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

The complete notes, Sommersmakingen including 05 Chevalier-Montrachet from Leflaive, 86 Petrus and much more

2013 Villany Weninger & Gere Rosé
Pale pink. Light fruity nose, some red apples and slightly scented. Fresh acidity, fruity, rounded if slightly edgy mid palate, softer finish. 84

2012 Szepsy Furmint
Served blind. Pale lemon yellow. Highly scented, floral, wax, jasmin, slight rose note on the nose. Almonds. Freshish acidity, fruity, rounded, rich, some honey, peach, slightly alcoholic finish. 86

2000 Philippi Pinot Gris
Served blind. Light amber. Nuts, smoky minerals, a bit oxidized nose. Fresh acidity, minerals, almonds, bit bitter, honey, wax, dried apricots, served warm but oxidative, roasted wood. Lean finish. 87

1986 Château Petrus
Served blind. Ruby, garnet rim. Cassis, blueberries, figs, prunes, leather, elegant nose, detailed, VA, rich nose. The VA blows off leaving a highly scented nose, flirting. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, rounded, fruity, fairly elegant but a bit dry mid palate and the finish never catches up. Got a bit better for a while before drying a bit. More intense nose than last bottle, palate fairly similar but drier. Long. I was at Musars doors while the VA notes lasted, I went through Radici as well, ending in 89 Trotanoy. 92 at best. (95 on the nose)

2010 Gentilini Eclipse
Served blind. Ruby with pink rim. Scented, red berries, little bit warm and alcoholic, cherries, fruity nose. Freshish acidity, ripe tannins, fresh and fruity if leaner palate, vanilla, bit rich, fruity finish. Quite elegant Mavrodaphne. 86

2006 Brewer-Clifton Rio Vista Santa Rita Hills Pinot Noir
Pale but not bright ruby. Red berries, fruity, raspberries, rich nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, rich and big palate, lots of alcohol, even if leaner fruit, well done for what style it is, but hardly a great wine. 85

2007 Rinaldi Barolo
Served blind. Bright ruby with sediments. Scented, tar and roses, rich nose, tea, anise, leather and cherries nose. Fresh and high acidity, high of ripe tannins, fruity and lively, intense, cherries and red berries, little bit high alcohol making it a bit sweet, long. 90

1971 Osvaldo Barisone Barolo
Served blind. Bright ruby core with brick rim. Leather, dusty and earthy nose, liquorice. Smells tired. Fresh acidity, but dry tannins and dry palate, tired.

1961 Giacomo Conterno Monfortino
Served blind. Cloudy garnet with brick rim. Tired nose, oxidized. Broth. Very tired.

2006 Giacomo Conterno Monfortino
Served blind. Bright ruby. Tar, roses, tight, scented, anise, cherries, things happen far back, nothing happens even after two hours in decanter. Fresh acidity, high of ripe tannins, tight, youthful, coffee and quite heavy. Who knows? Not like last bottle. 88-95

1999 Mastroberardini Taurasi Riserva
Served blind. Ruby, garnet rim. Scented, Christmas tree, tar and roses, fruity nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, leaner palate, refreshing, cherries and redcurrants, bit biting finish and somewhat hollow. Good length. 89

2007 Anselma Barolo Collaretto
Served blind. Ruby with garnet rim. Scented, tar and roses, subtle, violets, anise. Fresh and lively acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, fresh and lively but a bit lean, scented but a bit hollow finish. Charming Barolo even so. 89

1991 Bonneau du Martray Corton
Served blind. Ruby with brick rim, lots of sediments. Red and darker berries, fruity but a bit subdued, starting sous bois. Spicy with more air. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, red berries, elegant but slightly hollow, served a bit cool, refreshing. Long if a bit narrow. I was on 98-02 Clos de Vougeot. 92

2004 Marquis d'Angerville Volnay 1er Cru Taillepieds
Bright ruby, garnet rim. Scented, red berries, slightly herbal but not that tight or herbal for the vintage, some spices, elegant nose if not flirting. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, bit tight, fruitier than last bottle, fresh and lively, bit thin. 90

2005 Domaine Leflaive Chevalier-Montrachet
Served blind. Towards lemon yellow. Minerals, flint, butter, lemons, elegant nose, lovely. Fresh acidity, elegant, fresh, some nuts, lemons, quite intense and fairly nuanced, detailed and long. I was on 2004 Leflaive Bienvenues. 95

1937 Giacomo Conterno Riserva
It's rare to have something as maderized as this one.

2007 Oremus Tokaji Aszu 3 Puttonyos
Bright golden. Apples, apricots, fruity, elegant nose. Fresh acidity, fruity, elegant if a bit lean, very tropical, fresh, good length. 88

