2015 Bordeaux, Graves

2015 Château Brondelle

Ruby. Dark fruits, some spices, vanilla nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, fresh if leaner, herbal finish. 84-86

2015 Château Brondelle blanc

Pale lemon yellow. Apples, citrus and honey nose. Fresh, fruity, rounded, creamy. 85-87

2015 Château de Cerons

Bright ruby. Raspberries, fruity, leaner, elegant nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fresh, fruity if leaner. 84-86

2015 Château de Cerons blanc

Pale lemon yellow. Apples, apricots and grapefruits nose. Fresh acidity, fresh, fruity, leaner, minerals. 85-87

2015 Château de Chantegrive

Ruby. Dark fruits, some spices, minerals, slight tobacco note nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fresh, fruity, dark berries, some spices, good length. 87-89

2015 Château Crabitey

Ruby. Spices, vanilla, jammy fruit and alcohol nose. Freshish acidity, ripe, fruity, dark berries and spices. 85-87

2015 Château Crabitey blanc

Pale lemon yellow. Apples, minerals, fresh nose, some plums. Fresh acidity, fresh, fruity, rounded, lemons, lean finish. 86-88

2015 Château Dorleac

Deep ruby. Scented, dark berries, fruity, intense nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, ripe, fruity, juicy, rounded. 86-88

2015 Château Ferrande

Ruby. Fruity, spices, vanilla and cassis nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, rounded, spices, good length. 87-89

2015 Château Ferrande blanc

Pale lemon yellow. Apples, fresh and fruity nose. Fresh acidity, fruity, rounded, elegant, good length. 88-90

2015 Clos Floridene

Ruby. Scented, red berries, floral, touch mineral nose, delicate. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fresh, fruity, ripe, elegant. Lovely balance. Probably the best Clos Floridene rouge yet. 89-91

2015 Clos Floridene blanc

Pale lemon yellow. Apples, minerals, grapefruits, lemons, almost a slight smoky touch nose. Fresh acidity, fresh, fruity, apples, lemons, rounded, elegant, playful, lemons and minerals finish, grapefruits. Long. 89-91

2015 Château Haura

Ruby. Dark fruits, some spices, minerals, violets, scented. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fresh, fruity, dark berries, structured, good length. 88-90

2015 Château Haut Selve

Ruby. Scented, roses, violets, lovely nose, cherries. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fresh, fruity, rounded, elegant, good length. 88-90

2015 Château Haut Selve blanc

Pale lemon yellow. Apples, fruity, minerals nose, rounded, plums. Fresh acidity, fruity, rounded, elegant, good length. 86-88

2015 La Perle de Peyrous

Deep ruby. Ripe, rich, intense, fruity nose. Coffee and dry wood. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity and juicy, some unripe notes, bit woody. 86-89

2015 Château Rahoul

Ruby. Fruity, dark berries, spices nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, fresh, rounded, good length. 87-89

2015 Château Rahoul blanc

Pale lemon yellow. Peach, pears, fruit driven nose. Fresh acidity, fruity, fresh, lively, rounded, creamy, good length. 89-91

2015 Château Roquetaillade La Grange

Ruby. Dark fruits, some minerals, fruity, some spices, floral nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fresh, fruity, juicy, dark berries. Good length. 87-89

2015 Château Roquetaillade La Grange blanc

Pale lemon yellow. Grapefruits nose, some pears. Fresh acidity, fruity, rounded, fresh. 84-86

2015 Château Saint-Robert Cuvée Poncet Deville

Ruby. Red berries, light floral note nose, some vanilla. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fresh, fruity but woody finish. 86-88

2015 Château Saint-Robert Cuvée Poncet Deville blanc

Pale lemon yellow. Pears, minerals, some peach and tropical notes. Fresh acidity, fresh, fruity, rounded, elegant, playful, fresh. Bit lean finish. 86-88

2015 Grand Enclos du Château de Cerons

Deepish ruby. Dark fruits, some spices, exotic nose, vanilla and barrel notes. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, scented, dark fruits, spices, good length. Bit bitter from wood finish. 87-89

2015 Grand Enclos du Château de Cerons blanc

Pale lemon yellow. Apples, minerals, grapefruits, fruity nose, touch tropical. Freshish acidity, fruity, rounded, smoother, somewhat creamy. 86-88

Quite a few TN's on Pessac-Léognan, Sauternes, Graves from primeurs 2014 vintage

2014 Château Bouscaut
Ruby. Scented, vanilla, dark fruits and red berries nose. Fresh aciditu, ripe tannins, fruity, structured, minerals beneath, long. 90-92

