Gaja vertical, March 2017

1961 Bollinger Rare Année
Magnum. Served blind. Golden. Some oxidative notes, yellow fruits, nuts, elegant if very mature, some caramel notes. Fresh acidity, elegant minerals note, lovely balance if again oxidative, smooth mousse, narrower caramel finish. Long. Verging on too old. 93

1978 Gaja Barbaresco
Ruby, garnet rim. Cherries, tar, some vanilla, liquorice, fruity nose, fairly intense, touch of rose hips, elegant nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, cherries, elegant mid palate, cherries and liquorice, then hollower towards the finish, long somewhat narrower finish. 93

1986 Gaja Barbaresco Sori San Lorenzo
Ruby, garnet rim. Some mint, nettles, cherries, black tea notes nose, vanilla. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, red fruits, cherries and liquorice, spices, dryer finish. 90

1995 Gaja Barbaresco
Ruby, garnet rim, slight cork.

1990 Gaja Barbaresco Costa Russi
Ruby, garnet rim. Floral, scented, cherries, red berries, violets, beautiful nose, detailed and quite intense. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, cherries, liquorice, spices, firmer, textured, detailed, long. 94

1999 Gaja Sperss
Ruby. Red berries, fruity, some vanilla, cherries, anise, liquorice, some violets and faint roses note nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, structured, liquorice, spices, vanilla, firm texture, long. 93

1976 Gaja Barbaresco
Cloudy pale red, broad orange rim. Notes of Barolo Cinato to it, thin and oxidized palate.

1994 Gaja Barbaresco
Ruby, garnet rim. Some tomatos, herbal notes, cherries and anise nose, leaner. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fresher palate, cherries, liquorice, not the most intense, elegant finish. 94

1995 Gaja Sori San Lorenzo
Ruby, thin garnet rim. Cherries, tar, some deeper notes, blueberries notes, vanilla, violets, lifted nose. Touch of VA. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fresh, red berries, cherries and anise, light VA feel again, good length. Might have some brett as well. 89

2009 Gaja Sperss
Bright ruby, garnet rim. Alcohol, ripe, fruity, rich, cherries and liquorice, big nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, sweet, cherries, liquorice, spices, ripe, alcohol shows through, dry woody finish. 92

2011 Gaja Conteisa
Bright ruby. Cherries, raspberries, alcohol, some sweetness on the nose, vanilla. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, red berries, liquorice, cherries, alcohol, rich and ripe. 91

1971 Gaja Barbaresco
Light cloudy pale ruby core, broad orange rim. Cherries, tar, figs, some dates, touch smoky, leaner nose. Fresh acidity, leaner palate, sweet and sour palate, lean and drying. Nose has younger feel to it than palate. 88

1982 Gaja Barbaresco
Bright ruby, thin brick rim, lots of sediments. Cherries, violets, roses, delicate and nuanced nose, light strawberries nose. Fresh acidity, cherries, elegant and nuanced, tannins ripe ans softening, elegant texture, long. 93

1993 Gaja Costa Russi
Bright ruby, thin garnet rim. Cherries, liquorice, tar, roses, somewhat deeper and fuller nose, fairly rich. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fresh, fruity, cherries, anise, some spices, liquorice, playful and lively, detailed, long. 95

1995 Gaja Costa Russi
Ruby. Cherries, tar, floral notes, elegant, detailed nose, quite intense and rich. Some vanilla notes. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, cherries, tar, anise, elegant and playful, leaner and fresher palate than nose suggests, long. 93

2006 Gaja Barbaresco
Magnum. Ruby. Cherries, liquorice, tar and roses, quite rich and intense nose, layered. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, liquorice, spices, cherries and blueberries, quite intense, long finish. 92

1964 Gaja Barbaresco
Cloudy ruby core, orange rim. Tar, cherries, earthy, some tomato notes nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, leaner, dry and dusty. 85

1975 Gaja Il Cantine Conte Riccardi Barbaresco
Cloudy ruby, brick rim. Lean, broth notes, liquorice nose. Fresh acidity, lean palate, thin. It opens up somewhat with more with air, giving some wild strawberries in a gentle way. 87

1978 Gaja Barbaresco Costa Russi
Ruby, thin brick rim. Cherries, tar, lighter strawberries nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, red fruity core, leaner, has a nice freshness palate better than nose, elegant structure but not very intense, and a bit drying finish. 86

1987 Gaja Barbaresco Costa Russi
Ruby, thin brick rim. Floral, scented, red berries, fresh and fruity nose, anise, spices, quite intense, some alcohol notes. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, cherries, red berries, anise, touch of mint, even with some warmth from alcohol it feels fresh and elegant, long. 91

1999 Gaja Barbaresco
Ruby. Cherries, blackberries, some spices, liquorice, some vanilla, detailed, richer if not the richest. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, cherries, elegant, detailed if richer, quite intense, structured finish. Long. 93

2011 Gaja Sperss
Ruby, garnet rim. Cherries, alcohol, liquorice, ripe and intense nose, not too complex. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, red berries, some anise, quite alcoholic, leaner but long. 90

2012 Gaja Barbaresco
Bright ruby, garnet rim. Cherries, floral, some anise, liquorice, lighter, elegant, detailed, little bit alcoholic nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, ripe, fruity, cherries, alcoholic notes, sweeter, good length, bit warm. 89

2013 Gaja Barbaresco
Bright ruby. Red berries, some anise, vanilla, some alcohol nose, not too complex. Even herbal notes. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, red fruity, fresh, fruity, cherries, red berries, leaner, sweet and alcoholic. 88

2010 Gaja Costa Russi
Bright ruby. Red berries, floral, fruity, leaner, light cherries note nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, alcoholic, sweet, liquorice, lacks focus, at least at this stage, but has more going for it than the last few. 90

