Two from Weinbach

2012 Weinbach Cuvée Sainte Catherine Pinot Gris
Pale lemon yellow. Apples, fruity, very fruit driven nose. Freshish acidity, fruity, ripe, rich, but elegant, lovely Pinot Gris. 88

2010 Weinbach Altenbourg Quintessence de Grains Nobles Pinot Gris
Pale golden. Apples, yellow fruits, intense, floral and detailed, layered nose. Fresh acidity, lively, fresh and detailed, intense yet feels delicate, lively, mouthwatering, very long. 94

05 Grgich, 05 Goulée and 03 Tourelles de Longueville

2005 Grgich Hills Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
Deep ruby. Rich, intense, fruity, cassis, blackberries, some vanilla on the nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, ripe, rich, structured, opened up more with air, good length. 89

2005 Goulée
Deep ruby. Cassis, some spices, fruity, light cedar note, some figs and vanilla on the nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, rounded, getting less fat each time I taste it. 89

2003 Les Tourelles de Longueville
(2nd Ch Pichon Baron) Ruby. Youthful, fruity, cassis, some vanilla, fairly intense nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fairly raw first and needed an hour in decanter to open up and polish down, fruity, quite refreshing for the vintage and still very youthful. Long. 90

2010 L'Extravagant de Doisy Daëne

2010 L'Extravagant de Doisy Daëne:
Pale golden. Apricots, pineapples and a richer and fuller style on the stunning nose. Fresh acidity, playful, pure, creamy, elegant and refined even if a bit subdued. Superb balance, gorgeous length, ever so sligjtly more shut than last bottle. 97

2014 Top Ten

It’s getting to the time of year where the best of lists are starting to appear. There is one more tasting before New Year’s Eve, so I’m taking a chance here, it may need correction later on, but then again, I doubt a wine matching any of these will turn up. I’m starting out with a few wines that are either best from their country or that experience wise could easily have been on here, but that on pure quality could not be. The oldest not fortified wine this year was a beautiful 1918 Château Haut-Brion from a vertical tasting in Oslo. Even the representative from the estate wrote a tasting note on this one, seemingly no one at Haut-Brion had tasted it. A beautiful terracotta minerality, figs, leather, prunes, earthy, mulberries and raspberries. Few tannins left, playful acidity. What an experience. (94) Another oldie was 1922 Vega-Sicilia Unico, two very different bottles tasted, one oxidized and gone, the other displayed plums, spices, a few violets and some dark berries clinging to their life, still lightly exotic. Detailed if leaner. (93) These two wines are also representatives of the two greatest vertical tastings I’ve attended this year, and several wines from each producer could have easily gone on the top ten list, and some will. 

There have been many great ones from Bordeaux as always, but two quite interesting ones were the 1948 Cos d’Estournel that came blind. Earthy, old, mature, figs, some minerals, very interesting to taste, especially since it came along about a week after a 1947 Cos d’Estournel with minerals, tobacco, raspberries, dark fruits and cedar. I always get in trouble for not having any Italian wines on my top ten lists, and this will be another of those years. My best from Italy this year was 1998 Roagna Barbaresco Pajé Riserva, a beauty of a wine, dense, cherries, anise, violets, roses, leather, layered, deep and evolving beautifully in the glass. A stunner. Only 480 bottles made. (96) Spain will be represented on the list below, even so Vega-Sicilia Unico 1970 tasted twice (not quite consistent notes) should also be mentioned (96) as well as the beautiful 1994 (96). Portugal’s finest for me this year was 2011 Taylor’s Vintage Port (just as last year), rich, layered, intense, deep, I scored it 98 last year, 97 this year. I should also mention a discovery this year in the affordable section, Aphros in Vinho Verde, a truly exciting producer of light and delicate wines, subtle and transparent, lovely. 

I have tasted fewer US wines than usual this year, and none that are really up there. Anthill’s Pinot Noir’s have been a pleasant discovery and a few weeks back I had a lovely 2002 Heitz Martha’s Vineyard. A few beautiful Dunn Howell Mountains have come my way as well. From Australia, 2010 Penfolds Grange just fell short of the list below, intense, layered, deep, nuanced, rich and very long. (97). Another great experience from Penfolds was 2012 Bin 12A Chardonnay, apples, minerals, some floral notes and popcorn and a refreshing 12,5% alcohol only. (91) Mac Forbes, Luke Lambert and a few others have also put Australia much more back on the map for me. There are things to follow down there. Back to Europe, 2002 Oremus Tokaji Eszencia was my top one from Hungary, it also fell just short of this list at 97, rich, intense, layered, exceptionally sweet, but never sticky. 

Another thing that should be mentioned is the very interesting stuff that seems to be going on around the Mediterranean Sea. But forget Chardonnay, Syrah or Cabernet Sauvignon wines. Go for the grape varieties that you’ve never heard of. Those are the local ones, which can handle the climate. Now the producers have experimented with the famous ones and seems to be getting the confidence to seek for quality in the lesser known. Especially the white wines from the Greek islands and the mainland as well as some from Sardinia and Sicily are really interesting and should not be forgotten. You lose out; it’s as simple as that. Some of the reds are wines to try as well, but many still have high alcohol issues. But they should be in the back of your mind even so. 

The next five wines could easily have ended up on the list below. 2012 Armand Rousseau Chambertin, detailed, charming, nuanced, layered, brilliant pure fruits. (98) 2005 Château Petrus, rich, intense, detailed, layered, scented, dark fruits. (98) 2010 Château Haut-Brion, intense, rich, layered, detailed, it may have an alcohol issue in the future but right now with its youthful fruit it’s stunning. (98) 1989 Château Margaux, tasted twice, the best bottle was stunning, nuanced, flirting, seductive, layered, in that exciting breaking point between youthful and showing evolved aromas. Stunning. (98) 1959 Château Haut-Brion, figs, mulberries, prunes, scented, cigars, cedar, minerals, jasmin, fruity lively, detailed, stunning! (98)

As I write this, 7552 wines have been tasted so far this year, and counting. The wines below are not necessarily following their score, the pleasure of them is also taken into account. There are quite a few 2010’s on the list, but they deserve to be there. 

