05 d'Auvenay Meursault and some 11's from Domaine Leroy

2005 Domaine d'Auvenay Meursault Les Narvaux:

Pale lemon yellow. Minerals, smoky, fruity and lime, even deeper citrus notes, some honey, flinty nose, layered and complex. Fresh acidity, elegant texture, superb and refreshing, very mineraly and citrusy, long indeed. 95

2011 Domaine Leroy Sauvigny Les Beaune 1er Cru Les Narbantons:

Bright ruby. Light nose of red berries, scented nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity and elegant, long if leaner style, pure. 90

2011 Domaine Leroy Nuits-Saint-Georges 1er Cru Les Boudots:

Bright ruby. Red berries, some nettles and floral high notes, tender and elegant nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins,fruity and lively, elegant and refined, mouthwatering, long. 93

2011 Domaine Leroy Vosne-Romanée 1er Cru Les Boudots:

Bright ruby. Fruity and almost smoky minerals beneath, nuanced, layered and gorgeous nose, tender. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins. Soft and gentle texture, elegant if a bit biting inntje finish, long. 94

2011 Volnay and Volnay Clos de Chêne from Michel Lafarge

2011 Michel Lafarge Volnay:

Pale ruby. Red berries, scented, light and elegant nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, elegant if a bit light. 87

2011 Michel Lafarge Volnay 1er Cru Clos des Chênes:

Pale ruby. Scented, slight spicy note, red berries nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity and elegant, quite lively but again a bit lean. 89

Four 2012's from Ratzenberger

2012 Ratzenberger Wolfshöhle Riesling GG:

Pale lemon yellow. Apples, minerals and scented nose. Fresh acidity, fruity, elegant palateand texture, long. 91

2012 Ratzenberger Wolfshöhle Riesling Spätlese:

Pale lemon yellow. Apples and minerals nose. Pure. Fresh acidity, apples, fruity, lively and elegant, long finish. 90

2012 Ratzenberger St.Jost Riesling Auslese:

Pale lemon yellow. Apples, pure and fruity nose. Fresh acidity, elegant and lovely, refreshing and long. 92

2012 Ratzenberger Wolfshöhle Riesling Trockenbeerenauslese:

Pale lemon yellow. Apples and complex nose, layered and nuanced, touch of spices. Fresh acidity, fruity, lively, elegant and layered, long. 94+

Four 2012's from Dr.F.Weins-Prüm

2012 Dr.F.Weins-Prüm Graacher Domprobst Riesling Kabinett:

Pale lemon yellow. Apply nose. Fresh acidity, served very cold, elegant finish, a little difficult to seeall the nuances. 86?

2012 Dr.F.Weins-Prüm Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Kabinett:

Pale lemon yellow. Apples and more expressive nose. Fresh acidity, fresh, lively and fruity, good length. 86

2012 Dr.F.Weins-Prüm Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Spätlese:

Pale lemon yellow. Apples and fruity nose. Fresh acidity, fruity body, balanced, generous and elegant, a bit short. 87

2012 Dr.F.Weins-Prüm Erdener Prälat Riesling Auslese:

Pale lemon yellow. Apples and minerals nose, riper. Fresh acidity, fruity and lively, apples and ripe lemons palate, generous, again it could be longer. 89

Five 2012's from Dr Thanisch

2012 Dr.Thanisch Erben Thanisch Bernkasteler Doctor Riesling Spätlese Trocken:

Watery lemon yellow. Apples and minerals nose. Fresh acidity, fruity, elegant, lively, leaner style but fairly refined, good length. 88

2012 Dr.Thanisch Erben Thanisch Bernkasteler Badstube Riesling Kabinett:

Watery lemon yellow. Apply nose. Fresh acidity, fruity, lovely balance but easy going, a bit short. 83

2012 Dr.Thanisch Erben Thanisch Bernkasteler Doctor Riesling Kabinett:

Watery lemon yellow. Apples and pears nose. Fresh acidity, fruity, lively and elegant texture, a bit lean. 85

2012 Dr.Thanisch Erben Thanisch Bernkasteler Badstube Riesling Spätelse:

Watery lemon yellow. Apples, minerals and quite fresh nose. Fresh acidity. Lively, again on the lean side, refreshing. 86

