<![CDATA[Wine Talk Forums - Wine & Food Talk]]> http://www.thewinecellarinsider.com/winetalk/ A fun, easy going place to talk about any wine and food related topic or issue. This is a real names board. You will need to register with your real first and last name before being able to post. en Sun, 19 May 2013 11:59:00 GMT vBulletin 60 http://www.thewinecellarinsider.com/winetalk/images/misc/rss.png <![CDATA[Wine Talk Forums - Wine & Food Talk]]> http://www.thewinecellarinsider.com/winetalk/ TNs: top Cote Rotie/ Hermitage, Champagnes, dessert wines and more http://www.thewinecellarinsider.com/winetalk/showthread.php?1037-TNs-top-Cote-Rotie-Hermitage-Champagnes-dessert-wines-and-more&goto=newpost Fri, 17 May 2013 15:39:13 GMT Another dinner out with the group. This time at the newly opened Scarlet Begonia located in Victoria Court [not Grosvener Square] in Santa Barbara. Our wine theme of mostly Cote Rotie/ Hermitage wines was more than graciously fulfilled.

NV GASTON CHIQUET BRUT- nice acidity accompanies the fresh citrus notes; crisp, clean and refreshing; consistently good bubbly.

MUMM de CRAMANT BdB BRUT- made from Grand Cru Chardonnay, this low pressured beauty is another fine acidic and citrus laden sparkler that pleases; somewhat yeasty and loaded with minerals, there`s a touch of toast and ginger to make this quite enjoyable.

2009 PIERRE YVES COLIN-MOREY LES CHAMPS GAINS CHASSAGNE MONTRACHET- 1er Cru; a consistent winner, this bottle seemed more Chablis like with lots of minerality and a flinty steeliness; I liked the toasty nose, the creamy texture and the long finish.

2002 MARCASSIN THREE SISTERS VINEYARD CHARDONNAY SONOMA COUNTY- certainly, this is still viable; interesting and atypical from previous samplings, it had some nice lemon-lime notes and by mid palate, there was a stinging, biting sensation not heretofore experienced; strange; overall OK.

2001 KARTHAUSERHOF EITELSBACHER KARTHHAUSERBERG RIESLING SPATLESE- 8.5% alc.; wonderful apricot, caramel topping to some peach and apple notes all continuing on through to the back end; delicious.

2008 M SORREL CROZES-HERMITAGE BLANC- nicely balanced and the predominant grapefruit notes jump out of the glass; its light to medium body carries lots of acidity and citrusy flavors across the palate; refreshing and delightful.

2011 GEORGES VERNAY LES FERRASSES de l`EMPIRE CONDRIEU- intense nose of minerality; oily texture; taste of mint, butterscotch and melon; very different Condrieu profile for me and not of my preferred choice.

1976 GUIGAL COTES de RHONE- surprisingly good; tertiary fruit along with some saddle leather, mild white pepper; soft and easy on the palate; loved it.

2009 BERNARD BURGAUD COTE ROTIE- I was privileged to taste this before the waitress knocked over the decanter with this in it, so it was me and the one who brought it who got the joy; it had the signature spice and pepper touch that I love along with the tar and leather and in this case, some tart red berry flavor at the back end; 12.9% alc.; a winner.

1996 JABOULET LA CHAPELLE HERMITAGE- aside from the table talk where a couple denounced all La Chapelles beyond 1990, I love this wine and many of its vintages in the 90`s and beyond; there not what the 89` and 90` were, but still in the conversation for something good; it has the requisite upfront spice and pepper to accompany the tar and roses of fine Syrah; still young and vibrant and evolving.

1990 CHAVE HERMITAGE tasted with the La Chapelle, this is a different animal; wonderful stately elegance abounds; it is silky smooth, rich and generous and perfectly balanced; just a touch of spice and pepper to accompany the prevalent bacon notes; the key word here for this wine is elegance; a candidate for WOTN for sure.

2007 M SORREL LE GREAL HERMITAGE- very good; mild spice and pepper seasoning coats the raspberry, black cherry flavors; it`s youthful, robust and full on; a good wine to follow down the line as it will surely develop with more maturity.

2007 ALAIN VOGE LES VIELLES VIGNES CORNAS- real fruit forward and almost too sweet; there some licorice, anise and mint joining in and at the very end, some pepper shows up.

2009 GEORGES VERNAY BLONDE DU LEIGNEUX COTE ROTIE- somewhat oaky at first, seems real young and seeking adulthood way off in the future; serious red/ black fruit profile, smooth texture and much better with time in the glass; I expect this to evolve into better balance and provide more overall pleasure.

1997 GUIGAL LA LANDONNE COTE ROTIE- this and the 97` La Turque were tasted blind, side by side; this got my vote as the better of the 2 hands down; great depth, structure and complexity with incredible balance; the epitome of power and finesse; if I used a point system, this would get 100.

