Saint Estephe tasting

2001 Château Couhins-Lurton blanc
MAY 15 Pale lemon yellow. Apples, grapefruits, some blackcurrants leaf, minerals and spices nose. Fresh acidity, fruity, fresh, rounded, lively, apples, grapefruits, lemons and minerals, playfula nd long. 90

2012 Günther Steinmetz Kestener Paulinshofberg
Pale lemon yellow. Apples, minerals, some oranges, fruity nose. Fresh acidity, fruity, fresh, lively, elegant, rounded, bit short. 88

2012 A. J. Adam Hofberg Riesling GG
Pale lemon yellow. Apples, lemons, fruity, minerals, orange blossoms nose. Fresh acidity, rounded, fruity, elegant, fresh, detailed, long. 91

2010 Château Lafon-Rochet
MAY 15 Ruby. Dark fruits, vanilla, cassis, spices, fruity nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, rounded, spices, barrel notes fairly evident still, long. Vanilla finish. 91

2008 Château Meyney
Ruby. Cassis, vanilla, spices, fruity, quite intense, dark berries. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, vanilla up front, structured, coffee and bitter chocolate, good length. 89

2006 Château Meyney
Ruby. Cassis, scented, tobacco, cedar notes behind, minerals, detailed nose. Fresh acidity, high of ripe tannins, intense, fruity, slight herbal note, maybe even a few astringent tannins, bell peppers, juicy fruit, long. 90

2010 Château Phélan Ségur
Ruby. Scented, vanilla, dark fruits, light floral note, minerals, elegant and nuanced. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, rounded, fresh, lively, elegant, almost smooth fruit even if structured and youthful, long. 93

1976 Château Phélan Ségur
Bottom neck fill. Bright ruby, thin brick rim. Lean nose, a few figs and some liquorice, lightly scented. Fresh acidity, lean, thin, drinkable but drying. Some cherry stones. 82

2005 Château Calon-Ségur
Ruby. Dark fruits, ripe, intense, spices, floral, some vanilla and spices, coconut. Beautiful nose with air, brighter. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, rounded, fresh, dark fruits, some red berries, smooth texture, long finish. 95

2004 Château Calon-Ségur
Ruby. Scented, red berries, floral, detailed nose, nuanced, elegant nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, cassis, fruity, structured, some vanilla, elegant and detailed, long. 92

1999 Château Calon-Ségur
Ruby, garnet rim. Scented, red berries, floral, dark fruits, elegant, nuanced, refined, beautiful nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, lively, red berries, elegant and nuanced, bit woody finish to be picky, long. 93

1996 Château Calon-Ségur
Ruby, garnet rim. Scented, floral, leather, anise, red and darker berries, lovely nose. Tobacco and cigars. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, fresh, elegant, nuanced, red berries, slightly structured and could be longer. There is a discussion if this bottle is optimal. 94

1983 Château Calon-Ségur
Top shoulder fill. Bright ruby, brick rim. Cherries, leather, red berries, elegant fruit, scented, floral notes, delicate, almost Burgundian. Sous bois. Candied strawberries. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fresh, lively, fruity, elegant, refreshing, still tannins, red berries, lively, cherries, fresh, long. 93

2009 La Dame de Montrose
Ruby. Dark fruits, spices, vanilla, quite intense, rich, some coffee. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, leaner palate than nose suggest, leaner finish, dark fruits. 89

2004 Château Montrose
Ruby. Cassis, red berries, leather, anise, floral, detailed, elegant nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fresh, fruity, lively, elegant, slightly fruitier bottle than last bottle, long. 92

1998 Château Montrose
Ruby, thin garnet rim. Scented, dark fruits, elegant nose, cedar, light tobacco, cassis, floral notes, seductive nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, red berries, cassis, elegant, fresh and fruity. Slightly more youthful than a bottle last month. 92

1995 Château Montrose
Ruby, garnet rim. Cassis, red berries, scented, detailed nose, elegant, light tobacco, cedar, liquorice and leather, floral high nose, lovely nose, beautiful. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fresh, elegant, lively, fruity, detailed, elegant, starting to drink beautifully, even if it will still be a long haul. Better than last bottle. 95

1975 Château Montrose
Very top shoulder fill. Brigth ruby, garnet rim. Cassis, leather, bramble, scented, behind tobacco and figs, elegant and detailed nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fresh, minerals, almost salty, detailed, nuanced, bit fruitier than last bottle, quite youthful bottle, structured, slightly drying finish, coffee. 92

1959 Château Montrose
Danish bottling, E. Troels-Smith, Copenhagen. Top shoulder fill. Ruby, brick rim. Leather, figs, mature, more evolved than last bottle, cedar, earthy nose. Fresh acidity, few tannins, some dark berries, sweet and sour, iodine and light metallic note before it actually ads some prunes in the finish. 91

2006 Les Pagodes de Cos
Ruby. Herbs, dark fruits, coffee, nettles. Freshish acidity, ripe tannins, bit ungainly, lacks balance. Bitter and edgy. 84