2012 Dr.Thanisch Erben Thanisch  Bernkasteler DoctorRiesling Spätlese:

Pale lemon yellow. Apples and floral nose. Fresh acidity, fruity and quite lively, good length. 87

Opus One tasting with Michael Silacci

2005 Opus One:

Deep ruby. Scented, fruity, cassis and floral notes, quite intense, some mint and spices on tje nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, elegant, lively, refreshing, long and nuanced, layered. 95

2007 Opus One:

Deep ruby. Scented, fruity, nuanced, graphite minerals and some spices. Cassis and floral touch on the nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, lively, elegant, fruity and refined, lovely balance, superb texture, elegant and very long indeed. 96

Michael Silacci explain ripeness even if it looks more like argyle patterns.

2009 Opus One:

Deep ruby. Scented, nuanced, fruity, cassis, leather, floral notes, again graphite touch, almost a creamy note as well to the nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, nuanced and layered, complex and more intense, long finish. 95

2010 Opus One:

Deep ruby. Scented, fruity, leather, cassis and graphite minerality, floral notes on the nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, layered, complex and quite intense, ripe and long. Unlike the last bottle that was pop and pour, this one had been open but not decanted for about twelve hours or so. 95

Four 2012's from Dr.Loosen

2012 Dr.Loosen Graacher Himmelreich Riesling GG:

Watery lemon yellow. Apples, fruity and minerals nose. Fresh acidity, lean and focused palate, almost sharp, a bit short. 89

2012 Dr.Loosen Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling GG:

Watery lemon yellow. Apples, floral and minerals nose. Fresh acidity, leaner style, focused and narrow, good length. Needs time to open, for now. 90

2012 Dr.Loosen Erdener Trepchen Riesling Kabinett:

Pale lemon yellow. Apples, light spicy note and minerals on the nose. Fresh acidity, fresh, a bit easy going, lovely balance and good length. 85

2012 Dr.Loosen Ürziger Würzgarten Riesling Spätlese:

Pale lemon yellow. Apples and fruity nose. Fresh acidity, fruity,quite intense, lovely balance, good length. 89

Five 2012's from St.Urbans-Hof

2012 St.Urbans-Hof Piesporter Goldtröpfchen Riesling Kabinett:

Pale lemon yellow. Apples, minerals and tight nose. Fresh acidity, fruity, lively and quite elegant, good length. 87

2012 St.Urbans-Hof Bockstein Riesling Kabinett:

Pale lemon yellow. Apples, minerals and citrus on the nose. Fresh acidity, apply palate, fruity, long finish, quite elegant. 89+

2012 St.Urbans-Hof Piesporter Goldtröpfchen Riesling Spätlese:

Pale lemon yellow. Floral, apples, minerals and fruity nose, elegant. Fresh acidity, lively, fruity and elegant, refreshing and long. 91

2012 St.Urbans-Hof Bockstein "Zickelgarten" Riesling Spätlese:

Pale lemon yellow. Apples and minerals nose, elegant but a bit subdued. Fresh acidity, apples palate, fruity, quite lively and rounded but feels a bit shut down at the moment. 88?

2012 St.Urbans-Hof Bockstein Riesling Auslese:

Pale lemon yellow. Apples, minerals and a touch tropical on the nose. Fresh acidity, fruity and lively, elegant, lovely balance, long. 91

Five 2012's from Studert-Prüm

2012 Studert-Prüm Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Spätlese Trocken:

Pale lemon yellow. Apples and bananas nose. Fresh acidity, lean and mineraly palate, fruity and a bit tight. 87

2012 Studert-Prüm Graacher Himmelreich Riesling Kabinett:

Pale lemon yellow. Apples and light minerality on the nose. Fresh acidity, easy going, fruity, good length. 86

2012 Studert-Prüm Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Kabinett:

Pale lemon yellow. Apples and fruity nose.  Fresh acidity, lively and elegant body and texture, good length. 86

2012 Studert-Prüm Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Spätlese:

Pale lemon yellow. Apples and minerals nose. Fresh acidity, fruity and elegant, a bit simple, good length. 86

