Trying out 32 wines from Pommard Les Epenots, Clos des Epeneaux and Les Rugiens

2011 Albert Bichot Pommard 1er Cru Les Rugiens
Bright ruby. Oak up front, spices and red berries nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, rich, a bit short, not the most extracted of these. 88

2010 Billard-Gonnet Pommard 1er Cru Les Rugiens
Ruby. Red berries, floral, vanilla and slightly scented nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fresh, fruity, lively, refreshing and long. 93

2010 Domaine de Courcel Pommard 1er Cru Les Rugiens
Bright ruby. Red berries, floral, slightly scented nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fresh, fruity and lively, bit short for its fruit and structure, tannic. 90

2012 Faiveley Pommard 1er Cru Les Rugiens
Bright ruby. Fruity, scented, red berries, anise and vanilla nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, rounded and fresh, lively, bit oaky finish, long. 92

2011 Faiveley Pommard 1er Cru Les Rugiens
Bright ruby. Red berries, fruity, some herbs, spices and vanilla nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, rounded, fresh and lively, bit edgy finish, long. 91

2011 Aleth Girardin Pommard 1er Cru Les Rugiens-Bas
Bright ruby. Fruity, bit herbal nose, spices and vanilla. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fresh, fruity, lively, bit dry and oaky finish. 90

2011 Jean-Luc Joillot Pommard 1er Cru Les Rugiens
Bright ruby. Leaner, herbal, red berries, vanilla and floral nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, ripe, leaner, structured, bit oaky finish, long. 90

2011 Lambert Pommard 1er Cru Les Rugiens
Bright ruby. Red berries, fruity and slightly scented over some minerals nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, rounded, refreshing if s bit biting texture, fruit to back it, long. 91

2009 Lambert Pommard 1er Cru Les Rugiens
Bright ruby. Fruity, coffee, spices nose, more berrel notes. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, herbal, fairly refreshing even if a bit extracted, long. 90

2012 Fernand et Laurent Pillot Pommard 1er Cru Les Rugiens
Bright ruby. Vanilla, spices and toast nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity but lots of oak, will it handle it? 88

2011 Fernand et Laurent Pillot Pommard 1er Cru Les Rugiens
Brigjt ruby. Red berries, fruity, vanilla and spices nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, fairly lively, oaky but handles it better, long. 90

2011 Violot-Guillemard Pommard 1er Cru Les Rugiens
Bright ruby. Some spices, red berries nose, fruity. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fresh, leaner, fruity, fairly mouthwatering if a bit short, lovely wine. 90


2012 Château de Meursault Pommard 1er Cru Les Grands-Epenots
Ruby. Scented, red berries, fruity and a rounder feel to the nose, together. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, lively, fresh, delicate, quite intense, little bit herbal, long. 93

2011 Château de Meursault Pommard 1er Cru Les Grands-Epenots
Bright ruby. Red berries, some herbs, bit leaner nose, fairly nuanced. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, leaner body, fresh, fruity, slight herbal kote, bit short. 89

2010 Château de Meursault Pommard 1er Cru Les Grands-Epenots
Bright ruby. Red berries, slightly scented and quite fruity nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, fresh, lively and delicate, long. 92

2012 Domaine de Courcel Pommard 1er Cru Les Grands-Epenots
Bright ruby. Some herbs, darker and riper fruits and berries nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, ripe, fruity, sweetish,extracted, very tannic. 88

2011 Domaine de Courcel Pommard 1er Cru Les Grands-Epenots
Bright ruby. Herbs, red fruits, spices and vanilla nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fresh and fruity, biting texture, tannic if fresher. 88

2012 Lejeune Pommard 1er Cru Les Grands-Epenots
Bright ruby. Fruity, rounded and floral, detailed nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, lively, fresh, some vanilla, just a bit short but better balance on texture and oak than some. 91

2011 Rebourgeon-Mure Pommard 1er Cru Les Grands-Epenots
Bright ruby. Bit herbal nose, fruity but leaner, doesn't give that much. Freshish acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, leaner, lacks a bit of substance, good length. 87

2011 Patrick Clemencet Pommard 1er Cru Les Epenots
Bright ruby. Red berries, slightly scented and dark fruits nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, leaner, herbal, bit short if some nuances. 89

2011 Aleth Girardin Pommard 1er Cru Les Epenots
Bright ruby. Herbs, vanilla, red berries, smoky nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, fresh if leaner, quite playful, drying finish, will it absorb the. Oak? 89

2011 A. F. Gros Pommard 1er Cru Les Epenots
Bright ruby. Spicy, coffee, vanilla and dark berries nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, rounded, fresher palate, fairly intense, bit short for it's expression. 91

2011 Jean-Luc Joillot Pommard 1er Cru Les Epenots
Ruby. Red berries, vanilla, slightly scented nose. Fresh acidity,r ipe tannins, fruity, rounded, fresh, quite mouthwatering mid palate but oaky and a bit dry finish, needs time. 90

2011 Moissenet-Bonnard Pommard 1er Cru Les Epenots
Bright ruby. Fruity, spicy, red berries nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity and lively, fresh than fuller finish, could be longer. 89

2010 Moissenet-Bonnard Pommard 1er Cru Les Epenots
Bright ruby. Little bit rustic nose, floral and vanilla notes. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, leaner, tannic, structured but a bit lean fruit for it, good length. 89

2008 Moissenet-Bonnard Pommard 1er Cru Les Epenots
Bright ruby. Plums, figs, vanilla and floral nose, seems mature for it's age. Fresh acidity,r ipe tannins, fresh and lively if leaner, bit dry and mature for the vintage on the palate as well. 88

2011 Parent Pommard 1er Cru Les Epenots
Bright ruby. Redberries, floral, slightly rustic notes, vanilla nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fresh, lively, fairly detailed palate, structured, long. 90

2011 Parigot Pommard 1er Cru Les Epenots
Bright ruby. Red and darker fruits, sous bois touch and anise on the nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fresh and lively, fruity, slight floral note and minerals on the palate, lovely wine, long. 91

2011 Vaudoisey-Creusefond Pommard 1er Cru Les Epenots
Bright ruby. Red berries, herbs and vanilla nose, more elegant. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, lively, delicate, more nuanced than most Pommards, long and lovely. 92

2011 Violot-Guillemard Pommard 1er Cru Les Epenots
Bright ruby. Red berries, anise, touch sous bois and figs, detailed nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fresh, lively, refreshing, fruity if leaner, long. 91


2012 Comte Armand Pommard 1er Cru Clos des Epeneaux
Ruby. Fruity, scented, layered, intense if not as rich and deep as another sample. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, rounded, fresh and long, bit biting texture, long. 93

2011 Comte Armand Pommard 1er Cru Clos des Epeneaux
Ruby. Herbs, red berries, spices and fruity nose, intense. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, leaner, herbal, fruity and again leaner but long finish. 91

Lovely and fresh 2012 whites from Franz Chagnoleau

2012 Franz Chagnoleau Mâcon-Villages Clos Saint Pancras
Pale lemon yellow. Apples, minerals, little bit yeasty still on the nose. Fresh acidity, fruity, rounded and fresh, good length. 86

2012 Franz Chagnoleau Saint-Véran Pré Vaux
Pale lemon yellow. Apples, minerals, lime, elegant nose. Fresh acidity, elegant fruit, lime and minerals, refreshing, good length. 88

2012 Franz Chagnoleau Saint-Véran La Roche
Pale lemon yellow. Apples, citrus and orange blossoms nose. Fresh acidity, fruity, refreshing, lively, minerals kick inn in the finish, fresh. 89

2012 Franz Chagnoleau Saint-Véran A la Côte
Pale lemon yellow. Minerals, citrus, floral, delicate nose. Fresh acidity, fresh lemony minerals, yellow apples finnish, long. 89

2012 Franz Chagnoleau Puilly-Fuissé Pastoral
Pale lemon yellow. Apples, light tropical note, minerals nose. Fresh acidity, lively, fresh and crisp, citrus and minerals finish, long. 90

2010 Vaudoisey-Creusefond Pommard Charmots

2010 Vaudoisey-Creusefond Pommard 1er Cru Les Charmots
Bright ruby. Scented, fruity and red berries nose, delicate. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, fresh, fairly elegant, good length. 89

Anteprime Vernaccia di San, 66 wines tasted

2013 Agricoltori del Chianti Geografico Vernaccia Geografico:
Pale lemon yellow. Apples, some honey melon, fresh and slightly grassy nose. Fresh acidity, fruity, rounded, fresh, easy going, bit short. 84

2013 Canneta Vernaccia:
Pale lemon yellow. Apples, slightly floral, elderflowers nose. Freshish acidity, slightly bitter, bit flat palate, short. 80

