Six from Jacques Prieur

2009 Jacques Prieur Beaune 1er Cru Champs-Pimont:

Pale lemon yellow. Fresh nose, lime, apples, minerals, nuanced. Fresh acidity, elegant palate, on the ripe side, long. 91

2010 Jacques Prieur Meursault Clos de Mazeray:

Pale lemon yellow. Lemons, minerals, nuanced and focused. Scented. Fresh acidity, lovely and refined palate, balanced, long finish. 92

2009 Jacques Prieur Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru Les Combettes:

Pale lemon yellow. Apples, minerals, nuanced but also richer style. Fresh acidity, elegant, playful and refined, long. 92+

2010 Jacques Prieur Volnay 1er Cru Santenots:

Bright ruby. Floral and slightly scented nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, elegant palate, long. 90

2009 Jacques Prieur Beaume 1er Cru Greves:

Ruby. Fruity, elegant and nuanced nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, elegant fruit but a bit short. 88

2008 Jacques Prieur Corton Bressandes:

Ruby. Scented, slightly of unripe raspberries and ever so slightly herbal. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, refreshing, elegant fruit, not that rustic, and less so on the palate than nose, long and nuanced. 93

08 Domaine des Perdrix Echézeaux and more

2010 Château de Chamirey Mercurey:

Bright ruby. Red berries nose. Fresh aciditym quite elegant fruit on the ripe side but a bit oaky finish. 86

2009 Château de Chamirey Mercurey 1er Cru Clos du Roi:

Bright ruby. Red berries and some vanilla nose. Freshish acidity, ripe tannins, fruity but slightly edgy finish. 87

2008 Domaine des Perdrix Nuits-Saint-Georges 1er Cru Aux Perdrix:

Bright ruby. Light nose, slightly scented and redcurrants. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fairly elegant fruit and body, quite long. 89

2008 Domaine de Perdrix Echézeaux:

Bright ruby. Scented, ripe strawberries, touch of pepper on the nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, elegant and nuanced, a bit biting oak on texture, hopefully it can ride it off, smoky finish. 91

3 Chablis from Domaine des Malandes

2011 Domaine des Malandes Chablis 1er Cru Vau de Vey:

Pale lemon yellow. Fresh nose, apples, minerals, nuanced. Fresh acidity, elegant, fruity palate, good length. 88

2011 Domaine des Malandes Chablis 1er Cru Mountmains:

Pale lemon yellow. Apples, minerals, focused and nuanced nose. Fresh acidity, playful, lively, even mouthwatering. 'Rich' minerals, rather intense. Long. 91

2011 Domaine des Malandes Chablis Grand Cru Les Clos:

Pale lemon yellow. Apples, and minerals nose. Fresh acidity, lively, playful, refined and nuanced, very elegant palate, long. 93

3 from Daniel Rion

2010 Daniel Rion Vosne-Romanée:

Ruby. Red berries, vanilla and oak on the nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity palate, good length. Give it two years to integrate the oak better. 89

2010 Daniel Rion Chambolle-Musigny Vielles Vignes:

Ruby. Scented and elegant fruit on the nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, elegant body and texture, good length. 90

2010 Daniel Rion Nuits-Saint-Georges Vaucrain:

Ruby. Some vanilla and red berries, scented. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, refreshing and fruity, a bit lean but not austere. Good length. 89

Four 2011's from Chablis Alain Geoffroy

2011 Alain Geoffroy Chablis 1er Cru Vau-Ligneau:

Towards lemon yellow. Apples, lemons, minerals, almost steely nose. Fresh acidity, elegant yellow fruit touch palate, good length. 89

2011 Alain Geoffroy Chablis 1er Cru Beauroy:

Towards lemon yellow. Apples, some minerals nose. Fresh acidity, elegant fruit and body, even if on the leaner side. 88

2011 Alain Geoffroy Chablis 1er Cru Fourchaume:

Pale lemon yellow. Tight, closed but nuanced. Fresh acidity, almost playful palate, elegant and fruity, long. 90

