Vindirekt is one of the big importers in Finland and they have a pretty impressive range of wines. I was invited to taste some of their new wines.
William Fèvre Chablis 1er Cru Montmains 2006 NB! not the Domaine stuff, but négoce: a nice, correct Chablis nose, ripe but not terribly mineral. Quite a full and fruit forward profile for Chablis, but gladly the oak of previous years is not at all visible. It is still an easy going style, enjoyable though young, pretty soft even for Chablis.
Domaine William Fèvre 1er Cru Fourchaume Vignoble de Vaulorent 2006 was very mineral compared to the Montmains, a stronger structure, but still in a forward, approachable style. Nice. Though Fèvre doesn't seem to make a hard-core, acid driven, enamel-destroying style, I still enjoy the new, un-oaky style they produce.
Olivier Merlin Mâcon La Roche-Vineuse Vieilles Vignes 2006 was an attractive wine, without offensive oak, though some was noticable, limpid, easy-going style, but enough structure to be refreshing. Nice enough, though not terribly complex.
Olivier Merlin Pouilly-Fuissé 2006 was going towards the spectrum of oak use where I find going difficult. The structure and fruit components were in good balance, so I assume that since the oak wasn't dominant, many will find this a very attractive white Burgundy.
Ch. de Beaucastel CdP Blanc 2006 was strange, but strangely compelling. I thought that the dominant scent was of orange-peel (as in botrytis? but could it be?). Very full bodied and oily, but with tannic grip to provide some refreshing qualities as well as a touch of minerals. Nice!
Ch. Rayas CdP Blanc 2006 was very mineral and earthy, almost like a Ch. Musar white except oilier and more alcoholic. I enjoyed it very much. I think that on the table this would work like red wine because of the earthy and tannic profile.
Leonildo Pieropan Soave Calvarino 2006 is one the most delightful whites from Italy I know. Lovely, refreshing, mineral nose; medium bodied, ripe but not heavy, very mineral, crunchy, refreshing - just lovely!
Leonildo Pieropan Soave La Rocca 2006 was just plain weird: ketchup on the nose; flat, mouthcoating palate without the brightness or refreshing qualities of the Calvarino. I find this oaky wine a hard wine to understand and enjoy, though I accept that many love this wine.
Olivier Merlin Moulin-à-Vent 2005 seemed a rather weighty and sweet style of Bojo, but I think that might just be a very ripe vintage, as the aromatics themselves were just lovely and bright; gravelly and vibrant palate. I have never before heard of this producer, but the Mâcon and especially this MàV are wines I very much appreciate. Can anyone tell me more of them?
Maison Camille Giroud Beaune 1er Cru Aux Cras 2005 ubi Burgundia? Oak.
Maison Camille Giroud Corton Clos du Roi GC 2005 this was much better integrated on the oak than the Cras, but still is a rather dark toned, modern style of Burgundy. I think if one likes that style, this can be a very good wine.
Tandem Syrah 2006 is Alain Graillot's project in Morocco. This was a lovely little wine: a true Syrah in aromas, yet of a sweet and peachy kind; good structure and frankly quite amazing length for what is, I understand, a rather inexpensive wine. I liked the '05 of this very much, but I think I might like this '06 even more for its peachy, almost Côte-Rôtie aromas.
Jamet Côtes-du-Rhône 2006 is a 100% Syrah and smells peachy and floral and meaty and is delightful.
Château Fonsalette CdR Rouge 2004 was sweet and spicy, red and bright; good structure, full bodied. Nice!
Pignan CdP Rouge 2004 was a cherried, bright, bittersweet wine; full bodied but refreshing. Nice!
Ch. Rayas CdP Rouge 2005 was a bit funky, full of bright cherry and earth notes, complex and bright rather than heavy and dark as so many CdP we see over here are. Though it is very full bodied, it has a bittersweet, bright streak running through it which keeps the whole more on the refreshing than unctuous side. If more S. Rhône was like this or the Bonneau Charles Morgan brought over, I might become a fan!
Domaine de Montcalmès 2005 (Languedoc) seemed a Syrah-forward wine, quite sweet in fruit, but kept in check by the strong structure. Attractive enough, but not perhaps quite the wine closest to my heart.
Grange des Pères Rouge 2005 was very perfumed and surprisingly open on the nose, very ripe but with enough savouriness to keep the scent fascinating. Big, sweet, but still vibrant. Nice!
Martín Codax Cuatro Pasos Mencía 2006 was a simple, but charming wine, ripe and red toned, slightly earthy. I couldn't find a particularily stron Mencía character in it, but apparently this would be under 10€ if it were available in Alko, so for that price I'm not complaining: it is an attractive little wine, refreshing and without obvious oak notes.
Aldo Rainoldi Valtellina Grumello 2004 was a lovely wine: it smells sharp (cat's piss perhaps?), a little funky, and bright and red toned in fruit aromas. Not as drying as I expected from such a young Nebbiolo. I like this.
Aldo Rainoldi Valtellina Inferno Riserva 2004 was much like the above, but not so bright and I thought I saw glimpses of oak? I'm not sure, I can be a bit like the boy that cried "wolf" when it comes to anything even slightly resembling oak aromas.
Aldo Rainoldi Valtellina Sfurzat Fruttaio Ca'Rizzieri 2002 was a slightly sweeter and much darker fruit version of the previous. Nice!
Ampeleia Kepos 2006 - this is Elisabetta Foradori's Tuscan project, but not only with typical Tuscan grapes, but Mediterranean grapes also. Smells a bit nutty, red and very sweet nose; drying yet full body, very ripe. Not bad, but I'm having trouble finding a unique personality in it.
Ampeleia Ampeleia 2004 was much like the above, except more weight and extract. Again: not bad, but a bit forgettable.
Hamilton-Russell Ashbourne Pinotage 2004 was perfectly drinkable, but I wouldn't go out of my way to find it. It had a bit of that cumin and mustard aroma that I so often find with the grape, but also ripe, clean fruit; full bodied, nice structure, clean. Not bad at all.
perjantai 28. maaliskuuta 2008
Dveri Pax Traminec 2007
I found some good looking tomatoes (how is that possible?) so I made one my favourite simple, quick dishes for dinner: char grilled salmon salad - the salmon here is usually very nicely grilled at my local store, so I just buy some veggies and put some balsamico on top. Not a sophisticated culinary dish, but edible (and, what is important, on days like this when I'm at work this late, quick). It can be a challenge for wines, however, but I thought that tonight's sample wine would work:
Dveri Pax Traminec 2007 - Slovenia, Štajerska
A sample - not yet released. It is very slightly bubbly once poured. The nose is beautiful: aromatic and floral yet not as obvious as Gewürztraminer, strongly mineral. Lively, light and refreshing, mineral. What a lovely wine!