#10 1945 Château Haut-Brion, chocolate, red berries, minerals, pepper, floral, prunes, terracotta, cherries and leather, layered, detailed, gorgeous, sweet and sour, tea, figs, the list goes on and on. Superb. 98

#9 2010 Domaine de la Romanée-Conti La Tâche, tasted twice, not consistent notes, the best bottle was open and forward, detailed, fruity, layered and with a gorgeous balance, long. 98

#8 2010 Guigal Côte-Rôtie La Landonne, tasted twice, rich, layered, spicy, detailed, dark fruits, intense, nuanced, magnificent Syrah. 98

#7 1987 Vega-Sicilia Unico, served blind, rich, exotic, detailed, nuanced, elegant, layers upon layers, dark fruits, youthful but showing development, stunning. I was on 1986 Mouton Rothschild on this one. (This bottle was not in the Vega-Sicilia vertical tasting) 98

#6 1947 Château Haut-Brion, layered, rich, exotic, detailed, leather, minerals, plums, scented, floral, dried fruits, stunning wine. Richness of the vintage, still refreshing and vibrant. 99

#5 2010 Château Mouton-Rothschild tasted three times, flirting, exotic, detailed, layered, rich but finely balanced, young but absolutely gorgeous now even so. 100

#4 2008 Blain-Gagnard Le Montrachet, tasted blind. It needed hours to open up, it started out quite yellow fruity with playful minerality below. After three hours it became far more nuanced, layers of citrus, minerals, apples, floral notes and the balance of this wine was out of this world. Minutes of aftertaste. I thought it was Domaine d’Auvenay Chevalier-Montrachet. 98

#3 2012 Comte Liger-Belair La Romanée, tasted twice, this beauty shows so many details, it’s layered, seductive, transparent yet intense, extremely pure, delicate, nuanced, and it’s like a library of flavours. Magic. 99

#2 1989 Château Haut-Brion, tasted twice, very consistent notes, layered, intense, seductive, open, showing some maturity but also very youthful, stunning as always. 100

#1 2010 Château Lafite Rothschild, a bit boring to have such a young wine as number one, but tasted three times with very consistent notes this year. This wine shows such a balance, pedigree, nuances, layers and the aftertaste is mindboggling. Fantastic length. 100

Four from Bordeaux

2009 Château Lagrange
Ruby. Dark fruits, cassis, elegant, nuanced and scented nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, lively, fruity, detailed, ripe and long. 93

2009 Sarget de Gruaud Larose
Ruby. Fruity, scented, dark berries and violets nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, lively, fresh, somewhat leaner finish, good length. 89

2008 Château Mondot Saint-Emilion
Ruby. Scented, fruity, blueberries, intense nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, ripe, rounded, rich, good length. 88

2011 Château Lanessan
Ruby. Scented nose, light red berries note, elegant. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins. Fruity, red berries, again lighter, good length. 87

3 2012's from Faiveley

2012 Faiveley Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru Morgeot
Pale lemon yellow. Minerals, apples, flinty and citrus nose. Fresh acidity, lively, fresh and fruity, richer palate, detailed, give it air, long. 91

2012 Faiveley Beaune 1er Cru Clos de l'Ecu
Bright ruby. Fruity, scented, red berries and spices nose. Fresh acidity, lively, fresh and fruity, good length. 89

2012 Faiveley Nuits-Saint-Georges 1er Cru Les Damodes
Bright ruby. Red berries, fruity, nuanced, elegant and scented nose, detailed. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, elegant, lively and fresh, detailed and long. 91

2006 Gianni Brunelli Brunello Riserva

2006 Gianni Brunelli Brunello di Montalcino Riserva
Bright ruby, garnet rim. Scented, fruity, liquorice, leather, figs and cherries nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, lively, elegant, fresh and fruity, elegant and long. 93

2012 Faiveley Macon blanc

2012 Faiveley Macon
Pale lemon yellow. Apples, butter, light minerality on the nose. Fresh acidity, creamy texture, fruity, rounded, bit short. 86

2010 Produttori and Ratti Marsenasco

2010 Produttori del Barbaresco Barbaresco
Ruby. Scented, dark fruits, anise,s pices, floral, nuanced nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, ripe, fruity, darkberries, some herbs in the finish, good length. 89

2010 Renato Ratti Barolo Marsenasco
Bright ruby. Ripe, intense, cherries and anise nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, rich and fruity, intense, bit hollow finish. 89

3 from Antonin Guyon

2010 Antonin Guyon Chambolle-Musigny Les Cras
Ruby. Scented, red berries and spices nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, lively, rounded, good length. 88

2011 Antonin Guyon Volnay 1er Cru Clos des Chênes
Bright ruby. Scented, dark fruits, anise, liquorice, fruity nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, soft and juicy, good length. 87

2011 Antonin Guyon Corton Clos du Roy
Bright ruby. Scented, red berries, fruity, floral and nuanced nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fresh, fruity and lively, detailed and nuanced, long. 91

2011 Château Coutet

2011 Château Coutet (Saint-Emilion)
Deep ruby. Rich, fruity, intense, ripe and sweet nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, rich, fruity, ripe and sweet. 86

3 from Henri Darnat

2011 Henri Darnat Bourgogne Blanc Jumaile
Pale lemon yellow, apples, fruity and rounded nose. Fresh acidity, lively, fruity and fresh, good length. 86

2011 Henri Darnat Meursault 1er Cru Goutte d'Or
Pale lemon yellow. Citrus, minerals, not the most complex but elegant nose. Fresh acidity, lively, fresh, minerals, fruity and juicy, good length. 89

2011 Henri Darnat Meursault 1er Cru Richemont Monopole
Pale lemon yellow. Citrus, minerals, apples, smokey notes. Fresh acidity, lively, fresh, citrus, apples, intense but could be longer. 89

Hatt et Söner Prestige le Grand Père

2006 Hatt et Söner Prestige le Grand Père
Pale lemon yellow. Apples, minerals, lemons and yest on the nose. Fresh acidity, lively mousse, fresh, elegant and fruity, lively. 90

Two from Bordeaux

2009 Château Guitignan (Moulis)
Ruby. Scented, richer and fruity nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, fairly elegant, good length. 86

2009 Château Beaumont (HM)
Ruby. Scented, cassis, bit easy going nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, easy going, fruity, leaner, structured finish, not enough fruit to balance it seems. 84

2012 Domaine de Chevalier

2012 Domaine de Chevalier rouge
Ruby. Scented, layered, red berries, fruity nose, some minerals, vanilla. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, elegant, red berries, some spices, long. 92