2011 Alain Geoffroy Chablis Grand Cru Les Clos:

Pale lemon yellow. Lemons, apples, minerals, subdued but elegant. Fresh acidity, almost smoky minerals on the palate, almost rich in fruit, still elegant and lively, long. 91

3 from Arnoux

2007 Arnoux Savigny-lès-Beaune:

Pale ruby. Some strawberries and easy going nose. fresh acidity, ripe tannins, a bit thin and edgy. 85

2009 Arnoux Beaune 1 er Cru en Genêt:

Ruby. Fairly fruity but a bit light nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity palate, easy going. 87

2011 Arnoux Aloxe Corton Les Chaillots:

Ruby. Herbal, and lean redcurrants nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, elegant fruit, good length. 88

09 Juillot Corton-Charlemagne

2009 Juillot Corton-Charlemagne:

Pale lemon yellow. Apples, minerals, slightly buttery but nuanced nose. Fresh acidity, fruity and some yellow fruits palate, long. 92

90 Comtesse de Lalande, 75 Meyney and more

2007 Château Carbonnieux Blanc:

Pale golden. Tropical, some apricots, minerals, a lovely youthfull bottle (some are premoxed). Fresh acidity, elegant body, fruity, slightly spicy, a first in this, a fruitier bottle, lovely length. 93

2008 Château Bouscaut Blanc:

Pale lemon yellow. Smoky minerals, yellow fruits, grapefruit and orange blossoms. Fresh acidity but feels a bit lazy, rounded body, smoky minerals with air on the palate as well. Long. 91

1989 Château d'Armailhac:

Ruby with garnet rim. Tobacco, licorice, cassis, leather and cedar, stunning nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity still but evolving. Elegant and slightly younger than last bottle (another bottle tasted beside it was more similar to last bottle), elegant and long. 92

1994 Château Croizet-Bages:

Dead.

1975 Château Meyney)

(magnum Served blind) Bright ruby, garnet rim. Floral, elegant nose, cassis, slight cedar, flirting, light tobacco, scented, lovely nose. Fresh acidity, few tannins, lovely fruit, elegant and long. I was on 78 Meyney. 90

1975 Château Cantenac Brown:

Ruby, garnet rim. Coffee, licorice. Smells more tired than last bottle. A bit lazy body, this one is Dying. 82 at best. 

2000 Château La Petite Eglise:

Deep ruby. Chocolate, sweet plums, some licorice. Medium acidity, ripe tannins, rich and full, last bottle was more nuanced and elegant. 86

1970 Château Cantenac Brown:

Ruby with brick rim. Licorice, some figs and dust. Not the best I've tried of this one, but all are plast it's prime. 84

1990 Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande:

(Served blind) Bright ruby, garnet rim. Elegant nose, pure red fruits, delicate, scented, ripe cassis and ripe redcurrants. Nuanced nose. Fresh acidity, ripe and now fewet tannins, lovely balance, elegant and again delicate palate. Very long. I was on 95 Comtesse and with answer in hand, more elegant and rounded than last bottle. 93

Two from Burgundy, two from Bordeaux

2010 Frédéric Esmonin Gevrey-Chambertin Vielles Vignes les Jouises:

Bright ruby. Flirting nose of strawberries, slightly scented and violets, some vanilla. Fresh and lively acidity, ripe tannins, excellent fruit, lively and playful, the bottle emptied rather too quickly. 90

2000 Château Lanessan:

Ruby. Scented nose of cassis, leather and herbs. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, a bit rough textured at the moment, hopefully it has the fruit to cope. Good length. 88

2008 Thibault Liger-Belair Hautes-Côtes de Nuits "La Cuvée de Villy"

Bright ruby. Strawberries, hint of oak and herbs nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, playful and fruity, if a bit on the lean side, good length. A lovely Hautes-Côtes. 87

2010 Château Feytit-Clinet:

Deep ruby. Somewhat sweet plums and plums nose with a touch of tea and vanilla. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, sweet and rich and slightly unbalanced alcohol that shows even more with air. 87

61 and 05 La Providence, 98 and 95 Clinet and 90 de Fargues

 
1961 Château La Providence:

Estate bottled, top shoulder fill. Earthy, leafy nose with rose hips far behind. Sharp acidity, has body and structure but very tired. 

