06 Ch Margaux and 06 Mouton Rothschild

2006 Château Margaux:

Ruby. Floral, cassis, vanilla, elegant and layered nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, needs air to open, gorgeous texture and structure, very together and refined feel, elegant and long finish. 94+

2006 Château Mouton Rothschild:

Ruby. Cassis and the typical exotic Mouton nose. Complex and layered. Some leather far back. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, very refreshing, velvety texture, the slight rawness of last bottle is almost gone, very long. 95

2010 Ch Le Bergey

2010 Château Le Bergey Cuvée la Côte:
Deep ruby. Fruity, easy going nose of blackberries, some spices and vanilla. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, elegant body, well made even if easy going Fronsac. Lovely everyday wine at €3,89. 82

Tertre Roteboeuf tasting

2004 Roc de Cambes:
Ruby with garnet rim. Fruit driven nose. Blueberries, minerals and plums. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, elegant body and texture, starting to come around. Long. 91

2004 Château Tertre Roteboeuf:
Deep ruby. Dark fruit, deep an layered feel on the nose, complex. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, refined feel, layered, starting to drink lovely at the moment, beautiful and long. 93

2009 Roc de Cambes:
Ruby. Intense, coffee, plums, blueberries and vanilla. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, elegant body even if rich and fruit forward. balanced and long. 92+

2009 Château Tertre Roteboeuf:
Deep ruby. Vanilla, more closed than the RC, deep and layered. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, rich and alcohol overtones on the palate, ripe blueberries finish, very long. 93

2010 Roc de Cambes:
Deep ruby. Coffee, chocolate, rich nose. Minerals, flowers and dark berries. Complex and layered. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, powerful body but manages to stay elegant and balanced. Very long and fruity finish. 93

2010 Château Tertre Roteboeuf:
Deep ruby. Deep and fruity nose, somewhat shut now, but blueberries and spices shines through. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, like a barrel sample still, very young. Incredible aftertaste, very long. 95+

2011 Domaine deu Cambes:
Deep ruby. Scented, violets, blueberries, some minerals. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, savory and long finish. 91

2011 Roc de Cambes:
Deep ruby. Black- and blueberries, elegant and rich nose, vanilla, some coffee and chocolate. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, refreshing and fruity, long finish. 92

2011 Château Tertre Roteboeuf:
Deep ruby. Coffee, blueberries, layered, roses, and minerals beneath dark fruit. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, lovely fruit, pure feel, refreshing and long. 94

07, 08 and 09 Angelus

2007 Château Angelus:
Ruby. Spicy blackberries, elegant nose, slightly floral. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, smooth and rounded, aproachable now. not that complex but long. 91

2008 Château Angelus:
Bright ruby. Fruit driven nose, blueberries, cassis, dark berries and spices. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, young still but no longer raw. Mouthwatering and a bit closed, intense and very long. 94

2009 Château Angelus:
Deep ruby. Fruit driven, dark berries, spices and exotic flowers. Rich palate, fresh acidity, ripe tannins, barrel notes are still a bit showy in the finish. Very long finish. Wait for ten years or more. 95

2009 DRC, the whole shebang

2009 Domaine de la Romanée-Conti Montrachet:
Btl 02264. Pale golden yellow. Rich nose, popcorn, butter, intense, flinty minerals, ripe lemons, scented. Rich palate, fresh acidity, lively, full bodied, more power than refinement, complex, extremelly long. 96

2009 Domaine de la Romanée-Conti Corton:
Btl 04672. Pale ruby, pinkish rim. Floral, pure strawberries and a whiff of herbs. Ever so slightly spicy. Minerals and some vanilla. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, pure and racy, lacks the Corton roughness. Elegant but a slightly biting texture far back that needs some polishing in the cellar. Long finish. 93

2009 Domaine de la Romanée-Conti Échézeaux:
Btl 10388. Bright ruby. Scented nose, whiff of roses over pure strawberries, a bit more compact style for É. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruit driven and fruit forward, almost Château Margaux like texture. Lacks a bit of nuances at this stage, long. 94

2009 Domaine de la Romanée-Conti Grands-Échézeaux:
Btl 07048. Bright ruby. Some herbs, spices, a whiff of jasmin over dark plums, ripe strawberries and vanilla. Scented. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, a bit grippy texture, extremelly young, again quite Bordeauxlike texture, long. 93

2009 Domaine de la Romanée-Conti Romanée-Saint-Vivant:
Btl 10061. Bright ruby. Vanilla, blueberries, spices, some red berries, some scented notes. Reminds me of the 07 Petrus. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, bites on the palate, raw even after four and a half overs of airing. Even so, quite mouthwatering, needs ten years in the cellar. 95

2009 Domaine de la Romanée-Conti Richebourg:
Btl 08674. Bright ruby. Touch of coffee and herbs over ripe and sweet strawberry notes. Vanilla and a whiff of spices, scented. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, elegant texture, more fruit driven than the 07 R, feels compact even if hardly compact beside a Zinfandel. Very long. 95

2009 Domaine de la Romanée-Conti La Tâche:
Btl 11971. Bright ruby. More intense and fruit driven nose. Strawberries and spices, scented, faint hint of lavender, vanilla and almonds. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, elegant and fruity, rich and long. 96

2009 Domaine de la Romanée-Conti Romanée-Conti:
Btl 03608. Bright ruby. Strawberries, blueberries, nuanced and pure youth. Incredibly flirting nose, subdued but scented with more air. Floral, richer style, and still feels shut. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, slightly raw texture, but again, hardly raw next to another raw wine. Extremelly pure, complex and refined. Needs ten years+. 98

3 Fritz Haag 2011

2011 Fritz Haag Brauneberger Juffer Sonnenuhr Riesling GG:
Watery yellow. Tight. Apples and minerals on the nose. Fresh acidity, lime and again tight, needs cellaring or thorough breathing. 90 for now.

