Vega-Sicilia tasting in Copenhagen earlier this year. 1922-1998

When a chance to taste several vintages of Vega-Sicilia arrives in the mailbox, you just jump right on it as it may never happen again. This cold winter evening vintages between 1998 and 1922 was being poured, a rare treat indeed. I was fortunate enough to taste several of the vintages from both bottles that was opened of each wine from two generous fellow tasters who shared to see the differences between bottles of same vintage. A very consistent tasting with a clear house style visible from the youngest to oldest. One of the most consistent tastings I've been to, only a recent Haut-Brion tasting stretching from 1918-1999 has been similarly consistent. This tasting was arranged by Bruun Rasmussen auction house in Denmark.

All bottles double decanted about one hour before serving.

1998 Alion
(Magnum) Deep ruby, floral, scented, dark berries, violets, spices and vanilla nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, rich but nuanced and rounded, fresh and lively, long. 90

1995 Vega-Sicilia Valbuena
Ruby, garnet rim. Tobacco, leather, cigars. Blueberries and anise nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, rouned, heavier, lacks some nuances, slightly plump. 90

Vega-Sicilia Reserva Especial
90, 91 and 94 vintages in the blend. Ruby. Red berries, vanilla, spices, exotic, floral, rich and nuanced nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, rounded, liquorice, blueberries and darker fruits, nuanced, rich and long. 94

1998 Vega-Sicilia Unico
Ruby. Youthful, blueberries, spices, anise and heavier liquorice nose, rich and detailed, getting into its stride. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity and rounded, rich and still detailed, has sharpened up since last bottle, firmer, long. 94

1994 Vega-Sicilia Unico
Ruby. Scented, blueberries, vanilla, spices, detailed, rich but subdued nose, blackberries, blueberries and floral notes, gorgeous nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, velvety, detailed, rounded and fresh, detailed and rich, layers and waves of flavours, has added since last bottle, stunning if youthful. 96

1983 Vega-Sicilia Unico
Ruby, garnet rim. Blueberries, cedar, tobacco, anise, detailed nose, violets, leather, rich, nuanced and slightly sweet nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, more prunes on the palate, figs, evolving, leaner palate, fresh and lively, lovely, ads more in the finish. 94

1983 Vega-Sicilia Unico
A second bottle shows a bit more fruit on the nose with a rounder and fuller body and palate. 94

1982 Vega-Sicilia Unico
Ruby, very thin brick rim. Rich nose, anise, leather, prunes, figs, some vanilla notes, detailed, spicy, lots of plums. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, sweet prunes and plums, figs, leather, anise, more biting and firmer finish, long. 93

1982 Vega-Sicilia Unico
A second bottle shows some more red berries and blueberries, bit less textured finish. 93

1979 Vega-Sicilia Unico
Ruby, brick rim. Liquorice, anise, figs, coffee, bit tight, slightly pruney nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fresh and lively, leaner palate, mature and some drier notes, mature and drink now. Good length. 89

1979 Vega-Sicilia Unico
Slightly fruitier and not quite as mature. 90

1975 Vega-Sicilia Unico
Ruby, garnet rim. Anise, liquorice, figs, blueberries, sexy nose, layered, nuanced and detailed, rich, maturing nicely. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fresh and ripe, fruity, rounded, refreshing, not quite as detailed, softer and easier palate, bit sweet, very long. 96

1975 Vega-Sicilia Unico
Very similar to the above bottle.

1974 Vega-Sicilia Unico
Ruby, garnet rim. Tobacco, spices, mint, exotic nose, some figs, dark berries and leather, deep nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, rich, fruity but narrower mid-palate and finish, long but not as exuberant as the 75. 95

1974 Vega-Sicilia Unico
Very similar bottle.

1973 Vega-Sicilia Unico
Ruby, thin brick rim. Less intense nose, some spices, prunes, figs and cheese notes. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, fresh, lively, rounded, delicate but not that intense, nuanced. Tobacco-figs finish. 92