2010 Gaja Barbaresco
Ruby. Ripe, cherries, liquorice, anise, spices, some vanilla, powerful nose, some alcohol. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, dark berries, red fruity, liquorice, intense and deep, yet red fruity. Long. 92

2010 Gaja Sori Tildin
Ruby. Cherries, liquorice, roses, fruit driven, some anise and spices nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fresh, fruity, cherries, some spices, liquorice, quite intense, red fruity finish, long. 93

2010 Gaja Sori San Lorenzo
Bright ruby. Cherries, fruity, ripe, some liquorice, spices, tighter nose, closed. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, red berries, cherries, spices, liquorice, anise, intense, some alcohol, long. 93

2013 Gaja Costa Russi
Bright ruby. Cherries, some jammy notes, red fruity, vanilla, rich nose, fruity. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, red berries, liquorice, vanilla, fruity and structured, quite concentrated, long. 91

2013 Gaja Sori Tildin
Ruby. Cherries, liquorice, violets, ripe, rich, fruity, dark berries nose, intense. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, cherries, red berries, some anise, spices, liquorice, intense, concentrated, detailed, long. 92

2009 Gaja Conteisa
Ruby. Rich, fruity, spices, liquorice, cherries, some vanilla and alcohol nose, heavier. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, cherries, red berries, sweet and jammy, alcoholic and warm finish, long. 90

1970 Gaja, 67 Moresco, 02 Jacquesson, 05 Insignia, 89 Fargues, 89 Petit Cheval, 83 Oremus Aszu Eszencia and more

Diebault-Vallois Blanc de Blancs Brut
Light, fruity, well balanced. 88

2013 Dönnhoff Riesling trocken
Fresh, apply, citrus. 86

2002 Jacquesson Brut Millésime.
Served blind. Deg second quarter 2010. Pale golden, small bubbles. Yeast, brioche, oxidated apples, nuts, minerals and plaster. Fresh acidity, lighter mousse, caramel, oxidated apples, bit bitter and not fully blalanced, burnt caramel notes, bitter tea. Bit hollow. With answer in hand I think its a faulty bottle. 87

1970 Gaja Barbaresco
Served blind. Cloudy ruby, brown orange hue and orange rim. Tobacco, cherries, few figs, liquorice nose, intense, some notes of iodine, mature. Fresh acidity, few tannins, mature and borderline old, drying finish and on its way down, but not there yet. Some chocolate and coffee. 88

1967 Giovannini Moresco Barbaresco del Pajore
Served blind. Bright ruby, orange rim. Red berries, mint, tar, roses, cherries, strawberries, sous bois, seductive nose, detailed, refreshing, but mature. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fresh, fruity but slightly iodine and metallic finish, lovely nose, bit thin palate pulls down, iron, but beautiful nose. This was apparently first vintage, sold in 1979 to Gaja who named the wine Sito Moresco. 89

1989 Petit Cheval
Served blind. Bright ruby, thin brick rim. Some cassis, figs, blueberries, tobacco, cedar, violets, detailed nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fresh, lively, red and darker berries, bit lean and somewhat firm, could have more fruit, slightly hollow finish. Has its charm. Quite long. 91

2014 Figula Balatonfüred-Csopaki Olaszriesling
Served blind. Pale lemon yellow. Ripe gooseberries, apples, citrus, some cats pie, yellow fruits. Freshish acidity, fruity, rounded, apples, some grapefruits and lemons, bit lazy. 87

2009 Château Carbonnieux blanc
Served blind. Pale lemon yellow. Grapefruits, minerals, oysters, lemons, fresh and lively nose. Fresh acidity, fruity, apples, citrus, grapefruits, minerals, fresh, leaner but  long. 92

2005 Château Couhins-Lurton blanc
Served blind. Towards lemon yellow. Grapefruits, apples, minerals, vanilla, spices, light tropical notes, evolving. Fresh acidity, fruity, intense, rounded, fruity, fresh, lively, rounded, smooth even if barrel notes are slightly uo front still, evolving nivcely, lovely balance. Swallowed the barrels far better than a 2001 last week. Long. 93

2005 Château Larrivet Haut-Brion
Served blind. Pale golden. Butter, fruity, tropical, vanilla and honey, almost like a dessert wine on the nose. Freshish acidity, ripe, fruity, vanilla, spices, smokey, bit alcohollic, towards somewhat ungainly. 86

2004 Duplessis Chablis 1er Cru Montée de Tonnerre
Served blind. Asparagus, oysters, chalk, lime, unripe green apples, actually intense chalk on the nose. Fresh acidity, leaner, fresh, some lively notes but lacks fruit to balance it, leaner and thinner palate. 87

2002 Louis Jadot Corton-Pougets
Served blind. Bright ruby. Cooked plums, strawberry jam, alcohol notes, not a particularly fresh nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, bit hollow, warm, lacks fruit, has some spices and vanilla, red berries, youthful but a bit hollow. It sharpens up with air but it never impresses. 89

2005 Joseph Phelps Insignia
Deep ruby. Cassis, coffee, dark fruits, intense, vanilla, spices, dark chocolate. Lightøy scented and floral behind layers of fruit, far better bottle than last year. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, intense, sweet, dark fruits, vanilla and spices. Still a bit warm, alcohol shines through, coffee and chocolate, anise finish, long. 94

2005 Casa Nocera Merlot
Served blind. Ruby. Coffee, liquorice, cooked fruits, massive and rich. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, tich, coffee, fruity, blueberries, bramble, alcohol, rich, massive in one way, hollow in another way, sweet dark fruits. Slight spicy note. 83