2012 Studert-Prüm Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Auslese:

Pale lemon yellow. Apples, minerals and fruity nose. Fresh acidity, lively, fruity, playful and leanerfinish, elegant, good length. 89

1998 Château de Fargues

1998 Château de Fargues:
Deep golden, amber tints. Decanted for five hours which I tend to find that must be done with the wines from de Fargues to get some egelance to these heavy and rich Sauternes. Apricots, botrytis, raisins, rich and intense nose. Fresh acidity, fruity and rich palate, intense, more harmony with air, long finish. 94

11 Marjosse Blanc and 09 La Fleur de Plince

2011 Château Marjosse Blanc:

Pale lemon yellow. Some grapefruit and ripe lemons nose. Fresh acidity, elegant, fruity and quite lively, refreshing, lovely finish. 84

2009 Château La Fleur de Plince

Deep ruby. Some coffee, blueberries and plums nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, nice balance and rounded, good length. 88

12 Sec de Rayne Vigneau and 11 Gazin

2012 Le Sec de Rayne Vigneau:

Pale lemon yellow. Some grapefruit and minerals on the nose. Fresh acidity, fruity palate, refreshing, good length. 87

2011 Château Gazin:

Ruby. Blueberries, scented, elegant and complex nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, elegant and quite lively palate, long. 92

08 Reserve de Léoville Barton

2009 Château Lafleur Lamothe:

Ruby. Fruity nose. Medium acidity, again fruity, OK length. 82

2008 Réserve de Léoville Barton:

(2nd Ch Léoville Barton) Ruby. Scented, plums and cassis nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, elegant and again some plums, drinking well allready, not that complex. 87

Five from Bordeaux

2009 Château Beaumont

Ruby. Scented, cassis and straight forward nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, leaner body, structured finish. 85

2009 Château Guitignan:

Ruby. Scented, richer and fruity nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity palate, quite elegant, good length. 87

2009 Château Reverdi

Ruby. Cassis, almost salty and a touch smoky nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, structured, a bit oaky, dry finish. 85

2010 Château Mille Roses

Ruby. Slightly scented and cassis nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fairly nuanced and elegant body, good length. 85

2010 Château La Fleur Peyrabon:

Ruby. Scented and spicy nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity and fairly rich, lacks complexity and nuance, oaky finish. 86

07 BdM Corton-Charlemagne

2007 Bonneau du Martray Corton Charlemagne:

Pale lemon yellow. Minerals, lime, refreshing and tight nose, youthful. Fresh acidity, mouthwatering, lively and playful, apples and lime and tight minerality, long finish. 94

98 Ridge Santa Cruz Mountains Cabernet, 05 Pintia and 01 Ch Guiruad and more

2009 Clos Floridene Blanc:

Pale lemon yellow. Grapefruit, lime and smokey notes. Minerals. Fresh acidity, elegant texture, fresh and rounded, elegant finish. 87

1998 Ridge Santa Cruz Mountains Cabernet Sauvignon:

Ruby, garnet rim. Elegant nose, touch of leather and prunes, maturing. Fresh acidity, ripe and few tannins, a bit on the lean side, refreshing, elegant palate, good length. 89

2000 Château Rouget:

Bright ruby. Easy going and quite mature nose, quite lovely. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, elegant, fruity, maturing nicely, slightly dry finish so should probably be had soon. 86

2005 Pintia:

Deep ruby. Liquorice and blueberries and a bit sweet nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, ripe, rounded and sweet, good length. 87

2001 Château Guiraud:

Golden. Fruity, apricots, tropical, complex nose, some cinamon. Fresh acidity, elegant, lovely balance and texture, long finish. 95

01 Pichon Baron and Rauzan Ségla

2007 S de Suduiraut:

Pale lemon yellow. Lime and grapefruit nose, minerals. Fresh acidity, elegant and fairly lively body and palate, working better with the salmon it was served with than expected. 88

2001 Château Pichon Longueville Baron:

Ruby. Cassis, starting figs, leather, elegant, complex and nuanced nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, elegant and drinking very well now, even if it can be layed down for another ten years plus. 93