2013 Cantina Sociale de Certaldo Vernaccia La Badia:
Pale lemon yellow. Apples, some yellow fruits, ever so slightly floral nose. Freshish acidoty, fruity, rounded texture, almost a bit waxy and honey, good length. 85

2013 Guidi Vernaccia Guidi:
Pale lemon yellow. Apples, vanilla, spices, bit burnt wood on the nose. Freshish acidity, woody, vanilla, spices, yellow fruits behind. 84

2013 Cappella Sant'Andrea Vernaccia Cappella Sant'Andrea:
Pale lemon yellow. Apples, fresh, feels very clean if not very complex. Fresh acidity, leaner, yellow fruits, some white flowers, good length, somewhat creamy texture. 85

2013 Cappella Sant'Andrea Vernaccia Rialto:
Pale lemon yellow. Apples, scented, some floral notes nose. Fresh acidity, creamy texture, rounded, fresh, fairly elegant, good length. 86

2013 Casa Alle Vacche Vernaccia Casa Alle Vacche:
Pale lemon yellow. Apples, minerals, some tropical fruits nose. Freshish acidity, rounded, fairly elegant body and texture, good length. 86

2013 Casa Alle Vacche Vernacchia i Macchioni:
Pale lemon yellow. Apples, some smoky notes, spices on the nose. Fresh acidity, fruity, rounded if ever so slightly edgy finish, good length. 85

2013 Casale Falchini Vernacchia Vigna a Solatio:
Pale lemon yellow. Apples, yellow fruits and plums nose. Fresh acidity, fruity, rounded, some spices and vanilla, good length. 85

2013 Cesani Vernacchia Cesani:
Pale lemon yellow. Apples, tutti frutti touch nose. Freshish acidity, not quite together, simple, watery. 77

2013 Fattoria Abbazia di Monteoliveto Vernaccia Abbazia di Monteoliveto:
Pale lemon yellow. Fresh apples and ripe gooseberries nose, slightly yellow fruity, like a fresh rainy morning. Freshish acidity, rounded, quite elegant, bit easy going palate, good length. 84

2013 Fattoria Abbazia di Monteoliveto Vernaccia La Gentilesca:
Pale lemon yellow. Apples, yellow fruits and slightly floral nose. Fresh acidity, fruity, rounded, fairly elegant palate, towards playful, good length. 88

2013 Fontaleoni Vernaccia Fontaleoni:
Towards lemon yellow. Apples, grapefruit, slightly floral nose. Fresh acidity, slightly bitter and grapefruity, apple core, good length. 85

2013 Fontaleoni Vernaccia Casanuova:
Pale lemon yellow. Apples, fresh, some vanilla and yellow fruity nose. Freshish acidity, flatter palate, polished, vanilla, quite uninteresting. 84

2013 Fornacelle Vernaccia Fornacelle:
Pale lemon yellow. Apples, scented, floral, touch of rose petals nose. Lilies. Fresh acidity, lively, quite fresh, slightly scented and bit sweet fruity, good length. 87

2013 Fornaci Vernaccia Fornaci:
Pale lemon yellow. Apples, smoky and spicy nose. Freshish acidity, fruity, rounded, towards creamy texture, fresher palate than nose. 86

2013 Il Colombaio di Santa Chiara Vernaccia Selvabianca:
Cloudy pale lemon yellow. Light nose of apples and some yellow fruits. Freshish acidity, fruity, rounded, bit easy going, citrusy finish lighten things up. 84

2013 Il Lebbio Vernaccia Il Lebbio:

Pale lemon yellow. Apples, yellow fruity, slightly scented nose.freshish acidity, flatter palate, bit easy going. 83

2013 Il Lebbio Vernaccia Tropie:
Pale lemon yellow. Apples, some floral notes. Freshish acidity, creamy and rounded texture, vanilla, bit fat, good length. 85

2013 Il Palagione Vernacchia Hydra:
Pale lemon yellow. Apples, tropical and intense lilies nose. Freshish acidity, sweetish feel, yellow fruity, good length. 85

2013 La Lastra Vernaccia La Lastra:
Paleq lemon yellow. Apples and light minerals nose, slightly floral. Fresh acidity, fruity, rounded, bit easy going but more lively. 86

2013 Lucii Libiano Vernaccia Vigna Cellori:
Pale lemon yellow. Apples, floral, easy going nose. Freshish acidity, fruity, rounded, bit easy going. 84

2013 Macinatico Vernaccia Macinatico:
Pale lemon yellow. Fresh, light fruity, apples and pears nose. Fresh acidity, lighter, quite elegant and fresh, bit short. 85

2013 Melini Vernaccia Melini:
Pale lemon yellow. Scented, some roses and yellow fruity, less intense nose. Fresh acidity, fruity, rounded, quite elegant, refreshing finish. 85

2013 Palagetto Vernaccia di San Gimignano:

Pale lemon yellow. Apples, some vanilla and lilies nose. Freshish acidity, fruity, rounded, easy going, quite fresh finish. 85

2013 Palagetto Vernaccia Santa Chiara:
Pale lemon yellow. Apples, slight mineral note, light floral touch on the nose. Fresh acidity, fruity, rounded, fairly fresh, bit watery finish. 84

2013 Panizzi Vernaccia Panizzi:
Pale lemon yellow. Apples, minerals, yellow fruity nose. Fresh acidity, fruity, rounded, refreshing, good length. 85

2013 Poderi del Paradiso Vernaccia Poderi del Paradiso:
Pale lemon yellow. Spicy, wood notes and sulphur on the nose. Fresh acidity, fruity, rounded, fairly lively, good length. 86

2013 Poggio Alloro Vernaccia Poggio Alloro:
Pale lemon yellow. Apples, minerals, fresh and fruity nose. Slightly scented. Fresh acidity, rounded, slightly creamy, fresh, good length. 88

2013 Poggio Alloro Vernaccia Il Nicchiaio:
Pale lemon yellow. Apples, minerals, some sweeter yellow fruits and floral nose. Fresh acidity, rounded, some bitter notes, grapefruit touch, sweet yellow fruits, good length. 88

2013 Rampa di Fugnano Vernaccia Alata:
Pale lemon yellow. Easy going yellow apples nose. Fresh acidity, fruity, rounded, fairly lively, good length. 86

2013 San Benedetto Vernaccia San Benedetto:
Pale lemon yellow. Apples, yellow fruits, some minerals nose, slightly heavier. Fresh acidity, fruity, lively, quite refreshing, rounded, bit lively, good length. 88

2013 San Donato Vernaccia San Donato:
Cloudy pale lemon yellow. Shut nose, some yellow fruits and grapefruit. Freshish acidity, rounded, bit shut, 84-85

2013 San Quirico Vernaccia San Quirico:
Pale lemon yellow. Apples, minerals, fresh, fruity nose. Bit lazy acidity, rounded, easy going. 82

2013 Signano Vernaccia Signano:
Pale lemon yellow. Some apples, light nose, lilies of the valley. Fresh acidity, fruity, rounded, bit more lively palate, fairly refreshing, good length. 85

2013 Signano Vernaccia Poggiarelli:
Pale lemon yellow. Apples, some sweeter notes, fruity but not that intense nose. Fresh acidity, lively, fairly playful, refreshing, some sweeter notes, quite elegant. 86

2013 Tenuta Le Calcinaie Venaccia Le Calcinaie:
Pale lemon yellow. Apples and light minerals nose. Freshish acidity, rounded, bit easy going but fresh. 84

2013 Tenuta La Vigna Vernaccia Tenuta La Vigna:
Pale lemon yellow. Apples, yellow fruits, rounded nose. Fresh acidity, fruity, more playful palate, fairly refreshing, good length. 88

2013 Tenute Guicciardini Strozzi Vernaccia Titolato Strozzi:
Pale lemon yellow. Apples, some yellow fruits, slightly minty nose. Freshish acidity, fruity, rounded, quite fresh, bit yellow fruity, good length. 86

2013 Teruzzi & Puthod Vernaccia T&P:
Pale lemon yellow. Some yellow fruits and pears nose. Fresh acidity, fruity, elegant, quite fresh, not to complex. Good length. 87

2013 Tollena Vernaccia Lunario:
Pale lemon yellow. Grapefruit, some almond flowers and ever so slightly raisniny nose. Fresh acidity, sweetish, some bitter and sour notes, bergamot note, good length. 87

2013 Torre Prima Vernaccia Torre Prima:
Pale lemon yellow. Apples, almost a bit flinty far back, slightly tropical nose. Freshish acidity, fruity, lively, lemony, quite refreshing, good length. 87

