24th of December

Mariage Frères Breakfast Earl Grey:

Elegantly scented and somewhat citrusy Earl Grey

Mariage Frères Thé au Tibet:

Floral, subdued, even silky black tea with a touch of orange blossoms. 

2007 Château Doisy Daëne:

Bright golden. Apricots, vanilla, some honey and minerals. Layered. Fresh acidity, rounded and nuanced, refreshing and elegant, rich yet transparent. Long. 93

Broadbent 10 Years Old Malmsey:

Amber with gold/ green rim. Nuts, figs and raisins. Heavy nose. Fresh acidity, sweet, rich, slightly burnt caramel, good length. 87

Harney & Sons Darjeeling:

Some herbs and ever so slightly spicy, fairly easygoing Darjeeling. Rounded.

Taylors of Harrogate Pai Mu Dan:

Light yet intense of grass and floral notes. 

1985 Château Langoa Barton:

In the neck fill. Ruby with garnet rim. Figs, prunes, some cassis, intense, layered and complex nose, seemingly at peak for my palate. Fresh acidity, some tannins still but just to make the framme avrround the fruit, refreshing and elegant, long finish. 93+

1966 Château Léoville Barton:

Low fill, low top shoulder, but good cork. Garnet with brick rim. Licorice, figs and leather. Quite light and more so than last bottle. Fresh acidity, hardly any tannins left, licorice and dried fruit palate with raspberry refreshing finish. Good length. 92

1999 Disznókö Tokaji Aszü 6 Puttonyos Kapi:

Pale amber with yellow green rim. Some nuts, raisins, dried apricots, orange marmalade and elegant honey. Superb nose. Fresh and lively acidity, refreshing, intense, yet light feel. Playful and vigorous, mouthwatering and very long. Way better than I remember it, fruitier, more nuanced and layered. 95