2011 Fritz Haag Brauneberger Juffer Sonnenuhr Riesling Spätlese:
Pale lemon yellow. Apples, minerals and lime nose. Very apply. Fresh acidity, balanced and elegant, rounded, long. 90

2011 Fritz Haag Brauneberger Juffer Sonnenuhr Riesling Auslese:
Pale lemon yellow. Apples, minerals and some tropical notes. Fresh acidity, elegant an lovely balance, long. 91

89 Domaine de Chevalier and Suduiraut

2004 Vieux Château Gachet:
Ruby. Lean blueberries, herbs and some vanilla nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, leaner style but elegant body, good elngth. 85

1989 Domaine de Chevalier:
Ruby, garnet rim. Cassis, minerals, cherries and touch of figs. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, refreshing and a cool 89, long. 92

1989 Château Suduiraut:
Golden. Nuts, orange marmalade and apricots. Fresh acidity, elegant texture, some almonds and orange, long finish. More and more bottles feels fresher now, less heavy and bitter than before, seems to be comming around. 93

08 Royal Tokaji 5 putt.

2008 Royal Tokaji Blue Label 5 Puttonyos:
Pale amber orange. Nuts, sultanas and apricots, fruit driven. Fresh acidity, lively and playful, elegant, good length.

08 Château Cissac

2008 Château Cissac:
Ruby. Cassis and ever so slightly scented nose, vanilla and some minerals. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, medium fruit, slightly lean finish. Served a bit warm. 86

2007 Rodet Meursault

2007 Antonin Rodet Meursault:
Towards lemon yellow. Simple nose, some apples and slight minerality. Fresh acidity, thin mineraly body, feels boring and not what one expects from 07 Meursault. Could be an off bottle somehow, but can't feel any normal faults. It just lacks life. 84

09 Domaine des Cambes and more

Milan Cuvée Nico Widerberg Brut:
Pale lemon yellow with small bubbles. Fresh apples and minerals on the nose. Fresh acidity and light mousse, good length. Feels fresher and less yellow fruit sweet than last time I tasted it, new blend/ base wine? 88

2009 Pierre Morey Saint Aubin 1er Cru:
Pale lemon yellow. Apples, minerals and tight feel. Fresh acidity, elegant and lively, creamy palate and finish. 88

2010 Corsini Barbera d'Alba:
Bright ruby. Fresh and fruity, red berries nose. Nuansed. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, refreshing Barbera. 85

2009 Domaine des Cambes:
Ruby. Spicy nose, blueberries, a bit closed now. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, good length. 89

2007 Niepoort OJ Eikefjord Douro:
Bright ruby. Fruit driven and fresh nose. Straight forward. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, good length. 84

2010 Pieropan Valpolicella Superiore Don Pedro (Ruberpan):
Ruby. Pure nose of red and darker berries. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, refreshing and elegant, good length. 88

3 from Cune

2009 Cune Crianza:
Pale ruby. Some blueberries and plums, ripe fruit. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, OK length. 83

2008 Cune Reserva:
Pale ruby. Blueberries and somewhat unripe cherries. Fruity but a bit hard on the oak. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, quite lively. 86

2004 Cune Gran Reserva:
Bright ruby. Blueberries and slightly scented nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity palate that ends up dry and oaky. 86

1928 Ch Margaux

1928 Château Margaux: 
Sjatteringer av rødbrunt, det utspilles små toner og nyanser, som glinser likt fargespekteret i stavene på merbauparkett. Tobakk og lær, lukter fra ett herreværelse. En herre som spaserer rolig nedover Karl Johan i bespoke fra Savile Row, detaljene synes bare for de som vet, for de som vet hva de skal se etter. Man kan bare så vidt ane det hele bak kamelhårsfrakken. På bena, Lobb, den sarte og allikevel intense duften av edelt lær, sålene som er litt glatte, så man må tre varsomt, men bestemt. Han er blitt grå i håret, etter over åtti år i flasken. Sedertre fra sigarkassen som ble lukket på vei ut døren henger fortsatt igjen, samt en lett og fin støvete duft av leste bøker. Sitrustonene minner om en lunch under blomstrende appelsintrær ved Middelhavets kyst, kanskje en gang på femtitallet. Duften henger mer igjen som ett minne over av hva som var, enn hva som kommer. Ett glemt måltid, en glemt opplevelse, over en kopp te, kanskje plukket en gang da England fremdeles var ett stort imperie. Blomsterduftene bringer en heller til en frodig engelsk hage enn til indiske høylandssletter i grønt, der de bølger opp og ned åssidene som fremmede organismer i et styrt mønster. Men her er noe feminint også. Kanskje er det minnet om kirsebærets fødsel, som en rosa drøm over hodet på en beskjeden geisha, i fargesprakende kimono. Som den gamle mannen tar hun korte skritt, tripper avgårde, på høye såler, som om hun egentlig skulle ønske hun kunne fly over bakken. Og det er nettopp hva syren gjør. Den flyr, på denne trippende og beskjedne måten. Den tripper over tungen, med en kurv av aromaer, som båret frem av denne geishaen. Silkekimonoen blir til tekstur. Nesten som en vakkert arrangert teaterforestilling kommer forskjellige bilder og visjoner på scenen, forskjellige historier utspiller seg. Og det er en lang forestilling, det fortsetter og fortsetter. Geishaen blir mer og mer modig, viser frem mer og mer. Mannen begynner å huske lunchen han også. Detaljene kommer. Det måtte bare luft til. Oksygen. For å vekke opp alt som har ligget der, i skuffer og bokhyller i alle disse årene. Det blåses støv av, og bringes frem i lyset. Denne ene gangen skal det vises frem. Så aldri mer. Ingen er lik deg, her og nå. Takk for at vi fikk treffes. 98