2014 Château Bouscaut blanc
Pale lemon yellow. Minerals, grapefruit and citrus nose. Fresh acidity, lively, citrus and minerals backbone, good length. 89-91

2014 Château Branon
Ruby. Intense, dark fruits, deep, plums, cassis, ripe nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, intense, sweet, ripe dark fruits, long. 91-93

2014 Château Carbonnieux
Ruby. Scented, minerals, cassis, fruit driven nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, lively, fruity, red and darker berries, long. 90-92

2014 Château Carbonnieux blanc
Pale lemon yellow. Apples, minerals, quite inviting and detailed nose. Fresh acidity, fresh and fruity, creamy texture, loads of citrus and apples, lively, crisp and detailed, long. 93-95

2014 Château Les Carmes Haut-Brion
Ruby. Vanilla, fruity, ripe, dark berries nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, vanilla, bitter burnt notes, lacks freshness, good length. 88-90

2014 Domaine de Chevalier
Ruby. Red berries, minerals, vanilla and darker fruits nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fresh, fruity, fairly intense, spicy, long. 90-92

2014 Domaine de Chevalier blanc
Pale lemon yellow. Apples, minerals, grapefruit, tighter and not the most showing white during primeurs. Fresh acidity, fruity, ripe, apples, minerals and citrus, oysters minerality, long. Tasted three times. 93-95

2014 Château Couhins-Lurton
Deep ruby. Vanilla, spices, minerals and dark fruits on the nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, leaner palate, minerals, quite fresh fruit, spicy finish. 87-89

2014 Château de Fieuzal
Ruby. Red berries, scented, vanilla and minerals up front. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, leaner, fresh and lively, structured, hope its not just barrel structure, bit dry. 89-91

2014 Château de Fieuzal
Pale lemon yellow. Apples, fruity, minerals, vanilla, tropical notes nose. Fresh acidity, fruity, rounded, creamy, sweet fruits, riper feel than most this vintage, long. 90-92

2014 Château de France
Ruby. Scented, vanilla, dark fruits and coffee, bit extracted feel to it. Hollow finish, even if fresh enough acidity. 85-87

2014 Château de France blanc
Pale lemon yellow. Apples and minerals nose. Fresh acidity, somewhat bitter, lively and other than the bitterness, quite fresh, bit short. 85-87

2014 Château Haut-Bergey
Ruby. Vanilla, fruity and ripe nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, hollow, sweet and raw texture. 85-87

2014 Château Haut-Bergey blanc
Cloudy pale lemon yellow. Apricots, fruity, apple juice nose. Fresh acidity, fruity, fresh, rounded, good length. 86-88

2014 Château Larrivet Haut-Brion
Ruby. Minerals, dark fruits and spices nose. Frsh acidity, ripe tannins, fresh, fruity and rounded, barrels more integrated on the palate than nose. 88-90

2014 Château Larrivet Haut-Brion blanc
Pale lemon yellow. Apples, minerals, fruity and vanilla nose. Fresh acidity, fruity, lively, fresh, minerals, good length. 88-90

2014 Château Latour-Martillac
Ruby. Dark fruits, scented, minerals and vanilla nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, ripe and intense, long. 92-94

2014 Château Latour-Martillac blanc
Pale lemon yellow. Apples, citrus, fruity with minerals and floral back drop. Fresh acidity, lively, crisp, detailed, playful, fresh and long. 93-95

2014 Château Lespault-Martillac
Ruby. Minerals, fruity, red and darker berries nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, leaner, detailed, some minerals, good length. 86-88

2014 Château Lespault-Martillac blanc
Pale lemon yellow. Apples, minerals, vanilla, grapefruit and orange blossoms nose. Fresh acidity, fruity, rounded, minerals beneath, lively, fresh but dies off a bit in the finish. 89-91

2014 Château La Louvière
Ruby. Dark fruits, spices, intense and scented nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fresh and ripe, fruity, lively, cherries, long. 90-92

2014 Château La Louvière blanc
Pale lemon yellow. Apples, citrus, fruity, minerals nose. Fresh acidity, fresh and lively, fruity and fairly detailed but could be longer. 88-90

2014 Château Malartic-Lagravière
Ruby. Scented, dark fruits, plums and coffee nose. Fresh acidity, ripe, fruity and sweet, bit hollow finish. 89-91