2003 Château Cos d'Estournel
Deep ruby. Ripe, dark fruits, intense, liquorice, plums, cassis, massive nose, coffee, dark chocolate. Freshish acidity, ripe tannins, intense, sweet, fruity, jammy, coffee, rich, ripe, long. 93

1999 Château Cos d'Estournel
Ruby. Dark fruits, slight bell peppers nose, exotic, spices, coffee. Slightly scented. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, rounded, rich, some vanilla notes, spices, fruity, long but somewhat edgy. 91

1985 Château Cos d'Estournel
Ruby, garnet rim. Bottle bought new en primeur by owner. Dark fruits, light herbal touch, spicy and vanilla, not that elegant. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, bit hollow, there is fruit here but it lacks nuance, fairly refreshing. 88

1970 Château Cos d'Estournel
Bottom neck fill. Ruby, thin garnet rim. Spices, cassis, blueberries, figs, liquorice, plums, black tea and citrus. Exotic. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, intense, red berries, fruity, it is leaner body wise but quite intense, playful, bit lean, lovely. More pleassure than points. 92

1959 Château Cos d'Estournel
Danish bottling, Carl Permins Vinhandel Copenhagen. Top shoulder fill. Ruby, orange rim. Dark fruits, mint, coffee, dark chocolate nose. Fresh acidity, leaner palate, sweet and sour, lean and thin. 82

2005 Château Bastor Lamontagne
Pale golden. Apricots, pineapples, fruity nose, some vanilla. Fresh acidity, fruity, lively, elegant, not the most complex, fresh. 88

1989 Château Guiraud
Pale amber. Fruity, intense, apricots, caramel, fruity, intense nose. Fresh acidity, fruity, intense, rich, caramel, apricots, grilled pineapples, ripe and sweet, long. 93

1959 and 1966 from Saint-Emilion

1959 Château La Commanderie
NOV 14 Dark ruby, brown rim. Caramelized, prunes, oxidized and dusty nose. Fresh acidity, few tannins, some redcurrants, figs, lean and dry, drying quickly in the glass. At its very peak. 84

1966 Château Canon
NOV 14 Ruby, brick rim. Spicy, coffee, dried fruits, exotic, cooked plums, iodine and bloos. Fresh acidity, few tannins, earthy, hung game, leaner, that rich taste of grouse, good length. 88

Haut-Brion Vertical tasting last year.

2001 Château Haut-Brion blanc
Pale lemon yellow. Apples, minerals, honey, detailed, light tropical note, scented and light floral note nose. Intense. Fresh acidity, fruity, rounded, fleshy, somewhat sweet tropical note, ripe and fruity, quite intense, long. Ads and ads with air. 95

1989 Château Laville Haut-Brion
Served blind. Towards golden. Wax, peach, minerals, almonds, honey, floral, light apricots note, layered. Fresh acidity, ripe, fruity, refreshing, detailed, balances between sweet tropical notes and salty minerals, elegant and refined, long. With answer in hand a good but not perfect bottle. 94

1918 Château Haut-Brion
Upper shoulder fill, château bottled. Bright ruby, orange rim. Figs, leather, minerals, terracotta, earthy, prunes, layered nose. Superb nose, magic. Fresh acidity, few tannins, fresh, detailed, prunes, leaner palate, mulberries and raspberries, elegant, almost Corton like feel to it today, long. 94 100 on pleasure.

1945 Château Haut-Brion
Upper shoulder fill. Ruby, thin orange rim. Intense chocolate nose, red berries, minerals, pepper, spices, floral, prunes, terracotta nose, layered. Cherries and leather. More and more intense with air, more and more layers. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, cinamon, chocolate, tea, figs, cassis, detailed, refreshing, sweet and sour, power, long, very long. 98

1947 Château Haut-Brion
Top shoulder fill, deep ruby, thin brick rim. Intense, scented, plums, figs, highly scented, floral, jasmin, mint, dried dark fruits, rich nose, raspberries. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, detailed, rich and rounded, intense, tannic with loads of fruit to back it still, refreshing and detailed finish, very long. 99

1948 Château Haut-Brion
Upper shoulder fill, deep ruby with thin orange rim. Scented, leaner, figs, minerals, terracotta, smoky, prunes, quite intense. Stacks up well after the others. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fresh, sweet and sour, detailed, lots of cherrirs, anise and raspberries, leather and prunes finish, slightly drying finish to be picky. 95

1959 Château Haut-Brion
Top shoulder fill, ruby, brick rim. Scented, cigars, cedar, minerals, jasmin, mulberries, figs, prunes, detailed and intense and seductive nose. Layered and complex. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fresh and fruity, lively, detailed, rich, intense and fruity, ripe fruits, figs, leather, spices, exotic, long finish. 98

1961 Château Haut-Brion
In neck fill, deep ruby, thin brick rim. Tight nose, dark chocolate, black tea, intense and heavy nose, almost alcohol on the nose, Port like nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, rich and fruity but lacks nuances, lacks details, somewhat off bottle, maybe not the best storage. After ten minutes it deteriorates quickly.

1966 Château Haut-Brion
Low neck fill, deep ruby, thin garnet rim. Dark fruits but also some glue notes, dry and short, off bottle.