06 and 03 Suduiraut

2006 Château Suduiraut:
Pale golden. Elegant, peach and apricots, pineapples and very fresh. Fresh acidity, lovely texture, almost creamy, fresh and long. 92

2003 Château Suduiraut:
Golden. Orange marmalade, apricots, touch of beeswax and some caramel notes. Good acidity and fresher than many in this vintage, honey, rich, exotic and very long finish. 94

2011 Von Hövel Scharzhofberg Riesling Kabinett

2011 Von Hövel Scharzhofberg Riesling Kabinett:
Pale lemon yellow. Felt like lots of sulphur on the nose that luckilly blew away quickly in decanter. Apples, subdued minerals and lemons. Fresh acidity, balanced and nice fruit but lacks the refinement and vigour of the 2010. Good length. 86

2010 SHL blanc. 2010 and 98 SHL rouge and 06 Yquem

2010 Château Smith Haut Lafitte blanc:
Pale lemon yellow. Fresh citrus and minerals nose, buttery and a touch tropical and apricots. Fresh acidity, more open than last bottle, even if just opened and poured in the glass. Refreshing, balanced and long. 93

2010 Château Smith Haut Lafitte rouge:
Deep ruby. Scented over dark berries, minerals, licorice and vanilla. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, elegant fruit and minerals beneath. Some herbs in the finish, long. 93+ 

1998 Château Smith Haut Lafitte rouge:
Ruby with garnet rim. This wine has become a favorite as it's developing nicely, even if fairly mature for the vintage. 98 is excellent for red Pessac and this starting figs, minerals, tobacco and graphite red is another lovely example. Fresh acidity, tannins starting to let go, refreshing and lovely. 92

2006 Château d'Yquem:
Golden. Just a week since last bottle, this feeling slightly more delicate maybe. Apricots, pineapples, touch of vanilla and exotic fruits. Fresh acidity, refined and playful, long. 94

07 Marques de Riscal and 08 Mas La Plana

2007 Marques de Riscal Reserva:
Bright ruby. Slightly herbal and oak over blueberries. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, has the vintage's hallmark of leanness. 86

2008 Torres Mas La Plana:
Deep ruby. Oak, mint and blueberries. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, oaky finish. 85 

Excellent Lefflaive & Associés Charmes-Chambertin and somewhat dissapointing Cascina Francia

2011 Leitz Rüdesheimer Berg Roseneck Riesling Spätlese:
Watery lemon. Easy going apples and citrus nose. Fresh acidity, again apples and citrus, plain and forward. 81

2011 Leitz Rüdesheimer Berg Kaisersteinfels Riesling Edition Doris:
Watery lemon. Apples and light minerality. Fresh acidity, light and easy on it's feet, some length. 84

2010 Leflaive & Associés Rully 1er Cru:
Pale lemon yellow. Apples, light minerality, fresh nose. Fresh acidity, elegant fruit and body, somewhat creamy texture, good length. 86

2010 Marc Morey Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru Les Vergers:
Pale lemon yellow. Apples, minerals and some nuts. Fresh acidity, lean, or rather focused and mineraly, good length. 88

2010 Marc Morey Chassagne-Montrachet 1er cru en Virondot:
Pale lemon yellow. Minerals, apples, barrel notes and some lemons. Fresh acidity, lively, focused, citrusy finish. 88

2009 Hirsch Vineyards San Andreas Fault Pinot Noir:
Bright ruby. Pinot nose, a bit sweet and ripe, cinamon. Fresh acidity, cooler and somewhat herbal palate, good length. 87

2010 Leflaive & Associés Charmes-Chambertin:
Pale ruby. Strawberries, somewhat spicy, pure and elegant nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, lively and elegant palate. Slightly oaky finish. 93

2010 Château de France:
Ruby. Some bell peppers, cassis and Pessac minerals. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, balanced and good length. 86

2005 Giacomo Conterno Barolo Cascina Francia:
(Magnum) Bright ruby, garnet rim. Leather, blueberries, jam of cherries. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, tight and needs air. Dissapointingly short. 89

2000 Château Verdignan

2000 Château Verdignan:
Ruby, garnet rim. Maturing nose, cassis and starting figs. Some vanilla. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, easy and OK length. Not that bad from an often drab property. 83

Two from Keller

2011 Keller Riesling Von der Fels:
Pale lemon yellow. Aplles, touch of minerals, yellow fruits and ripe lemons. Fresh acidity, balanced, easy going and very integrated. Good length. 87

2011 Keller Riesling RR:
Pale lemon yellow. Somewhat scented, apples and minerals on the nose. Maybe some orange blossoms. Fresh acidity, elegant fruit, lovely balance, a bit short. 90

2010 Louis Michel Montée de Tonnerre

2010 Louis Michel Chablis 1er Cru Montée de Tonnerre:
Pale lemon yellow. Chalck and yellow fruits on the nose. Fresh acidity, fruity and less "austere" and "hollow" than some, more balance of fruit. Good length. 88

08 Laville HB, 07 La Mission HB and 07 Haut-Brion

2008 Château Laville Haut-Brion:
Only about 6000 bottles made. If I remember correctly, the last vintage before changing the name to La Mission Haut-Brion blanc. Pale lemon yellow. Lemons, grapefruit, minerals, floral, vanilla, intense and layered. Fresh acidity, superb texture, almost creamy with lemon acidity playing and making it fresh and lively. Mouthwatering. Gorgeous wine, superb length. 96

