1945, 52 and 82 La Conseillante

1945 Château La Conseillante:
Mid shoulder fill. Wyns Père & Fils bottle. Rotten cork. Buby with brownish hue, brick rim. Sweet & sour nose, oxidized apples, blowing of after ten minutes or so, and some floral notes and figs, leather and fine tobacco shows up. Fresh acidity, tannins gone, fruit stone, cherries, leanish fruit, good length. Not quite like the magnum at the estate last year in quality, lacks the wealth of aromas, but similar in body and structure. Broadbent is on 'faboulous fruit, perfect balance and complete', which fits better with the big format than this bottle. 92


1952 Château La Conseillante:
Top shoulder fill. Bright garnet. Blueberries, violets, perfumed, stunning nose. Fresh acidity, a bit dry mid-palate as the remaining tannins are a bit rustic, but more elegant finish when the tannins lets the fruit keep going. Gets more body and fruit with air. Broadbent states 'Always dependable'. 90


1982 Château La Conseillante:
Bottom neck fill. Ruby, garnet rim. Elegant nose, fruit-driven, ever more floral and perfumed with air, but never reached the niveau of layers that the last bottle had (that was decanted for three hours, this was not). Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, mouthwatering, elegant and fruitdriven body, more intense than last bottle though. Very long. Love it!. 95

1945 and 1947 Clos-Fourtet

1945 Clos-Fourtet:
Château bottled. Bottom neck fill. Perfect cork (soaked). Bottle came directly from the cellars of a British Lord and has layed in his cellar since release. Bright ruby, thin brick rim. Blueberries, rich, intense, gorgeous purity, leather, figs and tobacco behind. Elegant palate and fresh acidity. Some tannins still, delicate, layered, mouthwatering, very harmonious. Long and refreshing. In the 1983 Great Vintage Wine Book by Broadbent, 'Fine colour, nicely made but austere, Médoc-like. Long finish ***. Last tasted at Berry Bros in 1972. Drink now-1990'. This is exactly how I feel younger Clos-Fourtet's have behaved, even if the latest vintages have been less austere with more fruit. Still manages to make elegant Saint-Emilion.  95


1947 Clos-Fourtet:
Château bottle, mid-shoulder fill. Deep ruby, brick rim, floral, blueberries and some leather. A bit more fine tuned than the last bottle from same cellar and similar fill, not as intense, more fragrant. Fresh acidity, tannins gone, lively, fresh, elegant, feels quite pure. No notes from Broadbent. 94

1945 and 1949 Château Figeac

Château Figeac originates from an ancient estate that traces its roots back to the 2nd century, when a Gallo-Roman villa was built on the estate and named after a Figeacus. In the late 18th century, the property was close to 200 hectares (490 acres) in size, but was sold and subdivided several times in the 19th century until 1892, when Henri de Chevremont bought it. Henriette, the daughter of de Chevremont, married André Villepigue and became the owner of Figeac. The estate was managed by Alfred Maquin, as the Villepigues lived in Paris. In 1905, their son Robert Villepigue took over the running of the estate. After Henriette's death in 1942, it was unclear if Robert Villepigue or his sister Ada Elizabeth (who had married Antoine Manoncourt) would inherit the estate, but in 1946 it passed to Ada Elizabeth Manoncourt. In January 1947, Thierry Manoncourt (son of Antoine and Ada Elizabeth Manoncourt) took over the running of Château Figeac, and it was under his leadership that the estate rose to the front ranks of Saint-Émilion estates. He continued to run or be actively involved with the estate until his death in 2010, although his son-in-law Comte Eric d'Aramon took over the daily running of the estate in the 1980s. From Wikipedia.