2013 Vagnoni Vernaccia Vagnoni:
Pale lemon yellow. Some honey, wax, peach, slightly deeper nose. Freshish acidity, rounded, bit boring palate, easy going and watery. 78

2012 Cantine Guidi Vernaccia Aurea Vernaccia
Pale lemon yellow. Smoky, spicy and some yellow fruits nose. Freshish acidity, edgy, not quite together, vanilla, spices and yellow fruit all over the place. 82

2012 Casale Falchini Vernaccia AB Vinea Doni:
Pale lemon yellow. Scented, floral and yellow apples nose, cool feel to it. Fresh acidity, fruity, ripe, mandarin, freshish finish, slightly bitter. 84

2012 Il Colombaio di Santa Chiara:
Pale lemon yellow. Some apples and strawberry jam note nose. Fresh acidity, leaner, rounder, seems a bit woody or at least a bit edgy and slightly drying. Good length. 84

2012 La Castellaccia Vernaccia Astrea:
Pale lemon yellow. Wax, honeya nd some yellow fruits nose. Freshish acidity, waxy and bit heavy, lacks freshness and nuances. 84

2012 Palagetto Vernaccia Ventanni:
Pale lemon yellow. Apples, some citrus and pears nose. Fresh acidity, fruity, ripe, leaner palate, rounded, bit short. 83

2012 Poderi del Paradiso Vernaccia Biscondola:
Pale lemon yellow. Appley, some pears, bit woody notes on the nose. Freshish acidity, yellow fruity, almost some petroleum, good length. 85

2012 Tenute Guicciardini Strozzi Vernaccia Cusona 1933:
Pale lemon yellow. Passion fruit, sweeter notes, fresh and fruity nose. Freshish acidity, fruity, rounded, bit easy going finish, drying wood. 85

2011 Cesani Vernaccia Sanice:
Pale lemon yellow. Some petroleum, pears and yellow fruits nose. Freshish acidity, fruity, rounded, somewhat lively, waxy and honey finish. 85

2012 Il Palagione Vernacchia Riserva Ori:
Pale lemon yellow. Some apples, slightly tutti frutti, ripe nose. Freshish acidity, sweetish, fruit, ripe, good length. 85

2012 La Lastra Vernaccia Riserva:
Pale lemon yellow. Some wood, pears and yellow fruits nose. Freshish acidity, fairly rich, fruity, bit edgy and woody, smoky finish. 86

2012 Poggio Alloro Vernaccia Riserva Le Mandorle:
Pale lemon yellow. Apples, flinty touch, some yellow fruits, slightly floral nose. Fresh acidity, fairly lively, fresh, fruity, rounded, good length. 87

2012 San Donato Vernaccia Riserva Benedetta:
Towards lemon yellow. Apples, yellow plums and a slight tropical note nose. Fresh acidity, fruity, rounded, waxy, slightly creamy texture, good length. 86

2012 Signano Vernaccia Riserva La Ginestra:
Cloudy pale lemon yellow. Shut nose, some pears and yellow fruits. Freshish acidity, narrow and woody palate. 83-85

2011 Casa Alle Vacche Vernaccia Riserva Crocus:
Towards lemon yellow. Some yellow fruits, vanilla and wood nose. Freshish acidity, fruity, fairly lively, less oaky palate, creamy texture, good length. 86

2011 Casale Falchini Vernaccia Riserva Vigna a Solatio:
Pale lemon yellow. Some apples and yellow fruits nose. Freshish acidity, tropical notes, some petroleum, good length. Fresher finish. 85

2011 Fontaleoni Vernaccia Riserva:
Pale lemon yellow. Apples, slight tropical note and lilies nose. Fresh acidity, softer and riper style, fruity, creamy texture, better balanced wood, good length. 87

2011 Il Colombaio di santa Chiara Vernaccia Riserva L'Albereta:

Towards lemon yellow. Apples, vanilla, woody and lilies nose. Freshish acidity, fruity, rounded, more lively palate, quite refreshing finish, good length. 86

2011 San Donato Vernaccia Angelica:
Pale lemon yellow. Wax, honey and some pears nose. Freshish acidity, fruity, rounded, waxy palate, fairly fresh finish, good length. 85

2011 Tenuta Le Calcinaie Vernaccia Vigna ai Sassi:
Pale lemon yellow. Some apples and more yellow fruity nose. Freshish acidity, smooth and rounded, could be more nuanced. 86

2011 Tenute Guicciardini Strozzi Vernaccia Riserva:
Pale lemon yellow. Passion fruit, pineapple and yellow fruits nose. Freshish acidity, sweetish feel, passion fruit, bit easy gping. 85

2011 Vagnoni Vernaccia Riserva I Mocali:
Pale lemon yellow. Oaky, smoky and spicy nose. Fresh acidity, woody and not fully together, made wine, trying to hard. 84

2010 Palagetto Vernaccia Riserva:
Towards lemon yellow. Some apples, vanilla, bit spicy, some smoke on the nose. Freshish acidity, fruity, rounded, fairly refreshing palate, good length. 86

2010 Tollena Vernaccia Riserva Signorina Vittoria:
Lemon yellow. Pears, honey, petroleum, slightly floral, warm summers day, lavendel nose. Fresh acidity, fruity, rounded, quite elegant, has fruot to back the structure, some nuances going on in the finish, good length. 89

Chianti Classico 2010 blind tasting with some 09's and one 08 as well

Chianti Classico 2010 blind tasting.

2010 Banfi Chianti Classico Fonte alla Selva
Ruby. Rounded, some fruit, lots of oak on the nose. Possbibly a lightly corked bottle, very flat.

2010 Candialle Chianti Classico
Ruby. Red berries, some scented notes, fruity nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, rounded, fairly lively, good length. 86

2010 Canonica a Cerreto Chianti Classico
Ruby. Red berries, some skinnier notes, slightly herbal and scented. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, rounded, gentle and soft, bit boring. 84

2010 Casaloste Chianti Classico
Ruby. Red berries, scented and slight vanilla and anise note on the nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, rounder, bit drying coffee notes in finish. 85

2010 Castell'in Villa Chianti Classico
Ruby. Leaner nose, some red berries, roses. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, rounded, some liquorice, fairly fresh, good length. 86

2010 Castellinuzza e Piuca Chianti Classico
Ruby. Scented, coffee, some spices, vanilla, adrker fruits and liquorice nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, lively, refreshing, quite elegant, fairly fresh finish. 87

2010 Castello di Bossi Chianti Classico
Ruby. Scented, cassis, leather, cedar, probably some CS in the blend. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, refreshing, quite clean feel, bit short finish. 86

2010 Concadoro Chianti Classico Cerasi Caravaggio
Ruby. Scented, red berries, floral, quite elegant nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, rounded, fairly fresh palate, good length, bit soft. 87

2010 Fattoria di Montemaggio Chianti Classico
Ruby. Coffee and wood spices nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, lean palate, simple. 78

2010 Fattoria Le Due Arbie Chianti Classico
Ruby. Red berries, slightly scented nose, hint of iris. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, softer texture, fairly rounded, good length. 85

2010 Fattoria Poggiopiano Chianti Classico La Tradizione
Ruby. Scented, floral, like chemist's shop nose. Freshish acidity, ripe tannins, fairly fruity and fresh, good length. 86

2010 Fontodi Chianti Classico
Ruby. Some spices, coffee and vanilla over red berries nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, rounded, quite fresh, elegant palate, good length. 87

2010 Il Barlettaio Chianti Classico
Ruby. Red berries, slightly scented, some cooler fruits nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, rounded, quite elegant and refreshing, good length. 87

2010 Manucci Droandi Chianti Classico Ceppeto
Ruby. Red berries, some spices, fruity, quite intensely scented nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, rounder and softer, fairly elegant, but oaky finish. 86

2010 Ormanni Chianti Classico
Ruby. Red berries, scented, floral notes, some vanilla and spices. Fresh acidoty, ripe tannins, quite soft texture, fairly elegant if a bit short. 84

2010 Pieve di Campoli Chianti Classico
Ruby. Red berries, scented, some sweeter notes, somewhat brighter nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, rounded, fairly refreshing, bit oaky finish. 85

2010 Podere Il Palazzino Chianti Classico Argenina
Ruby. Some herbal notes, coffee, not to interesting nose. Freshish acidity, ripe tannins, easy going, drying. 77

2010 Poggio Borgoni Chianti Classico Curva del Vescovo
Ruby. Red berries and vanilla nose. Freshish acidity, ripe tannins, vanilla palate woth more refreshing red berries popping up, good length. 86

2010 Quercia al Poggio Chianti Classico
Ruby. Scented, deeper fruit, some nettles nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, rounded, fairly lively palate, not that complex but refreshing. 85