1973 Vega-Sicilia Unico
Very similar bottle.

1972 Vega-Sicilia Unico
Ruby, thin brick rim. Scented, prunes, liquorice, leather, dates, exotic nose, lovely. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, lively, fresh and pruney palate, anise, sweet, very slight hung meat note, long. 92

1970 Vega-Sicilia Unico
Deepish ruby, thin brick rim. Rich nose, chocolate, blueberries, figs, leather, scented and layered, complex and refined nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fresh, lively, nuanced, fruity, detailed, gorgeous nose, reminds me of 1970 Château Latour but with kinder texture, nuanced, rich and very long. 96

1970 Vega-Sicilia Unico
Somewhat less detailed bottle. 95

1968 Vega-Sicilia Unico
Ruby, garnet rim. Liquorice, prunes, figs, evolved nose, leather, dark chocolate, bit leaner nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, softer tannins, fresh and elegant, red berries palate, nuanced and elegant, long finish. 92

1968 Vega-Sicilia Unico
Bit rounder and slightly more figs and somewhat fruitier finish. 93

1965 Vega-Sicilia Unico
Ruby, garnet rim. Blueberries, figs, leather, anise, black tea, jasmine and violets nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, lively and leaner and slightly dry towards the finish, prunes palate, bit iodine behind, drink now bottle. 91

1960 Vega-Sicilia Unico
Ruby, brick rim. Cinnamon, spices, some prunes, spicy cake, Christmas spices nose. Fresh acidity, tannins letting go, fresh if not very fruity, but not to thin either, lingers on, refreshing and nuanced. 89

1953 Vega-Sicilia Unico
Bright ruby, brick rim. Figs, leather, prunes, liquorice in abundance, violets nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fresh and lively, fruity if leaner, dark berries and figs, long. 93

1953 Vega-Sicilia Unico
Bright ruby, brick rim. Blueberries, figs, leather, liquorice, exotic, floral and detailed nose, more youthful than last bottle. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, rounder palate, fruity, figs and plums, blueberries, long. 95

1948 Vega-Sicilia Unico
Ruby, brick rim. Scented, earthy, sous bois, figs, prunes, mature but sweet nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, lean, coffee, violets, fresh if leaner palate, refreshing, almost Burgundian finish. 90

1948 Vega-Sicilia Unico
A second bottle shows more blueberries and fruitier palate. 91

1922 Vega-Sicilia Unico
Ruby core with brown-orange rim. Caramel, figs and spices, volatile, lean and metallic.

1922 Vega-Sicilia Unico
Ruby, orange rim. Plums, spices, violets and some dark berries clinging to their life. Fresh acidity, tannins gone, detailed if lean but lively, delicate, long and lean finish. 93

99 Roumier Ruchottes-Chambertin, 82 Clos de Tart and more

1999 Roumier Ruchottes-Chambertin
Bright ruby. Flirting nose, red berries, delicate, nuanced, floral, scented, lovely nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, leaner palate, slightly tight, some herbal notes, vanilla, dies off a bit in finish. 92

1982 Mommessin Clos de Tart:
Bright ruby, broad brick rim. Dusty, earthy, sous bois and figs. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, sweeter and rounder palate, liquorice and dades, dies off a bit, leaner finish. Dies off quickly. 85 at best

1973 Patriarche Corton
Slightly cloudy ruby, brick rim. Anise, liquorice, sous bois, earthy, some dades nose. Fresh acidity, ripe and few tannins, mellow and rounded, elegant texture but not that complex. 88 at very best

Five from Jadot and 1973 Kloster Eberbach

2010 Louis Jadot Saint-Aubin Blanc:
Pale lemon yellow. Apples and some minerals nose. Fresh acidoty, fruity, leaner feel but also slightly creamy texture, cool apples palate, good length. 87

2011 Louis Jadot Puligny-Montrachet:
Pale lemon yellow. Apples, fruity, lime and tighter nose. Fresh acidity, lemons, lime and cool apples palate, lovely balance, fresh. 89