2007 Moestoe Cornas Coteau de Reynard
Served blind. Cloudy purple, pink rim. Alcohol up front, ripe bramble, vanilla and alcohol nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, red berries, sweet and sour, lively but lacks complexity, dark fruits. It is funky and weird, some may love the almost unbalanced liveliness between herbs and dark berries. To me its pretty uninteresting. 85

1998 Elio Altare Barolo
Served blind. Ruby. Coffe, liquorice, dark chocolate. Freshish acidity, ripe tannins, fruity but lacks nuances, spices, vanille, anise, bit short. 85

1985 Château Haut Bailly
Served blind. Bright ruby. Scented, bit subdued nose, some cassis, anise, leather, refreshing nose but tender. Almost delicate. Fresh acidity, ripe and few tannins, mature, served on the cool side, liquorice, leather, some figs and prunes, good length. With answer in hand, not optimal bottle. 87

1999 Donatella Cinelli Colombini Brundllo di Montalcino Riserva
Ruby. Cassis, vanilla, blueberries, some spices far back, light exotic nose, some coffee notes nose and dark chocolate. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, lively, fruity, quite fresh, rounded, slight alcoholic notes, fruity, dark berries, chocolate, structured, tannic but also some smoothness, long. 92

1983 Oremus Aszú Eszencia
Served blind. Amber with golden hue. Some caramel, dark apricots, almonds, rich, intense and deep on the nose, almost massive. Fresh acidity, fruity, intense, lively, detailed, nuanced, raisins, dried apricots, syrup, honey, playful, lively and rich, super balance, long and rich, very long. 96

1989 Château de Fargues
Served blind. Pale amber, golden hue. Apricots, fruity, intense, pineapples, rich, intense and fairly up front, almost massive nose, pulls and pushes. Fresh acidity, fruity, intense, lively, rich, detailed, caramel, rich notes, apricots, grilled pineapples, very intense, rounded, layered, long. 96

2007 Spreitzer Oestricher Lenchen Riesling Auslese 303
Pale golden. Apples, apricots, light minerals nose, fruity. Fresh acidity, lively, playful, yellow fruits, quite intense, refreshing and long. 92

September news from Prizelius, Brand Partners and Just Brands

2012 Emile Chandesais Chablis
Pale lemon yellow. Apples, slight honey and floral note nose. Fresh acidity, rounded, fruity and light tropical note palate, easy going. 85

2012 Château de la Greffiere Mâcon La Roche Vineuse
Towards lemon yellow. Apples, some faint citrus, light minerality on the nose. Freshish acidity, fruity, rounded, little bit sharp around the edges. 85

2012 Marimar Marimar Estate Acero Chardonnay
Pale lemon yellow. Light lemons, melons and peach note on the nose. Fresh acidity, rounded, fruity, fairly elegant, rounded and smooth, good length. 88

2009 Marimar Marimar Estate La Masia Don Miguel Chardonnay
Pale golden. Butter, popcorn, peach and vanilla nose. Fresh acidity, fruity, rounded, creamy, light tropical sweetness in the finish, butter scotch finish, good length. 89

2012 Vincent Fleith Riesling Steinweg
Pale lemon yellow. Apples, light tropical and peach nose, light minerality underneath on the nose. Fresh acidity, fruity, leaner, fresh, minerals backbone, slightly bitter finish, bit yeasty. 85

2013 William Fevre Petit Chablis
Pale lemon yellow. Light apples and citrus nose, some floral notes and light minerality on the nose. Fresh acidity, fresh and fruity, mouthwatering, easy but fresh. 84

2013 William Fevre Chablis
Pale lemon yellow. Apples, fruity, lemons, some minerals, cool sea front nose. Fresh acidity, lively, fresh, citrus and green apples, good length. 86

2013 Feudo di Santa Tresa Capoccio Grillo-Zibibbo
Pale lemon yellow. Apples, citrus, floral, light smoky minerals nose. Fresh acidity, rounded, quite lively, fresh finish. 85

2013 Yvon Mau Colombard Chardonnay
Pale lemon yellow. Light and fruity nose, light peach note. Fresh acidity, fruity and lively, straight forward, quite refreshing. 81

2012 Henri Bourgeois Sancerre Grande Réserve
Pale lemon yellow. Light fruity and floral nose. Subdued minerality, slightly herbal. Fresh acidity, fresh, fruity, lively, towards crisp, fresh and lively finish, ripe lemons. 88

2012 William Fevre Domaine Chablis
(Magnum) Pale lemon yellow. Apples, light minerality and subdued citrus nose. Fresh acidity, richer, rounded, slightly creamy and some nuts on the palate, fresh. 86

Black Tower BIB
Pale lemon yellow. Light fruity nose. Fresh, some apples, fruity, very easy going. 76

2012 Genot-Boulanger Beaune La Lulunne
Ruby. Intense, fruity, deeper forest berries nose. Ever so slightly reductive, give it air. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, slightly creamy texture, fairly smooth. 86

2011 Castello di San Sano Chianti Classico
Ruby. Red berries, some anise,s lightly scented nose. Some darker berries behind. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, rounded, bit firmer texture but fruit to back it, fresh. 86

2013 Cesari Valpolicella Classico
Deep ruby. Plums, some coffee and light herbal note nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, rounded, easy going. 83

2012 Cesari Mara Ripasso
Deep ruby. Rich, fruity, ripe and jammy nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, ripe, sweetish and fruity, bit hollow vanilla finish. 83

2007 Cesari Il Bosco Amarone
Deep ruby, thin garnet rim. Rich nose, plums, blackberries, coffee and dark chocolate. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, ripe and rich, sweeter, heavy and fruity, big but has some freshness, the 15,5 alcohol is more integrated than in most, still warm finish. 88