2010 Rignana Chianti Classico
Ruby. Scented, red berries, bell peppers and vanilla nose. Freshish acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, rounded, bit oaky and biting texture. 84

2010 Terreno Chianti Classico Asofia
Ruby. Vanilla, liquorice and prunes nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, rounded, bit easy going, anise. 84

2010 Vignole Chianti Classico
Ruby. Scented, dark berries, liquorice and some vanilla nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannina, oaky and spicy, lacks fruit for the structure. 82

2010 Villa a Sesta Chianti Classico Il Palei
Ruby. Herbs, spices and coffee nose. Freshish acidity, ripe tannins, rounded mid palate but oaky finish. 83

2010 Villa di Geggiano Chianti Classico
Ruby. Scented, some red berries and cherries nose, liquorice. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, leaner palate, anise and vanilla, good length. 85

2010 Villa Trasqua Chianti Classico Evoluto
Ruby. Red berries, slightly scented. Fresh acidity, fruity, fresh, cherries and anise palate, good length. 84


2009 Chianti Classico tasted blind plus one 2008

2009 Castellodi Cacchiano Chianti Classico
Ruby. Red berries, scented, slight herbal note to freshen it up. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, rounded, quite fresh, good length. If a bit warm. 85

2009 Fattoria di Valiano Chianti Classico
Ruby. Dark fruits, richer nose, some vanilla. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, rounded, fairly fresh, good length. 85

2009 Il Barlettaio Chianti Classico
Ruby. Corked.

2009 Solatione Chianti Classico
Ruby. Red berries, some scented notes. The wines are getting far to warm and this one still feels fresh. I'm guessing the wines are served at about 22 degrees celcius by now. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, liquorice and anise palate, good length. Bit sweet. 85

2008 Podere Il Palazzino Chianti Classico Grosso Sanese
Ruby. Lots of vanilla and spices. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, quite fresh, good length. 85

Ultra rare Mazys, Bonneau du Martray, Taupenot-Merme, Fritz Haag and more

2012 Albert Mann Riesling Grand Cru Schlossberg
Pale lemon yellow. Apples, fruity, subdued minerals, touch of citrus and yellow fruits. Fresh acidity, fruity, rounded, not the most complex, elegant, good length. 89

1999 Bonneau du Martray Corton-Charlemagne
Pale lemon yellow. Starting nuts, citrus, apples, butter touch, minerals, a bit chalky, slightly floral, bit tight. Fresh acidity, leaner, focused, almost Chablis like, fresh, long. 92

2011 Felton Road Block 3 Pinot Noir
Bright ruby. Started out bright red fruity, served at 11 degrees but quickly became more jammy, some spices. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, again fresh at first, with temperature herbal and unbalanced. Serve it cool if you have it, or better, at this price, buy a Burgundy. 86

2006 Pierre Naigon Mazys-Chambertin
Only 153 bottles made. Bright ruby. Some spicy notes, coffee, bit showy oak, some sous bois, herbs. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, rounded, a bit lean, will it be more together, long. 91

1988 Château Rausan-Ségla
Ruby, garnet rim. Cedar, leather, anise, cassis, prunes, layered and complex nose, mature. Stable. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, rounded, refreshing, detailed, nuanced, mouthwatering, a leaner body but intense flavours, long finish. 93

2007 Denis Mortet Gevrey-Chambertin 1er Cru Les Champeaux
Bright ruby. Scented, elegant nose, fresh, nuanced, red berries, stunning nose, layered, gorgeous. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, refreshing, detailed, delicate, intense, nuanced, long. 94

2008 Taupenot-Merme Nuits Saint Georges 1er Cru Les Pruliers
Ruby. Scented, red berries, floral, quite seductive, especially for NSG, lovely nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, rounded, elegant and fresh, fairly nuanced, detailed, long if a bit lean, some herbal notes. 92

2001 Reichsgraf von Kesselstatt Scharzhofberger Riesling Auslese
Pale lemon yellow. Apples, minerals, floral, tropical, apricots and pineapples nose. Fresh acidity, fruity, lemons, bit leaner and slightly hollow palate, could be longer. 89

2004 Fritz Haag Brauneberger Juffer-Sonnenuhr Riesling Auslese
Pale lemon yellow. Apples, minerals, quite focused nose, detailed, slight floral note and some citrus far behind. Fresh acidity, lively, nuanced and delicate, refined, a little bit short for the fruit and details, still long. 92

83 Lafite, 06 Roumier, 10 Coche-Dury and more

2010 Coche-Dury Bourgogne Blanc
Pale lemon yellow. Some apples, citrus, minerals, subdued nose. Fresh acidity, fruity, bit tight, minerals, refreshing, lovely BB. 88

1983 Château Lafite Rothschild
Bottom neck fill. Ruby, thin garnet rim. Cedar, tobacco, leather, cassis, minerals, very elegant and nuanced, floral, mint touch, gorgeous nose, needs a bit of time to open. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, rounded, little bit acidic maybe but gets fruitier with air, detailed again, elegant, very long indeed. 95

1990 Camille Giroud Vosne-Romanée
Ruby with broad brick rim, orange hue. Scented, comes up of the glass, dark berries, sous bois, coffee and burnt notes, seems a bit toasted from oak on the nose. Fresh and high acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, rounded, bit grippy texture, slightly hollow mid palate, long but ever so slightly drying. Maybe not the most typical Vosne, but impressive non the less. 91

2006 Roumier Chambolle-Musigny 1er Cru Les Cras
Bright ruby.  Red berries and a slight herbal note that blew off after half an hour, youthful nose and lacked the ripeness of the last bottle and the floral notes of a bottle before that one again. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity and lively, bit lean and again lacked the fuller and more complete feel of the last two bottles. Fairly long. 91

09 Coche-Dury Bourgogne Aligoté

2009 Coche-Dury Bourgogne Aligoté
Towards lemon yellow. Apples, some citrus and minerals nose. Fresh acidity, fruity, rounded, elegant minerality, little bit short. 87

Magic 2011 Taylor Fladgate

2003 Quinta do Noval Vintage Port
Deep ruby. Rich, fruity, dark berries and intense nose. Fairly fresh acidity, ripe tannins, quite tannic texture, fruity, lively and long. 93

2011 Fonseca Vintage Port
Deep ruby. Fruity, intense, layered, rich and dark berries nose, gorgeous. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, rich and generous, feels like a pure and young 1963. Long. 95

2011 Graham's Vintage Port
Deep ruby. Rich, sweet, fruity, bit alcoholic nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, sweet and ripe palate, fruity but lacks some nuances and complexity, long. 91

2011 Dow's Vintage Port
Deep ruby. Rich, fruity, intense, bit alcoholic nose. Fresh acidoty, high of ripe tannins, fruity and sweet palate, rich, ripe and long. 93

2011 Warre's Vintage Port
Deep ruby. Rich, fruity, sweet, ripe and dark berries nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, lively and intense, fresh if a bit warm finish. 93

2011 Taylor Fladgate Vintage Port
Deep ruby. Rich, dark and red berries nose. Pure and intense. Fresh acidity, high of ripe tannins, fresh and lively palate, superb fruit and balance, impressive in all aspects, stunning and incredibly long. WOW. 98

Jaboulet Hermitage, Mollydooker, Two Hands, Henschke and more

2010 Jaboulet Ainé Hermitage La Chapelle
Deep ruby. Spicy, ripe and rich nose, some pepper and dark berries nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, ripe, rich but less so than on the nose, refreshing and long finish. 93

2007 Guigal Château d'Ampuis:
Ruby. Dark berries, vanilla, minerals, lots of oak nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, sweet and ripe palate, fruity, again a bit oak showy. 88

2010 Mollydooker McLaren Vale Velvet Glove Shiraz
Deep ruby. Rich, fruity, ripe and intense nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, sweet and fruity, Port like, refreshing finish, long if alcoholic finish. A wine made for prizes more than drinking. 92

2009 Henschke Keyneton Euphonium Barossa
Deep ruby. Rich, fruity, massive and sweet nose. Freshish acidity, few and ripe tannins, sweet, fruity and easy going. 87

2009 Two Hands Barossa Valley-McLaren vale Ares
Deep ruby. Rich, fruity, scented, dark berries and cinamon nose. Freshish acidity, ripe tannins, sweet and fruity, good length. 88

2009 Chapoutier Hermitage Monier de la Sizeranne
Ruby. Rich, dark berries, sweet and alcoholic nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, leaner palate, fresher, slightly easy going, alcoholic finish, good length. 88