2014 Château Malartic-Lagravière
Pale lemon yellow. Vanilla, fruity, apples, pineapples and ripe gooseberries nose. Fresh acidity, fruity, leaner, minerals palate, verging on thin, long. 90-92

2014 Clos Marsalette
Ruby. Fruity, vanilla, dark fruits and red berries nose. Some minerals. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, leaner, fresh, woody finish. 85-87

2014 Clos Marsalette blanc
Pale lemon yellow. Apples, fruity, minerals, lighter nose. Fresh acidity, fruity, rounded, fresh, slightly bitter finish, good length. 87-89

2014 Château Olivier
Ruby. Fruity, blueberries, morellos nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fresh, fruity and ripe, woody finish, good length. 89-91

2014 Château Olivier blanc
Pale lemon yellow. Apples, fruity and minerals nose. Fresh acidity, fresh, fruity and lively, detailed, lemons, minerals finish, long. 92-94

2014 Château Pape Clement
Ruby. Fruity, vanilla and spices nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, intense, ripe and sweet but even so a fresher style for Pape Clement, long. 91-93

2014 Château Pape Clement blanc
Pale lemon yellow. Apples, minerals, vanilla, tropical, fruity nose. Fresh acidity, fruity, ripe, fresh, intense and long. 92-94

2014 Château Picque Caillou
Ruby. Fruity, dark berries and red fruits nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fresh, rounded, fruity, lovely balance, smooth feel, long. 90-92

2014 Château Picque Caillou blanc
Pale lemon yellow. Apples, citrus, fruit driven nose. Fresh acidity, fresh and fruity palate, lively, fresh and detailed, long. 90-92

2014 Château Rochemorin
Deep ruby. Herbs, dark fruits and vanilla nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, nettles, cassis, leaner and not fully together. 82-84

2014 Château Smith Haut Lafitte
Ruby. Scented, minerals, fruity, intense nose, vanilla. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, dark berries, the oak is up front and biting, long. 90-92

2014 Château Smith Haut Lafitte blanc
Pale lemon yellow. Apples, minerals, fresha nd fruity nose, detailed. Fresh acidity, fresh and intense palate, lively, rounded and fruity, long. 92-94


Graves 2014

2014 Château du Carpia
Ruby. Fruity, red berries, lighter nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, lighter red berries, fruity, leaner. 82-84

2014 Clos Floridene
Ruby. Intense, cassis, light mineral and floral note nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, somewhat leaner, detailed, fresh, nuanced fruit, lovely. 87-89

2014 Château Haura
Ruby. Scented, dark fruits, ripe nose, plums and blackberries. Vanilla. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, smooth, ripe and fruity, good length. 85-87




2014 Clos Floridene blanc
Pale lemon yellow. Grapefruits, minerals, oysters, fruity nose, citrus. Fresh acidity, lively, lemons, lime, minerals, almost a bit creamy, good length. 88-90

2012 Clos des Lunes- Lunes Blanche
Pale lemon yellow. Apples, minerals, grapefruit and vanilla nose. Fresh acidity, fruity, rounded, creamy, slightly bitter, good length. 86-88

2012 Clos des Lunes- Lunes d'Argent
Pale lemon yellow. Apples, fruity, minerals, vanilla nose. Fresh acidity, fresh, lively, fruity, minerals, lime, narrower, more focused, long. 89-91

2012 Clos des Lunes-Lunes d'Or
Pale lemon yellow. Vanilla, melons, apples and minerals nose. Fresh acidity, lively, fresh, minerals, grapefruit, ripe lemons palate, long. 90-92

2014 Château Couhins-Lurton
Pale lemon yellow. Minerals, vanilla, grapefruit and green apples nose. Fresh acidity, fruity, creamy, intense, vanilla, fresh. 90-92

2014 Château Rochemorin blanc
Pale lemon yellow. Apples, minerals, vanilla, some spices and faint tropical note nose. Fresh acidity, minerals, fruity, lemons, some tropical notes, fresh and long. 89-91

2014 Château Reynon
Pale lemon yellow. Apples, minerals, light grapefruit and citrus nose. Fresh acidity, lemons, apples, leaner, lovely. 85-87

2014 Château Le Sartre
Pale lemon yellow. Scented, grapefruit, minerals, apples nose. Fresh acidity, creamy, lemons, citrus, fruity, detailed, good length. 88-90

2014 G de Guiraud
Pale lemon yellow. Apples, minerals and grapefruit nose. Fresh acidity, minerals, fresh, fruity and rounded, bit more focused again after the slightly lazy 2014. 86-88