It did work to some extent as the acidity cut the richness of the fish, but this was lighter than ideal for such a greasy fish - more body, more intensity would have been ideal. But the wine was of heartbreaking purity, so my dinner was a very happy one!
But I have a question on Traminec. What is it? Apparently the same as Traminer. But how is that linked to Gewürztraminer?
Dveri Pax Traminec 2007 - Slovenia, Štajerska
A sample - not yet released. It is very slightly bubbly once poured. The nose is beautiful: aromatic and floral yet not as obvious as Gewürztraminer, strongly mineral. Lively, light and refreshing, mineral. What a lovely wine!
It did work to some extent as the acidity cut the richness of the fish, but this was lighter than ideal for such a greasy fish - more body, more intensity would have been ideal. But the wine was of heartbreaking purity, so my dinner was a very happy one!
But I have a question on Traminec. What is it? Apparently the same as Traminer. But how is that linked to Gewürztraminer?
Austrians from Sattlerhof, Loimer, Heinrich & Wieninger
Today we had a small tasting of Austrians, some already on the market (and warning: imported by us, so beware! 
), some hopefully soon here.
Sattlerhof Muskateller 2007 (Südsteiermark) was a charming wine, very mineral, floral; dry, mineral, quite delicate and very charming. Those who like Messmer's Muskateller should appreciate this one, too, though this seems more delicate.
Sattlerhof Sauvignon Blanc 2007 (Südsteiermark) was an elegant style of the grape, not an in-your-face style at all, but elegant, slightly grassy, very mineral. I like it, and I rarely get along with the grape.
Fred Loimer was visiting and it was fascinating to hear his approach on wines. I especially like that his wines comes from generally cooler terroirs - add this to his philosophy of harvesting a bit earlier to keep acidity high and sugars in check, and you can understand why I generally like their wines alot.
Loimer Grüner Veltliner 2007 (Kamptal) was true to the grape, in a pure style, with attractive green notes; mineral and quite light on its feet, though it does have some weight (12,5% abv IIRC). I enjoyed it, but it is a rather straightforward style.
Loimer Riesling 2007 (Kamptal) was also true to the grape. This is an attractive wine, with nice minerality - but it is the basic stuff, so not terribly complex.
Loimer Riesling Terrassen 2006 (Kamptal) was pure and intense, weighty (shows the 2006 vintage's size very obviously) yet it has entirely sufficient acidity to cope with the fruit. I think this will be great fun to drink once it calms down.
Loimer Riesling Beerenauslese Steinmassl 2006 (Kamptal) was perhaps my least favourite of the Loimers: a nose of apricot jam, not as fully botrytised as I expected from a BA; though it apparently has high acidity (8g/l IIRC) it still tastes rather thick and clunky and the 150g/l RS isn't really contained as well as I would hope: this isn't terribly refreshing. It's not bad, and I would like to taste it once it loses some fat, but I'm not terribly excited by it either.
Heinrich St. Laurent 2006 (Neusiedlersee) This was a producer I hadn't heard of before, but this was a very attractive wine: a bit spicy (but sees only old wood), vibrant fruit, quite dark toned, a little bit vegetal; vibrant and well structured palate, juicy acidity, mouthwatering, easy to drink and a great deal of fun.
Heinrich Zweigelt 2006 (Neusiedlersee) was again a pretty dark toned wine on the fruit front, but it had some delicious peppery/vegetal aromas - I have before thought of Zweigelt as a hypothetical mix between a good Cru Bojo and N. Rhône Syrah - and this certainly fits my previous thought. Mouthwatering and crunchy.
Wieninger Chardonnay Classic 2006 (Wien) has no oak, is pretty neutral and light; good structure, mineral. Neutral isn't meant to be a bad word - I enjoyed this as all the pieces were in perfect harmony. If I want a cheap, unoaked, food friendly wine, I would happily take this.
Wieninger Chardonnay Grand Select 2004 (Wien) sees oak, but I don't think anyone else will find it bothersome; medium bodied, typical for the grape, and of genuine interest for those who don't mind a touch of oak.
Wieninger Rosengartl Alte Reben 2006 (Wien) is a field blend of seven grapes. It is like an Arnold Schönberg orchestra piece: occasionally cacophonic, but with a logic and charm of its own; very intense, leesy and complex. I love it! And, I have to be honest, it is probably easier to approach than Schönberg, lol!
Wieninger Pinot Noir Select 2004 (Wien) was frankly quite spoofy with chocolatey oak the dominant smell; it does have good acidity, I'll admit, but otherwise it seems more like a big Californian Pinot without the high alcohol. Sweet and chocolatey. I really must have a word with my boss about this: Wieninger makes so much other great stuff (like the excellent Pinot Noir Rosé I reported on recently), so why do we only import the spoofy one?
), some hopefully soon here.Sattlerhof Muskateller 2007 (Südsteiermark) was a charming wine, very mineral, floral; dry, mineral, quite delicate and very charming. Those who like Messmer's Muskateller should appreciate this one, too, though this seems more delicate.
Sattlerhof Sauvignon Blanc 2007 (Südsteiermark) was an elegant style of the grape, not an in-your-face style at all, but elegant, slightly grassy, very mineral. I like it, and I rarely get along with the grape.
Fred Loimer was visiting and it was fascinating to hear his approach on wines. I especially like that his wines comes from generally cooler terroirs - add this to his philosophy of harvesting a bit earlier to keep acidity high and sugars in check, and you can understand why I generally like their wines alot.
Loimer Grüner Veltliner 2007 (Kamptal) was true to the grape, in a pure style, with attractive green notes; mineral and quite light on its feet, though it does have some weight (12,5% abv IIRC). I enjoyed it, but it is a rather straightforward style.
Loimer Riesling 2007 (Kamptal) was also true to the grape. This is an attractive wine, with nice minerality - but it is the basic stuff, so not terribly complex.
Loimer Riesling Terrassen 2006 (Kamptal) was pure and intense, weighty (shows the 2006 vintage's size very obviously) yet it has entirely sufficient acidity to cope with the fruit. I think this will be great fun to drink once it calms down.
Loimer Riesling Beerenauslese Steinmassl 2006 (Kamptal) was perhaps my least favourite of the Loimers: a nose of apricot jam, not as fully botrytised as I expected from a BA; though it apparently has high acidity (8g/l IIRC) it still tastes rather thick and clunky and the 150g/l RS isn't really contained as well as I would hope: this isn't terribly refreshing. It's not bad, and I would like to taste it once it loses some fat, but I'm not terribly excited by it either.
Heinrich St. Laurent 2006 (Neusiedlersee) This was a producer I hadn't heard of before, but this was a very attractive wine: a bit spicy (but sees only old wood), vibrant fruit, quite dark toned, a little bit vegetal; vibrant and well structured palate, juicy acidity, mouthwatering, easy to drink and a great deal of fun.