2007 Château La Mission Haut-Brion:
Deep ruby. Vanilla, cassis, layered, fairly intense, spicy, smoky minerals, almost floral. Have come around since last bottle. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, savory and mouthwatering. Superb texture, very refreshing and long. 94

2007 Château Haut-Brion:
Deep ruby. Layered, nuanced, floral and scented, touch of cedar. Very subdued minerals, refined. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, savory, again refreshing and mouthwatering. Superb texture and structure, more seductive than La Mission, refined, lively and very long. 94

V.Girardin Corton-Charlemagne, de Montille and more

2009 Vincent Girardin Corton-Charlemagne:
Pale lemon yellow. Rich nose, floral, yellow fruits and minerals. Fresh acidity, elegant texture, creamy and a ripe feel to it, a bit short. 89

2010 Pavelot Savigny-les-Beaune:
Pale rubt. Some unripe strawberries and slightly leafy. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, slightly green, OK length. 85

2010 Domaine Duroché Gevrey-Chambertin En Champ:
Pale ruby. Somewhat scented, red berries nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, soft and fairly elegant. Good length. 88

2009 de Montille Beaune 1er cru Les Perrières:
Bright ruby. Plums and ripe strawberries. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, rounded and fruity, nice length. 87

2009 de Montille Beaune 1er Cru Les Grèves:
Bright ruby. Strawberries and slightly scented. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, rounded body and texture, good length. 88

2009 de Montille Nuits-Saint-Georges 1er Cru Aux Thorey:
Bright ruby. Strawberries, scented, ever so slightly herbal. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, rounded, elegant and long. 90

2010 Ch. Bois-Martin

2010 Château Bois-Martin:
Ruby, thin pink rim. Cassis, licorise and some minerals on the nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity and balanced, graphite on the finish. 86

06 and 07 Climens, 2010 Beaucastel and more

2011 Wittmann Morstein Riesling GG:
Pale lemon yellow. Apples, lightly scented and yellow plums. Fresh acidity, elegant body, somewhat bitter touch, good length. 89

2011 Wittmann Kirchspiel Riesling GG:
Pale lemon yellow. Apples, minerals, somewhat floral. Fresh acidity, elegant body, fruit driven. Good length. 89

2010 Gonon Saint-Joseph: 
Deep ruby. Fruity and fresh nose with some herbs. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, a bit sweet but balanced, good length. 87

2010 Château de Beaucastel Châteauneuf-du-Pape:
Ruby. Herbs and dark berries, ripe and sweetish feel. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, sweetish and ripe palate, verging but lands on the better side. Long. 89

2006 Château Climens:
Golden. Apricots, honey, butter, plums and vanilla. Freshish acidity, rich, honey, long finish. 92

2007 Château Climens:
Golden. Apricot, some minerals and honey. Verging on fresh acidity, I've never been a fan of these 100% Semillon or close to it Sauternes or Barsac's, they acks the freshness that make some of them so thrilling. Long and creamy finish. 94

Blain-Gagnard, Sandrone, Croix de Beaucaillou and more

2010 Blain-Gagnard Chassagne-Montrachet:
Pale lemon yellow. Apples, butter, minerals and slightly floral. Fresh acidity, rich feel, creamy texture, good length. 88

2010 Blain-Gagnard Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru La Boudriotte:
Pale lemon yellow. Apples, flinty minerals and floral notes. Fresh acidity, rich, feels tight, almost smoky finish. Long. 91

2008 La Croix de Beaucaillou:
(2nd Ch Ducru-Beaucaillou) I have been told many times that this in the last vintages have been made from a separate plot of land, like the Clos du Marquis of Léoville Las Cases. But on the estates web-site, it's still explained as a second wine, made from younger plants and barrels not selected for the 'grand vin'. Ruby, floral, scented and cassis. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, a bit lean for a 08, feels fairly easy, balanced, good length. 87

2010 Pelissero Barbera d'Alba Piani:
Ruby. Fresh nose, red berries and scented. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity and good length. 85

2010 Sandrone Barbera d'Alba:
Ruby. Rich, fruity and up front nose. Freshish acidity, ripe tannins, lacks nuances. OK finish. 85

2009 Sandrone Nebbiolo d'Alba Valmaggiore:
Ruby. Again rich, up front and just fruit. Lacks nuances and refinement. 86

2004 Brovia Barolo:
Bright garnet, brick rim. Tar and roses nose. Fresh acidity, high level of tannins, leanish body and drying finish. 89

08 Bricco delle Viole, Champagnes and Robert Weil

Eric Rodez Blanc de Noirs:
Pale lemon yellow. Elegant and fruity nose. Minerals and apples. Fresh acidity, elegant mouuse, fruit and body, fruit driven but never excessive, good length. 88

Eric Rodez Cuvée des Grands Vintages Grand Cr Brut:
Pale lemon yellow, tiny bubbles. Apples, minerals and lightly scented. Fresh acidity, a bit flat mousse, good length, bitter finish. 89

Lilbert Cramant Blanc de Blancs Brut Grand Cru:
Pale lemon yellow. Tiny bubbles. Apples, minerals and some yellow fruits. Fresh acidity, lively and elegant, good length. 89

2011 Robert Weil Kiedrich Turmberg Riesling Trocken:
Pale lemon yellow. Apples, minerals, fruity nose. Fresh acidity, lovely balance, subdued, long and refreshing. 89

2011 Robert Weil Kiedrich Gräfenberg Riesling EG:
Pale lemon yellow. Tight nose, apples, lime, minerals, subdued and holds on to it's secrets. Fresh acidity, elegant and lively. Long. 90 for now.