2014 Château d'Arsac blanc
Pale lemon yellow. Fruity, light grapefruit and yellow plums nose. Fresha cidity, fruity, rounded, fresh, leaner. 85-87

2014 Doisy-Daëne Sec
Pale lemon yellow. Apples, citrus, fruity, minerals, some vanilla. Fresh acidity, ripe, fruity, grapefruits, lemons, minerals, delicate, refreshing. 89-91



Sauternes

2014 Château d'Arche
Pale golden. Tropical, apricots, fruity nose, some vanilla behind. Fresh acidity, fruity, fresh, rounded, fairly lively. Good length. 86-88

2014 Château Bastor-Lamontagne
Pale golden. Pineapples nose, fruit driven. Fresh acidity, fruity, quite crisp actually, rounded texture, apples and candied citrus. Good length. 88-90

2014 Château Broustet
Pale golden. Apricots, fruity, softer smell, bit shy. Fresh acidity, fresha nd rounded, fairly playful, good length. 88-90

2014 Château Cantegril
Pale golden. Apples, pineapples,a pricots, fruity nose. Fresh acidity, lively, fresh and fruity, pineapples and granny smith apples, good length. 88-90

2014 Château Clos Haut-Peyraguey
Pale golden. Apricots, fruity nose, fairly intense. Fresh acidity, lively, fresh, fruity, detailed, rounded texture, quite playful, long. 90-92

2014 Château Coutet
Pale golden. Apples, tropical, fruity and floral nose. Fresh acidity,f ruity, detailed, rounded, elegant, smooth and nuanced, long. 92-94

2014 Château Doisy-Védrines
Pale golden. Apples, minerals, fruity nose. Fresh acidity, fresha nd lively if leaner palate, citrusy finish. 88-90

2014 Château de Fargues
Golden. Apricots, detailed, nuanced and layered nose, intense fruit. Fresha cidity, fruity, intense, layered and detailed, nuanced, complex and long. 93-95

2014 Château Filhot
Pale golden. Apricots, fruit driven nose. Fresh acidity, fruity, rounded, fresh but short. 85-87

2014 Château Guiraud
Pale golden. Apricots, fruity, intense, vanilla and pineapples. Fresh acidity, fruity, lively, intense, tropical fruits, long. 92-94

2014 Château Haut-Bergeron
Pale golden. Apples, tropical, fruity, pineapples and apricots nose. Fresh acidity, fruity, detailed, rounded, fresh if somewhat leaner. 86-88

2014 Château Lafaurie-Peyraguey
Pale golden. Apricots, fruity, pineapples, light vanilla note nose. Fresh acidity, lively, fruity, fresh, detailed and playful, long. 91-93

2014 Château Lamothe-Guignard
Golden. Apricots, fruity nose. Fresh acidity, fresh, fruity and easy going. 84-86

2014 Château de Malle
Pale lemon yellow with green tint. Apples, fruity, yellow plums nose. Fresh acidity, fresh and fruity, leaner. 86-88

2014 Château de Myrat
Pale golden. Rich, apricots, fruity, denser nose. Fresh acidity, fruity, intense, rich and  ripe, leaner and hollower finish. 87-89

2014 Château Nairac
Pale golden. Fruity, vanilla nose. Easy going. Fresh acidity, fresh and fruity palate but  fairly short. 85-87

2014 Château Rabaud-Promis
Golden. Apricots, fruity, vanilla nose. Fresh acidity, fresh, lively, detailed, playful, some citrus kicking inn, pineapples finish, long. 91-93

2014 Château Raymond-Lafon
Pale golden. Apricots, pineapples, fruity nose, intense. Fresh acidity, lively, detailed, apricots and yellow plums, lighter style than usual for Raymond-Lafon but aftertaste and length as usual. Long. 91-93

2014 Château de Rayne Vigneau
Pale golden. Apricots, pineapples, fruity nose, delicious. Fresh acidity, fresh, lively, fruity, rounded, candied lemons, long. 91-93

2014 Château Rieussec
Golden. Fruity, apricots, detailed, intense nose, honey. Fresh acidity, fresh, ripe, fruity, detailed and rounded, fatter for the vintage, somewhat bitter finish, long. 91-93

2014 Château Romer
Golden. Bright nose, apricots, pure fruits. Fresh acidity, fresh, lighter, a bitterness in the finish overshadows a bit. 85-87