2005 Château Providence:

The first vintage under Moueix if I remember correctly. Deep ruby, rich nose, blueberries, up front and fruity. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, rich and opulent, lacks refinement and complexity, good length. 89
First vintage under Moueix ownership. 2012 last vintage to be bottled under its own name, now part of La Fleur- Petrus. 

1998 Château Clinet:

Ruby. Flirting nose, blueberries, leather and licorice, very refreshing, scented and vanilla. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, mouthwatering, lively and refreshing. Decanted for a few hours and way more elegant than last bottle that wasn't. 93

1995 Château Clinet:

Deep ruby. Some leather, blueberries, deep and rich, some floral notes. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, elegant and fruity but also a bit one dimensional. Long. 92

1990 Château de Fargues:

Bright amber.nrich, almonds, caramel, apricots and butter scotch nose. Fresh acidity, sweet but balanced, rich style, not quite together at this stage, long. 90

06 and 08 GPL and more

2005 Château Mazeyres:

Deep ruby. Coffee, plums, deep feel, vanilla and mushroms. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, balanced and fruity, not too complex, drink soon. 85

2008 Lacoste-Borie:

Ruby. Scented and cassis nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, soft texture, elegant and rounded, easy going. 85

2005 Lacoste-Borie:

Ruby. Cassis, figs, some leather, maturing nicely. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, prunes and licorice palate, drinking beatifully now, and I would empty my stock soon, good length. 86

2008 Château Haut-Batailley:

Ruby. Slightly floral over cassis and some anise. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, refreshing palate, transparent and rounded, long. 90

2003 Château Haut-Batailley:

Ruby. Scented, intense licorice, cassis, figs and cinamon. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, evolved fruit, long and slightly lean and somewhat drying finish. Drink soon for me. 88

2008 Château Grand-Puy Lacoste:

Ruby. Cassis, some vanilla, whiff of raspberries. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, refreshing and starting to round off it's edges, long finish. 92

2006 Château Grand-Puy Lacoste:

Ruby. Cassis, vanilla, starting cedar and pencil shave. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, lovely texture and starting to come around, good length. 91

Gimonnet Cuis, Roc de Cambes, Alion and more

Pierre Gimonnet Cuis 1er Cru Brut Blanc de Blancs:

Pale lemon yellow, small bubbles. Apples, minerals, focused nose. Fresh acidity, elegant mousse, fresh and a bit tight palate, good length. 88

2010 Maison Roche de Bellene Saint Aubin 1er Cru Les Chatenières:

Pale lemon yellow. Apples, minerals and elegant nose. Fresh acidity, elegant body, on the rich and fruity side, good length. 87

2010 Maison Roche de Bellene Meursault Les Charron:

Towards lemon yellow. Apples, minerals and vanilla on the nose. Fresh acidity, elegant body, rounder first, then more lively finish, good length. 89

2010 Roc de Cambes:

Ruby. Fruity nose, cassis, a bit more in a ball now than earlier bottles, needs more air. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, a bit on the rich side, needs many years to settle, oak is a bit showy at this stage. Give it ten years plus in the cellar. 90

2008 Alion:

Ruby. Scented, blueberries and licorice. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, ripe fruity and long. Give it five plus years to settle or lots of air. 90

2008 Pintia:

Deep ruby. Rich and ripe nose, blueberries and the for me typical Pintia pine cones. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, rich and slightly sweet, long. 89

2009 Niepoort Late Bottles Vintage:

Ruby. Rich and fruity nose, nuanced. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, slightly riper feel than the 07, but manages to stay nuanced, long finish. 90+

Two Chablis and two Rieslings

2012 Domaine de Vauroux Chablis Cuvée Olivier:

Pale lemon yellow. Apples, some minerals, yellow fruit. Fresh acidity, a bit soft, good length. 84