1945 Château Figeac:
Mis en bouteille par R. Villepigue proprietaire. Top shoulder fill, old mouldy cork. Deep ruby, thin brick rim. Dark berries, leather, figs, floral hints, almost spicy. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, nice texture, nose far greater than palate that lacks fruit. Short would be to exagerate it, but not that long either, a bit dry and rustic. Already in 1989 Broadbent states the following: 'extraordinarily sweet, almost Mouton-like power and fragrance. Overtaken by tannins'. Spot on for me, the nose excites and had the palate followed suit, this could have been towards perfect. Can it come around? The lacking fruit at 65+ years now indicates not. 89


1949 Château Figeac:
Mid-shoulder fill. My third bottle, and finally! Deep ruby, orange rim. Rich, heavy nose, difficult to see the nuances on this one, its like a ball. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, intense fruit. Powerful if mature. Blueberries, cherries, figs, almost massive. Rich palate as well, but nuanced. Very long. 'A particular feature is its extravagant fruitiness and glorious fragrance' in september 1998 from Broadbent. Spot on for the fruit, not quite on the fragrance. But I imagine this wine (bottle) should have been decanted for a few hours, and it would probably have been a few points higher. 95

1962 and 1982 Château L'Evangile

1962 Château L'Evangile:
Château bottled, bottom neck fill. Garnet with brick rim. Fruity nose, blueberries and some figs, perfumed, flirting and very seductive. Fresh acidity, tannins few and far between, superb balance, slightly lean palate but long and refreshing. 93


1982 Château L'Evangile:
In the neck fill. Bright ruby, cheese and hung meat, animal notes. Floral and dark berries. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, elegant but lacks complexity, feels straightforward and a bit all over the place. 90

1945 Château Pavie

1945 Château Pavie:
Château bottled, mid shoulder fill. Cork rotten. Deep ruby, thin orange rim. Dry, earthy, dusty and leafy. For me tired and drying out, but some would probably love even this. This bottle was just too old, otherwise no faults. Another wine without tasting notes from Broadbent.

1947 Château La Fleur-Pétrus

1947 Château La Fleur-Pétrus:
Château bottled, mid shoulder fill. Deep ruby, thin brick line before orange rim. Coffee, deep feel, dark dried fruits, floral high note. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, rich, feels like it's drying a bit and (at least this bottle) seems to be past it's best. Seems like not even Broadbent has tasted it as none of the three books from him has any notes on it. 92

1985 Château Petrus

1985 Château Petrus:
From the Bolkesjø collection. In the neck fill.Bright ruby, perfumed, roses, violets, leather, rich of anise and blueberries beneath. Transparent, feels light on its feet even if quite intense. Complex. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, richer palate, some coffee and white chocolate in the long finish. 94

Faulty storage 89 Tertre Roteboeuf.

1989 Château Tertre Roteboeuf:
Not near as fine a bottle of this as it could be, lacks the fruit and nuances, just heavy and warm. Faulty storage.

1990 Château Troplong Mondot

1990 Château Troplong Mondot:
Deep ruby. Rich nose of plums, coffee and mocca. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, sweet, warm and ripe fruit, dense and lacks charm. 88

90 Angelus

1990 Château Angelus:
Bright ruby. Rich nose of blueberries, vanilla, bergamot and violets. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, not too complex but realy seductive. Long fruitdriven finish. 93

5 blind ones, 1990 Gazin, 93 La Grande Rue, 89 Palmer and more

These five wines was served blind to the dinner during the Bordeaux Right Bank tasting in Trondheim, to see which one would match reindeer (caribou) the best. The 90 Gazin and 89 Palmer blew the rest of the track in my book. The meat was perfection with chanterelles, amazing food as always at Lars*. The Burgundy was faulty, the Brunello to dry, and the Cornas totally overshadowed anything in it's path.

1990 Château Gazin:
Ruby, garnet rim. Cassis, leather, perfumed, violets, intense and layered nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, very elegant and superb balance. Very long finish, layered and seductive. I love this wine. 94


1993 Domaine Francois Lamarche La Grande Rue Grand Cru:
Cloudy garnet Tight nose, some redcurrant's and strawberries. High acidity, more cherries on the palate, either too old or faulty storage, tired, lean and simple.