2011 Wagner-Stempel Heerkretz Riesling GG:
Pale lemon yellow. Scented, apples, rose hips and yellow plums. Fresh acidity, fruity, good length. 88

2010 Vajra Barbera d'Alba:
Ruby. Scented and red berries. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, nice fruit and body, good length. 85

2008 Vajra Barolo Bricco delle Viole:
Bright ruby. Floral, scented, tar and roses. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, very refreshing. Used to be a favorite but haven't tasted one in years. Long. 91

Champagne, Beaujolais, Volnay, Pommard and NSG

André Jacqurt Brut Experience:
Pale lemon yellow. Apples, minerals, touch of yeast, a bit up front nose. Yellow fruits. Fresh acidity, eleagnt mousse, yellow fruits. Long. 89

André Jacquart Mesnil Experience Brut:
Pale yellow lemon, tiny bubbles. Minerals, apples, focused and fresh, some yeast. High acidity, elegant and refreshing mousse, very mineraly and unripe apples on the palate. Long. 91

2011 Foillard Morgon:
Pale ruby. Strawberries nose. Fresh acidity, ever so slightly green, nice finish. 84

2011 Foillard Morgon Corcelettes: 
Pale ruby. Scented raspberries nose. Fresh acidity, elegant if ever so slightly edgy texture. 2010 was rounder. Good length. 86

2009 Domaine Lafarge Bourgogne Pinot Noir:
Pale ruby. Slightly leafy and dusty nose. Fresh acidity, easy going, ripe tannins, short. 83

2009 Domaine Lafarge Volnay Vendanges Sélectionées:
Pale ruby. Red berries and touch of vanilla. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, leanish but good fruit and length. 87

2009 Domaine Lafarge Volnay 1er Cru Clos de Chênes:
Pale ruby. Scented and red berries nose. Layered. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, elegant fruit, a bit lean, classic feel. 89

2010 Domaine Chassornay Volnay 1er Cru Les Lurets:
Pale ruby. Again flirting, somewhat scented and red berries. Second time I try this, a lovely new relationship. 88

2010 Domaine Chassornay Pommard 1er cru Pezzerolles:
Pale ruby. Somewhat more fruit, red berries and scented. Slightly 'heavier' and floral touch. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, lovely finish. 89

2010 Frédéric Cossard Nuits-Saint-Georges Les Damodes:
Pale ruby. Flirting nose, red berries, scented and elegant. Slightly prickly palate, fresh acidity, ripe tannins, tender and elegant feel for NSG. 88

2010 Joseph Drouhin Santenay

2010 Joseph Drouhin Santenay:
Bright garnet. Somewhat scented and red berries. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, good length. 85

08 Catena Argentino

2008 Catena Zapata Malbec Argentino:
Deep ruby. Scented, rich, dark berries. Freshish acidity, ripe tannins, alcohols shows too well, sweet finish. 85

3 from Ridge

2010 Ridge Estate Chardonnay:
Pale golden. Apples, and butter. Fresh acidity, ronded palate, creamy and rich, but balanced. Good length. 88

2010 Ridge Geyserville:
Ruby. Rich and up front nose. Some herbs and rich dark fruits. Rich body and sweet palate, lazy acidity, good length. 86

2009 Ridge Monte Bello:
Deep ruby. Intense, layered nose, complex, licorice and blueberries. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, sweet and ripe feel now, wait ten years plus. 92

3 from Van Volxem (2011)

2011 Van Volxem Alte Reben Riesling:
Pale watery lemon. Apples, minerals and grapefruit. Fresh acidity, minerals and a yeasty feel. Good length. 88

2011 Van Volxem Goldberg Riesling Erste Lage:
Watery lemon. Apples, minerals and floral notes. Elegant nose. Fresh acidity, minerals, elegant and a bit rich. 90

2011 Van Volxem Scharzhofberger Riesling Erste Lage:
Watery lemon. Apples, minerals, grapefruit, focused and somewhat tight nose. Fresh acidity, playful and again focused palate. Long. 92

Mount Veeder and Paso Creek

2009 Paso Creek Cabernet Sauvignon:
Deepr ruby. Rich and up front. Medium acidity, fruity and rounded, rich. 84

2009 Mount Veeder Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon:
Ruby. Scented, cassis, very fruity. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, spicy and up front. One feels the 14,5 alcohol in the back. 86

2006 Mount Veeder Napa Valley Reserve:
Ruby. Scented, cassis, bell peppers, rich and opulent. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, sweet and alcoholic finish. 87 if I'm kind.

3 from Ravenswood

2009 Ravenswood Dickerson Zinfandel:
800 cs made. Ruby. Vanilla, mint and dark berries, very up front. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, sweet but not over powering even at 14,5%, good length. 85

2008 Ravenswood Old Hill Zinfandel:
600 cs made. Ruby. Vanilla, spices and dark berries. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, soft and forward, almost manages to hide it's 15%, but sweet. 87

2008 Ravenswood Icon:
Ruby. Sweet nose, up front and in your face. Dark berries and alcohol on the nose (15%). Freshish acidity, very ripe tannins, sweet and fruity. 87

Four dry Rieslings from Kesseler

2011 Kesseler Lorcher Schlossberg Riesling Spätlese trocken:
Pale lemon yellow. Apples, touch of lemon and raspberries. Fresh acidity, elegant, very apply, lime finish. 88

2011 Kesseler Rüdesheimer Berg Schlossberg Riesling spätlese Trocken:
Pale lemon yellow. Apples and nuanced, elegant and refined nose. Fresh acidity, elegant, lively and playful palate,refreshing finish. 91