Heinrich Zweigelt 2006 (Neusiedlersee) was again a pretty dark toned wine on the fruit front, but it had some delicious peppery/vegetal aromas - I have before thought of Zweigelt as a hypothetical mix between a good Cru Bojo and N. Rhône Syrah - and this certainly fits my previous thought. Mouthwatering and crunchy.
Wieninger Chardonnay Classic 2006 (Wien) has no oak, is pretty neutral and light; good structure, mineral. Neutral isn't meant to be a bad word - I enjoyed this as all the pieces were in perfect harmony. If I want a cheap, unoaked, food friendly wine, I would happily take this.
Wieninger Chardonnay Grand Select 2004 (Wien) sees oak, but I don't think anyone else will find it bothersome; medium bodied, typical for the grape, and of genuine interest for those who don't mind a touch of oak.
Wieninger Rosengartl Alte Reben 2006 (Wien) is a field blend of seven grapes. It is like an Arnold Schönberg orchestra piece: occasionally cacophonic, but with a logic and charm of its own; very intense, leesy and complex. I love it! And, I have to be honest, it is probably easier to approach than Schönberg, lol!
Wieninger Pinot Noir Select 2004 (Wien) was frankly quite spoofy with chocolatey oak the dominant smell; it does have good acidity, I'll admit, but otherwise it seems more like a big Californian Pinot without the high alcohol. Sweet and chocolatey. I really must have a word with my boss about this: Wieninger makes so much other great stuff (like the excellent Pinot Noir Rosé I reported on recently), so why do we only import the spoofy one?
tiistai 25. maaliskuuta 2008
Château Pédesclaux 2004
Château Pédesclaux 2004 5th Growth, Pauillac; 13% abv; 30,60€
This seems to be considered the most obscure and amongst the worst of the classed growth Clarets. I haven't tried other vintages, but this one seems pretty standard Claret to me. It isn't terribly exciting, but it certainly isn't bad either. Upon opening, the nose is of pure blackcurrant leaves and minerals. Unfortunately just an hour in the decanter made the oaky notes come forward.
The palate is lighter than the trend currently seems to be, refreshing, savoury, slightly herbal but ripe enough for my tastes. Pleasantly drying and tannic.
Assuming two things - 1) that I would have more storage space and 2) that buying Bordeaux in Finland wouldn't be highway robbery - I would buy a couple bottles, as the palate was very enjoyable, so I guess the oak on the nose might calm down in a few years.
I think that fruit is the most over-hyped aspect of wine. The miracle of wine is that it turns something as pedestrian and frankly boring and uniform as fruit into something genuinely interesting and occasionally even magical. If you don't like this philosophy, don't taste this wine.
This seems to be considered the most obscure and amongst the worst of the classed growth Clarets. I haven't tried other vintages, but this one seems pretty standard Claret to me. It isn't terribly exciting, but it certainly isn't bad either. Upon opening, the nose is of pure blackcurrant leaves and minerals. Unfortunately just an hour in the decanter made the oaky notes come forward.
The palate is lighter than the trend currently seems to be, refreshing, savoury, slightly herbal but ripe enough for my tastes. Pleasantly drying and tannic.
Assuming two things - 1) that I would have more storage space and 2) that buying Bordeaux in Finland wouldn't be highway robbery - I would buy a couple bottles, as the palate was very enjoyable, so I guess the oak on the nose might calm down in a few years.
I think that fruit is the most over-hyped aspect of wine. The miracle of wine is that it turns something as pedestrian and frankly boring and uniform as fruit into something genuinely interesting and occasionally even magical. If you don't like this philosophy, don't taste this wine.
Champagne, Hunter Valley, Barbaresco, Anderson Valley, Côte-Rôtie, Kremstal, Mosel
Voirin-Jumel Champagne 2002
Quite a full bodied champagne, but still refreshing. Charming and fruit-forward, but with perfectly enough structure to handle all the fruit. Very nice.
Pol Roger Blanc de Blancs 1996
Mineral, citrussy; fine mousse, elegant, paradoxically lean yet fruity, wonderful acidity and minerality. Brilliant stuff!
Mount Pleasant Lovedale Sémillon 2005
Lime and minerals, promises tartness from the aromatics yet is actually quite fruity but still elegant and mineral. The acidity was moderately high, but still lower than I expected from what I have read of Aussie Semillons. Unending, mineralwater aftertaste – lovely. I have only tasted a couple Hunter Valley Sémillons before, but I loved them, and this wine further proves that I should try to find more of them.
Blind: Gaja Barbaresco 1994
Very dark colour. I thought the nose was much like a Barolo with a little bit of age from a warm vintage (I guessed 1997): sweet and primary fruit, rusty tones to the fruit which in this case was darker in tone and less bright red than I expected from Nebbiolo. I was confused by the colour, though, as I have never seen such darkness in a Nebbiolo. Lovely wine, beginning to drink well but I wouldn’t mind a bit more secondary nuance to it.
Töövi Pinot Noir Hein Vineyard 2006 Anderson Valley, California
I had tried this when it had just been shipped to Finland, so it was good to taste it again with a few more months time to settle. This time around, it had brighter Pinot characteristics. Upon opening, the oak wasn’t as obvious as last time, but with air, the oak did come forward – yet it never disguised the Pinosity, so I assume that with a couple year’s age, it will come together. It is a fruit-forward style rather than Burgundian, but leaning more towards Oregonian than the sterotypical Californian style.
Jamet Côte-Rôtie 2004
I remember reading a few notes that this was a bit over done for Jamet. On my previous tastes I hadn’t noticed anything like that, but this time around it was a bit sweeter in fruit than I would hope from a classical C-R. Yet it was still delightfully bacony and peachy and lifted, so I liked it. I didn’t notice any of the new oak aromas that some have claimed. Full bodied, refreshing structure, opulent fruit – but despite the sheer opulence I still enjoy it. Nice!
Salomon-Undhof Grüner Veltliner Alte Reben 2005
This was a very charming wine: very classic GV in its aromas of white pepper and green fruit aromas. Full bodied, warmly fruity, but structured enough to be refreshing also. The aftertaste is just lovely with the varietal aroma of pepper and minerality showing strongly. I really enjoyed this wine!
Kerpen Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Auslese 2006
This was a decent Beerenauslese!
Mineral, slightly botrytised, weighty in fruity yet countered by sufficient acidity, this was a very enjoyable whole, though I think it was eclipsed by the other wines tonight. It did work well with some of the cheeses (I liked the old Gouda, and the Monte Enebro goat’s cheese with it).