2011 Pascal Bouchard Chablis Le Classique:

Pale lemon yellow. Apples, lime, crisp minerality. Flinty and almost metallic. Fresh acidity, lean and focused. Good length. 85+

2011 Reichsrat von Buhl Riesling Trocken:

Pale lemon yellow. Apples, lime and some minerals. Fresh acidity, elegant, lively, lovely balance, good length. 88

2011 Dr. Thanisch Müller-Burggraef  Bernkasteler Badstube Riesling Kabinett:

Pale lemon yellow. Apples, minerals, a bit ripe nose for Kabinett. Fresh acidity, good balance, easy going, a bit short. Not the best 2011 Kabinett. 86

Five Champagne's

Charles de Casanove Champagne Sec

Pale lemon yellow, small bubbles. Apples, some bread, touch of minerals. Freshish acidity, almost flabby mousse, good length. 82

Charles de Casanove Champagne Tradition Téte de Cuvée:

Pale lemon yellow, small bubbles. Apples, some minerals, yellow fruits. Fresh acidity, elegant but short mousse, a bit boring, straight forward. 85

Marcel Pierre Champagne Selection Brut

Pale lemon yellow, small bubbles. Apples, minerals, some yeast, almost steely. Fresh acidity, narrow mousse, easy but quite elegant. Not complex, straight forward, a bit short. 85

J.L.Vergnon Blanc de Blanc Grand Cru Le Mesnil Sur Oger:

Pale lemon yellow, small bubbles. Apples, lime, minerals, almost smoky. Fresh acidity, elegant mousse, refreshing, balanced, complex, focusedlovord length. 89

2006 Palmer Blanc de Blancs

Pale lemon yellow, tiny bubbles. Apples, minerals, yeast, nuts, elegant nose. Fresh acidity, elegant mousse, nice fruit and body, good length. 88

Two 08 Rioja's

2008 Paternina Crianza Banda Azul:

Ruby. Somewhat floral and scented, barrel notes blew off. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, vanilla palate. Short. 84

2008 Cune Reserva:

Ruby. Cherries, licorice and vanilla nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, slightly sweet, a bit short, dry finish. 84

01 Potensac and more

2010 Château Mondesir (Blaye)

Ruby. Scented, spicy, blueberries, and vanilla. Fresh acidity, biting tannins, rough, dusty finish. 80

2008 Château Brun:

Ruby. Spicy, blueberries and licorice. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, ripe but balanced, slightly leaner finish. 88

2001 Château Potensac:

Ruby. Deeper and fuller than last bottle (not decanted), needs air to open. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, elegant, refined, maturing nicely, getting ever better with air. 90

Four from Mikulski

2011 Francois Mikulski Bourgogne Chardonnay:

Pale lemon yellow. Apples, minerals, slightly flinty, slightly floral, lemony. Fresh acidity, somewhat creamy texture, light body, elegant and fairly nuanced. Good length. Lovely 87

2010 Francois Mikulski Meursault:

Pale lemon yellow. Apples, floral, nuanced, very pure feel, elegant minerals, refined. Fresh acidity, lively, again lovely nuance, almost creamy texture, but no butter. Playful mineraly and lemons finish. Long. 90

2008 Francois Mikulski Meursault 1er Cru Charmes:

Pale lemon yellow. Rounded, flinty minerals, again slightly floral, nuanced, ripe lemons and a touch of honey melon. Fresh acidity, somewhat fatter texture, refreshing, elegant, and again very nuanced palate, slightly rich and some butter and nuts behind. Long. 91 

2008 Francois Mikulski Volnay 1er Cru Santenots du Milieu:

Bright ruby. Red berries, slightly mineral touch and a touch of spices. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, elegant, pure and elegant fruit, quite open, feminine. Long. Not that complex, but as staten before, very pure. 90

These are wines that are very easy to oversee in a big tasting as they are very nuanced and elegant, more than rich and up front.