1970 Château Haut-Brion
Top shoulder fill, ruby with slight orange hue. Intense, dark fruits, scented, liquorice, leather and figs. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, leaner, fresh but leaner, slightly dry tobacco, cherries and figs finish. 88

1975 Château Haut-Brion
Slightly cloudy dark ruby, thin orange rim. Tobacco, rose hips, tired nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, leaner palate, slight iodine.

1978 Château Haut-Brion
In neck fill, pale ruby, orange rim. Oxidised.

1979 Château Haut-Brion
In neck fill, ruby, thin garnet rim. Scented, red berries, cassis, elegant nose, some blueberries and minerals. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fresh and fruity if leaner and towards thin, the fruit is more cherries and figs, good length. 89

1981 Château Haut-Brion
In neck fill, bright ruby, brick rim. Scented, red and darker berries, figs, leather nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, leaner palate, some would say hollow, leather and figs, bit short. 87

1982 Château Haut-Brion
Ruby. Ripe, rich, scented, plums, leather, tobacco, intense, layered, detailed and complex, lovely nose, flirting, very mineral with air. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, rich, fresh, detailed, ripe, plums, still structured, quite youthful, long finish. 97

1983 Château Haut-Brion
Ruby, garnet rim. Cassis, leather, slight fig note, red berries, detailed and nuanced, scented. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, red berries, fruity, nuanced and detailed, elegant and refreshing, little bit short in this company. 91

1985 Château Haut-Brion
Ruby, garnet rim. Dark fruits, opening up, quite shut first but gets scented and flirting, but the tightest '85 HB I've tasted. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fresh and fruity, intense, detailed, refreshing, red berries, scented and elegant, lovely balance, needs time to open, long. A bottle going back and forth between marvellous and tight and astringent. 95

1986 Château Haut-Brion
Corked

1988 Château Haut-Brion
Deep ruby. Cassis, figs, leather, ever so slight bell peppers note, quite rich '88 nose, cooler fruits. Spicy and chocolate with air. More and more scented with air. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, firm, structured, leaner cassis fruits, leather, detailed, fresh, elegant, long. 93

1989 Château Haut-Brion
Deepish ruby, garnet rim. Highly scented and massive intensity, rich, ripe, layered, red and darker fruits, detailed, leather, plums, tobacco, superb nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, sweet ripe red fruits, darker berries, layered, detailed, nuanced, superb and hedonistic, impossible to describe, stunning length. 100

1990 Château Haut-Brion
Ruby. Scented, red and darker berries, nuanced, floral, intense and layered, leaping out of the glass. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fresh and fruity, lively and detailed, nuanced, elegant and long. 97

1995 Château Haut-Brion
Deep ruby. Scented, ripe, cassis, blueberries, anise, slight tobacco note, layered and detailed, intense nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, rich and fruity, layered, intense, plums and blueberries, but a bit lean finish, long. 94

1996 Château Haut-Brion
Deep ruby. Coffee, dark chocolate, cassis, blueberries, plums and tobacco nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, if tight and somewhat rustic, slightly edgy, bit dry finish. Falls apart with air. Faulty bottle.

1998 Château Haut-Brion
Deep ruby. Scented, ripe fruits, detailed, nuanced, fruity, plums, floral and minerals underneath. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fresh and fruity, nuanced, detailed and refreshing, fleshy, long. 96

1999 Château Haut-Brion
Deep ruby. Rich, jammy and fruity, ripe and intense, vanilla, very youthful beside it's one year older bottle. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, rich, fruity and ripe, red-and blueberries finish. Smooth. 93


1978 Domaine de La Passion Haut-Brion
Ruby with orange rim. Cassis, rose hips, cherries, wood polish and bell peppers nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, leaner, bit dry and sweet and sour, good length. 88

Vinkveld

2004 Willi Schaefer Graacher Domprobst Riesling Spätlese
Gullgul. Epler, mineraler, gule frukter, ananas, elegant duft. Frisk syre, fruktig, detaljert, livlig, frisk, leken, ananas, fersken, lang. 91

2012 Armand Rousseau Gevrey-Chambertin
Lyst rubinrød. Parfymert, delikat, røde bær, frisk, fruktig, lett krydret, flott duft. Frisk syre, modne tanniner, frisk, delikat, raffinert, konsentrert for village, bringebær, jordbær og parfymerte toner, lang. 91

1989 Château Gazin
Servert blindt. Rubinrød med tynn oransje kant. Noe dadler, jern, jordlig, lær og lakris, utviklet og kanskje noe varmeskadet duft. Frisk syre, modne tanniner, slank, jordlig, dadler, litt enkel, det er lengde her men neppe noen topp flaske. Rustikk. Med fasit i hånd er den muligens slik den vil være, har ikke smakt denne før. 85

1999 Billecart-Salmon Cuvée Nicolas Francois Billecart
Lyst strågul, små bobler. Epler, fruktig, mineraler, brioche, litt svidd stekeskorpe, detaljert duft. Frisk syre, elegant mousse, kremet, epler, pære og noe sitrus, detaljert, noe rikere, lang. 94

1966 Mommessin Aloxe-Corton
Light pale ruby, brick rim. Dusty, earthy, one or two figs and one raisin. Lively acidity, tannins gone, earthy and musky palate, too old. 80

1959 Château Canon
Upper shoulder fill. Ruby, broad brick rim. Earthy first but blows off, figs, plums, leather, prunes and spices on the nose. Fresh acidity, few tannins, smooth, bit sweet and sour, some dark fruits, leather, slightly lean finish. Good length. Dying off in the glass 88 at it's very best.