2001 Château Rauzan-Ségla:

Ruby. Cassis, blueberriesand slightly scented nose, elegant. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, elegant, lovely and drinking very well now, another surprise of the drinkability of the 01's now, even if I preffer them older. 93

02 Pontet-Canet, 08 Clos du Clocher and more

2010 Clos Vieux Taillefer:

Deep ruby. Rich and fruity nose. Freshish acidity, ripe tannins, again rich and fruity, a bit plump. 85

2009 Château Gaby:

Deep ruby. Fruity, blueberries and liquorice nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fairly fresh for the sometimes excessively rich vintage, especially on the Right Bank, good length. 86

2008 Clos du Clocher:

Ruby. Fruity, nuanced and quite elegant nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, almost velvety texture (allready),elegant and lovely purity of fruit, long. 91

2008 Château Bonalgue:

Ruby. Fruity, scented, blackberries and vanilla nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, elegant if slightly lean palate, refreshing, good length. 89

2002 Château Pontet Canet:

Ruby. Scented, fruity, leather and liquorice nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fresh and quite lively, leaner than I remember last bottle, good length. 89

11 and 01 Tertre Roteboeuf

2011 Château Tertre Roteboeuf:

Deep ruby. Blueberries, fruity and scented nose, a bit oaky right now. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, elegant and fruity, long. A bit tight now. 93

2011 Roc de Cambes:

Deep ruby. Fruity, scented and layered nose, elegant. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity and refreshing palate, very elegant but slightly oaky now. 91

2011 Domaine des Cambes:

Ruby. Some vanilla and raspberries on the nose, nuanced. Fresh acidity, ripe annins, elegant and fruity, quite pure feel to it. 90

2001 Château Tertre Roteboeuf:

Francois Mitjaville asked me if i wanted to taste a more mature vintage on my last visit, so I asked for this one. Ruby with garnet rim. Leaps out of the glass. Figs, leather, cassis, blueberries, intense and layered nose, gorgeous.fresh acidity, ripe tannins, evolving lovely, refreshing, nuanced and flirting, a true pleasure. 94

2012 Château Valandraud Blanc

2012 Château Valandraud Blanc:

Pale lemon hellow. Grapefruits and vanilla nose. Rich, fruity, fresh acidity, intense, almost creamy, long finish. 90

99 Beauregard and 01 Clos du Marquis

1999 Château Beauregard:

Deep ruby, thin garnet rim, lots of sediments. Intense coffee nose, dark berries behind, prunes and a quite dense nose that opened up a bit later on. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity and a bit of a ball right now, has evolved aromas but also some very youthful fruitfull ones, a bit of a rollercoaster right now, wait five years or decant thoroughly (two hours or so) now. 90+

2001 Clos du Marquis:

Deep ruby. Cassis, scented and some floral notes, layered and complex nose, smells fantastic at this stage. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, lively and youthful fruity, elegant and quite refined, refreshing and long. Excellent with T-bone steak grilled on the vines. 93

Some wines from last week

2001 Fenocchio Barolo Villero:

Ruby, garnet rim. Rich and plummy nose that sson opened up to a more classical liquorice and cherries nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, a sweet and slightly alcoholic note on the palate, fruity, good length. 89

2001 Pira Barolo Vigna Rionda:

Ruby, brick rim. Liquorice, tar, caramel and prunes on the nose. Scented and more nuanced with air. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, lean and somewhat alcoholic palate, somewhat unbalanced, good length. 88

2008 Montecillo Crianza:

Ruby. Some anise, dark berries and vanilla on the nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, fairly easy going, good length. 85

2000 Marchesi di Gresy Barbaresco Martinenga Camp Gros:

Bright ruby, garnet rim. Anise, cherries, some tar and a slight floral touch that isn't quite roses. Elegant intensity on the nose. Fresh and quite high acidity, ripe tannins and and elegant and fairly transparent body and fruit that doesn't feel lean next to the structure. Savory. Lovely length. 92

2009 Pierre André Châteauneuf-du-Pape:

Ruby. Some barnyard notes (brett?) nettles and ripe blackberries on the nose. Pepper underneath. Freshish acidity, ripe and few tannins, some unripe ones as well sticking out, lacks complexity and is quite unpleasant. 70