Stunning 2010 Egon Müller Auslese

2007 Robert Weil Kiedrich Gräfenberg Riesling Spätlese
Towards lemon yellow. Apples, lemons, minerals, elegant and nuanced nose. Fresh acidity, lively, elegant, refreshing, lovely balance, long finish. 93

2010 Egon Müller Scharzhofberger Riesling Auslese
Pale golden. Apples, minerals, lemons and a slight orange blossoms nose. Fresh acidity, lively, refreshing, nuanced, fresh and still a bit tight, mouthwatering and tiptoeing like a ballet dancer, gorgeous and very long. 95

07 Yquem

2007 Château d'Yquem
Golden. Layered, complex and refined nose, pure fruits, intense and layered, nuanced. Fresh acidity, lively, elegant, stunning freshness, superb and very long indeed. Lighter and more detailed Yquem. 96

06 Haut-Bailly, Palmer, Ducru Beaucaillou and Cheval Blanc

2006 Château Haut-Bailly

Ruby. Minerals, cassis, leather and tobacco nose, flirting and just starting to show some maturation. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, leaner and tighter palate than nose, hasn't quite started to let go yet of the firm 06 texture, long finish. 93

2006 Château Palmer

Ruby. Scented, cassis, vanilla and starting leather nose, again a starting maturation on the nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, leaner and fesh palate, quite elegant if fresh and fruity still, not as structured as some in the vintage. Long. 93

2006 Château Ducru Beaucaillou

Ruby. Cassis, minerals, leather and a slight floral note nose, seductive. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, lovely freshness even if a bit biting texture, give it five years plus. Very long. 94

2006 Château Cheval Blanc

Deep ruby. Cassis, scented, fruity, fairly intense nose, still a bit tight. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, shut on the palate as well, tight, not quite willing to open. Just like last bottle. Give it ten years. 93 for now.

Leroy, Niepoort, Vega-Sicilia and more

2011 Anne Ramonet Macon-Peronne V.V.
Pale lemon yellow. Some apples, subdued minerals and a slight honeyed note on the nose. Freshish acidity, fruity, rounded, fairly creamu, good length. 88

2009 Remi Jobard Meursault En Laurale;
Pale lemon yellow. Lime, apples, more subdued minerals than usual for this producer. Freshish acidity, rounded, lemons and creamy palate, good length. 89

2009 Maison Leroy Marsannay:
Pale lemon yellow. Light apply and citrusy nose, flinty nose. Freshish acidity, creamy  texture, lemony, apples, leanish but good length. 88

2009 Maison Leroy Meursault Perrieres 1er Cru:
Pale lemon yellow. Apples, minerlas, cool citrus, very delicate floral notes, lovely and almost tender nose. Fresh acidity, elegant texture, subdued, refreshing, citrus, minerals, delicate yet quite intense, very long. Beautiful and fresh 09 white. 93

2011 Lucien le Moine Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru Les Embrazées:
Towards golden. Rich, nutty, minerals, lemons, vanilla and spices nose. Freshish acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, rounded, vanilla, bit showy barrel toast, needs time to integrate, long. 91

2011 Lucien le Moine Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc Magis:
Pale lemon yellow. Spicy, apples, subdued minerals, orange blossoms, delicate nose. Vanilla. Freshish acidity, creamy texture, fruity, rounded, fresh for CdP blanc, good length. 89

2011 Niepoort Coche:
2100 Bottles made. Pale lemon yellow. Apples, minerals, some yellow fruits and ever so slightly waxy nose. Freshish acidity, creamy texture, fairly rich and fruity, some wax and honey, fresh finish. 89

2009 Maison Leroy Bourgogne rouge:
Bright ruby. Red berries, somehat floral and fairly elegant nose. Freshish acidity, ripe tannins, fruit driven and fresh if on ghe leaner side, somewhat herby finish. 87

2010 Lucien le Moine Gevrey-Chambertin 1er Cru Les Cazetieres:
Bright ruby. Red berries, some floarl notes, delicate and nuanced nose. Slightly spicy. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, red berries and a slight herbal note, fresh and almost crisp, detailed, spicy finish, long. 92

2011 Lucien le Moine Bonnes Mares:
Bright ruby. Red berries, unripe strawberries, elegant, floral and scented but needs air as Bonnes Mares always seems to need. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, rounded, failry fresh, some spices and vanilla in the finish, long. 91

2010 Lucien le Moine Châteauneuf-du-Pape Omnia
Ruby. Some figs, anise, prunes, darker berries and vanilla nose. Freshish acidity, ripe tannins, fairly pure fruit, not the most complex, good length. 90

2009 Lucien le Moine Châteauneuf-du-Pape Arioso
Ruby. Rich, intense, figs, liquorice, huge and big nose. Freshish acidity, ripe tannins, rich and sweet, fruity, liquorice finish, long. 90

2011 Château Tertre Roteboeuf:
Ruby. Cassis, leather, vanilla, spices, anise, intense nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins,f ruity, some vanilla, fresher palate, way to ypung, bit edgy still, give it ten years plus, long. 92

2009 Ceretto Barbaresco Asij:
Bright ruby. Elegant floral nose, some red cherries and anise. Freshish acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, ripe, rounded, liquorice, bit short finish. 88

2010 Ceretto Barbaresco Asij:
Bright ruby. Red berries, some anise, floral notes, quite intense. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fresh, lively, rounded Barbaresco, fresh finish. 91

2009 Ceretto Barolo Zonchera:
Bright ruby. Red berries, anise, fresh nose, lifted nose, some figs. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, quite intense and refreshing, anise and cherries finish, tart. Long. 91

2005 Ceretto Barolo Bricco Rocce Brunate:
Bright ruby. Intense nose, figs, liquorice, spice, rich cherries. Fresh acidity, high of ripe tannins, fruity, but also leaner, tannic texture, long. 92

1964 Bertani Recioto Amarone
Ruby, brick rim, sediments. Dusty, some leaf and anise, cherries, dark chocolate, figs, prunes and earthy nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, anise and figs palate, ever so slightly iodine touch on top, long if a bit lean finish. 91

2008 Pintia
Deep ruby. Rich, intense, massive nose, dark berries, liquorice. Freshish acidity, ripe tannins, ripe and rich, fruity, bit alcoholic finish, sweet. 89

2009 Alion:
Ruby. Red berries, fruity, rich, intense nose, dark berries and spices. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, rounded, rich, fruity, long. 90

2007 Vega Sicilia Valbuena
Ruby. Dark berries, anise, liquorice, blueberries and a slight floral hint nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, rounded, some vanilla, spices, long and fresh finish. 92

2003 Vega Sicilia Unico:
Ruby. Rich, intense, fruity, ripe, fresh and spicy, layered and deep nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fresh and fruity, ripe, intense, elegant, more together now than a few months ago, long. 94

2010 Niepoort Charmes
Ruby. Fruity, rounded, intense, nose, raspberries, some vanilla. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, rounded and fruity, fresh, quite long. 90

2009 Niepoort Batuta
Ruby. Rich nose, intense, dark berries, vanilla, ripe. Freshish acidity, ripe tannins, fruity and ripe, rounded, bit sweet, long. 90

2008 Shafer Hillside Select
(Magnum) Deep ruby, towards opaque. Rich, intense, fruity, ripe, slightly alcoholic on top. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, rich, intense, fruity, spices and some vanilla, almost some minerals beneath, long. 92

1977 Niepoort Garrafeira
Bright garnet, brick rim. Rich nose, prunes, figs, slight volatility. Fresh acidity, tannins gone, rounded, rich, fresh, leanish palate but intense flavours, sweet finish, long. 92

48 2012 Chianti Classico's tasted blind

Chianti Classico 2012 blind tasting

2012 Antinori nel Chianti Classico Peppoli
Ruby. Red berries, quite fresh and delicate nose. Some anise. Freshish acidity, ripe tannins, lively, easy going and fruity, bit bitter finish. 82

2012 Badia a Coltibuono Chianti Classico Castelnuovo Berardenga
Ruby. Red berries, some nettles, fresh nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, fresh, quite leively and refreshing, good length. 86

2012 Badia a Coltibuono Chianti Classico Gaiole in Chianti
Ruby. Red berries, some floral notes, fresh nose. Fresh acidoty, ripe tannins, rounder and soft texture, good length. 85

2012 Barone Ricasoli Chianti Classico Brolio
Ruby. Red berries, scented and floral nose, lovely. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, rounder bit boring palate, good length. 85

2012 Bibbiano Chianti Classico
Ruby. Scneted, some red berries and anise nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fresh, quite lively, elegant. Good length. 86

2012 Bonacchi Chianti Classico
Ruby. Red berries, slightly scented and floral nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, quite lively and fairly elegant, good length, refreshing. 86