Quite a full bodied champagne, but still refreshing. Charming and fruit-forward, but with perfectly enough structure to handle all the fruit. Very nice.
Pol Roger Blanc de Blancs 1996
Mineral, citrussy; fine mousse, elegant, paradoxically lean yet fruity, wonderful acidity and minerality. Brilliant stuff!
Mount Pleasant Lovedale Sémillon 2005
Lime and minerals, promises tartness from the aromatics yet is actually quite fruity but still elegant and mineral. The acidity was moderately high, but still lower than I expected from what I have read of Aussie Semillons. Unending, mineralwater aftertaste – lovely. I have only tasted a couple Hunter Valley Sémillons before, but I loved them, and this wine further proves that I should try to find more of them.
Blind: Gaja Barbaresco 1994
Very dark colour. I thought the nose was much like a Barolo with a little bit of age from a warm vintage (I guessed 1997): sweet and primary fruit, rusty tones to the fruit which in this case was darker in tone and less bright red than I expected from Nebbiolo. I was confused by the colour, though, as I have never seen such darkness in a Nebbiolo. Lovely wine, beginning to drink well but I wouldn’t mind a bit more secondary nuance to it.
Töövi Pinot Noir Hein Vineyard 2006 Anderson Valley, California
I had tried this when it had just been shipped to Finland, so it was good to taste it again with a few more months time to settle. This time around, it had brighter Pinot characteristics. Upon opening, the oak wasn’t as obvious as last time, but with air, the oak did come forward – yet it never disguised the Pinosity, so I assume that with a couple year’s age, it will come together. It is a fruit-forward style rather than Burgundian, but leaning more towards Oregonian than the sterotypical Californian style.
Jamet Côte-Rôtie 2004
I remember reading a few notes that this was a bit over done for Jamet. On my previous tastes I hadn’t noticed anything like that, but this time around it was a bit sweeter in fruit than I would hope from a classical C-R. Yet it was still delightfully bacony and peachy and lifted, so I liked it. I didn’t notice any of the new oak aromas that some have claimed. Full bodied, refreshing structure, opulent fruit – but despite the sheer opulence I still enjoy it. Nice!
Salomon-Undhof Grüner Veltliner Alte Reben 2005
This was a very charming wine: very classic GV in its aromas of white pepper and green fruit aromas. Full bodied, warmly fruity, but structured enough to be refreshing also. The aftertaste is just lovely with the varietal aroma of pepper and minerality showing strongly. I really enjoyed this wine!
Kerpen Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Auslese 2006
This was a decent Beerenauslese!
Mineral, slightly botrytised, weighty in fruity yet countered by sufficient acidity, this was a very enjoyable whole, though I think it was eclipsed by the other wines tonight. It did work well with some of the cheeses (I liked the old Gouda, and the Monte Enebro goat’s cheese with it).
keskiviikko 19. maaliskuuta 2008
Burgaud Morgon & Dom. des Perdrix NSG
After work today I went to a recently opened wine bar, Foxy Wine House, with my boss. It's a lovely little wine house, with some good nibbles and a genuinely interesting selection of wines. They have recently started importing Burgaud, so of course I had to taste the three Morgons they have - and it's possible because they sell wines not by the glass but by the centilitre!
Burgaud Morgon Côte du Py 2006 was wonderfully vibrant on the nose, with the classic Beaujolais fruitiness (yet none of that horrible banana-bubblegum-esteriness), with a ton of gravel under the fruit. Tannic yet vibrant and cherried and fruity. Impeccably balanced, but needs some cellaring.
Burgaud Morgon CdP Réserve 2006 was also nice but IMO not as pure as the previous: a bit appley, more dense, on some sniffs I even get a hint of oak but that might be me hallucinating. I certainly don't mind drinking this, but since I have the choice, I would stick to the CdP for its extra typicity.
Burgaud Morgon CdP "James" 2006 smells a bit barriquey, but also has the vibrancy and gravel I hope to see in Bojo in addition to the cherried fruit. Strongly structured, very tight, nice palate without the hints of Barriqe I smelled. Apparently the wood is all three years old so I was surprised at how much it smelled.
Domaine des Perdrix Nuits-Saint-Georges 1er Aux Perdrix 2002 started out pretty decently though in a modern way: ripe, a bit of oak showing, quite dark toned and masculine in style; but with air the oak came more and more forward and eventually obliterated all that masculinely styled but obviously Burgundian niceness underneath. But what was underneath was pretty decent, so it might turn out nice in the future if the oak goes into hiding. Right now, it didn't please.
Burgaud Morgon Côte du Py 2006 was wonderfully vibrant on the nose, with the classic Beaujolais fruitiness (yet none of that horrible banana-bubblegum-esteriness), with a ton of gravel under the fruit. Tannic yet vibrant and cherried and fruity. Impeccably balanced, but needs some cellaring.
Burgaud Morgon CdP Réserve 2006 was also nice but IMO not as pure as the previous: a bit appley, more dense, on some sniffs I even get a hint of oak but that might be me hallucinating. I certainly don't mind drinking this, but since I have the choice, I would stick to the CdP for its extra typicity.
Burgaud Morgon CdP "James" 2006 smells a bit barriquey, but also has the vibrancy and gravel I hope to see in Bojo in addition to the cherried fruit. Strongly structured, very tight, nice palate without the hints of Barriqe I smelled. Apparently the wood is all three years old so I was surprised at how much it smelled.
Domaine des Perdrix Nuits-Saint-Georges 1er Aux Perdrix 2002 started out pretty decently though in a modern way: ripe, a bit of oak showing, quite dark toned and masculine in style; but with air the oak came more and more forward and eventually obliterated all that masculinely styled but obviously Burgundian niceness underneath. But what was underneath was pretty decent, so it might turn out nice in the future if the oak goes into hiding. Right now, it didn't please.
Poujeaux 2001
Château Poujeaux 2001 Moulis 12,5% abv 23€
Sniffing this, I remember why I like Bordeaux. In those immortal words, this tastes like Claret.
After a series of disappointing Bordeaux, I find one that epitomizes the left bank for me. Where almost all Bx that has recently come my way has coated my mouth in an oaky film which distracts from all else, this wine is refreshing and slightly herbaceous. It smells of cedar and greenness (as in the refreshing way, not the underripe way), cassis and dark fruit. It is tannic, refreshing, moreish. There are some oak notes here, too, but they don't dominate the nose and they don't smother all the attractive notes on the palate. Yes, this needs time, but even so I am happy to have my regained my lost faith in Bordeaux.
[dons tin helmet]I know it's not Friday, but if you don't mind me trolling for a bit, I find that almost all Bordeaux tastes spoofulated to some degree, so this made the pleasure of a "natural" and graceful tasting wine all the greater.[/tin helmet]
Sniffing this, I remember why I like Bordeaux. In those immortal words, this tastes like Claret.