1999 Regnard Chablis Grand Cru Valmur
Lyst gullgul. Fruktig, noe voks, mineraler, litt gulfrukt, bruker lang tid på å åpne seg. Frisk syre, fruktig, nesten kremet, mer friskhet og sitrus mot finish, tight, den er lang men mangler detaljene og nyansene. 89

2004 Robert Weil Kiedricher Gräfenberg Riesling Beerenauslese
Pale golden. Apricots, apples, minerals, pineapples, detailed, fruity, lovely nose, intense. Fresh acidity, lively, intense, detailed, apples, minerals, sweet, beautiful playfulness, really long. Superb. 96

1988 Château Suduiraut
Golden. Some burnt sugar, rich, intense, apricots, caramel, intense nose. Fresh acidity, fruity, intense, burnt sugar and caramel, lacks some freshness, typical of the vintage for me, long. 92

Château Latour vertical, 1934-2001

2001 Château Latour:
Ruby. Cassis, leather, vanilla, tobacco nose, starting to mature. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, refreshing, cool fruit, ads with a few hours in decanter, almost sweet cassis and spicy palate, long finish. 94

1997 Château Latour:
Bright ruby, garnet rim. Cedar, cassis, starting prunes, scented and floral nose, lovely, ads with air. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, leaner palate, refreshing if a bit easy going, fairly fruity, coffee finish. Good length. 89

1995 Château Latour:
Ruby, garnet rim. Scented, fruity, cassis, leather, starting figs, superb nose. Coffee and a faint bell peppers touch that dissapears with air. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, stil has it's grip on the palate, textured and youthful, needs ten years to settle still, long. 95

1993 Château Latour:
Ruby, garnet rim. Some leather, cassis, leaner nose, subdued cassis. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, lean and a bit dry, good length. Touch of cork after twenty minutes in decanter.

1992 Château Latour:
Ruby, thin brick rim. Scented, leather, anise, cassis and figs, bit lean nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, leaner palate, slight cherries and stone from stone fruit touch,  bit more fruit with air, good length. 87

1991 Château Latour:
Ruby. Elegant red berries nose, scented, fruity and nuanced, not that complex. After a short decanting it's a little bot more scented. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, leaner palate, refreshing, gives less than last bottle, good length. 88

1990 Château Latour:
Fill 4mm below cork. Ruby, thin garnet rim. Scented, fruity, cassis, leather, layered and complex, astonishingly youthful nose, ads with air, gorgeous! Floral notes, seductive. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, refreshing, intense, focused, fruity, superb texture, bit tight knit still, long indeed. 96

1989 Château Latour:
Ruby, garnet rim. Fruity, nuanced, cassis, leather, floral, bit tight nose. Scented, gorgeous nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, rounded and fruity palate, bit tight, needs air to open, refreshing and long. 96

1988 Château Latour:
Ruby, scented, floral, quite seductive nose. Fruity, cassis, leather, elegant and nuanced. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fresh and lively, fruity, intense and playful, lovely, long, another fantastic '88 Latour bottle. 94

1986 Château Latour:
From Bruun Rasmussen Auctions. Top shoulder fill, soaked cork. Ruby, garnet rim. Corked.

1986 Château Latour:
New bottle fetched, low neck fill. Deep ruby, thin garnet rim. Tight, some vanilla, cassis, leather, burnt rubber and herbs. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, intensely structured, lacks fruit, not the best bottle I've had, must be warm storage. 87

1986 Les Forts de Latour:
Ruby, garnet rim. Intense, coffee, cassis, tea notes, bit warm touch, herbs. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, drying and not very elegant, warm storage bottle. 86

1985 Château Latour:
Top shoulder fill, soaked cork. Ruby, garnet rim. Layered, nuanced, elegant and refreshing nose, scented and aristocrathic, superb. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, leaner palate, refreshing, playful and nuanced, lovely indeed, long. 95

1984 Château Latour:
In neck fill. Ruby, brick rim. Fresh, lean and redcurrants and raspberries nose. Touch of tobacco, more scented after twenty minutes in decanter. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, leaner palate, crisp feel to it, some lovely red berries notes, not that complex, good length. 87

1983 Château Latour:
Bottom neck fill. Ruby, garnet rim. Scented, bit tight, cassis and red berries nose. Touch of tobacco, ads with air. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, elegant, fruity and nuanced, refreshing, lovely balance, could have more intensity, long. 93

1982 Château Latour:
Bottom neck fill. Ruby, garnet rim. Corked.

1978 Château Latour:
Very top shoulder fill, soaked cork. Ruby, brick rim. Red berries, faint hint of leather and tobacco, quite a pure nose. Ads body with air. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, bit easy going, refreshing, leaner and nuanced, again unripe red berries palate, long finish. 90