2012 Borgo Scopeto Chianti Classico
Ruby. Red berries, slightly scented and some liquorice nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, savory, quite fresh, good length, bit easy going. 85

2012 Carpineto Chianti Classico
Ruby. More subdued or closed, some red berries and violets. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, simpler and easy going palate. 80

2012 Castellare di Castellina Chianti Classico
Ruby. Some herbs and red berries nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, bit easy going, rounded. Somewhat hollow. 81

2012 Castello di Fonterutoli Chianti Classico Fonterutoli
Ruby. Scented, red berries, floral notes, roses. Fresh acidoty, ripe tannins, fruity, rounded, quite refreshing and elegant, bit creamy texture, good length. 87

2012 Castello di Monsanto Chianti Classico
Ruby. Red berries, fruity, bit more subdued nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, rounded, quite fresh, good length. 84

2012 Castello di Querceto Chianti Classico
Ruby. Some wood, spices and red berries nose. Freshish acidity, ripe tannins, fruity but easy going, bit short and edgy. 83

2012 Castello di San Donato in Perano Chianti Classico
Ruby. Red berries, raspberries, somewhat scented nose, some anise. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity and refreshing, quite lively, good length. 85

2012 Castello San Sano Chianti Classico
Ruby. Red berries, leaner nose, some scented notes. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, rounder, quite elegant, on the leaner side, good length. 85

2012 Castello Vocchiomaggio Chianti Classico San Jacopo da Vicchiomaggio
Ruby. Red berries, scented, more intense nose, some spices. Freshish acidity, ripe tannins, rounder, bit sweet palate, good length. 83

2012 Casuccio Tarletti Chianti Classico
Ruby. Floral, scented, red berries, quite elegant nose, some vanilla. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, fresh, quite lively, elegant texture, good length. 86

2012 Cigliano Chianti Classico
Ruby. Some herbs, red berries and vanilla nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, rounded, quite fresh, bit dry finish. 84

2012 Cinciano Chianti Classico
Ruby. Red berries, some herbs, slight floral note on the nose. Freshish acidity, ripe tannins, rounded palate, fruity, little bit boring. 83

2012 Famiglia Nunzi Conti Chianti Classico
Ruby. Red berries, slightly scented, quite elegant nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, fairly lively but somewhat rustic in the finish. 83

2012 Fattoria di Valiano Chianti Classico
Ruby. Floral, scented and red berries nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, rounded, slightly hollow finish. 84

2012 Fattoria di Vegi Chianti Classico Francesco Chiostri
Ruby. Some nettles, bit leafy and red berries nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, rounded, slightly herbal finish, good length. 84

2012 Fattoria I Colazzi Chianti Classico I Bastioni
Ruby. Red berries, scented, some floral notes nose. Anise and roses. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, rounded, quite elegant, bit short. 85

2012 Fattoria Le Fonti Chianti Classico
Ruby. Red berries, cherries and some anise nose, slight floral note. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, refreshing, fairly mouthwatering, good length. 86

2012 Fattoria San Giusto a Rentennano Chianti Classico
Ruby. Vanilla, red berries, some coffe and spices on the nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, bit leaner and spicy palate, good length. 84

2012 Fattoria Vittico Chianti Classico
Ruby. Scented, violets and red berries nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, bit leaner palate, fairly fresh, bit short. 83

2012 Felsina Chianti Classico Berardenga
Ruby. Red berries, slightly scented, floral notes and wood spices. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, again bit woody, good length. 85

2012 Isole e Olena Chianti Classico
Ruby. Scented, floral, red berries and lavendel nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, quite lively, elegant red berries, good length. 86

2012 Istine Chianti Classico
Ruby. Red berries, slightly scented, some anise nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, quite lively, refreshing palate, good length. 87

2012 La Madonnina Chianti Classico Bello Stento
Ruby. Red berries, some herbs and somewhat scented nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, rounder, quite fresh, good length. 85

2012 La Porta di Vertine Chianti Classico
Ruby. Plums, figs and dades, vanilla nose. Freshish acidity, high of ripe tannins, quite fresh even so, sweet cherries and liquorice palate, good length. 86

2012 Le Miccine Chianti Classico
Ruby. Scented and floral nose, sweet liquorice behind. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, rounded, fairly elegant, good length. 86

2012 Luiano Chianti Classico
Ruby. Scented, red berries and some herbs on the nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, savory, quite lively, rounded, good length. 85

2012 Monteraponi Chianti Classico
Ruby. Red berries, scented, light floral note, violets nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fresh, lively, quite elegant, moutshwatering, good length. 86

2012 Monterotondo Chianti Classico Vaggiolata
Ruby. Scented, floral, lilies, some darker notes nose. Cherries and anise. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, bit more textured, somewhat woody finish, lovely fruit on top. 86

2012 Montesecondo Chianti Classico
Ruby. Wood and spices with cherries nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, rounded, quite fresh, good length. 85

2012 Podere Castellinuzza Chianti Classico
Ruby. Cherries and intensely scented nose. Freshish acidity, ripe tannins, rounder palate, again scented, bit oaky finish, good length. 85

2012 Poggio Torselli Chianti Classico
Ruby. Red berries, fruity, some spices and slightly scented nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, and fresh, little bit short for what it promises. 85

2012 Pomona Chianti Classico Bandini Villa Pomona
Ruby. Red berries, scented, darker and somewhat richer nose, some coffee. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, rounded, bit riper, good length. 86

2012 Querceto di Castellina Chianti Classico
Ruby. Red berries, intense, floral, some spices and shawing soap. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, softer palate, fresh, quite lively and elegant, good length. Anise. 87

2012 Querciabella Chianti Classico
Ruby. Red berries, floral, intense, riper notes, slightly herbal. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, slightly unripe feel to it, but fresh red berries on the palate, good length. 85

2012 Rocca di Castagnoli Chianti Classico
Ruby. Red berries. Fruity, floral, intense and quite peppery nose. Freshish acidity, ripe tannins, sweeter fruit and morellos, some liquorice and woody finish. 84

2012 Rocca di Montegrossi Chianti Classico
Ruby. Herbs, nettles, green feel to the nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, leaner, if fruitier palate than nose, bit thin and short. 80

2012 Ruffino Chianti Classico Santedame
Ruby. Red berries, some light herbal notes and ever so slightly scented nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, bit lean and hollow, bit short. 83

2012 Tenuta Cappelina Chianti Classico
Ruby. Red berries, slightly scented note, some herbs and spices. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, rounded, more elegant palate, fairly refreshing, good length. 86

2012 Terre di Melazzano Chianti Classico
Ruby. Scented, violets, floral notes, red berris and some darker fruits nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, rounded, slightly sweet and liquorice palate, bit short. 83

2012 Terre di Perseto Chianti Classico
Ruby. Herbs, coffee and spices, ungainly nose. Freshish acidoty, ripe tannins, somewhat sweet, lacks finess, plump and short. 78

2012 Vallone di Cecione Chianti Classico
Ruby. Scented, red berries, slightly floral nose, fairly delicate. Freshish acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, and rounded, vanilla and woody texture, bit biting. 83

2012 Villa Cerna Chianti Classico
Ruby. Quite intensely scented, some red berries and anise behind. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, livelier palate, quite refreshing, good length. 86

09 and 10 Château du Glana

2010 Château du Glana
Ruby. Red berries, vanilla, floral nose, leather, quite elegant nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fresh and fruity, nuanced, fairly delicate, elegant texture, long. 92

2009 Château du Glana
Ruby. Flotal, red berries, fairly nuanced and elegant 09 nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, rounded and fresh, elegant cassis and almost red berries fruit, lively and detailed. 92

Four 2012's from Rene Lequin-Colin

2012 Lequin-Colin Bourgogne blanc
Pale lemon yellow. Apples, lemons and lime nose. Freshish acidity, fruity, rounded, easy going, fresh finish. 84

2012 Lequin-Colin Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru Morgeot
1000 bottles made. Apples, some minerals, oarnge blossoms nose. Fresh acidity, fruity, rounded, fairly elegant lemony and orange peel finish. 88

2012 Lequin-Colin Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru Les Caillerets
Pale lemon yellow. Apples, flint, some citrus nose. Freshish acidity, fruity, rounded, bit easy going, rounded. 87

2012 Lequin-Colin Corton-Charlemagne
Pale lemon yellow. Apples, some lime, slightly floral, quite elegant nose. Minerals. Fresh acidity, fruity, rounded, minerals and citrus, bit short, could be more playful. 89

One Proidl and one Nigl

2008 Proidl Riesling vom Urgestein
Pale lemon yellow. Apples, some minerals, fruity nose, some plums. Fresh acidity, fruity, rounded, some petroleum notes, good length. 90