2012 Oscar Quevedo Oscar's BIB
Towards opaque. Rich, fruity, ripe nose, dark berries. Freshish acidity, ripe tannins, ripe and fruity, easy going, structured finish. 81

2011 Oscar Quevedo Claudia's Red
Deep ruby. Rich nose, dark berries, some vanilla nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity if leaner palate, fresh. 82

2013 Torres Sangre de Toro
Ruby with purple hue. Fruity and easy going nose, some liquorice. Fresh acidity, ripe and smooth tannins, fresh and fruity. 82

2012 Torres Coronas BIB
Ruby. Little bit herbal, fruity, dark berries. Fresh acidity, fruity, rounded, fresh. 82

2011 Torres Celeste
Deep ruby. Rich, fruity, anise, blueberries and plums nose, vanilla. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, fresh, rounded, rich and ripe, bit vanilla finish, more rounded. 86

2011 Torres Salmos
Ruby. Rich, red and darker berries nose, ripe fruits, vanilla and alcohol high note. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fresh and fruity, rich, bit sweet, good length. 86

2012 Patrice Méry Domaine des Treilles Côtes du Rhône
Ruby with thin pink rim. Rich, ripe and alcoholic nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, rich and ripe, sweet. 82

2013 Yvon Mau Merlot
Ruby. Light fruity and berries nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, light and fruity. 77

2011 Henri Bourgeois Sancerre Les Baronnes
Pale ruby. Red berries, some vanilla, cool fruit nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, bit lean, fresh, red berries, slight unripe note, fresh. 87

2013 Paul Jaboulet Syrah
Deep ruby. Rich and fruity nose, dark berries. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity and sweet. 78

2013 Mauro Molino Barbera d'Alba
Deep ruby. Fruity, dark berries, ripe nose, liquorice. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fresh and fruity, lively finish. 82

2010 Mauro Molino Barolo
Bright ruby, garnet rim. Scented, ripe red berries, anise, slightly showing alcohol on the nose, fairly transparent. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, leaner, detailed, good length. 88

2013 Feudo di Santa Tresa Capoccia Nero d'Avola-Cabernet Sauvignon
Deep ruby. Rich, fruity nose, some bell peppers, bit heavy. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fresh and fruity, ripe, sweetish finish. 83

2013 Gonzales Byass Finca Constantcia Temperanillo Parcela 23
Deep ruby. Fruity, some plums and dark berries nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fresh and fruity. 81

2009 Marques de Riscal Reserva
Ruby. Rich nose, anise, blueberries, scented, bit warmer nose, vanilla. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, richer for Riscal, 14%, little bit heavy, lacks the usual freshness. 87

2012 Gaja Sito Moresco
Ruby. Scented, liquorice, ripe, dark berries, cassis nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fresh and fruity, quite lively, some vanilla, sweet notes, fresh finish. 89

2008 Gaja Barolo Dagromis
Ruby, garnet rim. Anise, nettles, plums, liquorice, little bit cooked nose, warm. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, lively, fruity, rich, ripe, fresher palate, long. 90

2009 Gaja Ca'Marcanda Promis
Deep ruby. Red berries, anise, slight herbal note, plums, vanilla and blackberries nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, rich and fruity, ripe, dark berries, long. Bit warm finish. 89

2012 Gaja Ca'Marcanda Magari
Ruby. Rich, fruity, vanilla, dark fruits and berries, some anise, layered nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, rich and fruity palate, ripe, dark berries, anise, long. 91

The complete notes: Østfoldsmakingen including 1988 Bruno Paillard, 07 Leflaive Bienvenues and 1971 Gaja

1988 Bruno Paillard Le Mesnil Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru
Golden with tiny bubbles (didn't show well in the glasses). Apples, nuts, minerals, flint, cool fruits, detailed, refined and elegant, not the most intense but what is there is superb. Fresh acidity, elegant mousse, refined and fruity, elegant texture, incredibly detailed, very nuanced, long. 95

2013 Gaia Assyrtiko Wild Ferment
Served blind. Pale lemon yellow. Volcanic, wool, herbs, tiny peach note far behind on the nose. Fresh acidity, almost crisp, volcanic, leaner attack, quite intense, rich, and bit warm finish, good length. 88 Took the greapevariety with some help.

2005 Keller Riesling Kirchspiel Riesling GG
Towards golden. Apples, fruity, botrytis note, peach, floral notes, bit tropical. Freshish acidity, rounded and fruity, rich for Riesling,s till a bit hollow, lacks nuances and could be more complex. Long bitter finish. 92

2012 Battenfeld Spanier Frauenberg Riesling GG
Towards lemon yellow. Tighter, some minerals, cool apples, leaner but elegant nose. Fresh acidity, fruity, more rounded palate, refreshing, citrus, green apples, fresh and long finish. 91

2008 Stags Leap Napa Valley Chardonnay
Towards golden. Rich nose, fruity, peach and yellow apples. Fresh acidity, popcorn, butter, smoky, creamy, rich and fruity, smoky finish, good length. 89

2007 Domaine Leflaive Bienvenues-Bâtard-Montrachet
Towards lemon yellow. Detailed, layered, minerals, complex, apples, filigree minerals, stunning nose, light butter note. Fresh acidity, fruity, elegant, detailed, superb balance, fresh, youthful, a bit tight, very long. 96

1998 Château Léoville Barton
Ruby. Cedar, some tobacco, pencil shave, blueberries and cassis, scented and layered, nuanced. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, elegant, not the most forward palate, elegant bottle, long. 91