1976 Les Forts de Latour:
Ruby, garnet rim. Warm, dry, dusty and a bit cooked nose, some herbal notes behind. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fresher palate, some red and darker berries, good length, probably somewhat warm storage. 85

1975 Château Latour:
Top shoulder fill, soaked cork crumbling to pieces when opened. Ruby, thin orange rim. Oxidized and off bottle

1971 Château Latour:
In neck fill. Ruby, orange rim. Scented, lean, cherries, anise and tobacco nose. Fresh acidity, ripe and few tannins, lean and easy going, iodine finish, short. Bit more fruit with air. 82

1970 Château Latour:
In neck fill. Decanted for three hours. Deep ruby, garnet rim. Tight, closed, shutt, red berries far behind. Finally some scented touch and floral notes starting to evolve, getting more intense, slowly, took five hours, layered, nuanced, violets, pure cassis, refreshing nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, massive, textured, a cathedral of a wine, massive mountain of tannins, takes time to open, long, nuanced, fresh. 98

1970 Château Latour:
Bottom neck fill. Decanted thirty minutes. Deep ruby, garnet rim. Tight, cassis, some black tea, scented, ads with more air, very slow to evolve in the glass. coffee eventualy, then red berries. Incredibly slow. Fresh acidity, ripe and massive tannins, tight as a athletes butt, firm, long and focused. Refreshing, lively and starting to really give with lots of air, but never top. 96

1969 Château Latour:
Upper shoulder fill, soaked cork. Garnet with orange rim. Lean and dry nose, touch of figs and wood polish, nuts and leather. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, lean and drying. 78

1966 Château Latour:
Upper shoulder fill. Redcurrants red with thin brick rim. Bit lean nose, red berries, cherries, anise and leather, some tobacco and a slight floral note. Fuller and fruitier with air. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, refreshing and fruity, leaner palate, lovely texture, lively and elegant, long if a bit lean finish. 93

1964 Château Latour:
Upper shoulder fill, soaked cork. Bright ruby, thin brick rim. Redcurrants, rose hips, leather, anise, leaner and focused nose, opens up tighter than last good bottle. Scented with more air. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, surprisingly biting texture, lovely balance, refreshing, long. Falling a bit apart with air. 91

1959 Château Latour:
Bonhams auction buy. Towards mid shoulder fill, soaked cork. Ruby, orange rim, sediments, not fully clear. Leather and prunes nose, lightly floral, not that intense. After half an hour of air, scented, violets, nuanced and elegant, aristocratic. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, lean and narrow, first, fruity and of not intense, way more rounded. Lovely texture and structure, almost sweet, touch of prunes and figs, ripe blueberries, long. 96

1952 Château Latour:
Upper shoulder fill, soaked cork. Ruby with brownish hue, orange rim. Leather, tobacco, drying and tired nose. Fresh acidity, lean and metallic. Tired and the shortest Latour I've tasted. 72

1951 Château Latour:
Upper shoulder fill. Ruby, orange rim. Leather, nuts, drying and a bit dusty, some figs. Fresh acidity, ripe and few tannins, lean, drying properly, short. 78

1947 Château Latour:
Upper shoulder fill. Bright ruby, orange rim. Slightly floral, scented, some spices, red berries nose. With air, leather, black tea, nuanced scented and anise. Lean and dry palate, drying. With air, (two hours open and about twenty minutes in a narrow caraffe), more cherries and plum stones, red berries, fuller body, if never full, long. 95

1934 Château Latour:
Mid shoulder fill, soaked cork. Cloudy orange, gone.

2001 Château Lafaurie-Peyraguey:
Served blind. Golden. Honey, wax, apricots, vanilla, botrytis, rich nose. Fresh acidity, lively and fruity, elegant palate, refreshing, slight bitter note, lively and long. Lovely indeed. Nailed producer, missed the vintage with good margin, evolved for it's age. 92

1967 Château de Fargues:
Golden, amber hue. Rich nose, dried apricots, orange peel and marmalade, almonds, vanilla, layered nose. Fresh acidity, refreshing and fruity, bit lean palate, refreshing, bit bitter finish. Long. Could be more together. 93

1959 Ch Cantegril, 06 Reynon and 07 La Chapelle

1959 Château Cantegril:

(Served blind) Golden with amber hue. Caramelized apricots, fruity, elegant and lovely nose. Fresh acidity, lively. Superb balance, not the most complex but long and pure and alive. What a surprise! Directly from the estate. This is a below €20 wine! 90

2006 Château Reynon Rouge:

(Served blind) Ruby. Blueberries, cassis and a touch of prunes with air. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, the somewhat firm tannin structure of the vintage, pure fruit, good length. 86

2007 Jaboulet Aine Hermitage La Chapelle:

(Served blind) Bright ruby. Fruity, scented and with more air a touch of pepper. Cassis and leather nose. Quite Bordeaux like nose on this. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, leaner style, quite elegant, a bit uneasy tannins now, wait a few years, long. 93

Château Palmer vertical tasting 1959-2004

A bit soaked corks for the age of the wines compared to other estates and bottles that I regularly open is a bit of a worry. All bottles have been sourced from different cellars and have lived different lives. 