2011 Nigl Riesling Dornleiten
Pale lemon yellow. Some apples, minerals, fruity and yellow plums nose. Fresh acidity, fruity, rounded, minerals, somewhat flinty finish, long. 91

Mostly Rieslings

2011 Pauly Riesling Tres Naris
Pale lemon yellow. Apples, some minerals, slightly floral nose. Fresh acidity, slightly hollow palate, some floral notes, ever so slightly bitter finish. 83

2012 Pauly Riesling Purist
Pale lemon yellow. Apples, some lime and plaster nose. Fresh acidity, lean and focused, some floral notes, served cool so could be more interesting. 85

2011 Pauly Lieser Niederberg Helden Riesling trocken
Pale lemon yellow. Apples, minerals, slightly floral nose. Fresh acidity, lean and focused, tight, slightly bitter. 86

2012 Tesch Riesling trocken
Pale lemon yellow. Apples and somewhat floral nose. Fresh acidity, rounded, easy going, fresh. 82

2012 Tesch Riesling Unplugged
Pale lemon yellow. Apples, some citrus nose. Fresh acidity, bit lean, fruity and lemony, good length. 87

2011 Tesch Riesling Königschild
Pale lemon yellow. Apples, minerals, ever so slight petroleum touch. Fresh acidity, fruity, fairly rounded, minerals, almost bitter mineraly finish, fresh, good length. 89

2010 Tesch Riesling Karthäuser
Pale lemon yellow. Apples, minerals, some flinty notes, apple core and pear nose. Fresh acidity, ripe, fruity, rounded, apply, fresh, some pears finish, long. 90

2013 Vatan Sancerre
Pale lemon yellow. Apply and some tutti frutti nose. Fresh acidity, fruity and rounded, fairly fresh, good length. 82

2012 Deux Roches Macon
Pale lemon yellow. Some apples, minerals and yellow fruits nose. Freshish acidity, fruity and rounded, fairly elegant, rounded, bit short. 83

Dom Trevallon, Mauro and Villacreces

2009 Domaine de Trevallon:
Ruby. Red berries, some floral notes, anise and some figs nose. Freshish acidity, ripe tannins, softer and rounder, quite fresh, good length. 89

2010 Domaine de Trevallon
Ruby. Red berries, somewhat lighter but maybe more detailed nose. Freshish acidity, ripe tannins, red berries, some cherries, fruity if leaner, good length. 89

2011 Mauro Cosecha
Ruby. Rich nose, dark berries, some vanilla nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, rounded, rich, good length. 88

2007 Mauro VS
Deep ruby. Rich nose, dark fruits, vanilla, intense nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, ripe and fruity, figs and prunes, anise, long. 90

2011 Villacreces Pruno:
Ruby. Some herbs, red berries, vanilla, anise nose. Freshish acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, rpunded, quite rich, good length. 88

All the new Chianti Classico Grand Selezione tasted blind

All the new wines of the Gran Selezione Chianti Classico tasted blind. This is a level above Riserva in the hierarchy of Chianti Classico, and most wines seems to be a level above on quality as well as by name. Chianti and Tuscany on the whole also seems to go in a fresher and more detailed direction with purer fruit and more elegant and fresher wines with less oak and extraction. A most welcome change back to the more traditional taste from my point of view.

Gran Selezione blind tasting

2011 Fattoria di Lamole Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigna Grospoli:
1500 bottles made. Ruby. Red berries, some cherries and liquorice nose, quite fresh. Not to intense. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity but wood shows through on the palate, bit dry, good length. 88

2011 Fattoria Viticcio Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Beatrice:
10.000 bottles made. Ruby. Red berries, slightly scented and floral notes, elegant nose, some vanilla. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, bit woody but refreshing red berries fruit that seems to be able to handle it, quite refreshing palate, long. 90

2011 I Fabri Chianti Classico Gran Selezione I Fabri:
2500 bottles made. Ruby. Red berries, slightly scented and toast and spices nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, rounded and fresh palate, fruity and red berries, quite elegant, bit biting finish. 91

2011 San Vincenti Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Tenuta San Vincenti:
6600 bottles made. Ruby. Somewhat scented, red berries, quite seductive nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, quite refreshing and playful, red and darker berries palate, fairly nuanced, long. 92

2011 Tenuta di Nozzole Chianti Classico Gran Selezione La Forra:
4500 bottles made. Ruby. Wood, spices, herbs, some red berries behind. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, leaner body and structure, bit oaky palate, good length. 88

2010 Barone Ricasoli Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Castello di Brolio:
88.000 bottles made. Ruby. Spicy, some oak, red berries and blackberries, anise nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, fairly fresh, bit lean and dry finish. 89

2010 Barone Ricasoli Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Colledilà:
20.000 bottles made. Ruby. Red berries, bit more subdued nose, vanilla. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, rounder but bit oaky, somewhat woody palate and texture, but seems to manage, good length. 88

2010 Bibbiano Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigna del Capannino:
20.000 bottles made. Ruby. Scented, floral, raspberries nose, refreshing. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity and quite lively, almost delicate, refreshing, raspberry notes on the palate as well, long. 91

2010 Bindi Sergardi Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Mocenni Particella 89:
5000 bottles made. Ruby. Vanilla, dark berries, barrel spices on the nose. Fresh acidoty, ripe tannins, fruity, bit woody texture, seems to handle, good length. 89

2010 Castello d'Albola Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Il Solatio:
3000 bottles made. Ruby. Spices, vanilla, red berries in the background. Freshish acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, bit oaky texture, fruit comes back in the finish, good length. 89

2010 Castello di Ama Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Castello di Ama:
100.000 bottles made. Ruby. Herbs, wood spices and dark berries nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, softer and sweeter fruit on the palate, on the richer side, good length. 89

2010 Castello di Fonterutoli Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Castello Fonterutoli:
60.000 bottles made. Ruby. Red berries, slightly scented and vanilla and spices nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, rounded, quite fresh palate, red berries, very long. 93

2010 Castello di Gabbiano Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Belezza:
12.000 bottles made. Ruby. Red berries, scented and fruity nosequite intensely scented even. Fresh acidoty, ripe tannins, woody palate, almost creamy with spices, everything packed in oak, nicely packed yes, but packed. Good length. 89

2010 Castello di Meleto Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Castello di Meleto:
4000 bottles made. Ruby. Red berries, some scented and fruity notes nose. Anise. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, quite refreshing and playful, raspberries notes, long and refreshing finish. 92

2010 Castello di Volpaia Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Il Puro:
2000 bottles made. Ruby. Scented, spices, some herbs and dark berries nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fairly lively palate, quite refreshing, bit lean and could be more nuanced, but fairly elegant, bit woody finish. 90

2010 Castello La Leccia Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Bruciagna:
4000 bottles made. Ruby. Scented, coffee, some herbs, darker berries nose. Freshish acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, rounded, bit boring palate. 89

2010 Castello Vicchimaggio Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigna La Prima:
9000 bottles made. Ruby. Floral notes, lavendel, red berries and cherries nose, vanilla. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, fairly rounded, vanilla and liquorice, good length. 89

2010 Colle Bereto Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Colle Bereto:
15.000 bottles made. Ruby. Some figs, prunes and warm cherries nose, vanilla. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fresher palate, more delicate and reder berries, good length. 89

2010 Fattoria di Corsignano Chianti Classico Gran Selezione L'Imperatrice:
1500 bottles made. Ruby. Red berries, some herbs, vanilla and liquorice nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, livelier palate, quite refreshing, long. 90

2010 Antico Lamole Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Lama della Villa:
1000 bottles made. Ruby. Red berries, light mineral note, delicate, nuanced, scented, lovely nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, leaner palate, quite delicate, refreshing, red berries. 92

2010 Fontodi Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigna del Sorbo:
5000 bottles made. Ruby. Scented, red berries, slight floral note, elegant nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, quite lively, fairly elegant, refreshing and long finish. 92

2010 Il Molino di Grace Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Il Margone:
N/A. Ruby. Red and darker berries, vanilla and spices nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, rounded, some oak and vanilla, bit hollow finish. 89

2010 Lornano Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Lornano:
10.000 bottles made. Ruby. Red berries, nettles, fresh nose, bit spicy behind. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fairly fruity and fresh, bit drying palate, good length. 89

2010 Luiano Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Ottantuno:
3000 bottles made. Ruby. Red berries and warmer notes, some prunes and liquorice. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, sweeter notes, anise, more rounded, long. 90

2010 Rocca delle Macie Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Sergio Zingarelli:
5700 bottles made. Ruby. Red berries, slightly scented, dark berries nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, rounded, fairly refreshing, long finish. 91

