidity, ripe tannins, superb fruit, intensity is just perfection, meaning not to much, but enough to cover everything in silk and velvet. The balance is beyond, fantastic wine and absolutely amazing length. This is perfection. 100


1975 Château Ausone:
Top shoulder fill. Bright ruby, brick rim. Cherry stones, leather and figs. Leather and tobacco beneath. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, elegant body, surprisingly easy-going for the vintage. Broadbent in 1995: 'dried leaves simile- nose and taste, quite good length but tannic'. This one had more fruit than that and the tannins was polished into it, even if still there. 91


1990 Château Ausone:
Unfortunately badly corked. According to Broadbent starting with: 'Superb, highly impressive in April 1991. Only two more notes, the last at Penning-Rowsell's '10-year' first growth tasting, it was still an odd-man out. Now mature-looking; low-keyed, attractive bouquet; a soft, sweet entry, crisp, fragrant and a very dru 'autumnal' finish'. I haven't tasted any other bottles than this corked one, so I wouldn.t know.