1986 Salvioni Brunello di Montalcino:
Deep ruby, garnet rim. Cherries, redcurrant's, leather and licorice. High acidity and dry tannins, biting on the palate, short. 85



1989 Château Palmer:
Bright ruby. Again tight nose, floral, cassis and flowergarden. Fine leather. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, elegant body and such fine balance. Seductive, superb elegance, very long. Lacks the nuances and layeres of some bottles. 94

1999 Reynart Cornas:
Lilac and almost opaque. Sweet and alcoholic nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, sweet all the way, like a mix of Basset's allsorts and winegums. In this company, short. 87

90, 83 and 76 Château d'Yquem

1990 Château d'Yquem:
(Served blind) Golden. Apricots, vanilla, pineaples, youthfull and tight. Fresh acidity, superb balance, pure feel, long and nuanced. The most elegant and layered bottle I've had of this and still very young in its expression. Broadbent states 'Perfect now, yet great future' all the way back in 1998. I could not agree more, today. I nailed the estate, but it felt too fresh for 1990 for me, I was on 1997.... 94


1983 Château d'Yquem:
(Served blind) Pale amber. Rich heavy nose, intense and unrefined first. That quickly blew over and turned into apricots, pineaplles and exotic fruits. Fresh acidity, palate is a pure joy of balance. Very elegant and fresh, more easy going than the 90. In 2000 Broadbent writes 'Superb yet still evolving', true today as well. My freshest and richest bottle. I was on eighty- something Yquem. 93



1976 Château d'Yquem:
(Served blind) Amber, heavy apricots and rich fruity nose, while elegant. Fresh acidity, elegant palate as well, refreshing, towards playful, long, incredible finish. Gorgeous bottle. In 2001 Broadbent is '***** Though I think it is on decline' and 'at one dinner, describing it as a bit 'stodgy and four-square', but it might have been the raspberry souflé'. It was definitely the raspberry souflé, this bottle was superb with and without the creme brulée. I nailed both house and vintage. 96

1949 Château Rieussec

1949 Château Rieussec:
(Echenauer bottle) Bright amber. Fresh of yello apples, orange peel and orange marmalade. Nuts and marzipan below. Candid apples with more air. Fresh acidity, a bit lean mid-palate but a tremendous freshness even if everything seems glazed in caramel in the long finish. I think this is the best Rieussec I've had. 95

Commandeur de Bordeaux middag på Østmarkseteren

Vi startet ut med en kremet soppsuppe og foie gras som var en utrolig deilig, smaksrik men lett suppe. Så en slags vaktel terrine som også var mør og smaksrik. Til disse fikk vi en hvit Domaine de la Solitude 2004, en vin med noe utvikling, men mindre enn ventet ut ifra alder og eiendommens renome. Den pannestekte havabboren med kongekrabbe, vårløk, fenikkel og trompetsopp med sitrus beurre blanc gikk som hånd i hanske med 2007 Château Olivier blanc. Havabbor er ikke en personlig favoritt, men tilbehør, da særlig den sødmefulle kongekraben, perfekt steking, samt sausen gjorde gjorde dette til en flott rett. Olivier kom nok en gang med en superb friskhet og utrolig eleganse, mineraler og lette sitrusaromaer. Dette slottet har satt seg som en favoritt i de senere årene, og 2007 er vanvittig flott. 2009 Château Chasse-Spleen blanc ble rik, svakt volatil og manglet syre, noe som er litt årgangstypisk på de hvite og for mange røde i Saint-Emilion. Denne ble for meg litt plump til maten, og nesten mer plump alene.