After a series of disappointing Bordeaux, I find one that epitomizes the left bank for me. Where almost all Bx that has recently come my way has coated my mouth in an oaky film which distracts from all else, this wine is refreshing and slightly herbaceous. It smells of cedar and greenness (as in the refreshing way, not the underripe way), cassis and dark fruit. It is tannic, refreshing, moreish. There are some oak notes here, too, but they don't dominate the nose and they don't smother all the attractive notes on the palate. Yes, this needs time, but even so I am happy to have my regained my lost faith in Bordeaux.
[dons tin helmet]I know it's not Friday, but if you don't mind me trolling for a bit, I find that almost all Bordeaux tastes spoofulated to some degree, so this made the pleasure of a "natural" and graceful tasting wine all the greater.[/tin helmet]
Two from Domaine de la Galopière
This was a new producer for me - I hadn't even heard of them before tastings these. I quite liked these, even though I am not a huge fan of white Burgundy.
Domaine de la Galopière Bourgogne Blanc 2006 or possibly 2005 as the cork has the text "mis en bouteille au Domaine de la Galopière 2005". Whichever vintage it is, the nose is just lovely: ripe red apples, slightly citrussy, elegantly honeyed, very open and giving. The palate is full bodied and much more intense than I expected from a Bourgogne Blanc. Ripe fruit, enough acidity, quite a bit of tannins also for a white wine, refreshing despite all the fruit. I have never had such a serious and weighty Bourgogne Blanc before - this would be more what I would expect of a decent 1er Cru. I am quite impressed.
Domaine de la Galopière Meursault 2005 was a bit oaky on the nose, but beneath that it was a more elegant, less opulent style than I normally find for Meursault. This was admirably acidic and grippy for Meursault, refreshing even! I would like to taste this in a couple years to see more clearly what is underneath the oak (FWIW, I would assume that the oak isn't bothersome for most people) as I like it: the best way I can describe it is as steely, though this is not an attribute I expected from such a full-bodied and fat appellation as Meursault, especially from such a warm vintage.
If there is something lacking in these, it is minerality. And perhaps I would like to see a bit more personality in them also, but overall both were very positive experiences. How do Burgundy lovers view the property?
Domaine de la Galopière Bourgogne Blanc 2006 or possibly 2005 as the cork has the text "mis en bouteille au Domaine de la Galopière 2005". Whichever vintage it is, the nose is just lovely: ripe red apples, slightly citrussy, elegantly honeyed, very open and giving. The palate is full bodied and much more intense than I expected from a Bourgogne Blanc. Ripe fruit, enough acidity, quite a bit of tannins also for a white wine, refreshing despite all the fruit. I have never had such a serious and weighty Bourgogne Blanc before - this would be more what I would expect of a decent 1er Cru. I am quite impressed.
Domaine de la Galopière Meursault 2005 was a bit oaky on the nose, but beneath that it was a more elegant, less opulent style than I normally find for Meursault. This was admirably acidic and grippy for Meursault, refreshing even! I would like to taste this in a couple years to see more clearly what is underneath the oak (FWIW, I would assume that the oak isn't bothersome for most people) as I like it: the best way I can describe it is as steely, though this is not an attribute I expected from such a full-bodied and fat appellation as Meursault, especially from such a warm vintage.
If there is something lacking in these, it is minerality. And perhaps I would like to see a bit more personality in them also, but overall both were very positive experiences. How do Burgundy lovers view the property?
Greek dessert wines
Tonight I had my first larger exposure to Greek wines and I was mostly very impressed by these sweeties.
Katogi Averof : Melifron Oinos -04 (13%) (Traminer)
Had a fresh and mineral nose, with lovely floral aromas - so far from "typical" Gewurz aromas that I have to ask is Traminer really the same grape? Citrussy yet sweet, moderate in acidity, light and very refreshing despite its sweetness. Very enjoyable.
L´Union de Cooperatives Vinicoles de Samos: Samos Nectar -00 (14%) (Muscat)
A very intense nose, grapey and orange-skin-like, raisiny, oxidative in character, slightly toffeed. Intense, and intensely sweet with a honeyed aftertaste. Nice!
Ktima Merkouri: Belvedere Malvasia NV (13.5%)
A very perfumed nose, with litschi and hay notes. Sweet and quite low in acidity, but still a lighter style of dessert and somehow manages to stay refreshing. Nice!
Ktima Merkouri: Chortais -00 (18%)(Mavrodaphnis+Korinthtakis+Stathidas)
This was a bit strange: a red dessert that smells like a hypothetical Barossa Shiraz without the lashings of new oak! Tarry, darkly fruity with a prominent note of mulberry. Very sweet but with properly upright tannins, long and warming. Without oak, and with sugar I seem to like Barossa Shiraz as a dessert!
Antonopoulos: Mavrodaphne of Patras NV (Vin Naturellement Doux 15%)
This was the only unpleasant wine of the day, and in all probability it was somehow flawed. A dusty, nasty, confected nose; sickly palate, thinning out. Vile. This was not obviously corked so I have no idea what would be wrong with it, but wine certainly is not supposed to be like this.
After a small break where we ate lots of salty things, we had a flight of Vinsantos:
Argyros : Vinsanto -87 (13.5%) (Assyrtiko,80v)
This again reminds me of Aussie Shiraz with its tar and mulberry notes, yet it also has a floral and refreshing note. The palate tastes of brown sugar and tar, unctuous yet quite acidic, very thick. Very impressive, but not the most moreish of the Vinsantos.
Boutari : VinSanto -99 (12%,natural sweet) (Assyrtiko+Aidani)
This was stylistically similar to the '87 with the tarry notes, but this wasn't so unctuous, had more obvious acidity and even rather obvious tannins. It is a heavy dessert even though it is lighter than the Argyros. Very nice.
Iliopoiloi : Visanto –96 (10.5%)
All of these Vinsantos were very enjoyable, but I loved this most of all. This smelled of acacia and fresh plums; it was much lighter in style than the previous two, more refreshing, brighter, more citrussy in its acidity. Lovely.
Gavala Ampelonaz : Vinsanto -95 (9%,natural sweet)
A simple but very pleasant nose of fresh plums. The palate was probably off since it was slightly sparkling (secondary fermentation?), but oddly enough that worked with this wine! It brought a freshness and lightness to an otherwise heavy wine. I am kind of ashamed to say I liked a faulty wine, but best be honest, lol!
Kostas Antoniou : Vinsanto -99 (12.5%)
A dusty nose, a bit dirty, but with nice acacia and honey notes, too. Sweet, plump, tannic, nice enough, but not among the better wines tonight.
Oinografi Svolos: Vinsanto -00 (11.5%,natural sweet)
A nose of acacia. Lively but weighty, plump but intense. Very nice!