2014 Château Romer du Hayot
Pale lemon yellow. Apples, fruity, pineapples nose. Fresh acidity, fruity, fresha nd detailed, could and should be longer. 88-90

2014 Château Doisy Daëne
Pale golden. Apricots, fruity, some vanilla, pineapples, elegant nose. Fresh acidity, fruity, fresh, rounded, detailed, creamy, lovely balance, playful and long. 92-94

2014 Château Doisy Daëne L'Extravagant
Golden. Apples, pineapples, tropical fruits, intense, some vanilla, layered. Fresh acidity, lively, detailed, citrus, apples, pineapples, apricots, playful, intense, long. 95-97

2014 Château Sigalas Rabaud
Pale golden. Fruity, tropical and vanilla nose. Fresh acidity, fruity, fresh, detailed, lively, lovely balance, long. 90-92

2014 S de Suduiraut
Pale lemon yellow. Apples, light minerals nose, fruity. Fresh acidity, fruity, fresh, rounded, some lemons and green apples, good length. 88-90

2014 Lion de Suduiraut
Pale golden. Apricots, fruity, pineapples nose. Fresh acidity. Lively, fruity, fresh, rounded, good length. 89-91

2014 Château Suduiraut
Pale golden. Apricots, fruity, apples, vanilla, layered nose. Fresh acidity, fresh, lively, fruity, slightly bitter mid palate, smooth and elegant finish, long. 93-95

2014 Château La Tour Blanche
Pale golden. Apricots, pineapples, fruity, detailed nose, elegant. Fresh acidity, fruity, lively, pure, detailed, elegant and long. 92-94

2014 Château d'Yquem
Pale golden. Apples, apricots, vanilla, fruity nose. Fresh acidity, ripe, fruity, detailed, nuanced, layered, fresh, citrus notes, pineapples, apricots, long finish. 95-97

Graves Rouge/ Blanc Bordeaux 2013 Primeur

2013 Château Brown
Ruby. Dark fruits, spices and vanilla nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, fresh, bit lean, some herbs far back. 86-88

2013 Château de Chantegrive
Ruby. Lean and woody nose. Freshish acidity, ripe tannins, lean and simple, bit herbal. 83-85

2013 Château de Chantegrive blanc
Pale lemon yellow. Apples, minerals, vanilla and flinty nose. Fresh acidity, leaner, fresha nd elegant, bit thin finish. 86-88

2013 Château Ferrande blanc
Pale lemon yellow. Yellow fruits and vanilla nose. Fresh acidity, lively, fresh, apples and lemons, good length, fresh rather than complex. 86-88

2013 Château Rahoul
Deep ruby. Dark berries, fruity, vanilla nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, lively, fresh, fruity, good length. 86-88

2013 Château Rahoul blanc
Pale lemon yellow. Apples and light minerals nose. Freshish acidity, vanilla, easy going, fresh, good length. 86-88

2013 Clos Floridene
Ruby. Red berries, bell peppers and spicy nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, fresh, rounded, bit short. 85-87

2013 Clos Floridene blanc
Pale lemon yellow. Fresh, crisp, fruity and minerals nose, citrus. Fresh acidity, lively, some vanilla and spicy, elegant texture, fresh and fruity, long. 89-91

Tasting with Jean Jacques and Denis Dubourdieu

2012 Château Reynon Blanc:

Watery lemon yellow. Some ripe lemons and minerals on the nose. Fresh acidity, lively, fruity, elegant and refreshing, good length. One of the best whites from Château Reynon of those I've tasted. 87

2012 Château Doisy-Daëne Sec:

Watery lemon yellow. Lemons, minerals, a touch of grapefruit and a nuanced nose. Fresh acidity, lively, elegant, fruity and refreshing, long and elegant. 90

2011 Clos Floridene Blanc:

Pale lemon yellow. Apples, citrus and minerals nose. Fresh acidity, lively, focused, elegant and refreshing, good length. 88

2012 Clos Floridene Blanc:

Pale lemon yellow. Apples, citrus and minerals nose. Fresh acidity, elegant and refreshing, lively, more rounded, lovely balance, good length. 89

2011 Château Reynon Rouge:

Ruby. Blue- and dark berries nose. Fruity, scented and a touch spicy. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, elegant and good length. 86

2011 Château Haura:

Ruby. Dark berries, scented and nuanced nose, a touch floral. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, elegant minerals and finish. 88

2011 Clos Floridene Rouge:

Ruby. Scented, floral, cassis and minerals touch on the nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, lively, elegant and refreshing, long. 89