1997 GUIGAL LA TURQUE COTE ROTIE- in no way do I kick this one out; it is also beautifully balanced and very complex, but has not achieved the magnitude of the La Landonne; of full body and soft and smooth, it has a great personality and by itself, would shine brightly.

1995 ZIND HUMBRECHT CLOS SAINT URBAIN RANGEN DE THANN SELECTION de GRAINS NOBLES PINOT GRIS- serious and thoroughly enjoyable sweetie; loaded with honeyed apricot and dried peach flavors, thick and luscious; absolutely stellar.

2004 M CHAPOUTIER VIN de PAILLE HERMITAGE- from Marsanne, this is vanilla crème soda; a different breed of cat; after the ZH, it paled in comparison.

2003 DILLMANN TBA RIESLING- again, after the ZH, I just wanted to go back to it for another taste; this was root beer in color, tasted of raisin almost Amarone in flavor and was thick and chewy; I went back to the ZH for a fitting conclusion.

Cheers ]]> Blake Brown http://www.thewinecellarinsider.com/winetalk/showthread.php?1037-TNs-top-Cote-Rotie-Hermitage-Champagnes-dessert-wines-and-more TNs: 19 Riojas + a super dessert wine http://www.thewinecellarinsider.com/winetalk/showthread.php?1036-TNs-19-Riojas-a-super-dessert-wine&goto=newpost Sun, 12 May 2013 04:04:31 GMT Our monthly lunch group met to share some fine cuisine paired with wines from Rioja at the ever fine Santa Barbara Club. We ate and drank well and... Our monthly lunch group met to share some fine cuisine paired with wines from Rioja at the ever fine Santa Barbara Club. We ate and drank well and were served with grace and charm.

The menu:

First course:
Lemon rubbed Salmon salad with vibrant fennel, greens, avocado, black olive and citrus dressing.

Second course:
Sopa Castiliana
Beef garlic and Parmesan soup with toasted fresh bread.

Third course:
Braised quail with spring vegetables and wild mushroom risotto.

Fourth course:
Roasted whole Solomillo with Portabella mushroom Mojete and Cabrales cream sauce.

Cheese course

Dessert course:
Poached baked pear in wine with Catalana cream and raisin Ice cream.

The wines:

We started with a rose and then followed that up with a flight of 3 white Riojas to accompany the First Course-

2011 MUGA ROSE- fun, light, refreshing.

1991 R. LOPEZ de HEREDIA VINA TONDONIA BLANCO RESERVA- yellow gold color with intentional oxidative notes; musty, minerals, nutty, caramel, apricot and peach; delightful.

1987 R. LOPEZ de HEREDIA VINA TONDONIA BLANCO RESERVA- as with the other 2, this was yellow gold, oxidative and more of a light to medium expression of similar notes; 85% Viura, 15% Malavasia.

1989 R. LOPEZ de HEREDIA VINA TONDONIA BLANCO RESERVA- whether it was the youthfulness or whatever, this had more upfront fruit than the other 2 and was overall more enjoyable although all 3 were delightful; the oxidative notes here had more hazelnut along with the honeyed stone fruit character.

We moved into 4 flights of 4 reds for the next 4 courses:

1964 R. LOPEZ HEREDIA de VINA TONDONIA GRAN RESERVA- outstanding; enticing nose promising greatness moving on; tertiary wild red fruit notes with a touch of spice and must; soft and elegant and an amazing example of a wine that has aged beautifully and reached a good place after many decades.

2001 R. LOPEZ HEREDIA de VINA TONDONIA GRAN RESERVA- quite a contrast to the 64` with more vibrant fresh ripe fruit including plum, blackberry and red currant topped with a hint of leather and spice with all continuing on through a long finish.

1987 BODEGAS RIOJANAS VINA ALDINA GRAN RESERVA- this seemed pretty mature and perhaps on the down side; medium body; dried wild berry fruit stands out early and into the back end; just OK and not going to get any better [unless it does].

1987 BODEGAS RIOJANAS MONTE REAL GRAN RESERVA- corked

1994 ARTADI VINA EL PISON- this got my attention; generous spicy wild cherry flavors abound in a velvety texture; delicious.

1994 BODEGAS MONTECILLO VINA ALDINA GRAN RESERVA- smoke, mushroom, some tart and some fresh wild fruit make for an interesting blend of flavors; overall, good wine.

1994 BODEGAS MARQUES de MURRIETA CASTILLO YGAY GRAN RESERVA ESPECIAL- pretty strange from the nose and beyond; some medicinal character amidst the wild cranberry fruit that shows through.