07 Petrus, 10 and 09 Pichon Baron, 10 Hosanna and more

2010 Château Providence:

Bright ruby. Floral, berries, elegant nose, transparent and layered. Lovely acidity, light feeted but also intense, raspberry freshness in the finish, long and elegant. 92

2010 Hosanna:

Deep ruby. Floral, Scented nose over blueberries. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, rounded and lovely texture, fuller body without being full, needs air to open. 93

2010 Château Pichon Longueville Baron:

Deep ruby. Vanilla and cassis, very up front on the nose, but things are happening behind. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, quite grippy texture now, needs years and years of cellaring. Forget for fifteen years. Lovely balance, long. 94 for now. 

2009 Château Pichon Longueville Baron:

Deep ruby. Intense nose of cassis, blueberries, plums and scented notes. Medium acidity, ripe tannins, a slightly sweet style, feels riper now than during primeurs, reminds me of the young 03 but more elegant, long finish. 93

2007 Château Petrus:

Ruby. Again this almost Burgundian elegance, blueberries, floral and scented nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, elegant and light texture, not far from 07 La Tâche not long ago, but more intense flavours, very long. More open like last bottle. 95

2006 Château Suduiraut:

Pale golden. Elegant peach, pineapples and apricots nose. Very fresh and pure. Fresh acidity, lovely texture, almost creamy, fresh and long. 92

2003 Château Suduiraut:

Golden. Orange marmalade, apricots, touch of bees wax, slightly caramelly. Good acidity, honey, rich and exotic, very long. 93+

Old tea and two Right Banks

(Sorry for the lack of pictures on recent postings, but my internett is too slow for me to bother uploading right now)

2008 La Gravette de Certan:

(2nd VCC) Deep ruby. Fruity, blueberries, vanilla and rounded nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, too young now, mut mellomspill with a few hours of air, good length. 88

2007 Mathilde delta Fleur Morange:

Deep ruby. Deep and fruitdriven nose. Blue- and blackberries nose, some spices and vanilla. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, verging on sweet, lively finish. 88

Yuen Neun Chi Tse Pin Cha (about 30 years old Puh Er)

Deep amber. Wet dirt and autumn leaves, slight touch of smok and green grass. Earthy and cellary palate, leafy, balanced and smoky. Rich and intense.

99 Potensac, 96 Clos du Marquis and 85 Las Cases

1999 Château Potensac:

Ruby. Spices, blackcurrants, a bit rustic, and lacks some of the nuances of other bottles. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, structured and long, needs time. 89

1996 Clos du Marquis:

Ruby, garnet rim. Seductive nose, floral, cassis, just starting figs behind, some leather. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, elegant fruit, savory and lively, very long. Lovely and charming. 92

1985 Château Léoville Las Cases:

Ruby. Cherry stones, figs, red- and blackcurrants, some herbs, bell peppers, leather and scented. Somewhat tighter and even younger than last bottle. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, refreshing, mouthwatering, raspberries touch, complex and layered, very long. 94+

3 from Gaja

2009 Gaja Promis:

Ruby. Dark fruits and red berries, refreshing and fruity nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, sweetish palate and finish. 88

2010 Gaja Sito Moresco:

Ruby. Fruity, some tar and roses, cassis. Freshish acidity, ripe tannins, balanced, not that complex, good length. 89

2008 Gaja Dagromis:

Ruby. Rich tar and roses nose. Fresh acidity, high of ripe tannins, slightly sweet and rich but balanced, long. 90

Up and comming Port and some Burgundies

2010 Samuel Billaud Chablis 1er Cru Montée de Tonnere:

Pale lemon yellow. Apples, minerals, a bit tight nose. Fresh acidity, elegant fruit and texture even if a bit ripe and yellow fruity, good length. 89

2006 Francois Bertheau Chambolle-Musigny 1erCru Les Charmes:

Bright ruby. Barrel notes and plums.fresh acidity. More elegant body, not as vulgar as another 06 1er Cru a few weeks back, good length. 88