2012 Château Cantegril:

Towards golden. Pure, tropical notes and pineapple nose. Fresh acidity, lively and elegant, refined and lovely balance, good length. 89

2010 Château Cantegril:

Pale golden. Fruity, apples and minerals nose. Fresh acidity, lively, elegant and refreshing palate, fruity, lovely balance and good length. 89

2012 Château Doisy Daëne:

Pale golden. Apricots, minerals, fruity and apples nose. Fresh acidity, lively, elegant, refreshing and lovely purity, refined and long. 93

2010 Château Doisy Daëne:

Pale golden. Apples, apricots, pineapples and a pure feel, touch of minerals beneath. Fresh acidity, pure and refreshing, gorgeous playfulness, lively, long and refined. 94

2012 L'Extravagant de Doisy Daëne:

Only three barrels made, or about 900 bottles. Pale golden. Apricots. Fruity, pineapples, layered and complex nose. Extraordinar purity. Fresh acidity, gorgeous texture and structure, sublime, elegant and refined, complex, very long. 96

2010 L'Extravagant de Doisy Daëne:

Ten barrels made, biggest production of L'Extravagant made, about 3000 bottles. Pale golden. Apricots, pineapples and a richer and fuller style on the stunning nose. Fresh acidity, playful, pure, creamy, elegant and refined, and somewhat subdued. Superb balance, gorgeous length. 97

L'Extravagant de Doisy Daëne have been made in the following vintages only: 90, 97, 01, 02, 03, 05, 07, 09, 10, 11 and 12. 

A Dubourdieu South African adventure below.

2011 G:

1943 bottles made. Towards opaque, purple rim. Rich, dark berries, fruity, scented, layered and almost graphitte minerality, but also a alcoholic warm high note on the nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, quite lively, fruity and intense, a bit nummening alcohol, some layers here, warm finish. Long. 90

98 Ridge Santa Cruz Mountains Cabernet, 05 Pintia and 01 Ch Guiruad and more

2009 Clos Floridene Blanc:

Pale lemon yellow. Grapefruit, lime and smokey notes. Minerals. Fresh acidity, elegant texture, fresh and rounded, elegant finish. 87

1998 Ridge Santa Cruz Mountains Cabernet Sauvignon:

Ruby, garnet rim. Elegant nose, touch of leather and prunes, maturing. Fresh acidity, ripe and few tannins, a bit on the lean side, refreshing, elegant palate, good length. 89

2000 Château Rouget:

Bright ruby. Easy going and quite mature nose, quite lovely. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, elegant, fruity, maturing nicely, slightly dry finish so should probably be had soon. 86

2005 Pintia:

Deep ruby. Liquorice and blueberries and a bit sweet nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, ripe, rounded and sweet, good length. 87

2001 Château Guiraud:

Golden. Fruity, apricots, tropical, complex nose, some cinamon. Fresh acidity, elegant, lovely balance and texture, long finish. 95

2012 Primeur White dry Bordeaux/ Graves

Bordeaux Blanc

2012 Château de Chantegrive:

Pale lemon yellow. Some grapefruit and lime on the nose. Easy going and fairly fresh, fairly elegant, easy. 82-84

2012 Château Marjosse:

Pale lemon yellow. Asparagus and grapefruit nose. Fresh acidity, clean nice and refreshing, slightly tropical finish. 83-85

2012 Château Reynon:

Pale lemon yellow. Lime and grapefruit nose. Fresh acidity, elegant fruit, fairly lively, good length. 85-87

2012 Doisy Daëne Sec:

Pale lemon yellow. Fresh and fruity nose, grapefruit and minerals. Fresh acidity, refreshing palate, good length. 87-89

2012 G de Guiraud:

Pale lemon yellow. Fresh and fruity nose. Fresh acidity but somewhat fuller bodied and not quite as refreshing as usual. 85-87

2012 Clos Floridene Blanc:

Pale lemon yellow. Lime, lemons and minerals on the nose. Fresh acidity, elegant and lively, refreshing and good length. 86-88

2012 Clos des Lunes Lune d'Argent:

Pale lemon yellow. Grapefruit, lemons and vanilla nose. Fresh acidity, fuller body, fresh palate, lovely finish. 87-89

2012 Grand Vin de Reignac Blanc:

Pale lemon yellow. Grapefruit and lime nose. Fresh acidity. Richer grapefruity and creamy texture. 84-86