1938 Château Villargeil Rivesaltes
Ruby with very orange rim. Intense, rich, intense, coffee, massive nose but also dry notes. Fresh acidity, rich, intense, some sweetness, bit hollow, lots of alcohol, good length. 89

2006 Peter Nicolay Bernkasteler Badstube Riesling Beerenauslese
Pale golden. Apples, botrytis, minerals, light peach note, apricots, slightly spicy, bit shy nose. Fresh acidity, lively, rounded and fruity, could be fresher, elegant, bit short. 89

2005 Oremus Tokaji Aszu 6 Puttonyos
Golden. Tropical, fruity, intense of pineapples, rich, vanilla notes, very clean and vibrant nose. Fresh acidity, lively and playful, refreshing and fruity, again vibrant, detailed, mouthwatering and long. 93

1958 Cappelano Barolo
Tired and oxidated.

90 Gaja Barbaresco, 98 Gaja Sori San Lorenzo, 61 Calon-Ségur and more

2002 Maison Leroy Montagny
Served blind. Pale lemon yellow. Minerals, butter, popcorn, detailed, nuanced, some citrus notes, ripe yellow apples nose. Fresh acidity, fruity, ripe, lacks a bit of punch, citrus, medicinal notes, good length. Feels pure. 88

1998 Gaja Sori San Lorenzo
Ruby, garnet rim. Intense tar and roses nose, anise, rich, vanilla and spices nose. Scented. Fresh acidity, fairly high of ripe tannins, rich, intense, leaner palate but intense flavours, liquorice, tar and roses, long. 93

1990 Gaja Barbaresco
Served blind. Ruby with garnet rim. Tar, roses, fruity, cherries, morellos, scented, fairly intense, elegant nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, elegant fuit, bit leaner in the finish but fairly nice balance for Nebbiolo, intense, long if a bit leaner 93

1961 Château Calon-Ségur
Low shoulder fill I'm told, ruby with orange rim. Leather, cassis, prunes, figs, slightly dusty, intense, layered and complex. Fresh acidity, few tannins, elegant, lovely texture, fresh and delicate for the vintage, nuanced, slightly drying finish, long. 94

2004 Markus Molitor Zeltinger Schlossberg Riesling Auslese*
Pale golden. Apples, fruity, youthful, light minerality and some floral notes. Fresh acidity, detailed, minerals and fruity, fairly elegant, good length. 92

Magic evening with 79 Champagne Charlie, 61 and 64 Conterno Barolo, 82 Gaja Sori Tildin, 88 and 86 VCC and much more.

A magic evening, one of those nights were one just forgets time and space, superb food and wines and great company and discussions. White truffles flown in from Alba over magic risotto, the best tongue from ox I've tasted, some magic flavours and textures on the table this evening.

1979 Charles Heidsieck Champagne Charlie:
Golden with amber hue, tiny bubbles. Brioche, nuts, apples, butter and seafront minerals, almost oysters behind. Fresh acidity, elegant mousse, bit bitter coffee and dark chocolate notes on palate before a flinty mineraly long finish. 93 ****

2002 Gaston Chique Blanc de Blancs:
(Magnum) Towards lemon yellow, tiny bubbles. Pure apples and minerals nose, bit tight, still fruity. Fresh acidity, tight but elegant mousse, fresh and lively, elegant, lovely and a bit rounded. Long. 91 ****

2000 Francois Jobard Meursault 1er Cru Charmes:
(Magnum) Pale golden. Apples, minerals, vanilla and an almost creamy note on the nose, more butter and lemons with air. Fresh acidity, rounded texture, fruity, lemony and quite intense, flinty, fresh and long. 92 ****

1982 Gaja Sori Tildin:
Bright ruby, broad garnet rim. Intense nose of tar, roses, figs and spicy notes, almost peppery and cinamon, anise and violets, intensely floral and fruity. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, lively, leaner palate, fresh, focused, slightly dry finish, long. 94 ****

1964 Giacomo Conterno Barolo:
Bright garnet, watery orange rim. VA and Musar like nose of red berries, tar, roses and anise. Fresh acidity, fine textured and stil grippy ripe tannins, structured, rounder fruit, volatile but not alarming, slightly dry finish. 91 ***

1961 Giacomo Conterno Barolo:
Pale bright garnet, thin orange rim. Scented, nuanced, tar, roses, layered, nuanced, lovely nose. Fresh acidity, fine grained tannins polishing off, a few still gives a little bite. Anise, flinty minerals, wood polish and teak, red berries, long floral and flinty finish. 94 ****