2010 Ruffino Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Riserva Ducale Oro:
500.000 bottles made. Ruby. Red berries, scented, darker notes, liquorice and vanilla nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, lively, fresh, lquiorice finish, long. 91

2010 San Fabiano Calcinaia Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Cellole:
18.000 bottles made. Ruby. Dark berries, rich, liquorice, plums and coffee nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fairly fresh, fruity, quite lively, good length. Oaky. 89

2010 San Felice Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Il Grigio:
40.000 bottles made. Dark berries, vanilla, liquorice, spicy nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, softer palate, quite refreshing, good length. 89

2010 Tenuta di Lilliano Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Lilliano:
5000 bottles made. Ruby. Scented, vanilla, spices, some coffee nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, leaner palate, rounded, not much going on, good length. 86

2010 Villa Calcinaia Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigna Bastignano:
1500 bottles made (not the 800 stated in the official papers). Ruby. Red berries, floral, slight mineral note and somewhat scented nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, rounded, quite refreshing, long and playful finish. 92

2010 Antinori Nel Chianti Classico Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Badia a Passignano:
92.000 bottles made. Ruby. Red berries, darker fruits, some prunes and liquorice nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, somewhat richer, liquorice palate, good length. 88

2010 Casaloste Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Don Vincenzo:
4000 bottles made. Ruby. Red berries, vanilla, scented and slightly floral nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, rounder palate, fresh, fairly nuanced, bit rich, long. 90

2010 Fattoria di Montemaggio Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Montemaggio:
9000 bottles made. Ruby. Some herbs, red berries, vanilla and cherries nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, rounded, quite refreshing, good length. 89

2009 Vignole Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vignole:
6000 bottles made. Ruby. Vanilla, figs, prunes, anise and cherries nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, some coffee and spices, fresher finish, long. 91

2007 Losi Querciavalle Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Losi Millenium:
2000 bottles made. Ruby. Some wood, liquorice and dark cherries nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fairly fruity, good length. 89

Seems to be very fine fruit on most, fresher than only a few years ago, that could be the vintage off course, but the fruit seems brighter, cleaner and the wines very well made on the whole. Some has issues with to much oak and toasting of the oak, but some markets still embrace this, so it will probably be a market for all of them. Most of these wine swill benefit from five to fifteen years of ageing.

Chianti Classico Gran Selezione World Premiere Dinner

Chianti Classico Gran Selezione world premiere, February 17th in Firenze (Florence)

2010 Castello di Ama Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Castello di Ama:
100.000 bottles made. Ruby. Red and darker berries, some anise, fruity nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity and rounded palate and texture, long. 90

2010 Castello di Volpaia Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Il Puro:
2000 bottles made. Ruby. Red and darker berries nose, some cherries, anise and some vanilla. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, rounded, fruity body, long finish. 91

2010 Castello La Leccia Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Bruciagna:
4000 bottles made. Ruby. Red and darker berries nose, somewhat easier. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, leaner palate, but fresh, good length. 89

2010 Fattoria di Corsignano Chianti Classico Gran Selezione L'Imperatrice:
1500 bottles made. Ruby. Morellos, cherries, some red berries, fruity nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity and rounded palate, long. 90

2010 Fattoria di Lamole Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Lama della Villa:
Only 1000 bottles made. Two bottles tried, first one leaner and drier, slightly dusty. Next one, ruby, dark berries, scented, nuanced and almost delicate mineral note, floral nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, very elegant, bit more subdued body, long.  92

2010 Fontodi Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigna del Sorbo:

5000 bottles made. Ruby. Red berries, some figs, mora mature notes nose, liquorice. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, red berries and again some anise and figs, good length. 88

2010 Villa Calcinaia Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigna Bastignano:
Programe states only 800 bottles made but I sat at the producers table at the dinner, and he stated about 1500 bottles was made. Three bottles tasted. Ruby, dark and more red berries nose, some minerals, slight floral. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, bit more subdued palate, quite elegant, one bottle had more marked oak, the others more integrated and nicely balanced. Long. 91

2009 Casaloste Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Don Vincenzo:
4000 bottles made. Ruby. Fruity, darker and red berries nose, some vanilla and spices. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity and rounded if a bit showy oak, long. 91

Leroy Meursault Charmes, M. Mugneret Grands-Echezeaux, Rion Charmes-Chambertin and Clos de la Maréchale blanc

2008 Mugnier Nuits-Saint-Georges 1er Cru Clos de la Maréchale blanc:
Pale lemon yellow. Apples, citrus, nuts, minerals, had some passion fruits notes that blew away, elegant nose. Fresh acidity, fruity, lively, minerals, fresh, quite elegant, very long. 93

2006 Maison Leroy Meursault 1er Cru Les Charmes:
Pale lemon yellow. Apples, citrus, minerals, touch of almonds, floral, delicate and nuanced nose. Fresh acidity, elegant, fruity, fresh, quite crisp, refreshing, nuanced, rounded, incredible details, ads and ads, perfect balance, long and detailed citrusy and mineral finish. 95

2005 Patrice Rion Charmes-Chambertin:
Brightish ruby. Scented with air. Took time to open, red berries, spices, some floral notes, very pure and bright nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, rounded, quite elegant, could be more complex, seems to be typical of Charmes, but very clean feel, long. 94

2000 Mongeard-Mugneret Grands-Echezeaux:
Served blind. Ruby, garnet rim. Red berries, scented, intense, nearly leaps out of the glass, floral, spicy, gorgeous nose, layered and seductive. Very fine vanilla, flirting like few. You can smell it for hour. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fresh, delicate, nuanced, lively, served on the cool side, very refreshing, bit lean, some herbal notes in finish, but refreshing and long. 94

Burgundies, Bordeaux and more

2000 Koehler Ruprecht Riesling Brut:
Towards golden, small bubbles. Apples, some petroleum notes, slightly spicy and cinamon nose. Freshish acidity, fruity, lazy mousse, apply and spicy, good length. 86

1995 Robert Ampeau Puligny-Montrachet Les Comttes
Served blind. Towards golden. Waxy, oxidized apples, nuts, premoxed, flat in the mouth.

2009 Blain-Gagnard Bâtard-Montrachet:
Served blind. Pale lemon yellow. Tight, lemony, minerals, slightly smoky, needs lots of air to open, some floral notes and yellow fruits blowing off with more air. Fresh acidity, delicate, nuanced, lemons, minerals, flinty, some butter. Long, could be more nuanced. 92

2008 Marquis d'Angerville Volnay 1er Cru Clos des Ducs:
Pale ruby. Started out tight, opened up in three hours in decanter, floral, red berries, delicate and nuanced nose, fresh, slightly scented. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fresh, lively, quite elegant, refreshing, red berries and nuanced, not the most refined. Long. 92

2008 Gaia Estate Agiorgitiko:
Ruby. Dark berries, spices, sweet and to ripe nose. Freshish acidity, ripe tannins, some herbal notes and unbalanced, rich and undgainly, what has happened, this used to be good but haven't tasted it for years. 85

2008 Château La Violette:
Deep ruby. Blueberries, scented, barrel notes, rich and somewhat extracted nose bu luckily some more details behind. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, lots of barrels and barrel spices and toast, drying palate, the fruit can't quite handle, a very made wine that impress some. 90

1990 Château Gazin:
Ruby, thin garnet rim. Tobacco, intensely scented, dark berries, it has a slight herbal note as well, slightly rustic, that will put off a few, massive, coffee and black tea. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, red and some darker berries, I thought the bottle wasn't perfect, but after a long time, a few more hours, it as lovely. 94

1999 Grivot Nuits-St-Georges 1er Cru Les Pruliers:
Ruby, thin garnet rim. Datk berries, slightly scented, compact, mint, barrel notes behind the fruit, spicy. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruit, structured, chewy, quite rich, intense, powerfull, refreshing and nuanced behind the structure, youthful, almost Bordeaux structure, much more structured and intense than the othet (very few) bottles I've tasted from Grivot. 93

1998 Comte Armand Pommard 1er Cru Clos des Epenaux:
Ruby, garnet rim. Scented, elegant, red berries, slight floral notes, quite intense nose, the most delicate nose I've had on this. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, fresh , elegant and lively, long and rounded, refreshing and fairly rounded Pommard, long. 92

2007 Brezza Barolo Bricco Sarmassa:
Bright ruby, brick rim. Tar, roses, liquorice, some cherries nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fairly fresh, leaner palate, liquorice finish. 88

2010 Markus Molitor Graacher Himmelreich Riesling Auslese **:
Pale lemon yellow. Apples, minerals, tight, slightly floral, elegant nose. Fresh acidity, fruity, fresh, lively, truly playful, delicate but intense and mouthwatering, lovely and long. 93