First few notes on 2012 Bordeaux primeur

Bordeaux/Côte de Bordeaux

2012 Château Reynon Rouge:

Ruby. Fruity, nuanced and some spices on the nose. Fresh acidity. Ripe tannins, leaner body, fresh and quite elegant. 83-85

2012 Grand Village:

Ruby. Scented, fruity and layered nose. Vanilla. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, quite elegant and refreshing, good length. 86-88

2012 G Acte 4:

Deep ruby. Scented but hidden behind oak notes on the nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, elegant palate, refreshing, rounded texture. Good length. 87-89

2012 Grand Vin de Reignac Rouge:

Deep ruby. Fruity, vanilla and spices on the nose. Freshish acidity, ripe tannins, almost creamy texture. 84-86

Lalande de Pomerol:

2012 Château Bertineau St Vincent:

Ruby. Fruity, elegant if straightforward nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fairly refreshing finish. 83-85

2012 Château de Chambrun:

Deep ruby. Blueberries and slightly scented nose. Fresh acidoty, ripe tannins, elegant and fairly lively. 85-87

2012 La Fleur de Boüard:

Deep ruby. Scented, blueberries and slightly woody nose. Elegant acidity, ripe tannins, quite elegant fruit, medium bodied, good length. 86-88

2012 Château les Hauts-Conseillante:

Ruby. Touch of white chocolate and blueberries. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, fairly elegant palate, good length. 84-86

2012 Château Jean de Gué:

Deep ruby. Scented and floral nose, fruity. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity and quite lively. 85-87

2012 Château Sergant:

Deep ruby. Fruity and rich nose. Freshish acidoty, ripe tannins, rich and fruity, trying to hard. 83-85

2012 Château Siaurac:

Deep ruby. Fruity nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, elegant body and texture, fruity palate and finish. 84-86

Castillon Côte de Bordeaux

2012 Château Côte Montpezat:

Deep ruby. Scented and dark berries nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, leaner body and slightly edgy. 83-85

Montagne Saint-Emilion:

2012 L'Aurage:

Deep ruby. Fruity, vanilla and scented nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity and elegant texture, lively, chocolaty finish. 86-

2012 Château Teyssier:

Deep ruby. Fruity nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity palate, and fairly elegant. 84-86

Graves:

2012 Clos Floridene Rouge:

Ruby. Fruity. Scented and nuanced nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, elegant and lovely texture. Good length. 85-87

19 from Bordeaux

2011 Château Respide- Médeville Blanc:

Watery lemon yellow. Lemons and grapefruit nose. A bit lazy acidity, fairly elegant body, short. 80

2010 Château Respide- Médeville Rouge:

Ruby. Cassis, minerals and slightly herbal notes. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, elegant body, a bit short. 82

2010 Château D'Eyrins:

Ruby. Scented, cassis, blueberries nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, silky texture, elegant and good length. 89

2008 Château Lauriol:

Ruby. Slightly herbal and blueberries nose. Mediumacidity, ripe tannins, quite elegant palate, a bit short. 83

2009 Château Manoir de Gravoux:

Ruby. Minerals, blueberries and s touch of licorice. Freshish acidity, rep tannins, a bit more nuanced palate. 84

2010 La Violette du Manoir de  Gravoux:

Ruby. Scented and floral nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, a bit more nuanced palate. 85

2007 La Violette du Manoir de Gravoux:

Ruby, garnet rim. Somewhat scented and slightly of dark berries. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, a bit lean. 84

2010 Château Puygueraud:

Ruby. Scented, spices and herbs. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins. Fresh palate, good length. 86

2009 Château Puygueraud:

Ruby. Scented, spices and blackcurrants. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity and good length. 86

2008 Château Puygueraud:

Ruby. Scented and slightly spicy. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, a bit lean but lovely fruit. 85

2010 Chênes de Macquin:

(2nd Pavie Macquin) Ruby. Scented, blueberries, ripe feel. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, sweetish palate, but manages. 87

2010 La Gravette de Certan:

(2 nd Vieux Château Certan) Ruby. Scented, nuanced, blueberries and some bell peppers. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins. Elegant fruit, lovely body, quite long. 89

2006 Château Capbern Gasqueton:

Ruby. Cassis, blueberries, bell peppers and vanilla. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fresh and fruity style, good length. 87

2009 Blason d'Issan:

(2nd Ch. d'Issan) Ruby. Scented and almost refined nose, layered and pure feel. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, elegant body, lovely fruit. Good length. 88