04 Dom Perignon and Krug Grande Cuvée

Krug Grande Cuvée Brut
Towards lemon yellow, small bubbles. Apples, minerals, detailed, richer nose, brioche and yeast. Fresh acidity, lively mousse, quite intense, fresh, detailed, nuanced, more focused again, long. 93

2004 Dom Perignon
Pale lemon yellow, small bubbles. Apples, minerals, detailed, nuts, butter, layered nose, citrus, brioche. Fresh acidity, lively mousse, fresh, fruity, detailed, elegant, fruity, firmer finish, long. 94

2010 Penfolds Grange and more

2011 Penfolds Bin 407 Cabernet Sauvignon
Deep ruby. Rich, fruity, detailed, nuanced, intense and spicey nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, rich, fruity, fresh, fairly detailed, long. 91

2011 Penfolds Bin 389 Cabernet Shiraz
Deep ruby. Spicy, rich, dark fruits, intense nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fresh and lively, spicey, fruity, rich, detailed and intense. 91

2011 Penfolds Magill Estate Shiraz
Deep ruby. Ripe, rich, scented, layered, complex nose, spices, some vanilla. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, ripe, rich, fruity, juicy, refreshing, sweet and long. 93

2012 Penfolds Bin 707 Cabernet Sauvignon
Deep ruby. Rich, intense, ripe, spicey, vanilla, dark fruits, layered nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, intense, rich, layered and detailed, long. 94

2012 Penfolds RWT
Deep ruby. Fruity, ripe, intense, rich, liquorice, dark fruits and spices. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, sweet attack, fruity, intense, rounded, rich, structured finish, long. 93

2010 Penfolds Grange
Deep ruby. Ripe, rich, intense, detailed, complex, layered, dark fruits, spices nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, layered, detailed, spicey, nuanced, rich and intense, dark fruits, very long indeed. 97

06 Mascarello Villero and 2010 Monprivato

2006 Giuseppe Mascarello Barolo Villero
Bright ruby. Scented, detailed, nuanced, fruity, elegant, lovely nose, tar, floral. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, lively, fresh, detailed, elegant and nuanced, superb, long. 93

2010 Giuseppe Mascarello Barolo Monprivato
Bright ruby. Scented, dark fruits, elegant, nuanced and detailed nose, liquorice. Fresh acidity, high of ripe tannins, ripe, fruity, detailed, transparent, layered, complex and long. 95

Cremant de Bordeaux and 1989 Loire

Château Grand Housteau Crémant de Bordeaux
Pale lemon yellow, small bubbles. Fruity, apples, some brioche behind. Fresh acidity, elegant mousse, more detailed than earlier, fruity. 83

1989 Couly-Dutheil Clos de l'Olive
Ruby, garnet rim. Cassis, bell peppers, some figs. Fruitier and more scented than last bottle. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, figs, letaher, some herbs behind, good length. 89

2010 Domaine de Chevalier blanc, 00 rouge, 09 Guiraud and more

2013 G de Guiraud
Towards lemon yellow. Elegant nose, fresh, grapefruits and minerals. Frsh acidity, lively, fresh, fruity, detailed, elegant, good length. 88

2012 Esprit de Chevalier blanc
(2nd Dom. de Chevalier) Towards lemon yellow. Minerals, fruity, and fresh nose. Fresh acidity, lively, fruity, fresh and elegant, grapefruity finish, good length. 89

2010 Domaine de Chevalier blanc
Towards lemon yellow. Minerals, detailed, elegant, nuanced, complex and layered nose, oysters, citrus and vanilla. Fresh acidity, lively, citrus, detailed, elegant, lively and nuanced, long. 95

2012 Esprit de Chevalier
(2nd Dom. de Chevalier) Ruby. Scented, blackcurrants, some vanilla, elegant nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, intense, lively, fresh, good length. 88

2000 Domaine de Chevalier
(Magnum) Ruby. Cassis, scented, minerals, elegant, maturing, seductive nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fresh, detailed, elegant and nuanced, lovely texture and balance, long. 94

2009 Château Guiraud
Golden. Nuanced, lively, detailed nose, apricots, rich and intense. Fresh acidity, fruity, lively, fresh and detailed, nuanced, long. 95

Oremus 1972- 2012 tasting

2012 Oremus Furmint Tokaji Dry Mandolás
Pale lemon yellow. Apples, almonds and wood on the nose. Fresh acidity, fruity, but again a bit over shadowed by oak, bit warm finish. 84

2009 Oremus Tokaji Szamorodni Édes Sweet
Pale golden. Light almonds note over clementines and a light rose touch nose. Fresh acidity, fruity, lively but dies off in finish. 86

2008 Oremus Tokaji Szamorodni Édes Sweet
Towards golden. Rich, light alcohol note and orange peel nose. Fresh acidity, rounded, fruity, clementines, candied pears. 86

2008 Oremus Tokaji 3 Puttonyos
Towards golden. Almonds, candied clementines and pineapples nose. Light vanilla touch. Fresh and lively acidity, fruity but dies off a bit leaving acidity and a narrow clementine fruitiness. Died off fairly quickly, corked after fifteen minutes.

2007 Oremus Tokaji 3 Puttonyos
Towards golden. Fruity, candied pineapples and pears nose. Fresh acidity, fruity, lively but again hollow finish. Good length. 88

2006 Oremus Tokaji 5 Puttonyos
Golden with amber hue. Intense nose, almost incence or rather coconut, apricots, pineapples, light spicy touch and floral notes. Fresh acidity, fresh and fruity, lively, rounded and detailed, elegant, lovely balance, playful finish. 91

2001 Oremus Tokaji 5 Puttonyos
Towards amber. Light caramel note, candied fruits, dried notes. Fresh acidity, fruity, fresh and ripe, sweet apricots, light caramelised pears note, butter scotch finish. 91

1993 Oremus Tokaji 5 Puttonyos
Amber. Smoky, ash, lapsang souchong tea, raisins below, intense but somewhat oxidised and dusty wood. Fresh acidity, ripe and fruity mid palate but leaner finish and somewhat dry, long and thin finish. 89

1972 Oremus Tokaji 5 Puttonyos
Deep amber. Nuts, wood polish, light raisins note, dried apricots nose. Fresh acidity, leaner, thin palate but what is there is quite lively, apples and apricots, sultanas with a lively acidity. 89