Neste rett var ett helt fantastisk lettrøkt skogsduebryst med smørstekte kantarelle, spinat og en eventyrlig portvinsreduksjon. Jeg har ofte problemer med røkte ting, blir fort bare en eim a surt bål, men denne fikk nærmest frem en mineralitet i duebrystene. Strålende rett som fikk følge av en ungdommelig, fruktig og elegant Pomerol, 2000 Château La Petite Eglise. Denne fremstår som strøken nå, men kan utvilsomt bli liggende en stund enda. På den modne siden en sjokkerende bra 1966 Château Lanessan, en Haut-Médoc beliggende like innenfor Saint-Julien. Man kjenner at det er slektskap, elegant og forførerisk, utrykk man sjelden bruker om Haut-Médoc. Det tok litt tid før sviskene og rosinene dukket opp i glasset, først var det kun lær, tobakk og lakris. Men fylden og balansen var der hele veien. Overraskende at denne kunne holde så godt. Topp skulder fill.


Neste rett var en helt utrolig mør helstekt filet av gjøkalv, ristet skogsopp, stekt asparges og Madeira glace. Kjøttet smeltet på tungen og sausen var to die for. Nok en perekt match med vinene, en 1996 Château Giscours, ung men begynner å komme rundt. For min del bør den fort ha ti år enda. 1995 Château Talbot var nesten litt grov og rå i mellomgulvet, denne trenger utvilsomt mange år til. Men en besnærende nese.


Sist en sjokolade mousse på pistasjebunn, karamellkuler, bringebærsorbet og krydder hippen. Moussen så lett og elegant at den lettet på tungen, og sammen med noen eventyrlige karamellkuler var dette den beste sjokolademoussen jeg har smakt. Bringebærsorbeten gjorde det hele svært så friskt og deilig etter mange retter. 2010 Castelneau de Suduiraut fulgte her, en vin med bra trykk og flott syre. En av de rikeste årgangene av Castelneau, og dette er ett kupp til prisen på VP. Flott syre og det bugner i ananas og aprikoser. En helt eventyrlig kveld, i herlige omgivelser en tidlig høstkveld.

Nyhetslansering Vinmonopolets spesialbutikker september 2012 Italia: Piemonte Part 2

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Nyhetslansering Vinmonopolets spesialbutikker september 2012 Italia: Piemonte Part 1

Again wines were served on the chilled side.

2011 Cascina Tavin Grignolino d'Asti:
9948701 (199,-) Pale garnet, morellos and some wood polish. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, a bit simple but good fruit. 81

2011 F.Boschis Grignolino:
8103801 (174,80) Garnet, floral over morellos. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, mouthwatering even if easy and a bit short. 82

2011 Cascina Tavin Ruche di Castagnole Monferrato:
9949201 (234,-) Towards purple, cheap rose perfumed soap, think gewürztraminer. Fresh acidity, slightly bitter finish, before that soap returns. 80

2009 F.Boschis Langhe Freisa Neri Sori:
8104101 (262,-) Deep ruby, perfumed and dark fruits. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, mouthwatering mid palate. If the nose doesn't charm you, the palate should. 85

2006 Roddolo Lange Rosso Bricco Appiani:
9989501 (356,60) Deep ruby, cassis, leather and cigars. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, elegant and a bit lean mid palate, typical of Cabernet Sauvignon. Good length. 86

2010 Il Colombo Dolcetto Dogliani Il Colombo:
8104505 (442,70) (Magnum) Deep purple, opaque. Sweet blackberries, medium acidity, high of ripe tannins. Intense palate, fresher finish. 85

2010 F.Boschis Dolcetto Dogliani Vigna del Cilieglio:
8103901 (212,-) Deep purple, towards opaque. Dark fruits, fresh acidity, ripe tannins, rich yet fresh. Lacks a bit of substance mid palate. 84

2011 Abbona Dolcetto Dogliani Papa Celso:
9989901 (239,30) Opaque. Deep fruit, some sweet overtones. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, elegant, refreshing, serve it a bit chilled. 86

Faulty bottles:
2004 Nervi Gattinara Molsino

Nyhetslansering Vinmonopolets spesialbutikker september 2012 Italia: Sicilia

Sicilia. Again the wines was served chilled.