2008 Château Grand Puy Lacoste:

Ruby. More scented than last bottle, floral, cassis, some vanilla and blackberries. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, mouthwatering and very long. 92+

2008 Château Branaire Ducru:

Ruby. Scented nose, bell peppers, cassis and floral. Fresh acidity and ripe tannins, elegant. I love the 08 Branaire, long. 92

2008 Château Pavie Macquin:

Ruby. Deep, intense nose, sweet blueberries, a bit rich, vanilla. Fresh acidity, high of ripe tannins, less up front on the palate, hardly elegant. Long. 90

2010 Château Les Justices:

Pale golden. Apricots, pineapples and a pure fruit feel. Fresh acidity, elegant if a bit easy going. Pure finish. 88

1989 Château Gilette:

Golden.  Apricots, orange peel and pineapples. Fresh acidity, elegant palate, a bit richer style for Gilette and vintage typical. Lovely balance and fruit, long. 93

2010 L'Extravagant and very rare 1991 Doisy Daëne

2011 Clos Floridene Blanc:
Pale lemon yellow. Citrus, some vanilla, grapefruit and minerals on the nose. Fresh acidity, elegant texture, almost creamy, rounded, vigorous but subdued, long. 88

2009 Château Doisy Daëne:
Pale golden. Apricots, minerals, vanilla, a very fresh and pure nose, pineapples. Superb acisity, gorgeous balance, refreshing and lively, stunning purity, very long. Amazing. 94+

1991 Château Doisy Daëne:
Never released from the estate, but sold to a few collectors and friends of the estate and familly, in small quantities. Deep golden. Raisins, apricots, overripe apples. Fresh acidity, elegant, somewhat opulent, touch of caramel. Fresh acidity, elegant texture and lovely balance, long and pure finish. 92

2010 L'Extravagant de Doisy Daëne:
Pale golden. Intense nose, extremelly complex and concentrated and still light on it's feet and fresh. Very pure. Fresh and amazing acidity, superb balance, texture is beyond, velvety or rather creamy, so together, waves of flavours, when you think it's over, another wave comes in. Excellent. 97+

27th of December

Kusmi Anastasia:

An intensely citrusy Earl Grey that is a little discerning on it's brewing temperatures. Can easily become a bit bitter.

Ji gong Buddha Tea:

A nutty, ever so slightly woody and herbal tea. Transparent and tender and superb balance, very long indeed. 

2009 Clos Floridene blanc:

Straw yellow. Honey over some citrus and minerals. A bit heavier than last bottle about a year back. Fresh acidity, almost creamy texture, mineraly and very ripe lemons. Evolving nicely, long. 90

2005 Château Musar:

Deep ruby. Fruity and full nose for Musar but cherries, anise, somewhat scented and, well, VA is wrong, but towards, a touch. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fuller body, lovely balance. Slightly sweet and sour as usual. Long. 93

2007 Montecillo Reserva:

Ruby. Vanilla and a bit lean blueberries and licorice. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, lean fruit, slightly dry, oak shines through, short oaky finish. 85

2011 Ch. Ferrande blanc

2011 Château Ferrande blanc:
Lemon yellow. Honey, melon, touch of grape fruit, some minerals and vanilla. Fresh acidity, a bit oaky, not that intense but a well made inexpensive white Graves. 80

Château du Seuil flight

2010 Domaine du Seuil Bordeaux Blanc:
BU5177201 (145,-) Pale lemon yellow. Grapefruit and vanilla nose, some smoky minerals. Creamy texture, medium acidity (producer normally uses a high proportion of Semillon, 70% in this one) and good length. 83

2010 Château du Seuil blanc:
BU5177101 (199,-) Pale lemon yellow. Fresher nose, grapefruit and vanilla mixed with lemons. Fresh acidity, creamy texture, quite rich and rounded, good length. 85

2010 Château L'Avocat blanc:
BU5176901 (199,-) Pale lemon yellow. Fresh nose, lime, vanilla and apples. Fresh acidity, elegant and refreshing, good length. 85

2006 Château du Seuil rouge:
BU9180301 (199,-) Ruby. Some cassis and vanilla, very youthful nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, bell peppers and cassis, a bit on the lean side but refreshing. Would be lovely with grilled entrecôte and Sauce Bordelaise. 85

2007 Château du Seuil Cérons:
BU5177002 (175,-) Pale yellow. Some honey and apricots. A bit lazy acidity for the vintage and style, so lacks freshness. 78