1995 VINA ARDANZA RESERVA- I searched for the proper description of what I was getting in the nose and never did come up with it other than to say it was different and not necessarily in a bad way; the wine had some peppered cherry/ berry notes along with leather and tar, was soft and easy on the palate; overall decent.

1998 FAUSTINO GRAN RESERVA- lots of dried wild red fruit with some cedar, tobacco and tar; drinking just OK and seemingly way young and not yet evolved or in a somewhat valley with peaks ahead.

2001 MARQUES de RISCAL GRAN RESERVA- this hit the spot for me; it was well structured, medium to full body and loaded with fresh ripe red and black fruit that went on and on; so easy on the palate and begging for another taste; I obliged.

2001 ARTADI PAGOS VIEJOS- fairly decent wine with some tart fruitiness, a bit of tar and leather; medium body and length.

2003 CASTANO YECLA SOLANERA VINAS VIEJAS- true to form, our theme got broached in favor of this wine from Murcia; a blend of 65% Monastreil, 35% Cabernet; smoke and minerals join in with the cherry and red berry notes; enjoyable, not real serious and as I understand it, a good QPR wine.

2001 DIEZ-CABALLERO VENDIMIA LA SELECCIONADA GRAN RESERVA- corky along with some tar and mustiness and a somewhat tannic imbalance; muted fruit profile and not really showing all that well.

2001 SENORIO de P. PECINA GRAN RESERVA- lots of oak infused notes of butter and vanilla joined by a tinge of earthy, tar and earthy character accompanying mellow wild red fruit; very smooth and easy on the palate.

2001 VINA ARDANZA RESERVA ESPECIAL- again, if there is a common thread to these wines, it`s the wild nature of the fruit even though I had always looked for the tar and roses that some sources have referred to as the general character of these Tempranillo blends from Rioja; there`s some cherry and plum here and a touch of anise; good wine.

Evidently, I missed the last red wine or it`s lost in my notes and to be edited in later.

Our dessert course was graced with:

1976, Altenberg, BA: Muller Thurgau, made by Karl &. Maria Kadna - 700 ml.; a great pairing with the dessert course with its toast and honeyed golden pear notes and thick and creamy texture coating the palate forever; who needs a dessert course?

Cheers ]]> Blake Brown http://www.thewinecellarinsider.com/winetalk/showthread.php?1036-TNs-19-Riojas-a-super-dessert-wine TNs: 13 Nebbiolos + a Barbera http://www.thewinecellarinsider.com/winetalk/showthread.php?1035-TNs-13-Nebbiolos-a-Barbera&goto=newpost Sat, 11 May 2013 23:09:58 GMT Our monthly wine tasting group met to share an evening of Nebbiolo in the marvelous ambience of a private home overlooking the ocean and mountains of... Our monthly wine tasting group met to share an evening of Nebbiolo in the marvelous ambience of a private home overlooking the ocean and mountains of Santa Barbara. All wines were served blind and in 2 flights of 4 and 1 flight of 5.

2007 MASSOLINO PARUSSI VINEYARD BAROLO- from the estates own vineyard in the Langhe, this was double decanted 1 hour in advance; light in color, the fruit was somewhat muted, but as the wine opened up in the glass, it moved into some nice red and black fruit notes amidst a backbone of fairly firm tannins which dominated from mid palate on.

2008 DAMILANO LECINQUEVIGNE BAROLO- as the name infers, this comes from 5 vineyards, not decanted; interesting profile with a myriad of flavors including lots of coffee, spice and anise along with red cherry/ berry fruit, finishes on the hot side; label understates 14.5% alc.

2008 ANTONIOLO GATTINARA- a real winner; the nose is inviting with nice spicy, fruity aromas which develop further along with noticeable oakiness, but not to a fault; lots of fresh red cherries and raspberries; soft and easy on the palate; very pleasant; 14% alc.; voted one of the best wines of the night.

2009 SILVIO GIAMELLO VICENZIANA BARBARESCO- medium red color, fresh red fruit nose and more early on and through the mid palate with some depth and complexity; finished dry; decanted for 2 hours; overall a decent wine.

2009 GIORGIO PELISSERO BARBERA d`ALBA PIANI- interesting bring for a Nebbiolo theme, but someone has to do it in our group it seems; darker in color than what we have had before, this had some decent fruit in the nose, but it was pretty closed down and that was it until later on when it opened up just a little and gave up some violets and wild cherry notes; 14% alc.

2005 TERRE DA VINO ESSENZE BAROLO- a wonderful blend of fruit from different sources for this cooperative; youthful in color and expression, it`s quite forward now with rich and complex fruitiness along with some oak and spice; certainly, it benefited from being decanted for 8 hours; very good Barolo and well liked by our group as a #1 in the flight and in the mix for overall.

2007 PIO CESARE BAROLO- good wine easy on the palate; this youngster is well structured and promises to be around for a long time with its firm tannins; there`s some talc and mint to accompany the tar and roses notes.