2006 Oremus Tokaji 6 Puttonyos
Pale amber. Apricots, raisins, pineapples, intense and concentrated nose. Rich. High acidity, ripe and intense, lively, detailed, highly playful, detailed and layered, ripe and fruity, long. 94

2003 Oremus Tokaji 6 Puttonyos
Pale amber. Raisins, light smoky note, some caramelised apples, intense nose. Fresh acidity, fruity, rounded, almost creamy texture, rich and intense, waves of flavour, long. 93

1999 Oremus Tokaji 6 Puttonyos
Pale orange gold. Raisins, nuts, almonds, apricots, dried fruits and caramel. High acidity, lively, fresh and intense, detailed, dies off a bit before more in the finish, long. 92

1972 Oremus Tokaji 6 Puttonyos
Deep amber. Smoky, dusty, some raisins, burnt caramel and burnt butter nose. Wood polish. Medium acidity, rich, raisins, nuts and almonds, dried apricots, caramel and some coffee notes, almost toast. Long. 91

2002 Oremus Tokaji Eszencia
Amber. Nuts, raisins, apple cake, spicy, cinnamon, citrus, ripe lemon, some vanilla, coffee notes and milk chocolate. High acidity, lively even if beyond rich, smooth texture, sticky, viscous, playful acidity swimming in thick oil, detailed, very long. 97

Tired 82 Calon Ségur and fresh Manuel Olivier Morey

1982 Château Calon Ségur
Served blind. Ruby, garnet rim. Dark chocolate, earthy, lacks fruit on the nose. Drying palate, dusty and coffee. I guessed tired Bordeaux. With answer in hand a far cry from optimal bottle.

2011 Manuel Olivier Morey-Saint-Denis
Bright ruby. Lightly scented, red berries and some floral notes. Not too intense. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fresh if somewhat leaner, fairly elegant if a bit rustic finish. 88

Five 2012's from Grivot

2012 Jean Grivot Vosne-Romanée
About 9500 bottles made. Bright garnet. Scented, delicate, red berries nose, almost minerals beneath, light floral note. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, detailed, fresh and lively, light liquorice note and red berries palate, good length. 89

2012 Jean Grivot Nuits-Saint-Georges Aux Laviers
Bright garnet. Scented, elegant nose, floral, light spicey note, bright red berries. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, red fruits, bit deeper, mouthwatering, light anise touch again with some ripe berries beneath, elegant and playful, long. 90

2012 Jean Grivot Nuits-Saint-Georges 1er Cu Les Prulieres
Bright ruby. Scented, red berries, faint herbal note, detailed, fairly intense nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, detailed, fruity, red berries, bit firmer texture and again a faint liquorice note beneath bright red fruits. Detailed, layered and long. 92

2012 Jean Grivot Vosne-Romanée 1er Cru Aux Brulées
About 950 bottles made. Bright garnet. Scented, delicate, detailed, red berries, light spicy note, minerals, floral, detailed and layered. Some slightly sun warm fruit notes. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, rounded, elegant, detailed, again a faint liquorice note, detailed, layered, nuanced, lovely balance, long. 94

2012 Jean Grivot Echezeaux
About 2200 bottles made. Bright garnet with ruby hue. Delicate and nuanced nose, red berries, scented, floral, detailed, ads with air, gorgeous, seductive. Fresh acidity, ripe tannin, detailed, fruity, rounded, layered, fresh, vibrant, elegant body and texture, slightly firmer finish, long. 95

06 Labégorce Zédé, 08 Fieuzal blanc, 11 Duplessis Monts Mains and more

2012 Château Mercier blanc
Pale lemon yellow. Some grapefruits, gooseberries and vanilla notes, ligh minerals nose. Fresh acidity, fruity, rounded, leaner, fresh. 86

2008 Château Fieuzal blanc
Towards lemon yellow. Minerals, almost smokey, grapefruit, lemons, light peach note nose. Fresh acidity, lively, detailed, elegant, nuanced, touch of nuts, long finish. 91

2012 Château Vrai Caillou
Ruby. Light blueberries nose, some herbs. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, leaner, slightly bitter finish. 83

2008 Château de Fonbel
Ruby. Bit tight nose, needs time to open, blueberries, some floral notes far back, fruit forward. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, smooth and rounded texture, dark berries palate, good length. 89

2010 Kloster Eberbach Riesling Spätlese
Towards lemon yellow. Apples, light ninerals and citrus nose. Fresh acidity, fruity, ripe, rounded, somewhat fuller palate, good length. 87

2003 Roccolo Grassi Amarone
Deep ruby. Rich nose, dark and dried fruits, some coffee and alcohol high notes nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, big and intense, ripe, fruity and dry finish, more nuanced and more together than last bottle, less vulgar. 90

2005 La Rioja Alta Vina Arana Reserva
Ruby. Blueberries, vanilla and liquorice nose, light spicy touch. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, rounded, blueberries and vanilla. Good length. 87

2006 Château Labégorce Zédé
Ruby. Cedar, minerals, cassis, some plums, more evolved than expected on the nose. Vanilla. Somewhat scented. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, leaner, somewhat firm but not much for the vintage, good length. 89

2013 Louis Jadot Mâcon-Villages
Pale lemon yellow. Apples, light minerals note, fruity nose. Some peaches. Fresh acidity, fruity, rounded, apples and peach, elegant texture, good length. 85

2011 Gérard Duplessis Chablis 1er Cru Montmais
Pale lemon yellow. Apples, minerals, steely, narrow and focused nose, oysters, nuanced, lovely. Fresh acidity, lenaet, narrow, focused, linear, detailed, lovely balance, long. 90

Seven from Mugnier

2012 Mugnier Nuits-Saint-Georges 1er Cru Clos de la Maréchale blanc
Pale lemon yellow. Apples, minerals, light butter note, light tropical touch, elegant nose. Fresh acidity, minerals, tight, a wax and a slight bitter note, fruity, good length. 89

2012 Mugnier Chambolle-Musigny 1er Cru Les Fuées
Bright ruby. Red berries, scented, fruity, elegant, nuanced nose, lovely, detailed. Floral. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fresh, fruity, ripe, detailed, elegant, somewhat firm finish. 91

2011 Mugnier Nuits-Saint-Georges 1er Cru Clos de la Maréchale
Bright ruby. Some herbs, red berries, light minerals note, cooler fruits. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fresh and elegant, detailed and nuanced, good length. 89