2002 Château Pontet-Canet
Ruby. Rich nose, especially for the vintage, dark fruits, cassis, leather, coffee, and tobacco nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity but leaner palate, leather, cassis again, little bit hollow mid palate and still somewhat raw. Long. Sligjtly sweet finish. 91

2003 Châteu Branaire Ducru
Ruby. Rich and almost a touch alcoholic nose (even at 13%), highly scented, roses and fruity, blueberries. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, rounded and soft body, some sweet notes, slightly rougher finish, good length. Not fully together. 88

2012 Akilia Chano Villar Bierzo
6033 bottles made. Ruby. Funky nose, barnyard, stable and nettles. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, cool fruit and a bit herbal, somewhat red fruity finish. 83

2012 Bodegas Laztan Nocturna Rioja
Deep ruby. Vanilla, cardamom, spices. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, unbalanced, woody, fruity, sweet but a bit ungainly. 80

2012 Bodegas Albamar Fusco Edicion Especial
Ruby. Fruity, forest berries, some strawberries. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, leaner palate, fruity if a bit simple, good length. 84

2011 Mestre Vilavell
Ruby. Rubber on the nose. Freshish acidity, ripe tannins, leaner, some fruit, easy, not fully together. 81

1998 Aldo Conterno Barolo Cicala
Ruby with brick rim. Tar, roses, liquorice, morellos, rich nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, rich and playful, lively finish, long. 90

1999 Aldo Conterno Barolo Granbussia
Ruby, thin brick rim. Tar and roses, tight, classical and still bit more fruity, leather and scented, intense. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, lively, cherries, anise and leather, mouthwatering, long finish. 93

1971 Gaja Barbaresco
Bright ruby with broad brick rim. Tar, roses, little bit dusty, detailed nose, violets, intense, lots of liquorice. Fresh acidity, rpe tannins, bit lean palate, prunes and figs, bit tender, detailed, cherries, anise, long. 94

1964 A. Ogier & Fils Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Garnet with broad brick rim. Prunes, leather, slightly scented, elegant nose, quite lovely nose even if lean. Fresh acidity, few tannins, lean palate, refreshing, could be more fruity, bit dry finish. Good length. 87 (Pleasure was higher)

1996 Vieux Telegraphe Châteauneuf-du-Pape La Crau
Served blind. Ruby, garnet rim. Rich, fruity, gamey, hung meat nose, intense. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, leaner palate, fresh and fruity if lean, bit tight and cherries finish, bit sweet and sour. Good length. Took producer with help. 88

2009 Joh. Jos. Prüm Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Auslese
Corked

2007 Zilliken Saarburger Rausch Riesling Auslese
Pale lemon yellow. Apples, fruity, minerals, detailed, almost creamy nose. Fresh acidity, elegant and refreshing, bit leaner, some raspberries and redcurrants, fresh and lively, long. 92

2012 Keller Pius Beerenauslese
Served blind. Apples, raspberries, peach and fruity nose. Fresh acidity, playful, lean, lacks something mid palate, good length. 88

2000 Clos des Papes Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Ruby, very thin garnet rim. Slightly dark fruity nose, scented, plums note, ripe fruit but not vulgar. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, richer palate, fruity, ripe, rich, bit alcoholic, bit hollow finish. 89

2004 Gaja Ca'Marcanda
Served blind. Deep ruby, hardly garnet rim. Cassis, fruity, leather, slight cigar note and tobacco, quite tight nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fresh and lively, quite rich, youthful, almost raw, intense, fairly detailed, long. 92

2003 Roccolo Grassi Amarone
Dark ruby. Rich nose, coffee, spices, dark fruits, rich and massive nose, big and massive. Freshish acidity, ripe tannins, bitter, big and rich, alcohol, massive but a bit hollow. 88

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

90 Yquem, 87 Vega Sicilia, 05 Fourrier Clos st Jacques and much more

2012 Keller Riesling von der Fels
Pale lemon yellow. Apples, minerals, fruity nose. Freshish acidity, grapefruit and slightly bitter, easy going. Not fully together. 86

2002 Henriot Rosé Millesimé
Full blind. Towards light orange, small bubbles. Mature nose, nuts, apples, brioche, yeast and minerals, coffeebeans, bit burnt, layerd. Fresh acidity, lazy but elegant mousse, apples and nuts, bit lazy mid palate, fruitier finish, long. Mature with vintage in hand, drink soon. 90

2012 Schäfer-Fröhlich Bockenauer Felseneck Riesling GG
Full blind. Towards lemon yellow. Apples, scented, fruity, floral notes, very light minerality on the nose. Fresh acidity, fruity, rounded, apples, grapey, slight bitter note in finish, pears. Good length. Not fully integrated. 89

2006 Dauvissat Chablis Grand Cru Les Clos
Almost lemon yellow. Wax, honey, nuts, yellow fruits, smoke, rich nose. Medium acidity, lots of minerals, flinty, lemons, touch of wax and honey, lively flinty finish, mineralic. Long. Died off after fifty minutes. At best 93

2008 Benanti Pietramarina Bianco Superiore
Pale lemon yellow. Floral, rubber, fruity, minerals, exotic nose. Medium acidity, touch of nuts, touch of floral notes, touch of tropical fruits, cloying sweet flower notes, white lilies, more acidity in the finish. Acidified? 88

2012 Georg Mosbacher Forster Musenhang Riesling trocken
Lemon green colour. Scented, apples, some floral notes, light minerality on the nose. Fresh acidity, lively, elegant and playful, light raspberry note in the finish, fresh. Good length. 89

2007 De Montille Volnay 1er Cru Taillepieds
Double blind. Ruby with thin garnet rim. Scented, red berries, light floral note, strawberries, somewhat richer nose, slightly warm. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, rounded, some alcohol notes, slightly hollow, bit woody, bit warm finish. Very different from last bottle. 89