2011 Kesseler Rüdesheimer Berg Roseneck Riesling Spätlese trocken:
Pale lemon yellow. Apples and slightly scented nose. Fresh acidity, rounded palate, elegant and refreshing, good length. 89

2010 Kesseler Rüdesheimer Berg Roseneck Riesling EG:
Pale lemon yellow. Apples, scented, roses and elegant minerality. Fresh acidity, lively and playful, lovely balance, refined and long. 92

3 from Landgraf

2010 Landgraf Saulheimer Hölle Riesling Trocken:
Pale lemon yellow. Apples, almost chalky minerals. Fresh acidity, elegant and lovely balance. Good length. 89

2011 Landgraf Riesling Spätlese:
Pale lemon yellow. Fruit driven with apples and minerals. Somewhat floral. Fresh acidity, sweet and fruity, refreshing. Easy. 85

2011 Landgraf Saulheimer Hölle Riesling Auslese:
Pale lemon yellow. Apples, touch of orange and minerals. Fresh acidity, playfyl but a bit short. 87

1992 Molitor GH Spätlese trocken

1992 Markus Molitor Graacher Himmelreich Riesling Spätlese Trocken:
(demi) Pale golden. Some apples, yellow plums and stone of fruit. Tight and focused. Fresh acidity, lovely balance, long. Directly from the estate. 92

Four Champagnes

Möet & Chandon Imperial Brut Rosé:
Pale pink. Fresh and red berry notes on the nose. Fresh acidity, leanish body, good mousse, somewhat bitter finish, good length. 85

Veuve Clicquot Brut Rosé:
Pale pink. Apples and some minerals, subdued nose. Fresh acidity, more nuanced, quite elegant fruit and mousse, fresh finish. 87

2004 Moet & Chandon Grand Vintage:
Pale lemon yellow, small bubbles. Autolyses, apples and some yellow plums and minerals. Fresh acidity, elegant mousse, good length. 89

2003 Dom Perignon:
Pale lemon yellow, tiny bubbles. Fresher and cooler feel than last bottle, feels livelier and more nuanced. Apples and minerals more than yellow fruits. Fresh acidity, elegant mousse, slightly edgy and not feeling quite together and complete. 89 

2011 Gaia Thalassitis

2011 Gaia Assyrtiko Thalassitis:
Pale lemon yellow. Fresh nose of volcanic minerals and apples. Touch of lime. Fresh acidity, rounded and rounder than 2010, good length. 86

2010 Villeneuve Ch du Pape and La Ca Nova barbaresco

2010 Domaine Villeneuve Châteauneuf-du-Pape:
(Magnum) Deep ruby. Rich and sweet nose. Fresh acidity, ripe and smooth tannins, sweet but balanced, good length. 85

2010 La Ca Nova Barbera d'Alba:
Ruby. Fresh nose, blueberries and raspberries. Fresh acidity, ripe berries palate, easy and refreshing. 85

2006 La Ca Nova Barbaresco Montefico Bric Mentina:
Bright ruby. Floral, scented, cherries, roses and tar. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, good length. 88

86 Musar blanc and lovely Gevrey.

2010 Taupenot-Merme Saint Romain blanc:
Pale lemon yellow. Fresh nose, apples and lemons, very refreshing. Elegant acidity, fresh palate, good length. 86

1986 Château Musar blanc:
Towards golden. Touch of apricots, minerals, yellow plums and stone from fruit. A bit lazy acidity, some bitterness and wax on the palate, creamy. Long finish. 89

2011 Jean Paul Brun Fleurie:
Bright ruby. Lightly scented and red berries nose. Fresh acidity, elegant fruit, easy, good length. 85

2010 Castello del Trebbio Anfora Sangiovese:
Brigth ruby. Earthy and terracotta over lovely cherries and licorice. Scented behind. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, good length but drying finish. 87

2010 Taupenot-Merme Gevrey-Chambertin:
Bright ruby. Scented over red berries. Sweetish and lively palate, strawberries and cinamon. Refreshing finish. 88-89

Another Aussie surprise

Not only the wines from "Some young punk's" have surprised with their freshness, yesterday Innocent Bystander did the same. Well, not the Syrah.

2011 Innocent Bystander Chardonnay:
Pale lemon yellow. Apples and ripe, sweet gooseberries. Fresh acidity, elegant body, somewhat creamy, good length. 85

2011 Innocent Bystander Pinot Noir:
Pale ruby. Slightly sweet and ripe, but elegant fruit. Fresh acidity, few tannins, refreshing and good length. 86

2010 Innocent Bystander Syrah:
Ruby. Intense spicy and peppery nose. Sweet and alcoholic palate. 78

Champagne from Marie-Courtin

2008 Marie-Courtin Éloquence Blanc de Blanc:
Only about 600 bottles made. Pale lemon yellow, tiny bubbles. Yeast and sweetish yellow fruits and apples on the nose. Fresh acidity, tight and focused mousse, tight palate as well, long. 90

2007 Marie-Courtin Efflorescence Pinot Noir Extra Brut:
About 5000 bottles made. Pale lemon yellow, tiny bubbles. Apples, floral and slightly scented. Fresh acidity, lazy mousse. More aspiring fruit and body, good length. 88

08 Bonnet Resérve

2008 Château Bonnet Resérve;
Bright ruby. Cassis, vanilla, touch of herbs. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, elegant body, balanced and good length. 84

76 Latour, 90 de Fargues, 89 Cos, 02 Rousseau, 08 Coche and more

Jacques Selosse Initial Grand Cru Blanc de Blanc:

Deg 02 June 2010. Pale golden, tiny bubbles. Intense nose, apples, yeasty, minerals, heavy for BdB, dark fruit and coffee touch. Fresh acidity, rich but elegant mousse, wax and yellow plums. Creamy. 91