2009 Mugnier Nuits-Saint-Georges 1er Cru Clos de la Maréchale
Ruby. Fresh nose, spices, red berries, some minerals, fruitier nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, firmer, structured, tighter than last bottle, spicey, needs time. 90

2008 Mugnier Nuits-Saint-Georges 1er Cru Clos de la Maréchale
Bright ruby. Scented, red berries, spices, some dark fruits, floral notes. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fresh and fruity, elegant, detailed, rounded, fresh, good length. 89

2007 Mugnier Nuits-Saint-Georges 1er Cru Clos de la Maréchale
Bright ruby. Scented, elegant nose, red berries, some figs, more mature nose than last bottle. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fresh and fruity, ripe, dark fruits, good length. 89

2006 Mugnier Nuits-Saint-Georges 1er Cru Clos de la Maréchale
Ruby. Scented, red berries, fruity, darker notes, spicey. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, jammy, ripe, different from last bottle, feels warmer, still tight. Needs time. 89

Two 2012's from Hudelot-Noellat

2012 Hudelot-Noellat Nuits-Saint-Georges 1er Cru Murgers
Bright ruby. Scented, elegant, detailed, lovely freshness on the nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, leaner but elegant, fresh, detailed, somewhat spicey, refreshing and long. 90

2012 Hudelot-Noellat Clos de Vougeot
Bright ruby. Elegant nose, scented, detailed, nuanced, red berries, floral, lovely. Layered. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fresh, lively, detailed, elegant, spices, long finish. 92

3 from Méo-Camuzet

2008 Méo-Camuzet Corton Clos Rognet
Bright ruby. Scented, elegant raspberries note, detailed and refreshing nose, nuanced. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, rounded, fresh and detailed, long. 92

2007 Méo-Camuzet Corton Clos Rognet
Bright ruby. Scented, fruity, elegant, nuanced, red berries,e legant nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fresh and fruity, ripe, elegant, rounded, long. 91

2006 Méo-Camuzet Clos de Vougeot
Bright ruby. Scented, red berries, elegant nose, fruity and fresh. Light floral and scented nose, still a bit tight. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fresh and fruity, rounded, detailed, long finish. 93

2012 Vogüé Chambolle

2012 Comte de Vogüé Chambolle-Musigny
Ruby. Scented, red and darker berries, some vanilla and spices. Fresha cidity, ripe tannins, fruity, fresh, lively, structured, quite mouthwatering, bit firm finish, needs air or cellar time. 90

Seven from Sylvain Cathiard

2012 Sylvain Cathiard Bourgogne Rouge
Bright ruby. Scented, red berries, floral, light and detailed nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fresh, lively, fruity, rounded, elegant and fresh, good length. 88

2012 Sylvain Cathiard Chambolle-Musigny Clos de L'Orme
Bright ruby. Scented, red berries, floral, elegant and seductive. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fresh, lively, fruity, red berries, sweetness to it, lovely. 90

2012 Sylvain Cathiard Nuits-Saint-Georges
Bright ruby. Scented, light peppery note, elegant nuanced, flirting, red berries. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins,f resh and fruity, bit leaner, slightly herbal mid palate, good length. 89

2012 Sylvain Cathiard Nuits-Saint-Georges 1er Cru Aux Thorey
Bright ruby. Scented, elegant nose, detailed, some pepper and red berries, lovely. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fresh, detailed, delicate and nuanced, lovely balance, juicy finish, long. 91

2012 Sylvain Cathiard Nuits-Saint-Georges 1er Cru Aux Murgers
Bright ruby. Scented, peppery, red berries, scented but firmer nose than Thorey. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fresh, fruity, detailed, scented, flirting, rounded, bit more body, long. 92

2012 Sylvain Cathiard Vosne-Romanée
Bright ruby. Red berries, light peppery note nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fresh and fruity, ever so slight herbal note, good length. 88

2011 Sylvain Cathiard Vosne-Romanée
Bright ruby. Spicy, peppery, red and darker fruits nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, ripe, rounded, lively and detailed, fresh and playful . 88

06 Perrot-Minot Chambolle La Combe d'Orveau

2006 Perrot-Minot Chambolle-Musigny 1er Cru La Combe d'Orveau
Bright ruby. Fruity, scented, anise and plums, darker notes nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fresh and lively, detailed, little bit warm fruits, darker berries, good length. 89

Four from Claude Dugat

2011 Claude Dugat Bourgogne Rouge
Ruby. Fruity, ripe plums nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, rounded, ripe. Lacks some nuances and finesse. 85

2008 Claude Dugat Gevrey-Chambertin
Ruby. Ripe, fruity, dark fruits, scented, intense, less cooked and overripe now than a year back, more details. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, detailed, fruity, one of the heavier but getting more interesting and nuanced, even fresher, long. 90

2009 Claude Dugat Gevrey-Chambertin
Ruby. Fruity, spicey, dark fruits, figs and vanilla nose. Fresha cidity, ripe tannins, fruity, ripe, rich, intense,detailed, Bordeaux like, rich. 90

2011 Claude Dugat Gevrey-Chambertin
Ruby. Dark fruits, light herbal note behind, scented, spices nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, ripe, rich, rounded, somewhat leaner finish, good length. 89

Four from Marc Morey

2012 Marc Morey Bourgogne Blanc
Pale lemon yellow. Citrus, apples, elegant nose, some yellow fruits. Fresh acidity, fresh and elegant, leaner but quite detailed, lovely. 87

2011 Marc Morey Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru Les Referts
Pale lemon yellow. Apples, minerals, smokey, detailed, layered nose, nuanced. Fresh acidity, fresh and lively, detailed,e legant and nuanced, refreshing citrus finish, leaner, mouthwatering. 93

2011 Marc Morey Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru en Virondot
Pale lemon yellow. Smokey, minerals, intense, citrus and apples, focused nose. Fresh acidity, fresh, lively, fruity, elegant, nuanced, detailed, long finish. 92

2012 Marc Morey Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru Les Pucelles
Pale lemon yellow. Citrus, minerals, details, nuanced nose, floral, orange blossoms, sea front. Fresh acidity, fruity, rounded, slight tropical note, rich, ripe, fruity, long finish, but lacks the focus it should have. 92