2006 Clos des Papes Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Double blind. Ruby, garnet rim. Rich, intense, massive, dried fruits, raisins and liquorice nose. Alcohol. Medium acidity, ripe tannins, coffee, big, alcoholich, rich and extracted, dried fruits, heavy. Unbalanced if you have your palate in order. 86

2008 Larrocel Quinta da Pellada Dão
Deep ruby. Rich, ripe, dark berries, plums, scented. Intense, slight alcohol note. Freshish acidity, ripe tannins, rich and sweet, dark berries, ripe and sweet finish. Bit short. 88

2003 Flor de Pingus
Deep ruby, garnet rim. Rich nose, some floral and scented nose, cool liquorice but warmer blueberries nose. Layered. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, surprisingly lively for producer and vintage, finally some layeres in this one, long. 91

2003 Clos Mogador
Deep ruby. Rich, plums, massive, plums, blueberries, getting richer with air. Coffee. Freshish acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, rich, rounded, coffee and barrel spices, vanilla, bit biting texture and yet still fresher than expected for the vintage. Long. 90

1987 Vega Sicilia Unico
Double blind. Ruby, garnet rim. Scented, tobacco, some cassis, layered, nuanced, exotic, lovely nose. Violets. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, leaner, fresh, lively, delicate, nuanced, lively, detailed, superb, very fresh, youthful very long. Exceptional length, minutes. Drink now. 98

1998 Gaja Langhe Sori Tildin
Deep ruby, garnet rim. Rich nose, figs, prunes, blackberries, morellos, vanilla, anise, spices, layered and complex nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, lively, fresh, detailed, rich, tar and roses, rich, very long finish. 94

2005 Fourrier Gevrey-Chambertin 1er Cru Clos St Jacques
Ruby with thin garnet rim. Scented, detailed, fruity, strawberries, layered, detailed, lovely nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fresh and fruity, rounded, richer palate, detailed, long. 94

2004 Bucaco Tinto Reservado
Ruby. Cassis, vanilla, slight leather note, some violets, scented, lovely nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fresh, fruity, slight biting note, refreshing palate, fruity, lively finish, long. Juicy wine. 93

2010 Markus Molitor Bernkasteler Lay Riesling Auslese***
Double blind. Golden, decanted for hours. Honey, marzipan, raisins, apples, intense if not too complex. Fresh acidity, lively, detailed, superb freshness, incredibly lively and pure, incredibly lively and intense, stunning. Incredible length. Nailed everything. 96

1990 Aldo Conterno Barolo Bussia
Double blind. Ruby, brick rim. Tar, roses, liquorice, cherries, intense nose. Slight floral high note. Fresh acidity, high of ripe tannins, rich, fruity, leaner, fresh, structured, intense, long if leaner finish. Nailed everything. 92

1990 Château d'Yquem
Golden, with amber hue and low neck fill. Rich, apricots, orange marmalade, intense, marzipan, scented, deeper nose, slight burnt sugar note. Fresh acidity, fruity, concentrated, rich and intense, the most lively yet, fresher and less burnt than most bottles, very long. 96

1996 Ornellaia
Ruby, garnet rim. Scented, anise, leather, some dark berries, little bit drying note. Slightly dusty. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fresh and lively, bit a bit drying, some wood notes, good length. 89

1967 Produttori del Barbaresco Riserva Speciale Martinenga
Ruby, with orange rim. Leather, some figs, dark notes, some cassis nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, ripe and fresh, leaner palate, drying a bit, savory, mature, drink now. 87

09 Vietti Lazzarito and Gaja Barbaresco

2009 Vietti Barolo Lazzarito
Bright ruby. Ripe cherries, anise, tar and roses nose, intense. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, rich and fruity, spices, slightly warm finish far back, long. 92

2009 Gaja Barbaresco
Bright ruby. Tar, cherries, vanilla nose, rich and intense. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, softer and riper texture, fruity, bit sweet, long. 93

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 *****

2010 Gaja Barbaresco

2010 Gaja Barbaresco:
Ruby. Liquorice, cherries, fruity, red berries, vanilla, intense nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, sweet, red berries and anise palate, fresh and long. 93

Four from Gaja

2009 Ca'Marcanda Bolgheri:
Ruby. Scented, anise, red berries, leather, vanilla, intense nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, rich, bit sweet, alcohol shows, liquorice, long. 91

2006 Sugarille Pieve Santa Restituta Brunello di Montalcino:
Ruby. Anise, cherries, fruit stone, vanilla, red berries and leather nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, layered, fairly nuanced, bit rich, oaky finish, long. 92

2010 Gaja Barbaresco:
Ruby. Tar, roses, vanilla, cherries, scented, elegant floral notes, nuanced, ripe and rich. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, quite intense, manages to remain fresh, quite lively, long finish. 93

1998 Gaja Langhe Nebbiolo Sperss:
Ruby, thin garnet rim. Tar, roses, floral, nuanced, elegant nose, layered. Red berries and liquorice, more subdued oak. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, fresh, lively, bit leaner palate, refreshing, long finish. 94

Matching Masters

A very interesting tasting where four leading food personalities takes on Wine Spectator's editor Thomas Matthews for food and wine matching. The chefs make a dish, then one of the others make a wine choice to go with the recipe, as does Matthews. Emeril Lagasse said his whole team was actually in on his wine match and they tried to make the dish from the recipe to make a better choice, but food is about details and nuances at this level, so without the specific dish made from that specific chefs hand, it's difficult indeed.