1985 Château Haut-Bailly:
Ruby, garnet rim. Cassis, figs, leather, minerals, nuanced and layered nose, complex, stunning. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity attack, fresh, lively, nuanced and elegant, long. Unfortunatelly my last bottle. 94 *****

1988 Vieux Château Certan:
Ruby, thin garnet rim. Scented, blueberries, anise, flirting, slight mint and herbal note behind. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, lively, leaner, nuanced and elegant, refined, lovely if a bit short. 91 ****

1986 Vieux Château Certan:
Ruby, thin garnet rim. Scented, nuanced, refined, flirting, complex, superb nose, gorgeous, you can smell it the whole evening. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, superb, refreshing, lively, lovely texture, love this wine, long indeed. 95 *****

2010 Cathiard Vosne-Romanée 1er Cru Aux Malconsorts:
Ruby. Scented, floral, nuanced, refined and flirting nose, pure and gorgeous. Another one can smell the whole evening. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, fresh and lively, elegant and nuanced, refined, lovely, superb even, long. 95 *****

1995 Château Léoville Poyferré:
Ruby. Cassis, scented, leather, anise, violets, flirting and lovely nose, elegant. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, fresh, lively, bit structured still tannins could use another five years, long. 93 ****

2007 Roddolo Barolo:
Ruby. Tar, roses, mints, cherries and anise nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, ripe feel in a way, still maintain a cool freshness, dies off a bit in the finish. 91 ****

1966 ??? South-Africa Crusted Port:
Front label missing and back label torn. Deep ruby, thin orange rim. Hefty nose, intense of cassis, coffee and liquorice, dried fruits, massive. Fairly fresh aciditu, ripe tannins, intense and massive again, unbalanced and a slight cooked feel, probably not optimal storage, bitter chocolate finish. 87 ***

2002 Schoffit Clos Saint- Theobald Rangen de Thann Tokay Pinot Gris Selection de Grains Nobles:
Pale amber, orange hue. Apricots, nuts, floral, intense, wild strawberries nose. Fresh acidity, lively, playful, refined, especially for the grape variety, nuanced, bit burnt caramel that deepens the pure fruit more than interrupts, long finish. 94 *****

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

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

 
1961 Château La Providence:

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

2005 Château Providence:

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

1998 Château Clinet:

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

1995 Château Clinet:

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

1990 Château de Fargues:

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

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

 

Confusion about 1958 Gaja Barbaresco

1958 Gaja Barbaresco;
A level fill, perfect cork. Leather, intense, almost leaping out of the glass, not as expressive as the 61, but more nuanced, has another dimension about it, tar, roses, tobacco, pure, refined, black tea, ads more for every sip and smell. Fresh, high acidity, high of ripe tannins, pure and increadibly refined and complex. Very similar to the 61, one would almost expect them to just be bottle differences of the same vintage, very pure, amazing finish and gorgeous length. But the 58 has a little more nuance and facetts about it. 98

I wrote this tasting note on a 1958 Gaja Barbaresco about two years back. Now I just read in European Fine Wine Magazine, issue No. 4, that Angelo Gaja himself has stated that this wine has never been made. But after seeing a picture of the bottle he realized that this wine was specially made by his father to celebrate his birth in 1958. I do not know how many botles that excists of this, or was made, but all the more fun to have tasted it. And the bottle I tasted was far better than the one they had it seems.

'1958 Gaja Barbaresco, 86p
Very light, orangy brick red colour with plenty of sediments. According to Andreas Larssons words - this wine had amazingly intense oven-baked banana aromas in the glass. Then came more leathery, tarry and dried raisiny aromas. Also some volatility but not disturbingly much. Quite light although medium- bodied body weight with high acidity and mellow gentle tannins are combined nicely with sweet red fruits and high alcohol forming pleasant moderately long finish. Wine is definitely declining but still intense and very smooth'

It seems I tasted the 1961 Gaja Barbaresco beside it, or at least I wrote the tasting note on the same day here on my blog, so at least with only a few days between them. Here it is for comparison.

1961 Gaja Barbaresco;
A/B level fill, perfect cork. Garnet with broad brick rim. Leaps out of the glass, liquorice, roses, tar, leather, very complex, touch of coffee beans. Very fresh acidity, ripe tannins, lively fruit, vey pure, great balance, fantastic mature texture, stable, hardwood, increadible long length. Fantastic wine. 97