2011 Terre Nere Etna Bianco:
9799501 (195,70) Lemon yellow, slightly floral, yellow fruits on the nose. Fresh acidity and elegant texture, refreshing if a bit short. 80

2011 Caravaglio Salina Rosso:
9948501 (189,90) Cardinal red. Slightly herbal over chocolates and dark berries. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, leanish fruit, fuller body. 84

2010 Passopisciaro Etna Rosso:
8102201 (417,60) Pale bright garnet. Elegant nose of red berries. Fresh acidity, lively, transparent, elegant, some tannins, grippy finish. 87

2010 Passopisciaro Contrada P Porcaria:
8102601 (588,30) Bright garnet. Elegant nose of red berries. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, pure, mouthwatering, long and elegant fruit, on the lean side, for purists. 89

2010 Terre Nere Etna Rosso Santo Spirito:
9799901 (322,20) Bright garnet, fruity, strawberries, tutti frutti from Wrigley's. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, elegant fruit, a bit one-dimensional, slightly sweet finish. 85

2010 Cornelissen Munjebel Rosso 10 anni:
9990905 (961,10) (Magnum) Redcurrant red. Sweet nose of red berries, cloudberries and something reminicent of Pinot. Slightly spritzy, fresh acidity, a bit hollow but pure fruit follows in the finish. 86

2011 Cornelissen Munjebel Rosso 8 Monte Colla:
9990601 (465,-) Pale ruby. Rich, intense nose, more sweet red berries and cloudberry jam. Fresh acidity, burning alcohol (15%), New World Pinot in a not very elegant style, unbalanced and burning aftertaste. 75

2010 Caravaglio Malvasia della Lipari:
9948602 (208,-) (demi) Golden, lilies, whiff of honey, fairly rich. Medium acidity and rich body, just enough freshness to make it elegant, raisins on steroids, good length. 86

2010 Ferrandes Pasito de Pantellaria:
Pale amber, green rim. Intense, rich, almonds soaked in honey, rich raisins. Acidity makes it fresh, just, good length. 88

Following wines were faulty:
2005 Gulfi NeroMaccarj
2009 Pino Etna Rosso

Nyhetslansering Vinmonopolets spesialbutikker september 2012 Italia: Trentino-Alto Adige

(Wine Monopoly special release) Starting with some wines from Trentino Alto Adige. Most of these wines isn't normally available outside of Italy, and not even outside their local community. Some have been collected from private cellars, others from the producers. Do not expect to find some of these wines again later. All wines, also the reds was served on the cool side. Tasting notes in the same order as tasted.

2010 Nusserhof Blaterle:
8101001 (261,70) Pale lemon yellow. Light, floral and lemony nose. Fresh acidity, light, elegant and refreshing. Ever so slightly bitter finish. Blaterle is a very rare grape variety. 80

2010 Cesconi Nosiola Dolomiti:
9949701 (220,-) Lemon yellow, honey and beeswax with a faint hint of smoky minerals behind. Fresh acidity, lively with slightly sweet plum touch. Creamy texture and good length. 83

2011 Nössing Grüner Veltliner:
100401 (267,-) Pale lemon ellow. Light floral note, smells of a summer garden. Fresh, lively, elegant, yellow fruits and a good length. 83

2010 Manincor Sauvignon Lieben Aich:
9372001 (255,80) Lemon yellow. Some fizz in the glass, rich and ripe, fruity with honey and melon. Slightly spritzy on the palate as well, fresh acidity, elegant body, spritzy finish. 82

2011 Pedrotti Schiava Nera:
9949301 (199,-) Pale bright garnet. Candid rose petals, Harrod's violet filled chocolate. Medium first, later fresher acidity in the taste curve. Slightly bitter finish, good length. Either each cuvee, or the whole winery produces only 3000 bottles per year. 83

2010 Graf Pfeil Vernatch Baslan:
9951601 (299,-) Pale ruby. Fruit driven, black- and raspeberry nose. Slightly spritzy. Medium acidity, some sticky tannins, slightly sweet tannins. 81