1976 Château La Lagune:

Ruby, brick rim. Coffee and somewhat dusty. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fresher palate, a bit short and astringent, bit still a lovely Claret. But in this company, most wines struggle. 86

1976 Château Latour:

Ruby, brick rim. Very tight. Cassis, leather giver little on the nose. Palate is fresh, almost lively acidity, ripe but highish tannins. Nuanced and a rich 76, a almost astringent acidity backbone that carries the flavours a long way. 93

1989 Château Cos d'Estournel:

Ruby, thin garnet rim. Scented nose. Spicy, cassis, tight and still open, exotic and Christmas spices. Up front a bit. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruit driven still, even if it feels dry and oaky in the finish still. Long but lean and oaky. 91

1993 J. Reynaud Pignan Châteauneuf du Pape:

Ruby, garnet rim. Sweet strawberries and a touch of licorice. Medicinal. Very

sweet nose. Fresh acidity, very ripe tannins, feels like lots of oak.  Dry and oaky finish. Sweet. 79

2005 Shafer Hillside Select:

Deep ruby, thin garnet rim. Scented, even if slightly alcoholic and sweet. Licorice, ripe morellos, touch of cassis. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, sweet and coffee with a touch of anise. Hollow and up front. 86

2003 Château Lafaurie Peyraguey:

Blind, nowhere close..... Golden with amber hue. Pineapple, botrytis, vanilla, slightly burnt and caramel. Fresh acidity, refreshing and almost yoghurtish acidity, refreshing but lean. Some caramel and apricots. Good length. 89

1990 Château Rieussec:

Blind. I wasn't even in Sauternes.... Heavy golden with orange hue. Up front nose of unripe apples and rose hips. Slightly volatile and caramel. Fresh acidity, lazyish acidity, burnt caramel, unpleasant finish. 88

1990 Château de Fargues:

Blind. I was on 89 or 90 Fargues or Yquem, even if it was a bit leaner. Golden, amber hue. Pineapples, apricots, vanilla, elegant fruit. Complex and layered. Fresh acidity even if rich. Nuanced. Very long. 94

2002 Armand Rousseau Clos de la Roche:

Bright ruby. Slightly herbal, somewhat unripe strawberries. If lean and fruity, it feels scented. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, leanish fruit, fragrant and slightly up front, but lacks complexity and refinement. Good length. 91

2002 Dominique Laurent Nuits-Saint-Georges 1 er Cru Les Chaignots:

Bright ruby. Raspberries, some vanilla, ever so slightly vanilla and mint. fresh acidity, ripe tannins, a bit lean and herbal, but also somewhat fruity. Good length. 89

2008 Coche-Dury Bourgogne Blanc:

Pale golden. Very ripe lemons, apples, some popcorn. Fresh acidity, lively and refreshing palate, not that complex but lovely. A charmer. 87

1945-1998 Las Cases, twenty vintages

An excellent evening of twenty vintages of Château Léoville Las Cases. Rarely have there been more bottles in excellent condition at a vertical tasting. The wines of the 70's although very good in many cases, seems to be of a different style with more acidity, a leaner and more cherries and sweet and sour style, than the very fruit forward and rounder style, of both the 60's and older, and again from 1982 and younger. The 1945 was not decanted, but should have been, for about half an hour. The 59 and 61 was briefly decanted and would both have liked 45 minutes to an hour. The 82 and 86 got four to five hours, and would not have been harmed by even more, and the same goes for the younger ones. The 94 was the only one that could actually have had less (about five hours). Wines tasted from old to young.


1998 Château Léoville Las Cases:

Deep ruby. Cassis, some coffee, leather. Complex and layered. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruit forward and up front now. Needs ten years to come around, feels very young. 92

1995 Château Léoville Las Cases:

Ruby. Scented, cassis, leather, some vanilla. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, balanced and ripe feel, fruity and long, way to young. Forget it for ten years or more. 93

1994 Château Léoville Las Cases:

Ruby. Young 94. Scented. Licorice, cassis. Vanilla and oak. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, oak up front and has problems to balance. Drying. 87

1990 Château Léoville Las Cases:

Ruby, thin garnet rim. Scented and quite up front. Licorice, cassis and a quite rich nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins,  a bit sweet, sweeter than 89. Lovely and long, but lacks a bit of nuance for me. Needs ten years to shed some fat. 93

1989 Château Léoville Las Cases:

In neck fill. Ruby, very thin garnet rim. Cassis, somewhat scented, ever so slightly gamey and a touch of licorice. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, warmer fruit and feels ripe. Touch of coffee and plum compot. Long. 94

1986 Château Léoville Las Cases:

In neck fill. Ruby. Scented, deep and intense. So youthful and more open than the last few bottles, but also more air. Five hours in decanter, and could still have more. Layered and nuanced, very refined. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, superb texture and structure, still very youthful, superb bottle and incredibly long. 99

1985 Château Léoville Las Cases:

Very top shoulder fill. Ruby, garnet rim. Layered, slightly spicy, cassis, leather, scented and very nuanced. Excellent nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, very long, if ever so slightly lean. 95

1983 Château Léoville Las Cases:

Very top shoulder fill. Deep ruby, garnet rim. Off bottle. Warm storage.