2011 Louis Jadot Chassagne-Montrachet:
Pale lemon yellow. Apples, minerals, fruity nose, somewhat richer. Fresh acidity, fruity, smoky, buttery, popcorn, good length. 88

2007 Louis Jadot Gevrey-Chambertin:
Pale ruby. Scented, fruity, nuanced and elegant nose, red berries. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, elegant if a bit lean, good length. 87

2007 Louis Jadot Beaune Theurons 1er Cru:
Pale ruby. Scented, red berries, fruity and nuanced nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, leanish palate, good length. 86

1973 Kloster Eberbach Steinberger Riesling Eiswein-Beerenauslese:
Amber with golden hue. Dried apricots, raisins, floral, butter scotch touch, rich and nuanced nose. Fresh acidity, lively, rounded texture, refreshing and mothwatering, almost creamy texture, long indeed. 95

Six from Madeira

1989 D'Oliveiras Sercial:

Orange, golden hue. Nuts, dried fruits, touch of caramel on the nose. Fresh acidity, lively, lean palate, refreshing, quite crisp, long. Bit burnt finish. 88

1981 D'Oliveiras Verdelho:

Amber, thin golden rim. Nuts, dried fruits, apricots nose. Fresh acidity, refreshing and fruity, good length. 89

1973 D'Oliveiras Verdelho:

Darker amber, thin golden hue. Intense, nuts, dried and fresher apricots, rich nose. Fresh acidity, ripe, fruity, mouthwatering and playful, long finish. 91

1988 D'Oliveiras Terrantez:

Bright amber. I wonder if this one is slightly corked, subdued nuts, not that intense and seems to lack fruit as well. Faint cardboard touch. 

1971 D'Oliveiras Terrantez:

Bright amber. Intense nose, dried fruits, smoky, almost like Islay, roasted nuts, lovely nose. Fresh acidity, refreshing and elegant palate, mouthwatering, fruity, long finish. 92

1989 D'Oliveiras Malvazia:

Amber, golden rim. Dried fruits, apricots, nuts, slight caramel note, burnt sugar nose. Fresh acidity, refreshing and elegant, quite playful, rounded for a young Madeira, long. 92

Three young from Madeira

1973 D'Oliveiras Verdelho:

Deep amber. Caramel, nuts, dried fruits, rich and intense, wood polish nose. Fresh acidity, fruity, elegant and lively, long. 90 ****

1984 D'Oliveiras Boal:

Amber, golden rim. Nuts, spices, some dried fruits on the nose. Fresh acidity, lively, fruity, elegant and long. One of few younger vintages of Madeira that feels fully balanced. 92 *****

1988 D'Oliveiras Terrantez:

Amber, golden rim. Nuts, elegant, dried fruits nose. Fresh acidity, elegant, superb, lively and long, nuanced, another fine example of this very rare grape variety. 92 *****

Four Madeira's, excellent Christmas wine

1989 D'Oliveiras Colheita Sercial:

Pale amber with golden tints. Nuts, some dried fruits, touch of caramel and minerals. Fresh acidity, rich and dry Sercial, somewhat tighter than some, good length. 88

1988 D'Oliveiras Colheita Terrantez:

Amber with golden tints. Nuts, dried apricots, raisins and minerals. Fresh and lively acidity, mouthwatering, long finish. 89

1984 D'Oliveiras Colheita Boal:

Pale amber. Dried apricots, raisins, caramel and nuts far behind. Fresh and lively acidity, elegant texture, refreshing, somewhat leaner finish, good length. 89

1973 D'Oliveiras Verdelho Reserva:

Amber with golden rim. More refined nose, more nuances, layered of dried exotic fruits, nuts, raisins and minerals. Some butter and butter scotch. Fresh acidity, lively and elegant, mouthwatering, up front and stil subtle. Very long finish. 92

40 years of Dom Perignon, how good is old?

Yet again she showed up, but did RR see her before she left?

Why was there no 1979 made from Dom Perignon?