2011 Petruskellerei St.Magdalener:
9949501 (199,-) Pale ruby, slightly herbal and unripe blackberries. Fresh acidity, lively, refreshing, light and good length. 83

2011 Radoar Zweigelt:
9951901 (255,-) Bright purple. Roses and perfumed nose. Fresh acidity, lively, playful and mouthwatering raspberry like palate. One-dimensional palate, but very vigorous and refreshing. 82

2010 Ulzbach Teroldego Rotaliano:
9952201 (250,-) Opaque. Aromatic and deep feel. Dark fruits and vanilla. Fresh acidity, simple minded if fruity, grippy tannins, good length. 79

2010 Manincor Pinot Nero Mason:
9976005 (531,50) (Magnum) Bright garnet, simple and easy nose. Fresh acidity, more typical and more intense palate, fresh and lively. Elegant strawberries, good length. Better than many Burgundies at this price level. 85

2010 Mumelter Lagrein Griesbauerhof:
9952001 (320,-) Almost black and opaque. Deep fruity nose, slightly perfumed overtones. Rich palate, medium acidity, ripe tannins. Slightly grassy finish. 82

2009 A.Pfitscher Lagrein Kotznloater Riserva:
9951501 (340,-) Deep ruby, intense of wood and barrel. Even more than barrel samples of Bordeaux. Rich, heavy, sweet and short. 75

2007 Produttori Bolzano Lagrein Taber Riserva:
5509001 (376,50) Pitch black, ruby rim. Rich, concentrated, blackberries, vanilla and white chocolate. Intense. Towards fresh acidity, high of ripe tannins, intense bitter chocolate finish. Long. 86

2006 Nusserhof Lagrein Riserva:
8101305 (562,40)(Magnum) Very deep ruby, mushrooms, dark fruits and some pepper. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, refreshing finish. Would be easy to end up in Rhône on this one served blind. 86

1999 Pedrotti Vino Santo Trentino:
9949902 (420,-) (demi) Golden with amber hue. Overripe apples, honey and orange marmalade. Fresh acidity, elegant and fruity, lovely balance, long. 88

Faulty bottles:
2009 Zadra Groppello di Revo
2010 Manincor Lieben Aich
2010 Bolognani Teroldego Armilo

Grgich Hills Estate

One of the really classic Napa Valley producers, that I've only tasted sporadically, and even if it's considered legendary, it's still affordable. "Mike" Grgich's chardonnay beat the French in the famous 1976 Paris tasting. In 1977 Mike partnered with Austin Hills to make Grgich Hills in 1977

Grgich is located in Napa Valley, and farms 366 acres naturally, without artificial fertilizers, pesticides or herbicides.

2009 Grgich Hills Napa Valley Chardonnay:
BU 9358901 (349,-) Pale lemon yellow Rich nose of nuts, some popcorn apples and some minerals behind. Fresh acidity, creamy texture, elegant and well balanced, lively finish. 40% new oak which helps to tone down the sometimes over oaked chardonnays of California. 89

2007 Grgich Hills Napa Valley Merlot:
BU9359101 (349,-) Deep ruby, rich and a bit heavier nose of dark berries and some vanilla. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, mellow, elegant, fruitdriven and balanced. Long. 88

2007 Grgich Hills Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon:
BU9359001 (439,-) Deep ruby. Rich but less intense nose, or rather less up front than the Merlot. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, needs air to open. Clean, elegant, rounded, long. 89

07 Beauregard

2007 Château Beauregard:
Deep ruby, Just a whiff of violets and roses high above blackberries, blueberries and plums. Vanilla and white chocolate. Many Saint-Emilions are fine in 2007, as they are more focused, less rich and alcoholic than some warmer vintages. I was a bit afraid that this would be to cool, to green. It isn't. Its beautiful! Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, elegant and fruity, mouthwatering even, a pleasure now. Luckily I have a few more bottles, this was a real treat. 90