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

1928-1990 Château Ausone, five vintages

1928 Château Ausone:
Estate bottled. (served blind) Top shoulder fill (told afterwards). Garnet with orange rim. Redcurrant's, leather, figs, light but very complex nose, Burgundian feel, but more complex than most Burgundies. Floral high-notes, fresh tobacco and cigars. Almost cedary, ads and ads with air. Fresh acidity, tannins gone, leanish body, more fruit and flavour intensity. Mouthwatering, body ads as well with air. Not the longest. Broadbent: 'By the early eighties it had lost a good deal of colour yet, despite of fungi on the nose, was fairly harmonious..... (In 1998) ....on the palate surprisingly full and rich with good length and acidity. Not my favorite '28, but, at best ***'. 95 (Oh, by the way, I was about 40 years off on this blind..... )


1955 Château Ausone:
Mid-shoulder fill, estate bottled. Bright ruby, brick rim. Coffee, heavy, rich, spicy and chocolaty nose with figs, prunes and licorice beneath. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fatter body and not quite as charming, but who am I to complain? Still a great wine, balanced and fairly elegant, long. Broadbent has no notes on this. 93


1961 Château Ausone:
Late château release 2007, fill one centimeter below cork, recorked in 2007 om release. Bright ruby, so pure, so young. Pure blueberries, Christmas spices, leather, you can forget yourself in this nose. Perfect palate, fresh acidity, ripe tannins, superb fruit, intensity is just perfection, meaning not to much, but enough to cover everything in silk and velvet. The balance is beyond, fantastic wine and absolutely amazing length. This is perfection. 100


1975 Château Ausone:
Top shoulder fill. Bright ruby, brick rim. Cherry stones, leather and figs. Leather and tobacco beneath. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, elegant body, surprisingly easy-going for the vintage. Broadbent in 1995: 'dried leaves simile- nose and taste, quite good length but tannic'. This one had more fruit than that and the tannins was polished into it, even if still there. 91


1990 Château Ausone:
Unfortunately badly corked. According to Broadbent starting with: 'Superb, highly impressive in April 1991. Only two more notes, the last at Penning-Rowsell's '10-year' first growth tasting, it was still an odd-man out. Now mature-looking; low-keyed, attractive bouquet; a soft, sweet entry, crisp, fragrant and a very dru 'autumnal' finish'. I haven't tasted any other bottles than this corked one, so I wouldn.t know.

61 Léoville Poyferré

1961 Château Léoville Poyferré;
Cloudy garnet. Oxidized and tired bottle from faulty storage.

61 Gaja Barbaresco

1961 Gaja Barbaresco;
Brick with orange rim. Narrow nose, lacks fruit, towering acidity, either needed a lot more air than it had any chance to get, or a tired bottle, way past it's best. Didn't give anything compared to other bottles. 75

1961 Conterno Monfortino

1961 Giacomo Conterno Barolo Monfortino;
Garnet with orange rim. Coffee, licorice, dry notes, intense. High acidity, ripe tannins, feels youthfull on the fruit, but seems to start to dry up in the finish. 90

1961 Antonio Vallana Spanna

1961 Antonio Vallana & Figlio, Spanna Cinque Castelli Riserva;
Ruby with orange rim. Perfumed nose and a very intense nose of rust. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, slightly metallic, lean. 82

61 Fontana Saverio Barolo

1961 Fontana Saverio Barolo Riserva;
Cloudy garnet, orange rim, sediments. Tar, roses, some VA, quite intense nose. High acidity, high of level of tannins, light, simple bodied and lacks concentration, short. 78

40 years of Dom Perignon, and now for something completely different, some Champagne for you Sir?

Some feels that 25 or so vintages of Dom Perignon is hardly a start of any great evening, so there is about time to bring something else to the table...

1964 Veuve Clicquot Vintage Rosé;
Amber, lots of sediments. Redcurrant's, nuts, minerals, deep nose. Crisp acidity, raspberry feel, elegant mousse, a touch of VA, just to make it even more exciting. Refreshing, really playful, lovely, flirting, seductive, delicate, vinous and delicious, strawberries with balsamico. 96


1961 Roederer Vintage Rosé;
Pale amber, golden hue, tiny bubbles. Minerals, unripe strawberries. Tight, increadibly pure, youthful, elegant with superb acidity and balance. More flavours on the palate, raspberries, minerals, extremely long. 97

Could this be any good?

1970 Roederer Cristal;
Why not taste one of these? Golden, tiny bubbles, so complex and layered, the empty DP bottles crunches themselves in shame. Minerals, popcorn, butter, high acidity, refined, such complexity, nuanced, enormous focus, almost tight and brutal compared to the DP, enormous length. 98


1964 Roederer Cristal;
Pale amber, tiny bubbles. Complex, refined fruit, minerals, touch of flint. Superb elegance, layered, nuanced, gorgeous, way better than the bottle earlier in the evening! But this one had not been open for nine days either (that was always hard according to Rake). Gorgeous acidity, again this playfulness, magnificent, seductive finish. 98


I think I need some pizza wine by now.....