José Andrés
Poached Lobster with Cucumber Yoghurt and Dill Salad
The cucumber (tzatzikiish) yogurt and dill overshadows the lobster and it feels more creamy and dilly than mineraly and sweetish lobster. The tiny cruitons helps to ground the flavours a bit, and give it a slightly earthy note. These are details yes, a lovely dish indeed.

Danny Meyer's wine:
2012 Domaine Huët Vouvray Sec Clos du Bourg:
Pale lemon yellow. Apples, fruity, almost Mosel like freshness and flinty minerality. Fresh acidity, fruity, mineraly and light, I would have been on a fairly dryish Mosel on this blind, long. 90

Thomas Matthew's wine
2011 Y de Yquem:
Pale lemon yellow. Apples, apricots, vanilla, bit deep and complex nose, minerals. Fairly fresh acidity, fruity, intense, not as intense and waxy as some vintages, fresh and long. Beautiful now while not to heavy. 93

The Huët cleans it away perfectly, and unexpectedly, and the youghurt makes another dimension with the wine, but it overdoes it ever so slightly even so. Slightly tender and subtle flavours for the dish, it's the acidity that do the job. The Y manages very well, except that it gets a bit hollow mid palate before the aftertaste comes back in. Blends better with the dish, and the oak seems to almost dissapear. Lovely. The Huët can't manage, going back to it it falls apart. The Y was actually a very good match going back to it.

Emeril Lagasse
Gulf shrimp "Boudon Noir" Root Vegetable, Apple Remoulade:
Intense, flavourful, rich meal, something a bit hot, maybe red peppers gives it a bite, apples give freshness and creamy root vegetables rounds it of a bit, but still on the warm side and slightly vinegary.

José Andrés' wine
2009 Bodegas y Vinedos Paixar Mencia Bierzo:
Ruby. Red berries and vanilla nose, smoky notes, minerals. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, a bit oaky and alcohol sweet, not fully balanced, good length. 86

Thomas Matthew's wine
2011 Chalone Chardonnay Chalone Estate:
Pale lemon yellow. Apples, minerals, flinty and almost popcorn nose. Corn flakes. Fresh acidity, smoky, heavier palate, rich, fruity but mineralic backbone, long. 90

The chilli or hot notes kill the red Bierzo, it gets dusty and you hit a wall. The hotness of the dish gets in front. The Chalone is a bit rich and overpowers a bit, but the dish does not get hot, I would even say that the minerality in the Chalone manages to play a bit with the warmth. None were perfect, but one clearly outshine the other.

Danny Meyer
Wild Mushroom and Ricotta Terrine, Rosemary Walnut Oil, aged Vinegar:
Mushrooms, crisp bread giving texture and a slightly burnt bread note giving dimension, mushroom flavoured and creamy terrine and the walnut vinegar gives an earthy and very elegant note. Nuts gives more chew than flavours, even if they add earthiness. Perfectly balanced vinegar (for once)

Jean-Georges Vongerichten's wine
2012 Destro Isolanuda Etna Blanco:
Pale lemon yellow. Apples, smoky minerals, floral and actually subdued nose for a Sicillian white. Mediterranian seafood platter minerality and sweetness. Fairly fresh acidity, fruity, narrower palate, bit easy going, good length. 86

Thomas Matthew's wine
2009 Renato Ratti Barolo Marcenasco:
Ruby. Tar, roses, cherries and red berries nose, scented. Fresh acidity, high of ripe tannins, structured and very youthful, even biting now, long. 92

The Etna bianco manages to clean the palate, but the power of the food comes back as if you never had a sip. The Barolo matches in flavours, but the rough tannic structure makes everything dry. A 1998 Gaja Sperss that was available on my table worked better, but you need something either older, or fruitier but on similar lines. Maybe a slightly aged Barbera? Some said the Bierzo from last dish, but same problem as the Barbaresco, to much tannins, and the unbalance of that wine was even exagerated further with this dish.

Jean-Georges Vongerichten
Hudson Valley Foie Gras with spiced Fig Girola:
Almost sweet foie gras, not as creamy as many French foie gras, more rounded, nuts, I think pistachios and some more earthy but not salty nuts, unsalted peanuts perhaps? Actually has aftertaste.

Emeril Lagasse's wine
Henri Giraud Brut Rosé:
Pale pink, small bubbles. Apples, touch of red berries, minerals and yeasty notes nose. Fresh even if subdued freshness for Champagne, elegant mousse, fairly elegant if a bit lean, good length. 89

Thomas Matthew's wine
2009 Weinbach Altenbourg Pinot Gris Vendanges Tardives Trie Spéciale:
Pale lemon yellow. Subdued apples, subdued minerals, almost rainy autumn morning freshness, decomposing leafs in the driveway, really fresh and nuanced nose. Freshish acidity, lovely balance, humble, subdued, retained, nuanced and absolutely lovely. 93

The Champagne gets more powerful and intense, but also a bit bitter finish. The Weinbach is superb, it blends into a new whole even if the dish takes over again far back in the aftertaste. Lovely indeed.

Four- zero to Thomas Matthews.

Two from Gaja

2008 Gaja Brunello di Montalcino Pieve Santa Restituta 

Ruby. Scented, fruity, leather, nuanced, cherries and vanilla nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, lively and playful, refreshing, good length. 89

2008 Gaja Brunello di Montalcino Sugarille:

Ruby. Fruity, anise, red berries, cherries, scented nose, vanilla. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, structured palate, fresh fruit behind, bit oaky finish, somewhat dry, long. 90

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

Nyhetslansering Vinmonopolets spesialbutikker september 2012 Italia: Piemonte Part 2

2008 Busso Barbaresco Santo Stefanetto:
9975005 (748,40) (magnum) Bright ruby. Tar, roses, perfumed. Fresh acidity, high of ripe tannins, marzipan and chocolate finish. 88

2008 Angelo Gaja Barbaresco:
8105501 (874,-) Bright pale ruby. Intense nose of tar, roses, licorice and vanilla high notes. High acidity, ripe tannins, rounded fruit, mouthwatering, anise, vanilla and oak. Needs ten years. 92

2008 Angelo Gaja Langhe Sori San Lorenzo:
8105701 (1877,-) Bright pale ruby. Intense nose of chocolate, tar, roses violets and just a touch volatile? Something feels ethereal on the nose at least. Fresh acidity, high of ripe tannins. Not as intense as some vintages, again rounded fruit. This needs time to come together. 90 for now.