2007 Mugnier Nuits-Saint-Georges 1er Cru Clos de laMaréchale:

Tasted this several times lately, this one decanted for about an hour, elegant ruby, scented nose, more open than last two bottles. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fresh, elegan and quite lively, one of the tighter 07's that needs a bit of air. 91+

2008 Claude Dugat Gevrey-Chambertin 1er Cru:

Ruby. Scented and fruity after an hour in decanter. Fresh acidity, lively, ripe tannins, elegant fruit, needs a few years to settle it seems, long. 92

2007 Conceito Vintage Port:

Deep ruby. Fruity and deep nose, chocolates, layered. Fresh acidity, lively, elegant, long and fairly playful Vintage Port. 93

2005 Conceito Vintage Port:

Deep ruby. Again deep fruity nose, fruitier than the 07, more full bodied. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, rich and layered, more power but lacks the elegance. 92

99 Fugue and Château Nenin

1999 Fugue de Nenin:

(2nd Ch.Nenin) Ruby. More mature nose than last bottle, prunes and plums nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, elegant and rounded, good length. 87

1999 Château Nenin:

Ruby. Floral and seductive nose, blueberries and some vanilla. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, elegant and mouthwatering, plums and blueberry finish, long. 90

Some inexpensive Bordeaux and 06 Doisy Daëne

2009 Château Lestage: (Listrac)

Ruby. Cassis, some vanilla, slightly scented nose. Some herbs. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, elegant, light bodied but fruity, quite lovely even if easy going. 85

2009 Château La Fleur Peilhan:

Deep ruby. Started out rich but fairly nuanced, with air, alcoholic and sweet, even bitter. Feels extracted (14%) and is simply too much for this one. Ungainly. Falls completely apart after ten minutes. Saint-Émilion Grand Cru, why on earth? 70

2010 Grand Cannon: (Canon Fronsac)

Ruby. Coffee, rich and ripe nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, somewhat unrefined and not very elegant. Canon Fronsac can do better. 83

2006 Pessac-Léognan de Latour-Martillac:

Ruby. Somewhat scented, graphite minerals, cassis and some cedar. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, refreshing, some would say maybe a bit lean and/ or austere touch, I find it lively. 86+

2008 Baron de Brane:

(2nd Ch.Brane-Cantenac) Ruby. A bit rough before decanting, then cassis, floral and vanilla. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, elegant fruit and body, quite lively, good length. 87

2008 Grand Cannon: Canon Fronsac

Ruby. Ripe and somewhat sweet blueberries, vanilla and jasmin nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, fairly fresh, good length. 84

2011 Berger Baron (Baron Philippe de Rothschild)

Ruby. Blueberries and slightly herbal. Freshish acidity, ripe and few tannins, very easy going. 78

2006 Château Doisy Daëne:

Golden. Apricots, pineapples, some vanilla, botrytis, pure feel and elegant. Fresh acidity, fruity and elegant palate, lively, lovely body and texture, long. 92+

1994 Yquem, 07 Gruaud Larose and more

2007 Schloss Schönborn Rüdesheim Riesling EG:

Pale lemon yellow. Apples, touch of minerals and citrus. Freshish acidity, sweetish style, good length. 86

Taittinger Brut Réserve:

Pale lemon yellow, small bubbles. Yeasty, minerals, some apples and lemons nose. Fresh acidity, towards creamy mousse and palate, fruity and minerals palate, good length. 89

2008 Château Laroque:

Ruby. Cassis, tighter than last bottle, some berries. Fresh acidity, tight tannins, fresh, lovely and a lovely Laroque. Wait a few years or decant it for an hour or two. 88

2006 Château Meyney:

Deep ruby. Cassis and blueberries, vanilla, coffee touch and chocolate. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, biting texture and very young. Needs many years or hours of decanting, the 06's are mostly too rough still, even at this level. 89

2001 Sarget de Gruaud Larose:

Ruby. Maturing nose, cherry stones, figs and cassis. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, a bit lean, drink soon. 87