08 and 09 Bonneau du Martray Corton-Charlemagne

2009 Bonneau du Martray Corton-Charlemagne
Pale lemon yellow. Apples, fruity, floral, light tropical touch, minerals, almost smokey. Fresh acidity, fruity, fresh, elegant, detailed, nuanced if slightly fat, long. 93

2008 Bonneau du Martray Corton-Charlemagne
(Magnum) Pale lemon yellow. Apples, light tropical note nose, elegant and nuanced, minerals. Fresh acidity, lemons, lime, apples, vanilla, flinty, long. 93

Leflaive flight

2012 Leflaive & Associés Rully 1er Cru
Pale lemon yellow. Apples, fruity, rounded, light tropical note nose. Fresh acidity, fruity, fresh and rounded, good length. 87

2011 Domaine Leflaive Bourgogne Blanc
Pale lemon yellow. Apples, flinty, fresh, light spicey note nose. Fresh acidity, fruity, fresh, lively, detailed, elegant, good length. 88

2011 Domaine Leflaive Puligny-Montrachet
Pale lemon yellow. Apples, minerals, smokey, citrus and light butter note nose. Fresh acidity, fresh and fruity, elegant, rounded, lively, very mineral finish, long. 91

2011 Domaine Leflaive Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru Clavoillon
Pale lemon yellow. Apples, fruity, starting nuts, minerals, ripe citrus nose, nuanced. Fresh acidity, fruity, lively, fresh, detailed, elegant, citrus, apples, intense minerals finish, long. 93

2011 Domaine Leflaive Bâtard-Montrachet
Pale lemon yellow. Minerals, citrus, orange blossoms, detailed, elegant and layered, very nuanced nose. Fresh acidity, fruity, ripe, rounded, detailed, intense, layered, not as fat as some Bâtards. Long finish, very long indeed. 96

2012 Raveneau Butteaux

2012 Raveneau Chablis 1er Cru Butteaux
Pale lemon yellow. Tight, citrus, minerals, flinty, apples, layered nose. Fresh acidity, elegant, crisp and fresh, detailed, mouthwatering, nuanced, long. 93

Four from Gerard Duplessis

2009 Duplessis Chablis 1er Cru Vaugiraut
Towards lemon yellow. Apples, minerals, smokey, citrus nose. Fresh acidity, fruity, rounded, fresh, smokey finish, quite intense. 89

2011 Duplessis Chablis 1er Cru Vaillons
Pale lemon yellow. Apples, minerals, tight, seaweed, elegant and detailed nose. Fresh acidity, fresh, leaner, citrus, mouthwatering minerals, elegant and long. 90

2009 Duplessis Chablis 1er Cru Fourchaume
Towards lemon yellow. Apples, yellow fruits, minerals, rounded nose. Fresh acidity, fruity, rounded, fresh, elegant, detailed, nuanced, lovely freshness for the vintage. Long. 91

2011 Duplessis Chablis Grand Cru Les Clos
Pale lemon yellow. Tight, minerals, apples, lime, citrus, flinty,d etailed and nuanced. Cool sea front. Fresh acidity, fresh, detailed, elegant, nuanced, citrus, very mineral, layered, smokey, long. 94

Two 2012's from Pinson

2012 Domaine Pinson Chablis 1er Cru Vaugiraut
Pale lemon yellow. Apples, fruity, ripe, minerals, some floral notes nose. Fresh acidity, fruity, leaner, focused, fresh, lime, good length. 88

2012 Domaine Pinson Chablis 1er Cru Fourchaume
Pale lemon yellow. Apples, citrus, minerals, honey, spicey notes nose. Frsh acidity, fruity, elegant, lively, fresh, detailed, elegant, good length. 89

La Rioja Alta 904 2001 and 890 1995

2001 La Rioja Alta Gran Reserva 904
Ruby. Scented, liquorice and blueberries nose, youthful. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, lively, fresh, detailed, good length. 89

1995 La Rioja Alta Gran Reserva 890
Ruby. Figs, blueberries, minerals beneath, vanilla nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, rounded, fresh and detailed, smooth, long finish. 90

3 from Roagna including Crichët Pajé

2008 Roagna Barbaresco Pajè
Bright ruby. Tar, roses, floral notes, cherries, liquorice and scented notes. Fresh acidity, high of ripe tannins, intens, fruity, playful, lively and long. 93

2008 Roagna Barbaresco Montefico Vecchie Viti
Bright ruby. Tar, liquorice, roses, cherries, intense and scented nose. High acidity, high of ripe tannins, ripe, fruity, rich, intense, layered, detailed, long and nuanced. 94

2004 Roagna Barbaresco Crichët Pajé
1680 bottles made. Bright garnet. Scente, intense, red berries, violets, detailed nose, lovely. High acidity, high of ripe tannins, scented, fruity, intense, red berries, violets, layered and long, delicious. Bit more scented than last bottle a few months back. 94

Taupenot- Merme Charmes Chambertin and more

2012 Fanny Sabre Meursault 1er Cru Les Charmes
Pale lemon yellow. Apples, minerals, lighter nose, floral. Fresh acidity, fruity, rounded, apples, lighter finish, delicate. 89

2014 Ochota Barrels Weird Berries in the Woods Gewürztraminer
1880 bottles made. Pale lemon yellow. Fruity, grapey nose, light rose touch. Fruity, leaner, fresh, rounded, scented, roses. 87

2012 Charles Audoin Marsannay Blanc Au Champ Salomon
Towards lemon yellow. Apples, minerals, detailed, light yellow fruits note nose. Fresh acidity, fruity, rounded, fresh and elegant, lime finish. 87

2011 Bisol Venissa
Golden. 100% Dorona. Apricots, some clay, bananas, lilies florality on the nose. Fresh acidity, rounded, fruity, fairly playful, diffeent, sort of smooth, long. 89

1991 Château Musar blanc
Pale amber. Nuts, dried fruits, light VA, apricots, wood polish. Fresh acidity, leaner, fairly intense, wood and nuts, dried fruits, good length. 89

2009 Fonterenza Brunello di Montalcino
Ruby. Scented, leather, liquorice, cherries and figs nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, bit jammy, fruity, ripe, rich, good length. 89

2008 Le Ragnaie Brunello di Montalcino
Ruby. Intense, scented, liquorice, raisins nose. Cherries and chocolate. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, ripe, rounded, little bit lean and herbal finish, bit hollow. 88

2013 Innocent Bystander Applejack Vineyard Pinot Noir
Bright ruby. Spices, strawberry jam nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, ripe, spices, little bit of a burnt note, slightly warm finish. 87

2012 Taupenot-Merme Chambolle-Musigny
Bright ruby. Light nose, scented, red berries, somewhat scented. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fresh and fruity, elegant, rounded, little bit hollow. Good length. 89

2012 Taupenot-Merme Charmes Chambertin
Bright ruby. Scented, elegant nose, spices, fruity, some vanilla and spices, nuances behind. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fresh, fruity, but bit firm oak texture behind, some  toast, needs air or rather cellar ageing, long. 92

2011 Clos du Jaygueron Margaux
Ruby. Cassis, violets, quite scented, ripe fruits, elegant nose but needs air to open. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, ripe, rich, structured, tannic but fruit to balance it seems, long. 91

20 Clos de Vougeot's tasted

All bottles double decanted before serving, tasted from Riedel Vinum Burgundy.