SantoWines: Vinsanto -99 (15%,Vin de Liquer)
A bit dusty, very strong smelling, a bit alcoholic, bittersweet. Very sweet and intense and hot, very weighty. This is perfectly drinkable and even enjoyable, but lacks the poise of some of the others tonight.
Skinos Mastika Liqueur from Chios (30% abv)
Apparently a liqueur made from some tree or other! The nose smells like a good Gin (juniper and spices), but the palate is a bit sweet. I really enjoyed the nose, but too much sweetness for it work.
Blind red: Wolf Blass Black Label 1998 Cabernet Sauvignon
Huge oak. Massive oak. Smells like Barossa Shiraz with a bit of age (15 years or so?): tar, some leather developing, dark fruit and oak and oak and oak. The palate is plump but with a bit of structure to it, leaner than I expected of Shiraz. Not my stuff, but good in its style for those who can handle oak. I guess that it is Cabernet explains why I thought it lean for Barossa Shiraz, lol! But it's a bit worrisome that Cab smells so like Shiraz - is this terroir or wine making style?
Katogi Averof : Melifron Oinos -04 (13%) (Traminer)
Had a fresh and mineral nose, with lovely floral aromas - so far from "typical" Gewurz aromas that I have to ask is Traminer really the same grape? Citrussy yet sweet, moderate in acidity, light and very refreshing despite its sweetness. Very enjoyable.
L´Union de Cooperatives Vinicoles de Samos: Samos Nectar -00 (14%) (Muscat)
A very intense nose, grapey and orange-skin-like, raisiny, oxidative in character, slightly toffeed. Intense, and intensely sweet with a honeyed aftertaste. Nice!
Ktima Merkouri: Belvedere Malvasia NV (13.5%)
A very perfumed nose, with litschi and hay notes. Sweet and quite low in acidity, but still a lighter style of dessert and somehow manages to stay refreshing. Nice!
Ktima Merkouri: Chortais -00 (18%)(Mavrodaphnis+Korinthtakis+Stathidas)
This was a bit strange: a red dessert that smells like a hypothetical Barossa Shiraz without the lashings of new oak! Tarry, darkly fruity with a prominent note of mulberry. Very sweet but with properly upright tannins, long and warming. Without oak, and with sugar I seem to like Barossa Shiraz as a dessert!
Antonopoulos: Mavrodaphne of Patras NV (Vin Naturellement Doux 15%)
This was the only unpleasant wine of the day, and in all probability it was somehow flawed. A dusty, nasty, confected nose; sickly palate, thinning out. Vile. This was not obviously corked so I have no idea what would be wrong with it, but wine certainly is not supposed to be like this.
After a small break where we ate lots of salty things, we had a flight of Vinsantos:
Argyros : Vinsanto -87 (13.5%) (Assyrtiko,80v)
This again reminds me of Aussie Shiraz with its tar and mulberry notes, yet it also has a floral and refreshing note. The palate tastes of brown sugar and tar, unctuous yet quite acidic, very thick. Very impressive, but not the most moreish of the Vinsantos.
Boutari : VinSanto -99 (12%,natural sweet) (Assyrtiko+Aidani)
This was stylistically similar to the '87 with the tarry notes, but this wasn't so unctuous, had more obvious acidity and even rather obvious tannins. It is a heavy dessert even though it is lighter than the Argyros. Very nice.
Iliopoiloi : Visanto –96 (10.5%)
All of these Vinsantos were very enjoyable, but I loved this most of all. This smelled of acacia and fresh plums; it was much lighter in style than the previous two, more refreshing, brighter, more citrussy in its acidity. Lovely.
Gavala Ampelonaz : Vinsanto -95 (9%,natural sweet)
A simple but very pleasant nose of fresh plums. The palate was probably off since it was slightly sparkling (secondary fermentation?), but oddly enough that worked with this wine! It brought a freshness and lightness to an otherwise heavy wine. I am kind of ashamed to say I liked a faulty wine, but best be honest, lol!
Kostas Antoniou : Vinsanto -99 (12.5%)
A dusty nose, a bit dirty, but with nice acacia and honey notes, too. Sweet, plump, tannic, nice enough, but not among the better wines tonight.
Oinografi Svolos: Vinsanto -00 (11.5%,natural sweet)
A nose of acacia. Lively but weighty, plump but intense. Very nice!
SantoWines: Vinsanto -99 (15%,Vin de Liquer)
A bit dusty, very strong smelling, a bit alcoholic, bittersweet. Very sweet and intense and hot, very weighty. This is perfectly drinkable and even enjoyable, but lacks the poise of some of the others tonight.
Skinos Mastika Liqueur from Chios (30% abv)
Apparently a liqueur made from some tree or other! The nose smells like a good Gin (juniper and spices), but the palate is a bit sweet. I really enjoyed the nose, but too much sweetness for it work.
Blind red: Wolf Blass Black Label 1998 Cabernet Sauvignon
Huge oak. Massive oak. Smells like Barossa Shiraz with a bit of age (15 years or so?): tar, some leather developing, dark fruit and oak and oak and oak. The palate is plump but with a bit of structure to it, leaner than I expected of Shiraz. Not my stuff, but good in its style for those who can handle oak. I guess that it is Cabernet explains why I thought it lean for Barossa Shiraz, lol! But it's a bit worrisome that Cab smells so like Shiraz - is this terroir or wine making style?
maanantai 17. maaliskuuta 2008
tiistai 11. maaliskuuta 2008
Pessac, Graves, Listrac-Médoc, St.-Estèphe
Château de Rochemorin Blanc 2004 Pessac-Léognan; Sauvignon Blanc 100%; 12,5% abv; 14,99€
Very tropical aromas of pineapple and massive amounts of oak. I cannot find even a hint of Sauv Bl aromas here. Sweet & ripe fruit, nicely acidic, but woody. Unfortunately the aftertaste is very, very long - or then I caught a splinter of wood at the back of my throat.
I do not like this. But to be positive for a while: I find the green aromas of Sauv Bl combined with oak one of the most disgusting scents I can think of, and as this wine didn't have that Sauv Bl character, it wasn't as bad to my tastes as this potentially could have been. (ummm .... well, I did try to be positive...)
The most perplexing thing about the wine was how it worked with my "dinner". I had an assortment of cheeses (I was lazy - and I do believe we can live on cheese and wine alone!) and even the most wine friendly cheeses I know of (old Gouda & parmigiano reggiano) made the fruit go to the background and unfortunately brought out the oak and pushed the splinters deeper into my toungue.