1982 Château Léoville Las Cases:

One cm below cork fill. Ruby, thin garnet rim. Fresh nose, very nuanced for 82, layered, some cassis, some cedar, some scented notes, floral, not that ripe, very complex. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, layered and nuanced, refreshing and mouthwatering. Lacks that heaviness of some, superb. Very long. A stunning 82. 97

1981  Château Léoville Las Cases:

Top shoulder fill. Ruby, thin brick rim. Slightly scented nose. Flat palate, easy and short. 85

1979 Château Léoville Las Cases:

Lower top shoulder fill. Bright ruby, garnet rim. A bit dry and somewhat warm nose, slightly dusty. Fresh acidity and more fruity palate. Ripe and few tannins, not top bottle, but good enough. 89

1978 Château Léoville Las Cases:

Top shoulder fill. Ruby, garnet rim. Very tight, with air rose hips, leather, some bell peppers, almost spicy, pepper and cool blackcurrants. Fresh acidity, polished tannins, almost creamy, very fresh feel. Lovely bottle. Long. 92

1976 Château Léoville Las Cases:

Top shoulder fill. Ruby, garnet rim. Some bell peppers, blackcurrants, black tea, leather and cedar. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, lovely freshness, playful and elegant, some would say sour, but for me refreshing. Lovely and refreshing finish. 92

1975 Château Léoville Las Cases:

Bottom neck fill. Slightly corked.

1971 Château Léoville Las Cases:

Very top shoulder fill. Ruby, thin brick rim. Some cassis,  vanilla and butter scotch.  Way more fragrant and scented after an hour. Fresh acidity, lively and ripe tannins. Fruit leaves the acidity halfway and even if quite lovely palate, it's to short. Lovely while it lasts.89

1966 Château Léoville Las Cases:

Bottom neck fill. Ruby, thin garnet rim. Cedar, almost "rough" cassis, tea and asparagus. Fuller with even more air. Fresh acidity, tannins polishes off, somewhat sweet and sour, long. More scented and rounder after an hour. 93

1961 Château Léoville Las Cases:

Very top shoulder fill. Bright ruby, thin orange rim. Extremelly closed, even after an hour in decanter, it's tight. Like last excellent bottle, surprisingly youthful. Etheral, somewhat minty and cool, cassis, touch of prunes, leather. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, elegant and still youthful, layered palate, very long. 97

1959 Château Léoville Las Cases:

Top shoulder fill. Bright ruby, thin orange rim. Rich, cassis, cedar, leather, touch of sweet tobacco. Floral and scented. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, mellow but rich, lovely palate. Very refreshing and long. 98

1955 Château Léoville Las Cases:

Danish bottling (Carl Reffs) Mid shoulder fill. Ruby with orange rim. Prunes, somewhat scented, some dust. Lovely acidity, somewhat maderized on the palate, lacks some fruit, dries a bit. Better than last bottle. 84

1945 Château Léoville Las Cases:

Mid shoulder fill. Bright ruby, thin orange rim. Stunning nose, scented, layered, somewhat rich. Subdued yet intense, floral, cedar, superb. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, mellow and polished, but still there, the slightly warm and sweet fruit of the vintage is somewhat subdued. Extreme length. 98

 

Leroy, Rousseau, Potel and Trotanoy

2004 Maison Leroy Puligny-Montrachet:

Pale golden. Touch of nuts and butter over apples, subdued minerals. Fresh acidity, elegant, rounded Puligny, maybe it lacks a bit of personality, but a very fine village. Not a touch of premox. Long. 90

2008 Armand Rousseau Mazy- Chambertin:

Bright ruby. Scented, layered nose, redcurrants, raspberries and slightly unripe wild strawberries. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, a bit lean body, refreshing but a bit green and somewhat unripe. This from Riedel Vinum Burgundy. In Riedel Sommelier Burgundy it's extremelly scented, almost like Christmas tea, cinamon, rounder yes, but lacks the nuances, and still has that slightly green touch. In Riedel Vinum Riesling it's less scented, more on somewhat unripe red berries and tighter palate. It was as long from all glasses, but fuller from the two first ones mentioned. 94

1989 Nicolas Potel Clos de la Roche:

Ruby brick rim. Earthy first, getting more fruity and strawberries with air. After an hour in decanter it opens up more and more. In Riedel Vinum Riesling it's a bit tight, but focused and fresh, verging on acidic. In Riedel Vinum Burgundy, again rounder and more scented, even floral. Acidity is more balanced and the wine feels more rounded and much more pleasant. Maybe even longer, something I didn't find on the Rousseau. Riedel Sommelier Burgundy and the aromas almost dissapears, but even rounder on the palate. On both wines, I find that the nuances and some of the complexity is lost for a roundness in the bigger glass. 96

1988 Château Trotanoy:

Very earthy and almost dusty first. After two hours in decanter a totally different ballgame. Truffles, blueberries, cedar and leather. Sos bois and anise. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, refreshing and elegant fruit, towards seductive, layered and complex. Long finish. 95

5 from Ogier

2010 Ogier Châteauneuf du Pape Clos de l'Oratoire blanc:

Pale golden. Rich nose, ripe, some wax and grapefruit. Fresh acidity for white Ch.neuf, straightforward texture and structure, balanced, if a bit warm. Good length. 87

2009 Ogier Crôzes-Hermitage Comte de Raybois:

Deep ruby. Some herbal notes over blackberries, game and some spices. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruit forward, good length. 85

2010 Ogier Saint Joseph Duc de Caderousse:

Ruby. Berries, raspberries and redcurrants. Some stable and barnyard behind. Nettles. Freshish acidity, ripe tannins, fairly refreshing palate but seems a bit herbal and unripe somehow. 86

2010 Ogier Châteauneuf- du Pape Bois de Pied Redal:

Deep ruby. Rich and intense nose without being very complex. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fairly easygoing, a bit alcoholic finish. 86

2010 Ogier Châteauneuf- du Pape Clos de l'Oratoire Rouge:

Deep ruby. Scented and up front, again without being particularly complex. Some violets and licorice. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, sweet and easygoing fruit, again alcoholic finish. 87