2011 Château Canon:

Deepish ruby. Slightly scented and dark berries nose, quite fruity and elegant. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, a bit cool in the glass at the time of writing this note at 23.00 hours at night in the Norwegian mountains overlooking a magnificent sunset over the moors of Setesdal. Fresh fruity and elegantly lively, not the most complex but definitely quaffable. Lovely. 86

2000 Château Dalem:

Ruby with just a hint of a garnet rim. Starting out rustic and seemingly rough but after ten minutes showing a pure fruit much more reminiscent of my last bottle about two years back. Fairly ripe and slightly rich and ripe but never massive or opulent on the nose. Fresh acidty, ripe tannins, with a fruity and refreshing palate, somewhat leaner than the nose suggests, but elegant and quaffable. Refreshing and good length. 89

2011 Domaine de Christia Châteauneuf-du-Pape:

Bright ruby. Fruity, some spices over pure fruit nose, fairly easy going nose, but a pure feel to it. Freshish acidity, ripe tannins, a fruity and almost silky feel that is somewhat interupted by a slightly rough texture. Sweet, and warm finish but considering it's 15% on the label, fairly integrated. Good length. 86

2010 Gravette de Certan:

(2nd VCC) Deep ruby. Almost leaping out of the glass, a rich and deeper fruity nose, somewhat sweet and ripe, but not excessive. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, elegant and quite lively, again sweetish fruity and a bit raw textured at the moment, delicious now, especially with grilled meat, but will evolve nicely over the next ten years plus. 90

Lunch at Phélan Ségur

2012 Château Phélan Ségur:

(Barrel sample) Deep ruby. Scented, fruity nose, quite intense. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, refreshing and elegant, fruity, gairly lively, long. 91-93

2011 Château Phélan Ségur:

Ruby. Scented and a bit of vanilla and oak up front at this stage, dark berries behind. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, lively, elegant and quite refreshing, leaner style. 91

2010 Château Phélan Ségur:

Ruby. Scented. Deeper nose, fruity, layered and complex. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, lovely intensity and balance, long. 93

2009 Château Phélan Ségur:

Ruby. Some vanilla, cassis and a bit of a ball now, even with air. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, elegant body and texture, long. 92

2008 Château Phélan Ségur:

Ruby. Scented, fruity. Cassis and slightly floral nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity and elegant palate, lovely body and texture, long. 92

1996 Château Phélan Ségur:

(Magnum) Ruby, garnet rim. Leather and cedar behind cassis on the nose, layered. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, savory and elegant, refreshing, long finish. 92

2004 Château Climens:

Golden. Touch of honey, apricots and botrytis on the nose. Pure and elegant. Fresh acidity, refreshing and elegant, nuanced. Lovely balance, long. 94

Two from Dauzac

2010 Château Dauzac:

Deep ruby. Scented, more subdued even if more dense nose, complex. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, refreshing, fuller bodied, fruity and quite dense, long and quite lively. 92

2008 Château Dauzac:

Deep ruby. Scented, nuanced, layered, quite lovely nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fresh and lively palate, lovely fruit and balance, refreshing finish. 90

Two from Pontac Lynch

2010 Château Pontac Lynch:

Ruby. Scented, blueberries and fruity nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity and quite lively, leanish, a bit dry finish, good length. 86

2010 Château Pontac Lynch Quintessence:

Ruby. Scented, some blueberries and vanilla nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, quite elegant, some oak and oak spices, a bit dryfinish, good length. 87

Desmirail 08 and 09

2008 Château Desmirail:

Bright ruby. Scented, some oak on the nose and blueberries. Freshish acidity, ripe tannins, quite elegant fruit but oak is a bit overwhelming, oaky tannins, good length. 87

2009 Château Desmirail:

Ruby. Some raspberries, herbs and oak on the nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity but tannic, ever so slightly rustic, especially for the vintage, nice fruit, hopefully it will manage the oak. 88

Another 1996 Legras Saint-Vincent

1996 Legras Saint Vincent:

Pale lemon yellow, tiny bubbles. Apples, minerals, yeast, touch of nuts, a bit tight but somewhat more mature than last bottle. Richer as well. Fresh acidity. Elegant mousse. Refreshing and quite lively, fairly focused, long. 93