Five superb wines from Trapet including Chambertin

'Wine is one of the most civilized things in existence. In my capacity as a wine grower, the path of gentleness and respect enables me to make my way towards the highest degree of expression of my soils. This gentleness, chosen with due consideration, often follows the paths of tradition. It travels across the vineyard. From first buds to harvesting, the grape is accompanied but never forced.' (From the domaine's web site)

Domaine Trapet, even if highly sought after, are one of those domains I found strange that aren't even higher on the Burgundian stratosphere. The wines are so pure, so elegant, so vibrant, so tender, layered, nuanced, they can't hide faults. They're way to transparent. The length on some of the Chambertin's I've been lucky enough to encounter lasts for minutes. Tender and delicate. Maybe some people oversee them, or ignore them, because of the frailty. It's wine for contemplation and meditation. It's like Miro's painting: 'Person throwing stone at a bird'. It has an elegance and there's simplification of everything, still its so pure, and perfect. If you change any line, any colour, any texture of the paint, you ruin it.


The five wines tasted (actually six) follow below. One from Alsace where the whife of the owner comes from if I understood correctly. All wines are special imports from Moestue Grape Selections at Vinmonopolet.

2008 Trapet Riquewihr Riesling:
Pale lemon yellow, elegant and fruity, apples and ripe lemons. Lovely and fresh acidity, balanced, fresh and lively for Alsace, fresh and cool fruit feel, one would almost go for a German one blind. 86

2008 Domaine Trapet Gevrey-Chambertin Ostrea:
(ca 350,-) Bright pale garnet. Fresh nose of red berries, strawberries, pure. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, elegant and lovely balance and body. Long. 88

2007 Domaine Trapet Gevrey-Chambertin Ostrea:
(ca 350,-) Bright pale garnet. Somewhat more subdued, but still very similar next to the 2008. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, leaner body, elegant and long. 87

2008 Domaine Trapet Gevrey-Chambertin 1er Cru Clos Prieur:
(ca 550,-) Bright pale garnet. Floral notes and lightly perfumed over strawberries and redcurrant's. Transparent and layered. Fresh and towards high acidity, playful. Ripe tannins, superb elegance, very long. 92

2006 Domaine Trapet Gevrey-Chambertin 1er Cru Clos Prieur:
(ca 625,-) Bright pale garnet: A bit more closed than the 08, and unfortunately the time wasn't there to wait for it. Hope it will next time. Strawberries, pure, just shows a touch of development. Fresh acidity, mellow tannins, elegant and subtle, very long. 91-92

2007 Domaine Trapet Grand Cru Chambertin:
(ca 1100,-) Bright pale garnet. The nose ads another level of refinement, subdued, layered, floral, just a touch perfumed on top, again those pure wild strawberries. Fresh and lively acidity, ripe tannins. Superb balance, pure and refined to its finger tips. Extremely long. 95

98 Rousseau Chambertin

1998 Armand Rousseau Chambertin:
Pale ruby with garnet rim. Still youthful nose, strawberries, basil, leaf notes, some flowers, touch of vanilla, refined, easy, yet intense feel. Slightly spicy. Fresh and elegant acidity, ripe tannins, gorgeous balance and layered, feels like perfection, exceptional length. 97-98

90 Dalla Valle

1990 Dalla Valle Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon:
Ruby red, thin garnet rim. Gorgeous nose of some spicy, almost heavy dark berries and cassis. Complex and layered with a touch of coffee shop and fine leather. Fresh acidity, a bit sweeter than I remember, tannins ripe and elegant and long finish. 93

2004 Vietti Barolo Rocche:

2004 Vietti Barolo Rocche:
Bright ruby, roses and tar, intense fruit, some cherries and starting leather hiding behind. Very complex and feels full for Barolo. High acidity and high of ripe tannins. Didn't need too much air to feel open, but young. Long. 91+