2007 Château Gruaud Larose:

Ruby. Layered, complex, leather, cassis, bell peppers and vanilla. Fairly nuanced. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, mouthwatering, lean but lively, long. 89

2007 Château Lafaurie-Peyraguey:

Golden. Pure nose of apricots, pineapples, botrytis, vanilla and a touch of almonds. Fresh acidity, lively and elegant body, refined and creamy, lovely length. 92

1994 Château d'Yquem:

Deep golden. Apricots, pineapples, fruity nose, touch of botrytis. Fresh acidity, lively and elegant, not that complex but playful and elegant, long finish. 91

Six from Fritz Haag, mostly 2011's

2011 Fritz Haag Brauneberger Juffer Sonnenuhr Riesling GG:

Watery lemon yellow. Apples, lime and minerals. Fresh and high acidity, fruity and mineraly, long. 91

2011 Fritz Haag Brauneberger Riesling Kabinett:

Watery lemon yellow. Elegant apples and mineraly nose. Fresh acidity, elegant and lovely texture, slight floral note, good length. 87

2011 Fritz Haag Brauneberger Juffer Riesling Spätlese:

Pale lemon yellow. Apples, grapefruit, lime and minerals. Fresh acidity, elegant and balanced, good length. 89

2009 Fritz Haag Brauneberger Juffer Sonnenuhr Riesling Spätlese:

Pale lemon yellow. Yellow apples and minerals. Fresh acidity, almost mouthwatering and towards creamy aftertaste, long. 90

2011 Fritz Haag Brauneberger Juffer Sonnenuhr Riesling Auslese:

Pale lemon yellow. Apples, minerals, apricots and tropical fruits. Fresh acidity, playful and refreshing, elegant and long. 92

2011 Fritz Haag Brauneberger Juffer Sonnenuhr Riesling Auslese Goldkapsel:

Pale lemon yellow. Apples, minerals, apricots and some botrytis. Fresh acidity, elegant texture, rounded texture, sweet yellow fruit finish. 93

Rare Champagne, 2010 Montrose and more

2006 Moutard Arbane Brut Vielles Vignes:

About 1000 bottles made. Pale lemon yellow, tiny bubbles. Refined nose, apples, yeast, floral, quite elegant. Fresh acidity, sweetish attack, elegant mousse and fresher and more focused palate, long finish. 92

2010 Château Tronquoy-Lalande:

Deep ruby. Coffee, dark berries, floral, vanilla, deep nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, rich and fairly full, refreshing and long. 88

2010 La Dame de Montrose:

Deep ruby. Floral, cassis, spices, vanilla, layered nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, balanced, rich and still elegant, very long. 90

2010 Château Montrose:

Deep ruby. Superb nose, complex, cassis, has everything. Fresh acidity, high of ripe tannins, ripe fruit, superb texture, will evolve over the next thirty years plus. Very long. 95

Taylor's 20 Year old Tawny:

Amber with pink hue. Figs, dades, raisins and something tropical. Fresh acidity, balanced, fruity, long finish. 91

Lunch at Château Margaux

I thought I had published this already, but I haven't. I have only published on one of the wines that was served under this magnificent experience. During the harvest of the 2012 vintage, we had a private lunch in the courtyard of Château Margaux.

2009 Pavillon Rouge du Château Margaux:
Bright ruby. Floral, cassis, leather, layered and subdued nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, superb texture and structure, lovely balance, refined and long. 92

2009 Château Margaux: 
Ruby. Such layers, so seductive, so complex, refined, nuanced, has everything. Floral and scented. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, layered and such balance, feels perfect even if extremelly young. Complete and extreme length. 100

2011 Pavillon Blanc du Château Margaux:
Pale lemon yellow. Intense citrus, minerals, some vanilla. Very transparent feel. Layered. Fresh acidity, superb balance, refined and mouthwatering, superb length. 93

2004 Pavillon Rouge du Château Margaux:
Ruby. Cassis, bell peppers and scented. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, elegant palate, refreshing and elegant texture, savory and long. 90