4 from Wittmann

2012 Wittmann Riesling Trocken:

Pale lemon yellow. Apples, touch of yellow fruits, fruity and elegant nose. Fresh acidity, elegant and lovely balance, pure mineraly finish, good length. 87

2012 Wittmann Westhofener Riesling Trocken:

Pale lemon yellow. Apples, minerals and some slight floral notes on the nose. Fresh acidity, lively and a slightly creamy texture, rounded, pear finish, long. 91

2010 Wittmann Morstein Riesling GG:

Pale lemon yellow. Apples, minerals, apricots, floral and layered nose. Fresh acidity, balanced, not as tight and acidic as some '10's, rounder, fruitier. And a slight bitter apples touch on the palate. Pear and minerals finish. 93+

2009 Wittmann La Borne Alte Reben Auction Reserve:

Pale golden. Richer and ripe yellow apples nose, closed and lacks a bit of focus. Fresh acidity, fruity, ripe, some bitterness, seeing anothe bottle that was decanted for four hours before it shone, this one was far to tight and "flabby" in comparison. 93

Old Kloster Eberbach's and more

1998 Dr.Nägler Rüdesheimer Rottland Riesling Auslese:

Pale golden. Petroleum, apples and minerals nose. Freshish acidity, fruity but easy going, good length. 88

1995 Schloss Johannisberg Riesling Rotlack Kabinett Halbtrocken:

Pale lemon yellow. Apples, minerals and some orange blossoms on the nose. Fresh acidity, ripe apples, fruity if leaner style, elegant and long. 90

1953 Kloster Eberbach Hattenheimer Engelmannsberg Riesling Auslese Cabinet:

Pale amber. Fruity, raisins and apples nose, orange marmalade. Stunning nose. Fresh acidity, elegant and lovely fruit, lovely smooth texture and elegant balance, long. Cabinet refers to special quality and that it has been stored in the Cabinet cellar. Not to the style of wine Kabinett. Four bottles tasted with remarkable little bottle variations. 94

1943 Kloster Eberbach Rüdesheimer Eiseninger Riesling Cabinet:

Again from the Cabinet cellar and not a Kabinett style of wine. Watery amber colour. Oxidized apples, slight petroleum and apricots stone on the nose. Fresh acidity, lean body, fresh but drying a bit, lean finish. Three bottles tried, one dryer than the two others. 85

Fleur Morange vertical tasting

La Fleur Morange started out in 1999, only making a few barrels. The vineyards are situated on a special soil containing more iron than what is usual in Saint-Emilion. La Fleur Morange only makes 5-6000 bottles a year with a further 7500 of it's second wine Mathilde, from a different plot. These wines are rare to come by and even if on the rich style, they manage something that few of the other "rich ones" manages, to have nuances. Especially Mathilde is a steal at around € 15-20 if you can find it. Yield is a low 19 hectolitres per hectar on average from old vines. 

2007 La Fleur Morange Mathilde:

Bright ruby. Red berries and some vanilla nose, scented. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity and lively, quite refreshing. Good length. 87+

2008 La Fleur Morange Mathilde:

Bright ruby. Scented, red and darker berries, layered nose. Nuanced and elegantly floral notes. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, elegant and quite lively, refreshing and nuanced. 90

2009 La Fleur Morange Mathilde:

Bright ruby. Rich, fruity, denser nose, sweet and ripe, scented and floral. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, lively, on the sweet and rich side. Long finish. 90

2010 La Fleur Morange Mathilde:

Ruby. Scented and fruity, a bit of a ball on the nose right now. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, lively and refreshing, hides it's 15% remarkably. Well, long. 91

2011 La Fleur Morange Mathilde:

Bright ruby. Scented, fruity, some coffee and vanilla nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, lively, elegant, long finish. 91

2012 La Fleur Morange Mathilde:

(Barrel sample) Deep ruby. Fruity, scented, floral and quite pure nose, ripe. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity. Fairly lively, more rounded texture, long. 90

2000 Château La Fleur Morange:

First commercial vintage. Bright ruby, garnet rim. Scented, prunes, blueberries, intense nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, refreshing, fruity, long, almost mineral finish. 92+