1975 Dom Perignon;
Golden, amber hue. Orange marmalade, minerals, caramel, nuts, butter, lemon drops, touch of camphor and oxidized apples. Fresh acidity, elegant mousse, burnt butter finish, have had better 75,'s, but better than the aperitif! 92

The Oenotheque is still remarkably young in comparison....

Decanting concentration

1973 Dom Perignon;
Golden, amber hue, tiny bubbles. Some smoke, otherwise this one doesn't wan't to tell much. Fresh acidity, a bit lean, somewhat simple style (for DP). 89

The plot thickens? A lot of wine between two guys....

1971 Dom Perignon;
Golden, amber hue, tiny bubbles. Lemon candy, yellow plums. Light and soft as velvet, nuanced, flirting, transparent, with a creamy texture. A touch bitter in the finish. Very elegant, but does it lack a bit? My fellow tasters was kinder than me..... 90


1970 Dom Perignon;
Golden, amber hue. Caramel, richer style, minerals, intense, ripe fruits, feels younger again, dades, acidity is on the lazy side though, long. 92

1973 Mouton Rothschild

1973 Chateau Mouton Rothschild;
The wine that should have been dead according to everything you read about it. B-B/C level fill, cork not fully soaked. Bright ruby, orange rim, very developed nose, leather, cedar, tobacco, like opening the door too an old Rolls-Royce. Some tar, touch of iodine, lean body but still flirting, good acidity, very few tannins left, drying a bit in the finish, but not at all critical, good length. Way above any expectations. 85

73 Piesporter

1973 Weingut Marienhof, Piesporter Güntherslay, Riesling Beerenauslese-Eiswein;
A level fill, cork soaked, bright orange, slight oxidation, raisins, citrus, orange marmalade. Not too high acidity, still the wine feels just off dry, a light sweetness that balances good with the acidity, lives very dangerously, quite good finish. 67

Faulty cork, still good

1973 Chateau Belgrave;A-A/B level fill, ruby with broag brick rim, cork almost soaked. Very mature, cassis, some leather, pencil, slight floral notes, the fruit is not as evolved by aromas as expected, but starting to dry up, ok acidity, cherry stone sour finish, a bit short. 82

1998 Wachtenbur Winzer, Wachenheimer Fuchsmantel, Riesling Eiswein;
(demi) Deep golden, leaking bottle. Botrytis and extreme intencity, apples, pineapples, tropical, figs, mango, some honey, maturing aromas. Fresh balance and acidity, cleans perfectly, could have been a bit longer and more complex, but seductive, even from a leaking bottle. 89

Old Veuve Clicquots

1973 Veuve Clicquot Brut;
Oxidized and maderized.


1970 Veuve Clicquot Brut;
Oxsidized, but fresher than 73, some apricots and tropical fruits, but very tired.


1969 Veuve Clicquot Brut;
Light oxidation, apples, some yeast and burnt bread. Ok acidity, nice fruit, elegant, but neither complex or long. Interesting more than very good. 71


1964 Veuve Clicquot Brut;
Corked.

Kveld med Thomas og Magne

1964 Heidsieck & Co Monopole, Reserved for England;
En liten motvillig boble, ravgul, korken smuldret opp. Litt mineraler og tydelig oksidert, sherry. Litt syre, svært sliten. 60


1973 Dom Perignon;
Gullgul, fantastiske bobler. Mineraler, noe oksiderte epler, overraskende ung nese. Utrolig elegant og balansert, nydelig mousse, flott friskhet, ganske slank.(Årgangstypisk?). Flott finish. Spiller veldig på balanse og eleganse. 91


2004 Bize-Leroy Domaine d'Auvenay Meursault Les Gottes d'Or 1er Cru;
Flaske 270 av 1210. Lyst gullgul, eksepsjonell nese, nøtter, mineraler, epler, pære, bålrøyk og noe vanilje, flint. Intens og utrolig kompleks. Pen syre, stor fylde og konsentrasjon. Elegant og stor på samme tid. Ekstrem finish, sitter i minutter. 93