2007 Jean-Marc Millot Clos de VougeotBright pale ruby. Fresh nose, little bit lean and shut, lightly scented. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, light, red berries, fresh and fruity if a bit lean, good length. 88

2006 Gros Frere Soeur Clos de Vougeot "Musigni"
Bright ruby. Tight, some spices, mint, little fruit, closed nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, leaner, dry and woody, rustic, lacks fruit. Skinny. Bitter woody burnt spices finish. 83

2006 Hudelot-Noëllat Clos de Vougeot
Bright ruby. Scented, red berries, coffee, lacks some nuances and refinement. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, leaner fruit, fairly elegant, red berries, lightly scented, long. 91

2006 Nicolas Potel Clos de Vougeot
Bright ruby. Lightly scented, some floral notes and red berries, tight but opens up. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, fresh, lively, quite intense, detailed, long finish. 90

2010 Bouchard Clos de Vougeot
Bright ruby. Scented, red berries, violets, elegant nose, detailed, refined. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fresh, lively, detailed, elegant, mouthwatering, red berries, refreshing, long. 93

2010 Faiveley Clos de Vougeot
Bright ruby. Scented, red berries, elegant, bit spicy nose, fruity, some vanilla behind. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fresh, lively, red berries, elegant, bit firm mid palate and finish, somewhat spicey and vanilla, long, needs a few years. 92

2005 Château de Corton André Clos de Vougeot
Ruby. Some figs, sous bois, red berries,scented and spicey nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, ripe, rich, fuller bodied but a bit dry finish, long. 90

2001 Chantal Lescure Clos de Vougeot
Ruby, garnet rim. Sous bois, spicey, mint, dentist office. Freshish acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, rounded mid palate but drying finish. 87

2005 De Montille Clos de Vougeot
Bright ruby. Tight, scented, bright red fruits, light minerals note nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fresh and fruity, lively, elegant and detailed, bit tight and firm, especially for the vintage, lovely. 92

2009 Denis Mortet Clos de Vougeot
Bright ruby. Scented, vanilla, spices, red berries and some darker fruits. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fresh, fruity, elegant but a bit up front oak, lots of spices, bit woody, peppery finish. Long. 91

2008 Lamarche Clos de Vougeot
Bright ruby. Spices, red fruits, scented, firm nose, slight burnt note nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fresh and fruity but tight, strawberries, fresh, redcurrants, long.  Bit all over the place, hollow. 88

2010 Lamarche Clos de Vougeot
Bright ruby. Scented, red berries, elegant nose, detailed, redcurrants and strawberries, spices. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, elegant, red berries, bright fruit if leaner and firmer, bit tight, leaner finish. Not up to Echezeaux in the vintage. 91

2003 De Montille Pommard 1er Cru Les Rugiens
Ruby. Dark fruits, cinnamon, fruity, bit ungainly nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, figs, leather, fresh but a bit warm and spicey finish, good length. 89

2010 Anne Gros Clos de Vougeot Le Grand Maupertui
Bright ruby. Scented, red berries, some dark fruits, fruity, ripe, light sous bois note, intense nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, dark fruits, sweet notes, layered, intense, big, bit warm, somewhat alcoholic, rich and long. 93

2009 Anne Gros Clos de Vougeot Le Grand Maupertui
Bright ruby. Ripe, some coffee, dark fruits, plums, spicey, bit tight nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fresh and fruity, sweet. Dark fruits, ripe, could have more freshness but fairly flirting, served on the chilled side. Long. 92

2008 Anne Gros Clos de Vougeot Le Grand Maupertui
Bright ruby. Scented, red berries, spices, slight vegetal note far back, pepper. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, elegant, fresh, fruity, detailed, nuanced, elegant, ever so slightly hollow, long. 91

2002 Anne Gros Clos de Vougeot Le Grand Maupertui
Towards ruby. Scented. Red berries, some sous bois, scented, detailed, elegant, layered, needs time to open. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fresh, detailed, some sous bois, leaner, some spices and coffee, some mint, black tea, long finish. 93

2007 Domaine d'Eugiéne Clos de Vougeot
Bright ruby. Some herbs, unripe strawberries, scented, leaner nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, smoot if lean palate, eleagnt but a bit thin, good elngth. 89

2007 Meo Camuzet Clos de Vougeot
Bright ruby. Red berries, scented, elegant and layered nose, some wood spices. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, bright, elegant, detailed, bit lean but lovely, fresh and long. Lean all the way. 91

1986 Meo Camuzet Clos de Vougeot
Bright ruby, thin brick rim. Figs, sous bois, earthy, not too complex nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, figs attack but lacks mid palate and finish, drying. 86

1999 Lamarche La Grande Rue

1999 Lamarche La Grande Rue
Bright ruby. Scented, red and darker berries, detailed, some spices, very light herbal touch. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fresh, intense, detailed, nuanced, long. 95

96 Dom Perignon, 02 Angerville Clos des Ducs, 00 Solaia and more

1989 Boizel Joyau de France
Pale golden, small bubbles. Apples, minerals, slight nutty note, some butter, elegant nose, fairly youthful. Fresh acidity, elegant mousse, fruity, rounded, light sweet note, some yellow fruits, elegant minerals, quite detailed, just a little bit hollow. Long. 92

2010 Château Phélan-Ségur
Deepish ruby. Rich nose, some blackcurrants leaf, gamey, spices nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, sweet, ripe fruits, spices but bit hollow and herbal finish, good length. 89