2002 Château La Fleur Morange:

Bright ruby. Fruity, ripe and a bit sweet nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, more easy going,good length. 88

2003 Château La Fleur Morange:

Bright ruby. Red and blueberries nose, scented and complex. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, elegant and very clean fruit for '03, nicely textured, long. 92

2004 Château La Fleur Morange:

Ruby. Ripe, fruity, vanilla and a touch of coconut on the nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity and quite lively palate, fairly refreshing, long. 91

2005 Château La Fleur Morange:

Ruby. Rich, scented, fruity and layered nose, complex, floral notes behind. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, lively and refreshing, quite rich, massive texture, very long. Wait ten years. 94

2006 Château La Fleur Morange:

Ruby. Rich, fruity, blackberries, intense and ripe nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity and quite lively, intense texture, long finish. 93

2007 Château La Fleur Morange:

Bright ruby. Scented, fruity and red berries nose. Elegant. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, lively and nuanced, quite refreshing, long. 93

2008 Château La Fleur Morange:

Ruby. Fruity, some coffee, fairly rich, spicy and almost minty nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, refreshing and nuanced, rich and long. 93

2009 Château La Fleur Morange:

Ruby. Rich, sweet and slightly alcoholic nose. Freshish acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, sweet and ripe, structured backbone, long. 92

2010 Château La Fleur Morange:

Ruby. Scented, fruity, lively, rich and fairly sweet nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, nuanced, quite lively, long finish. 93+

2012 Château La Fleur Morange:

(Barrel sample) Ruby. Fresh nose of pure berries, some coffee and vanilla from the barrels still disturbs a bit. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, lively, elegant, layered and lovely finish. 92+

2013 Jurade de Saint-Emilion dinner

2013 Jurade de Saint-Emilion dinner

2005 Prémya:

Deep ruby. Rich, fruity and some sweet notes on the nose. Freshish acidity, ripe tannins, easy going, fruity, good length. 84

2005 Château Franc Pipeau:

Ruby, garnet rim. Quite mature nose, prunes and figs, fruity and somewhat scented. Vanilla. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity palate, fairly fresh and younger than the nose, some coffenotes, good length. 88

2005 Château Pipeau:

Ruby, garnet rim. Scented, fruity, fuller nose, some floral notes. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, richer style, structured, lacks a bit mid-palate, good length. 85

2003 Château la Couspaude:

Ruby, garnet rim. Maturing nose, figs, prunes, some vanilla, quite intense. Medium acidity, ripe tannins, very little going on, smooth and a slight alcoholic touch. 84

2003 Château Grand Mayne:

Ruby. Fruity, some alcohol notes blowing over with air giving a more scented, but still fairly rich nose. Medium acidity, ripe tannins, rounded and fairly easy going, good length. 88

2003 Clos des Jacobins:

Ruby. Somewhat scented, intense and ripe nose, layered. Medium acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, quite intense but also fairly lively, long chocolate and dark fruits finish. 91

2003 Château Beau-Séjour Bécot:

Bright ruby. Scented, fruity, lively and quite layered nose, liquorice and floral notes. Fairly fresh acidity, especially considering the vintage, ripe tannins, fruity, elegant, lovely balance, long. 92+

2002 Château Pavie:

Deep ruby. Rich, fruity and intense even in this vintage. Alcohol on the nose. Medium minus acidity, ripe tannins, you feel the alcohol all the way, nums the palate and utterly boring. Unbalanced finish. Nouveau Riche. 86

2000 Château Figeac:

Bright ruby. Scented, layered and complex nose, some herbs, floral and after a while a bit barnyardy on the nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, elegant and quite refined, nuanced and quite refreshing, but again a bit barnyardy. Not as good as last bottle. 92ish

2010 Château Villemaurine:

Deep ruby. Rich and sweet nose, scented and slightly graphite note beneath. I didn't find this mineral graphite nose on the '12 during primeur, and I hope it will show up as this is one of the things that make this stand out amongst so many "just fruity" Saint-Emilions. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, rich, dark berries and spices, the barrels are a bit up front atthis stage, longfinish. 91

2008 Château La Fleur Morange:

Deep ruby. Scented, fruity and blackberries nose, some vanilla, layered. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, ripe and elegant. Quite lively, balanced, long finish. 92

2010 Opus One

By coincidence some from the team of Opus One sat next to Gunvor Bizard (formerly of Château Margaux) and me at lunch and we were invited to their new offices for a taste of the 2010 vintage as some of the very first outside the USA. Some more vintages was tasted a few days later.