Château de Castres 2000 Graves 12,5% abv 20,40€
About two years since my previous taste, so it's time to try again. It is a very fruit forward wine as expected from the vintage, but with nicely lifted aromatics and the delectable earthy/muddy aromas I hope to find in Graves. Alas, it is a bit roasted, also. Low in acid, much sweet fruit with some refreshing red notes to the black fruit. It does have quite a bit of tannins but they are currently hiding behind a wall of fruit. The oak isn't annoying and I only noticed it when I went looking for it. Moderate in length. Not bad at all, but I am finding it more ripe than ideal.
I think most people would enjoy this more than I did as it does stay together and the roasted aromas aren't as strong as in some 2003 for example.
Château Sémeillan-Mazeau 2001 Cru Bourgeois Listrac-Médoc 12,5% c.15€
Still primary despite being priced here at such a level that I was expecting a mature, very humble wine. The nose has a bit of oak still showing, but also some nice herbaceousness. Unfortunately it turns a bit inky with time. The palate is more attractive than the nose (very odd for this happen). Medium bodied, though fairly low in acidity, it is still refreshing, nicely herbaceous, yet ripe in its fruit. Very moreish. Assuming that the oak integrates on the nose, I think I will like this in the future. Maybe worth trying it in a year or two if it is still available.
Château Meyney 2001 St-Estèphe, Cru Bourgeois; 12,5% abv; 19,99€ (which does count as a bargain here - even with the current dollar rate I would expect this to cost in US dollars what it does in Euros!)
Dark, slightly funky nose - in this sense it is Cordier (but did they own the property any more in '01?) in style, yet there is upon opening a surplus of oak - even dilly oak (and I find dill occasionally even in French oak, so this does not mean that I find the sweetness of American oak in this wine). Yet I do find an attractive herbaceousness underneath the oak and dark fruit, which would imply that if the oak diminishes, I might enjoy the wine very much in the future. And indeed over a several hours in the decanter, the oak notes do calm down and the savoury/green/cedary notes coupled with the dark fruit notes come forward. It turns into a classically styled, rather four-square, masculine style - typical young St-Estèphe in other words.
Dark fruit, very tannic with some refreshing green nuances. I like the brawny, structured, un-tamed palate. The CellarTracker drinking window from '06-'09, based on this bottle, is utter rubbish: this bottle seemed at least five years too young.
This was infanticide, but the wine will possibly be very good for those who do not like fruit-forward, slutty Bordeaux.
Very tropical aromas of pineapple and massive amounts of oak. I cannot find even a hint of Sauv Bl aromas here. Sweet & ripe fruit, nicely acidic, but woody. Unfortunately the aftertaste is very, very long - or then I caught a splinter of wood at the back of my throat.
I do not like this. But to be positive for a while: I find the green aromas of Sauv Bl combined with oak one of the most disgusting scents I can think of, and as this wine didn't have that Sauv Bl character, it wasn't as bad to my tastes as this potentially could have been. (ummm .... well, I did try to be positive...)
The most perplexing thing about the wine was how it worked with my "dinner". I had an assortment of cheeses (I was lazy - and I do believe we can live on cheese and wine alone!) and even the most wine friendly cheeses I know of (old Gouda & parmigiano reggiano) made the fruit go to the background and unfortunately brought out the oak and pushed the splinters deeper into my toungue.
Château de Castres 2000 Graves 12,5% abv 20,40€
About two years since my previous taste, so it's time to try again. It is a very fruit forward wine as expected from the vintage, but with nicely lifted aromatics and the delectable earthy/muddy aromas I hope to find in Graves. Alas, it is a bit roasted, also. Low in acid, much sweet fruit with some refreshing red notes to the black fruit. It does have quite a bit of tannins but they are currently hiding behind a wall of fruit. The oak isn't annoying and I only noticed it when I went looking for it. Moderate in length. Not bad at all, but I am finding it more ripe than ideal.
I think most people would enjoy this more than I did as it does stay together and the roasted aromas aren't as strong as in some 2003 for example.
Château Sémeillan-Mazeau 2001 Cru Bourgeois Listrac-Médoc 12,5% c.15€
Still primary despite being priced here at such a level that I was expecting a mature, very humble wine. The nose has a bit of oak still showing, but also some nice herbaceousness. Unfortunately it turns a bit inky with time. The palate is more attractive than the nose (very odd for this happen). Medium bodied, though fairly low in acidity, it is still refreshing, nicely herbaceous, yet ripe in its fruit. Very moreish. Assuming that the oak integrates on the nose, I think I will like this in the future. Maybe worth trying it in a year or two if it is still available.
Château Meyney 2001 St-Estèphe, Cru Bourgeois; 12,5% abv; 19,99€ (which does count as a bargain here - even with the current dollar rate I would expect this to cost in US dollars what it does in Euros!)
Dark, slightly funky nose - in this sense it is Cordier (but did they own the property any more in '01?) in style, yet there is upon opening a surplus of oak - even dilly oak (and I find dill occasionally even in French oak, so this does not mean that I find the sweetness of American oak in this wine). Yet I do find an attractive herbaceousness underneath the oak and dark fruit, which would imply that if the oak diminishes, I might enjoy the wine very much in the future. And indeed over a several hours in the decanter, the oak notes do calm down and the savoury/green/cedary notes coupled with the dark fruit notes come forward. It turns into a classically styled, rather four-square, masculine style - typical young St-Estèphe in other words.
Dark fruit, very tannic with some refreshing green nuances. I like the brawny, structured, un-tamed palate. The CellarTracker drinking window from '06-'09, based on this bottle, is utter rubbish: this bottle seemed at least five years too young.
This was infanticide, but the wine will possibly be very good for those who do not like fruit-forward, slutty Bordeaux.
El Rincón 2004
Marqués de Griñón El Rincón 2004 15% abv 20,60€ Syrah + Garnacha
Spoofulated. Very oaky and tarry and much barrique. The palate is sweet, ripe and has adequate structure, but is incredibly hot on the finish. Pass.
Spoofulated. Very oaky and tarry and much barrique. The palate is sweet, ripe and has adequate structure, but is incredibly hot on the finish. Pass.
torstai 6. maaliskuuta 2008
Cline Cool Climate Syrah 2005
Cline Sonoma Coast Cool Climate Syrah 2005 Syrah 99% Zinfandel 1%; 13,5% abv; 15,81€; 14 months in French barriques with 25% of them new; from: 23 ha Lazy ‘C’ is situated in Stage Gulch in the Wildcat mountains in the southern part of Sonoma and 14 ha Lazy ‘P’ northwest of Lazy ‘C’ (wow! for once Alko gives us some information about the wines! ).