2004 Château Palmer:

Ruby. Scented, blueberries, cassis, a touch of vanilla nose, young and fresh. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, leather and a bit smoky style, slightly rough oak at this stage, good length. 89

1998 Château Palmer:

Ruby. Scented, floral, fruity, elegant and refined nose. Complex and layered. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, elegant body, textured backbone, long. 91

1996 Château Palmer:

Ruby, garnet rim. Scented, minerals, cassis, blueberries, layered and complex nose, refined, some cedar. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, elegant and quite structured backbone, long. 93+

1995 Château Palmer:

Bright ruby. Fruity, floral, cassis and blueberries. Scented and layered. Ads with air. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity and elegant, lively, long. Some felt quite strongly that this bottle was corked but even after six hours in the glass, there was no trace of any cork taint, and even the most bombastic tasters went silence. 94

1990 Château Palmer:

Bright ruby. Scented, fruity, layered, nuanced and elegant, refined nose. Mint and spicy and touch of Christmas spices. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, lovely fruit and balance, richer and somewhat exotic, refined and very long. 96

1989 Château Palmer:

Bright ruby, garnet rim. Leather, cedar, floral, very subdued and elegant nose, layered and a bit light on it's feet, gorgeous nose. Slightly heavier with air. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, elegant and leaner body, still quite intense, leather, tobacco and still a slight tannic grip in the finish. Long. 94+

1988 Château Palmer:

Lower neck fill. Bright ruby, garnet rim. Some floral notes over figs, anise, plums and blueberries. Slightly herbal and scented. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, playful and elegant, mouthwatering, long, but drops off suddenly.  91+

1986 Château Palmer:

Top shoulder fill. Bright ruby, very thin brick rim. Deeper nose, some plums, cherries, scented and intense nose. Layered and complex. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity and lively, quite playful and refreshing, towards mouthwatering, very long. But looses something with air. Becomes shorter. 95

1985 Château Palmer:

Bottom neck fill. Bright ruby, thin brick rim. Intense and scented nose, floral and layered, cassis and leather, lovely nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity and lively, lovely fruit and texture, very elegant but a little bit short. 93

1983 Château Palmer: 

Lower neck fill. Bright ruby, garnet rim. Scented, cherries, touch of figs and fruit stones. Minty touch. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, lively and mouthwatering, slightly dry palate, long. 92

1982 Château Palmer:

Top shoulder fill. Ruby, garnet rim. Scented, fruity, floral, nuanced and layered.   Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity and very elegant, lively and lovely balance, long. 94

1981 Château Palmer:

Top shoulder fill. Garnet, thin brick rim. Some leather, lean nose. Fresh fruit, slightly dry, easy going but refreshing. 83

1979 Château Palmer:

Very top shoulder fill. Bright ruby, garnet rim. Mature nose of plums, anise, leather and tobacco. Slightly floral with air. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity and plummy even if leaner body, dying off in the finish. 87

1976 Château Palmer:

Berry Bros & Rudd label, estate bottled, dark green BBR foil. Cork confirms label. Bottom neck fill. Bright garnet, brick rim. Scented and floral, lean and very mature nose. A touch of VA that blows off. Sweet and sour. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, lean and drying, somewhat fruitier with air. 85

1967 Château Palmer:

Top shoulder fill. Garnet, brick rim, slightly cloudy. Cherries, liquorice and sweet and sour. Fresh acidity, few tannins, a bit lean and dry, lacks fruit. 82

1966 Château Palmer:

Berry Bros & Rudd bottled, darker red foil, lower neck fill. Cork states Berry Bros Rudd LTD London. Bright garnet, brick rim. Beautiful floral, cherries and red berries nose. Scented, layered and nuanced. Gorgeous nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity and lively, very elegant, quite refined, playful, slightly drying finish, but very refreshing and more so with air. 93

1961 Château Palmer:

Berry Bros & Rudd bottled, golden foil, mid-shoulder fill. Cork reads Berry Bros Rudd LTD London Château Palmer Margaux 1961. Slightly cloudy garnet with almost orange rim. Scented, slightly floral, red berries and cherries, figs, leather and prunes, dried tobacco. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity and lively but drying finish, quite full bodied first, lean finish. Ads with air, getting fuller and longer. 92

1959 Château Palmer:

L'Acheteur negociant bottling.  Top shoulder fill. Cork stated nothing. Bright garnet, brick rim. Scented, liquorice, floral and a touch of mint on the nose. Red berries. Fresh acidity, drying palate, dusty and unpleasant, dry finish. Again it ads with air, getting more body. 86

1945-1998 Las Cases, twenty vintages

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


1998 Château Léoville Las Cases:

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

1995 Château Léoville Las Cases:

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

1994 Château Léoville Las Cases:

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

1990 Château Léoville Las Cases:

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

1989 Château Léoville Las Cases:

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

1986 Château Léoville Las Cases:

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

1985 Château Léoville Las Cases:

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

1983 Château Léoville Las Cases:

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

1982 Château Léoville Las Cases:

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

1981  Château Léoville Las Cases:

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

1979 Château Léoville Las Cases:

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

1978 Château Léoville Las Cases:

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

1976 Château Léoville Las Cases:

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

1975 Château Léoville Las Cases:

Bottom neck fill. Slightly corked.