2010 Opus One:

Ruby. Cassis, vanilla, coffee  notes, deep, complex and layered nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, intense fruitiness, but still refreshing. Quite nuanced even if everything is packed in right now, long finish. 95

The 2012's from Château Margaux retasted

A small retaste of the 2012's from Château Margaux in their new and elegant orangerie in the gardens of Château Margaux. Mr.Pontallier could tell me that I was one of the only people outside of Château Margaux to have tasted the wines three times now and was eager to hear my opinion. He also said he felt the 2012 is probably the best of the good but not great vintages since 2000, meaning the best of 2001, 04, 06, 08 and 2011. 

Personally I feel all the wines from Bordeaux, recently retasted from 2012 have, as always in June, become more elegant and more nuanced.

2012 Pavillon Rouge du Château Margaux:

(2nd Ch.Margaux) Bright ruby. Violets, layered and elegant nose, more nuanced than under primeur. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, very elegant texture, refreshing, lovely balance and structure, long. 91-92

2012 Château Margaux:

Ruby. Violets, floral, scented and nuanced nose, cassis. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, elegant, refined, refreshing, rounded, fine tuned, complex and layered, nuanced and refined, very long. 95-96

2012 Pavillon Blanc du Château Margaux:

Pale lemon yellow. Citrus, lemons, a bit of oak shines through but the slight alcohol unbalance I found both times I tasted it during primeur have escaped, leaving it layered and nuanced. Fresh acidity, lively with superb balance, more refreshing and less (excessively) fat as well, lovely balance, very lemony and minerals finish. Again very long. 93-95

Wittmann La Borne, Keller Abst E, pox from Comte Lafon and more

2002 J.L.Vergnon Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs Millésimé Brut:

Pale golden, small bubbles. Oxidized apples, brioche, yeasty, deeper nose. Fresh acidity, elegant mousse, fruity, could be fresher and quite evolved for '02, fuller body for BdB, long. 92

Oysters from Hvaler (Norway) been out of the sea for two hours only, excellent!

2007 Domaine du Pegau Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc:

(Blind) Pale golden. Floral, honey, wax, yellow fruits on the nose. Lowish acidity, fruity, smoky, oaky, alcoholic and warm finish. 86

2002 Comte Lafon Meursault:

Lemon yellow and pox.

2012 Hamilton Russel Vineyards Chardonnay:

Pale lemon yellow. Apples, oaky, vanilla, floral notes on the nose. Fresh acidity, creamy, lemons, quite elegant, fruity, some minerals, good length. 88

Norwegian virgin lobsters, alive minutes before the picture and straight on the grill, magic.

2006 Remi Jobard Meursault En Laurale:

Pale lemon yellow. Minerals and ripe yellow fruits, fruity and quite intense, plummy and tropical. Fresh acidity, fruity, minerals, quite rich and ripe, good length. Drink now, starting to fall apart with air. At best 89

2007 Vincent Girardin Meursault 1er Cru Les Genevrières:

Pale lemon yellow. Apples, lime, elegant minerals, slight smoky touch on the nose. Fresh acidity, quite elegant and lively, fruity, citrus and fruity finish, long. 90

2009 Keller Westhofen Brunnenhäuschen Riesling Trocken Abst E:

Pale lemon yellow. Apples, lemons, slight tropical touch, minerals, floral and elegant nose. Fresh acidity, lively, elegant, refined and nuanced, a tiny unclean note and not perfect bottle, even so absolutely lovely. Long. 94

2009 Wittmann La Borne Riesling Alte Reben:

Towards lemon yellow. Apples, minerals, lime, tutti frutti, sort of rounded minerals on the nose. Fresh acidity, rounded, fruity, slight bitter touch, again that tutti frutti note, grapefruit, nuanced and long. 96