2007 Tenuta il Sogno Bricco Soria
Ruby. Liquorice, cherries, fruity, quite mature nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, ripe, bit thin, some say not optimal bottle. 84

2001 Angerville Volnay 1er Cru Clos des Ducs
Bright ruby. Elegant, red berries, scented, some spices, not that tight for the vintage. Quite lovely nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fresh, elegant, leaner, red berries, somewhat tight but quite lovely now, opens up nocely with air, if always somewhat tight. Long. 91

2000 Solaia
Deep ruby. Rich, coffee, dark fruits, eucalyptus, vanilla, spices, intense nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, ripe, leaner palate, somewhat cooked fruits, leaner finish. 90

1996 Henriot Cuvée des Enchanteleures
Pale golden, small bubbles. Apples, butter, minerals, nutes, ripe apples, autumn leaf touch, somewhat yellow fruity. Fresh acidity, elegant mousse, fresh and elegant, lively, detailed, some nuts and yeast, long. 94

1996 Dom Perignon
Pale lemon yellow, tiny bubbles. Apples, elegant mineality, citrus, youthful, detailed, elegant and layered nose, some plaster, even slightly floral. Fresh acidity, elegant mousse, superb mousse actually, detailed, lighter mid palate but fruit and details to follow up, long. 96

1999 Produttori del Barbaresco Riserva Assili
Bright ruby, garnet rim. Dark fruits, scented, tar and roses, cherries nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, ripe fruits, rich, sweet notes, good length. 89

2010 Sanford Sanford & Benedict Vineyard Pinot Noir
Bright ruby. Scented, red berries, some spices, quite intense nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, intense, ripe red berries, cinnamon, some strawberry jam, slight anise touch, good length. 88

86 and 89 Margaux, Montrachet, Chambertin Clos de Beze, Dom Perignon and more

1993 Dom Perignon Oenotheque
Served blind. Deg. 2005. Towards lemon yellow, tiny bubbles. Apples, minerals, light nutty note, very together on the nose, nothing jumps out. Brioche and faint citrus note. Fresh acidity, elegant mousse, seemless, fruity, rounded, quite smooth, long. 93

2000 Charles Heidsieck Millésime Brut
Served blind. Towards golden, small bubbles. Brioche, some oxidized apples, minerals, flinty, smokey note, bread crums. Fresh acidity, rounded mousse, fuller, brioche, apples, rounded, fruity, minerals finish. 91

2004 Bonneau du Martray Corton-Charlemagne
Pale lemon yellow. Apples, minerals, lemons, linear, detailed, floral, nuanced and complex. Fresh acidity, rounded, lemons, minerals, elegant, fresh, almost crisp, lime, detailed, long and nuanced finish. 94

2007 Bonneau du Martray Corton-Charlemagne
Served blind. Pale lemon yellow. Citrus, minerals, orange blossoms, detailed, ever so slightly yellow fruity nose, layered and nuanced nose, gorgeous. Fresh acidity, rounded, fruity, detailed, almost tender attack before quite intense mid palate and finish, some tropical notes in the finish, long. 95

2008 Blain-Gagnard Montrachet
Served blind. Pale lemon yellow. Ripe yellow fruits, minerals, layers, light nutty note, ripe lemons, scented. Fresh acidity, lively, fruity, intense, detailed, playful and mouthwatering, quite extreme, layers upon layers, amazing length. Creamy, detailed, needed time to open, few hours in decanter. Wide. 98

1983 Charles Laurent Fils Chambertin-Clos-de-Bèze
In neck fill. Brick with small ruby core. Redcurrants, sous bois, faint leather, faint herbs note, slightly scented. Lovely nose. Fresh acidity, few tannins, redcurrants and some strawberries, leaner palate, ever so slightly drying, some astringency still. Getting nore and more scented and elegantly fruity with air. Long. 93

1986 Château Margaux
High fill, 4mm below cork. Ruby, very thin brick rim. Intense nose, scented, cassis, violets, cedar, detailed, elegant and nuanced nose, layered, highly seductive. Fresh acidity, high of ripe tannins, fruity, intense, cassis, dark chocolate, scented, still firm, youthfull bottle, superb, very long. 96

1989 Château Margaux
Ruby, garnet rim. Scented, detailed, cassis, violets, highly seductive nose, gorgeous nose, ripe, touch of figs, cedar, rich tobacco but mostly beautiful and intense fruit. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, mouthwatering, detailed, superb balance, elegant and nuanced, dark berries, such intensity, very long. 98

10 Lamarche Echezeaux, 88 Latour, 85 Gilette, 98 Troplong Mondot and more

2010 Francois Lamarche Echezeaux
Served blind. Ruby. Highly scented, strawberries, raspberries, light herbal note, pepper, some spices, vanilla, flirting like few. Stunning. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, firmer palate, detailed, lovely balance, bit firm now, youthful, very elegant, long. 94

1988 Château Latour
Served blind. Ruby, thin garnet rim. Highly scented, cassis, detailed, leather, tobacco, slightly starting prunes nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fresh, lively, detailed, fairly rounded, detailed, long. 94

1998 Château Troplong Mondot
Served blind. Ruby, garnet rim. Scented, intense, slight alcohol note, vanilla still, spices, exotic, dark fruits, seemingly showy ripeness and alcohol. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, lively, rich, a little bit all over the place now, but there is something quite exciting about it. 94

2001 Château La Tour Blanche
Towards amber, quite deep colour for the vintage. Rich nose, apricots, vanilla, raisins, pineapples, detailed and intense nose. Fresh acidity, fruity, rounded, ripe and detailed, fairly fresh but developed considering the last bottle one and a half years ago, long. 93

1985 Château Gilette
Golden with orange rim. Almonds, pineapples, caramel, vanilla, intense, rich nose, raisins. Fresh acidity, ripe and fruity, intense, detailed, almonds, marsipan, lovely balance, long. 95

2011 Markus Molitor Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Auslese***
Pale lemon yellow. Apples, apricots, minerals, detailed, intense nose. Fresh acidity, lively, playful, detailed, rounded, lovely balance, detailed, long. 94

2008 Georg Breuer Berg Dchlossberg Riesling Auslese
Corked bottle.

2003 Château de la Genaiserie Coteaux du Layon La Roche
Deep amber. Rich, smokey, ripe, apricots, caramel and burnt nose. Fresh acidity, ripe and fruity, leaner, playful, bit dried finish. 88