1971 Château Léoville Las Cases:

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

1966 Château Léoville Las Cases:

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

1961 Château Léoville Las Cases:

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

1959 Château Léoville Las Cases:

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

1955 Château Léoville Las Cases:

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

1945 Château Léoville Las Cases:

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

 

59 Ducru-Beaucaillou, 78 Margaux, 85 Trotanoy, 83 Laville HB and more

2011 Weingut O. Trarbacher Ungsberg Riesling:

Pale lemon yellow. Apples, orange blossoms, some minerals, yellow plums and sweet lemons. Elegant acidity, refreshing, unripe apples, slightly bitter finish, very long. 88

1959 Château Ducru-Beaucaillou:

Danish bottling. Top shoulder. Ruby, brown rim. Earthy, some floral notes, cherry stones, volatile. Fresh acidity, tannins gone, a bit tired and not optimal, good length. 85

1985 Château Trotanoy:

Bright ruby. Very tight and almost green first. After an hour, still tight but flirting, blueberries, chocolate, floral and scented with even more air. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, more body with air, refreshing but also somewhat stalky. One of the youngest 85's I've tasted. 93

1978 Château Margaux:

Very top shoulder. Ruby with brick rim. Chocolate, prunes, cassis, violets, minerals, leather. Pencil. Layered. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, richer and fuller than last bottle, and therefore it doesn't show quite the nuances. This bottle was still compact. Very long. 95 (Suposed to have come directly from the Château Margaux some years back). 

1983 Château Laville Haut-Brion:

Very top shoulder fill. Golden. Honey, marzipan, orange zest, vanilla and apricots. Fresh acidity, almonds and very marzipan, more developed than last bottle, somewhat flinty minerals beneath, lacks some of the nuances, but long. 91

1990 Dr. Pauly-Bergweiler Bernkasteler alte Badstube am Doctorberg Riesling Auslese (Bernkasteler Ring Versteigerung cuvee):

Golden. Apricots, botrytis, minerals and apples. Youthfull and pure feel for a 90. Fresh acidity, lively, elegant and balanced, long finish. Classic Mosel Auslese. 89

2003 Studert-Prüm Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Trockenbeerenauslese:

(Demi) Golden. Intense and botrytised nose. Apples, raisins, apricots and pineapples, up front and youthful for the vintage. Visquos, fresh acidity that manages wast amounts of sugar. Thick and sweet, but one dimensional. Good length. 84

1959 Château Lascombes

1959 Château Lascombes:
In the neck fill. Ruby with thin brick rim. Just coffee and dust on the nose. Fresh acidity and thats it on the palate. Maybe a fig far behind there.

1945-1990 Cheval-Blanc, 10 vintages

1945 Château Cheval Blanc:
Echenauer bottling. Top shoulder fill. Bright garnet with orange rim. Rich nose, sweet lilies, exotic, spices, layers upon layers and very complex. Fresh acidity, tannins polished and more or less gone, or at least extremelly integrated into the texture. Lively, balanced, fresh and long. Broadbent: ' A total contrast to the uniquely mammoth '47. A more typical Cheval Blanc in its fragrance, deft touch and elegance'. 95


1949 Château Cheval Blanc:
Vandermeulen bottle, half rotten, old cork stating Vandermeulen Ostende. Deep ruby, orange rim. Dusty nose first, quickly blowing over to plums, figs, slightly of VA, cassis and perfumed. Fresh acidity, high even, mouthwatering, full bodied. Ripe tannins, intense, fragrant and lifted, savory, very long. Broadbent: 'Another wonderful wine which along with the Ch Mouton Rothschild and Ch Margaux, having the most perfect expression of the vintage'. 98


1955 Château Cheval Blanc:
Not much left of the label, but Berry Bros bottling seems to be confirmed by the cork and capsule. Top shoulder fill, bright ruby, brick rim. Exotic and floral notes over pure blueberries and figs. Fresh acidity, coffe and fuller palate, ripe tannins, elegant, long and cassis hint. Broadbent: 'Still being shipped in hogsheads to English wine merchants, some excellent Berry Bros' bottlings drinking beautifully at 30 years of age: rich, soft, earthy, completely rounded.' It continues to deliver at nearly 60. 94


1959 Château Cheval Blanc:
Mid shoulder fill. Deep ruby, orange rim. Nose feels unfocused, lacks a lot, feels tired and almost dry. On the other hand, the very last sip I had, seemed to have gained some fruit and had aquired some length. Either it was just my hope, or it would have needed a few hours of decanting. According to Broadbent '...deliciously lively...rich, glorious with perfect tannin and acidity.' , this one was never even close to that. Tired bottle.