1999 Château Margaux:
Ruby. Layered, scented, floral, cassis, leather, anise and again such an open and seductive nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, superb texture and structure, velvety, fresh and lively, long. Always a favorite of mine. 94

83 and 85 Laville Haut-Brion and stunning 82 Calon-Ségur

1985 Château Laville Haut-Brion:

Towards lemon yellow. Started out very smoky and grapefruity on stilts. Needed air to open and it's surprisingly youthful. With air the minerals came together, lovely nuance, superb citrus, tiny touch of apricots and vanilla. Layered nose. Fresh acidity, lively, very nuanced, the smoky minerals are more persistent. Almost as young as the 07 tasted a few months back. Extremelly long and nuanced. Another perfect bottle. Floral after an hour, so complex, nuanced and layered. A rare beaty. 98

1983 Château Laville Haut- Brion:

Pale golden. Beeswax, tropical, fatter than it's youngest brother, lychee, grapefruit, almost floral, sweet lilies. Fresh acidity, somewhat fuller body, camphor touch, rounded body and texture, intense and layered, two very different expressions, incredibly long. After 45 minutes, getting even more focused, my best bottle yet. 97

1982 Château Calon-Sègur:

Fill barely half a centimeter below cork. A bit shut and plummy, but after ten minutes in decanter, fragrance extravagance. This bottle makes Armand Rousseau's Chambertin looking like a shy schoolgirl. Every red and dark berry there is in abundance, so floral and extrovert, leaps out of the glass, you smell it from half a meter away. Fresh acidity, tannins soft and velvety. Astonishing refinement and a huge surprice. But then again, my experience with Calon is quite limited. It could have been longer considering the nose and palate, but what a wine. Clear as a cold winters day. Pure as few. After three hours, cedar, pencil shaves and something I have found in Calon before, a slightly salty minerality. 95+

1997 Dr.Pauly Bergweiler Bernkasteler Lay Riesling Beerenauslese:

Golden. Floral, apricots, minerals, apples, slightly spicy. Fresh acidity, fairly lively and very elegant. Could be more nuanced but refreshing. Quite pure. Very  apply and lemons and mineraly finish. 92

1982 Calon-Ségur

1982 Château Calon-Ségur

Fyll så oppunder korken som det er mulig, en kork som på mirakuløst vis har klart å holde seg unna, en kork som aldri har våget å ta en smak av disse edle dråper. Hvordan har den klart å la være? Tredve pluss år i sølibat. Tredve pluss år i stille bønn.

Starter ut beskjedent, forsiktig, som en strattete bougainvillea langs en kjølig hvit vegg, på en lunt varm øy i Egeerhavet. Så kommer det, som når den samme bougainvilleaen slår blomst, en prakt i purpur som farger den hvite veggen til ett flammehav, som en kardinal sveper den seg oppover den hvite muren, vinner kampen mot de himmelblå vindusskoddene, og når nye høyder. 

Glasset står på bordet, det er ikke så stort. Ikke stort større enn den lille stilken som står der ute, og blant sølvblanke blad skinner det i vakkert blålilla. Men duften, den kan sammenlignes, den stråler ut, langt utenfor glassets bredder. Strømmer utover, som lavendelen i en lun sommerbris, den lille busken som fyller hele hagen med duft. 

Ett tre står der i hagen, nakent og stusselig etter vinterens ran. De varmende strålene får grenene til å pynte seg i de vakreste rosa farger. Det blir en overflod som til slutt regner nedover og danner ett nytt lag av snø under treet, på den grønne slette. Soloppgangen nærer de mørke perlenes sødme som hverken folk eller trost kan la være. 

Den lille larven gnager og gnager. Den er sulten på blader. Den går ikke lei, den spiser seg større og større, samme type blad hver eneste dag og hvorfor? Jo den ønsker seg ett hjem av silke, en kokong hvor den kan få utvikle seg, til noe større, og vakrere enn den er. Den trengte bare tid, så skal verden få se hva den kan bli. Og nå bretter den ut sine vinger.