2007 Sandrone Barolo Le Vigne:
9992601 (717,80) Pale bright ruby. Tar and sweet of roses, aromatic and complex nose. Fresh acidity, high of ripe tannins, fruit driven without being rich or vulgar. Refreshing finish. 92

2006 Sandrone Barolo Cannubi Boschis:
9992101 (748,70) Bright ruby, licorice, roses, cherries, leather, a fine and complex nose. Perfumed. High acidity, high of ripe tannins, elegant fruit, long. 93

2006 Roddolo Barolo Ravera:
9989501 (451,60) Bright ruby. Licorice, cherry stones, fine leather, perfumed, so classic. Pure, intense, high acidity, high of ripe tannins. Old school, Barolo in such a pure way. Long. 94

2008 Barale Barolo:
9997301 (279,90) Pale ruby, some glue and red berries. Fresh acidity, high of ripe tannins, slightly dry and VA. 86

2008 Principiano Barolo Ravera:
8100101 (468,20) Pale ruby, ripe strawberries, sweet. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, a bit dry finish. Some discussed a slightly off bottle. 87

2008 Revello Barolo Conca:
9901501 (522,20) Pale ruby. Aromatic nose, sweet cherries, anise, floral overtones. Fresh and high acidity, high of ripe tannins, pure fruit, long. 92

2008 F.Rinaldi Barolo Cannibbio:
8100801 (441,90) Garnet, light fruit on the nose. Open, not too intense. Pure. High acidity, high of ripe tannins, a very mature flavour profile for its age, evolved fruit and fruit stones. Good length. 88

2008 F.Rinaldi Barolo Brunate:
8100601 (433,70) Ruby, light and fruity nose. High acidity, high of ripe tannins. Pure feel, fresh and sweetish mid-palate, cherries, a whiff of roses and tar. Long. 91

2008 Marengo Barolo Bricco delle Viole:
9899801 (432,60) Pale ruby. Roses, tar, fruity and up front. Some floral notes. High acidity, high of ripe tannins. Mouthwatering, pure and fresh, lively and long. 92

2008 Erbaluna Barolo Vigne Rocche:
9948101 (480,-) Bright ruby, anise, roses, some tar behind. A bit warm and alcoholic overtone. (15%). Fresh acidity, a wall of ripe tannins, warm finish. 88 if I'm kind.

2008 G.Rosso Barolo La Serra:
9994601 (486,80) Bright ruby, violets and roses, mint and morellos. High acidity, high of ripe tannins, elegant fruit, fruitdriven finish. 90

2008 G.Rosso Barolo Ceretta:
9994505 (883,50) (magnum) Bright ruby, anise, roses tar, a classic nose. High acidity, high of ripe tannins, feels pure, elegant and fruit driven. Long. 92

1999 Bruno Giacosa Barolo Falletto di Serralunga:
9882201 (1296,-) Bright ruby, garnet rim. Tar and roses, anise, floral notes, complex, layered and seductive. High acidity, high of ripe tannins, outclasses everything else tasted beside it, very long indeed. You may cellar it for ages. 95

Faulty bottles:
2008 Serafino Barbaresco Montestefano
2008 S.Grasso Barolo Bricco luciano
2008 Grimaldi Barolo Le Coste

99 Sperrs

1999 Gaja Langhe Sperrs;
Ruby, intense of roses and tar, some anise, starting to open, but also vanilla and oak with more air. High acidity and high of ripe tannins, oak is slightly over-shadowing the finish. Long. 92

71 Gaja Barbaresco

1971 Gaja Barbaresco;

Ruby, brick rim, intense, leather, anise, prunes, probably even more, I was tired at this stage. Nice acidity, balanced, ripe tannins, long length. 92-93

Thanks to Øyvind for a wonderful evening and night! There was even more wines, but my pen failed me.... lets just leave it at that.

08 Gaja Sito Moresco

2008 Gaja, Sito Moresco, Langhe Rosso;
Ruby, some vanilla and hint of tar, floral, anise and fine leather. Good acidity, high of ripe tannins, elegant texture, long finish. 88

1964 Gaja Barbaresco

1964 Gaja Barbaresco;

Garnet with orange rim, lot's of sediments. Intense nose, intense acidity, ripe tannins, and caramel finish. Opulent, rich, sweet and sour, hefty, some bitter and herbal tones in the finish of the vintage, long length. Old Nebbiolo as it should be! 94

61 Gaja Barbaresco

1961 Gaja Barbaresco;

Garnet orange rim, leather, dark fruits, somewhat intense, some volatile notes, fresh acidity, ripe tannins, very nice texture, long length, concentrated and rich. 93

This bottle has a new style label, could it be a late release from Gaja?

Pre 56 Gaja Barbaresco

This is a pre 1956 Gaja Barbaresco Vecchia Riserva;

Bottle 149620, orange colour and funky nose, high acidity, some sweetness in the finish. Tired. 69. According to Piemonte collector Rune Rake, this bottle was older than 1956 as that is the first year Gaja put the vintage on the bottles. Before that they were non vintage.