1961 Château Cheval Blanc:
Top shoulder fill. Ruby, orange rim. Plums, warm fruit and exotic feel, some herbs. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, not as rich, opulent, complex, actually miles from my last bottle (TN glued in below for comparison). Even so. 92

1961 Chateau Cheval- Blanc;
Bottled by Kjær & Sommerfeldt, Copenhagen. Opaque, brick rim. Intens nose of mocca, chocolate, red plums, dried fruits, almost like mature Colheita Port, some dust and forest floor, fantastic intensity and complexity. Intense mouthfeel, fantastic acidity which is almost packed into the fruit, fantastic long finish, coctail berries and dark chocolate, lasts for minutes. Really powerfull wine. 98


1966 Château Cheval Blanc:
Bottom neck fill. Pale ruby, orange rim. Perfumed, floral and figs. Lacks that overwhelming nose and seductiveness of my last bottle. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, elegant, mouthwatering even so, fruit-driven and exotic finish. Broadbent: 'I have always preferred the 66 to the great 47 for though the latter is hugely impressive the 66 is the epitome of elegance. Apart from a cask sample in 67, with an understandable touch of greenness an tannins, evolving splendidly through the 80's, 5 star appearing several times......... This is what claret is all about. ***** '94


1971 Château Cheval Blanc:
Bottom neck fill. Pale ruby, brick rim. Tobacco, exotic, floral and perfumed. Nuanced. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, elegant if lean body, nose gives more than palate, good length. 91


1975 Château Cheval Blanc:
Bottom neck fill. Ruby, garnet rim. Pure blueberries, cassis, leather end exotic spices and flowers. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, nice body and balance, but lacks a bit of its regular excitement. Long, and maybe I'm hard with it. 92


1978 Château Cheval Blanc:
Bottom neck fill. Ruby, orange rim. Perfumed, floral, touch of bell peppers that will probably scare off a few fans, anise and fine leather. Slightly exotic, spiced figs. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, mouthwatering, elegant and fruit driven. Long. 94


1990 Château Cheval Blanc:
Bright ruby, garnet rim. Nose has everything one want's from Cheval, rich, exotic, spicy, perfumed and even some floral high-notes. Perfect body, fresh acidity, ripe tannins. Superb balance, complex and long. 98

1959 Croizet-Bages

1959 Château Croizet-Bages:
Dark ruby, thin brick rim. Leather, barely figs, smells of warm storage. But, I'm actually surprised that it's and fig note in this one at all. Even young wines dry out quickly from this undistinct producer.

1959 Moulin Touchais

1959 Moulin Touchais;

Golden, yellow stone fruits and minerals, good acidity, not that sweet, elegant, camphor, balanced, good length. Good but lacks some excitement. 86

Served blind, I was no where near on age or place, I was on some nineties Alsace Pinot Gris or something. The oldest I've had of this wine before is the 86 and 88, both having crazy high acidity, so this never crossed my mind. Very interesting wine to taste. This estate is well known (for those who actually know about it) for their late releases.

1959 Talbot

1959 Château Talbot;

Pale ruby, brick rim, vanilla and red berries, cherries, leather, rather simple, lacks fruit. After about ten minutes in the glass cork shows up, what a shame.

Served blind and I wasn't even close to Bdx at first, then I thought maybe St Julien or Margaux actually, but then the cork started overshadowing the nuances. I was never on anything as old as 1959, maybe except for the colour.

1959 Produttori del Barbaresco

1959 Produttori del Barbaresco, Barbaresco Riserva;

Red/orange colour, lots of sediments, volatile, good acidity, lecks pretty much everything. Very old. 55

1959 Château Beychevelle

1959 Château Beychevelle;

Above mid shoulder fill (C) Ruby with brick rim, truffles, tea, mint, hint of blackcurrants. Good acidity, some tannins left, a bit lean body, more fruit, not too complex, fruit driven, playfull acidity, good but not long length. 85

59 Vosne-Romanée

1959 Patriarche Vosne-Romanée;
Fill 4 cm below cork. Bright garnet with orange rim. Earthy, some metall, touch of coffee and a wiff of red berries dissapearing as quicly as it came. Ok acidity, some drying tannins, lacks fruit and short finish. 70

59 d'Yquem

1959 Château d'Yquem;
B level fill, top shoulder. Amber with green yellow rim. Botrytis, apricots, raisins, nuts, vanilla, very complex. Pure, elegant, fantastic acidity, really refreshing, caramel, so much happening, complex and balanced, and that acidity just plays and plays in the mouth. Fantastic length, minutes on end. 97

1959 Mosel

1959 Peter Nicolay, Wehlener Sonnenuhr, Riesling Feinste Auslese;
Golden, very closed first, seems to have been in a time capsule, hardly any developed aromas at all, overripe plums, apples, strawberries, minerals, lemon, crisp acidity, perfect balance, such complexity, great length. 95

59 Mosel

1959 Dr. Pauly Bergweiler, Graacher Domprobst, Riesling Feinste Auslese;
Golden, petroleum, minerals, citrus, apples, lemon, very mature, still increadibly fresh flavours and mouthfeel. Great balance, complex, fresh acidity, very long finish, lasts freshly for minute, very youthfull for it's 50 years. 95