The scent is very in-your-face, but for such a style of wine it is a pleasure to finally have something in my face that I like! It is animal and slightly peppery, gamy/bloody like a N. Rhône Syrah and with a perfumed Oolong Tea-like/peach kernel perfume - but all these scents are shoved up my nostrils and they ask in a loud voice: "are you sure you notice me?". But I don't mind that as I like these scents. Too often I find that "in-your-face" wines are jammy and oaky and inky, but instead this really did have aromas that I would expect from N. Rhône. There is a slight blueberry/oak note also, but I can block that out and concentrate on what I like (i.e. this probably isn't over-oaked for most people).
Full bodied, dark fruit, a bit soft - I wouldn't mind a bit more tannins -, but moderate in acidity. It is refreshing enough though not strongly structured. This really isn't a bad drop. I only had a tasting sample (c. 5cl) but based on that I think I could actually drink and enjoy a couple glasses of this without getting tired. At this price, I will buy a bottle to try at home with food.
I have never before heard of this producer. In what sort of regard is it held by those who like Californian wines? I was a bit surprised to see "cool climate" on the label - is there a general trend away from huge, unctuous, sickeningly sweet wines? Or is this a wine aimed at the geek market? What is that 1% Zinfandel doing in this?
).The scent is very in-your-face, but for such a style of wine it is a pleasure to finally have something in my face that I like! It is animal and slightly peppery, gamy/bloody like a N. Rhône Syrah and with a perfumed Oolong Tea-like/peach kernel perfume - but all these scents are shoved up my nostrils and they ask in a loud voice: "are you sure you notice me?". But I don't mind that as I like these scents. Too often I find that "in-your-face" wines are jammy and oaky and inky, but instead this really did have aromas that I would expect from N. Rhône. There is a slight blueberry/oak note also, but I can block that out and concentrate on what I like (i.e. this probably isn't over-oaked for most people).
Full bodied, dark fruit, a bit soft - I wouldn't mind a bit more tannins -, but moderate in acidity. It is refreshing enough though not strongly structured. This really isn't a bad drop. I only had a tasting sample (c. 5cl) but based on that I think I could actually drink and enjoy a couple glasses of this without getting tired. At this price, I will buy a bottle to try at home with food.
I have never before heard of this producer. In what sort of regard is it held by those who like Californian wines? I was a bit surprised to see "cool climate" on the label - is there a general trend away from huge, unctuous, sickeningly sweet wines? Or is this a wine aimed at the geek market? What is that 1% Zinfandel doing in this?
sunnuntai 2. maaliskuuta 2008
Travels with a Tangerine aka The Man Who Walked Across the World
Tim Mackintosh-Smith's great BBC4 documentary on the Arab traveller Ibn Battuta is finally on-line! Tim M-S's books are even better, though. :)
Part I: Wanderlust
Part II: Magicians and Mystics
Part III: Trade Winds
Part I: Wanderlust
Part II: Magicians and Mystics
Part III: Trade Winds
lauantai 1. maaliskuuta 2008
Pichon Lalande '90, '96, '00 ; Musar '88
Our host opened a Ch. Musar 1988. It was absolutely brilliant. Bright and red toned, not very much funk, but a nice lifted nose, very classic Musar aromatics. Sweet and bright red palate. Unending aftertaste. Glorious.
I brought Ch. Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande 1996 because I know that our host loves the property. Dark and primary colour. The nose is quite lovely and surprisingly open for such a young wine, but it is very primary in its fruit notes. Baked beans, vegetation, floral/purple in aromatics, but not obviously oaky (which is nice). Savoury, well structured, a bit inky, but refreshing and lively. Very good but very young.
One of the guests brought Ch. Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande 2000 because he knows that our host loves the property. It was leafy and very elegant, didn't show the aromatics of a very hot vintage, and had an almost Cabernet Franc-like greenness to it which I loved. Well structured palate, but also very fruity. Surprisingly open now, despite being very young. A great wine.
The fourth of our merry gathering also knew that our host loves Pichon Lalande as she brought Ch. Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande 1990. I can't remember ever reading a positive note on this wine, but served blind I liked it very much. The nose was gorgeous: green, savoury, classic Claret aromas, with an exotic floral quality, quite a bit of Cabernet Franc -like herbaceousness to it. I didn't sense any of the huge ripeness I have found in other 1990's, but neither did I find it under-ripe. The palate wasn't so beautiful, but was more than acceptable in a greenish, lean but elegant way. I enjoyed this bottle tremendously, but also can understand why some people find this a weak vintage for the property.
I knew our host also is a fan of Portuguese reds so I brought along a recent arrival at our monopoly Quinta de Chocapalha 2005 (Estremadura; 14,5% abv; 19,82€; from Sandra Tavares da Silva). 75% Touriga Nacional, 25% Tinta Roriz. Dark red. Lots of sweet red fruits on the nose, oak (but not as much as 19 months in 80% new barriques would imply). Very full bodied, berried, tangy palate, strong tannins, refreshing despite its size. Not bad at all, though I wouldn't mind a bit less overt oak.
Despite lots of food and huge quantities of water, I am not looking forward to going to work tomorrow morning. :(
I brought Ch. Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande 1996 because I know that our host loves the property. Dark and primary colour. The nose is quite lovely and surprisingly open for such a young wine, but it is very primary in its fruit notes. Baked beans, vegetation, floral/purple in aromatics, but not obviously oaky (which is nice). Savoury, well structured, a bit inky, but refreshing and lively. Very good but very young.
One of the guests brought Ch. Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande 2000 because he knows that our host loves the property. It was leafy and very elegant, didn't show the aromatics of a very hot vintage, and had an almost Cabernet Franc-like greenness to it which I loved. Well structured palate, but also very fruity. Surprisingly open now, despite being very young. A great wine.
The fourth of our merry gathering also knew that our host loves Pichon Lalande as she brought Ch. Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande 1990. I can't remember ever reading a positive note on this wine, but served blind I liked it very much. The nose was gorgeous: green, savoury, classic Claret aromas, with an exotic floral quality, quite a bit of Cabernet Franc -like herbaceousness to it. I didn't sense any of the huge ripeness I have found in other 1990's, but neither did I find it under-ripe. The palate wasn't so beautiful, but was more than acceptable in a greenish, lean but elegant way. I enjoyed this bottle tremendously, but also can understand why some people find this a weak vintage for the property.
I knew our host also is a fan of Portuguese reds so I brought along a recent arrival at our monopoly Quinta de Chocapalha 2005 (Estremadura; 14,5% abv; 19,82€; from Sandra Tavares da Silva). 75% Touriga Nacional, 25% Tinta Roriz. Dark red. Lots of sweet red fruits on the nose, oak (but not as much as 19 months in 80% new barriques would imply). Very full bodied, berried, tangy palate, strong tannins, refreshing despite its size. Not bad at all, though I wouldn't mind a bit less overt oak.
Despite lots of food and huge quantities of water, I am not looking forward to going to work tomorrow morning. :(
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