2004 SCHIAVENZA VIGNETO PRAPO BAROLO- pretty intense on the nose suggesting something big and bold to follow which is partially true; there`s good fresh fruit layered throughout and a nice finish leaving a good sensory stimulus for the entire experience; 14.5% alc.; one of the top wines of the night

2004 CLENDENEN FAMILY VINEYARDS NEBBIOLO- Only released in the last year or so, I`ve had a few bottles of this and all have presented magnificently; this was an exception for whatever reason; it was decanted for over 8 hours and just did not show up.

2010 ELIO GRASSO NEBBIOLO DOC LANGHE GAVARINI- really tight and closed down; muted fruit profile; strange mid to back end character and astringent finish; I presume decanting would have helped.

2005 FONTANNAFREDDA SERRALLUNGA d`ALBA BAROLO- good fruit, medium body, nice finish; pleasant and showing potential to be a lot more.

2010 RIVETTO LANGHE NEBBIOLO DOC- fruit forward, tasty treat; friendly, easy and quite pleasant.

2008 DAMILANO CANNUBI BAROLO- licorice laced cherry pie in a bottle; later on some leather and chocolate show up; nice complexity, full body and great length; should stand up for many years, if not decades; 15% alc.; one of the favs of the night.

Cheers ]]> Blake Brown http://www.thewinecellarinsider.com/winetalk/showthread.php?1035-TNs-13-Nebbiolos-a-Barbera 2012 Primeur Pauillac http://www.thewinecellarinsider.com/winetalk/showthread.php?1034-2012-Primeur-Pauillac&goto=newpost Thu, 09 May 2013 09:52:32 GMT *Image: http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JHRi2igEV0U/UXYzpqtfhAI/AAAAAAAAD70/vhYLLN-6jt0/s320/prim2012+295.JPG ...


2012 Château d'Armailhac:
Ruby. Scented, nuanced and elegant nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity and elegant, quite lively, good length. 89-91


2012 Château Batailley:
Ruby. Fruity and floral nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, elegant and easygoing. 86-88


2012 Château Bellegrave:
Deep ruby. Fruity and scented nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, elegant nd lovely freshness, good length. 86-88


2012 Château Clerc Milon:
Ruby. Fruity, scented, very elegant, layered nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity and elegant, refined, lovely and long. 91-93


2012 Château Croizet Bages:
Deep ruby. Fruity nose, cassis and vanilla. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, elegant and easy. 84-86


2012 Château Duhart Milon:
Ruby. Slightly floral, a touch herbal but elegant nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fresh palate, lovely texture, a bit easy going. 89-91




2012 Château Fonbadet:
Deep ruby. Fruity nose, cassis and some vanilla. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, structured and slightly biting finish. 86-88


2012 Château Grand-Puy Ducasse:
Ruby. Scented, a bit oaky and fruity nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, refreshing and lovely fruit, oaky and vanilla finish. 87-89


2012 Château Grand-Puy-Lacoste:
Ruby. Fruity nose, some herbs and slightly scented. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, elegant fruit and body, long. 89-91


2012 Château Haut-Bages-Libéral:
Deep ruby. Fruity, cassis and scented nose. Fresh acidoty, ripe tannins, elegant and lively, good length. 88-90


2012 Château La Fleur Peyrabon:
Deep ruby. Coffee, extracted nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, soft and velvety. Sweetish. 83-84


2012 Chateau Lafite Rothschild:
Deep ruby. Scented, elegant and quite layered. Refined, complex, floral and very nuanced. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, superb texture and structure, lively and very elegant, long. 92-94

2012 Carruades de Lafite:
(2nd Ch. Lafite Rothschild) Deep ruby. Scented, elegant and refined nose. Cassis and somewhat subdued. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, lovely balance, fresh and lively palate, long. 88-90



2012 Château Latour:
Deepish ruby. Dense, coffee, cassis, deep, layered and complex, a bit tight nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, quite refined, fruity, refreshing, textured but velvety behind, long length. 93-95

2012 Les Forts de Latour:
(2nd Ch. Latour) Deepish ruby. Layered, complex, cassis, quite intense nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, refreshing and quite intense flavours, long finish. 89-91

2012 Pauillac
(3rd Ch.Latour) Ruby. Somewhat scented, slightly herbal and cassis nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity and quite and nice texture, good length. 85-87





2012 Château Lynch-Bages:
Ruby. Fruity and scented nose, a bit tight. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity and fuller body than most this vintage, structured, a bit oaky finish, long. 90-92


2012 Château Lynch-Moussas:
Deep ruby. Intense nose, cassis and a bit extracted feel to it. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, boring palate. 81-83




2012 Château Mouton Rothschild:
Deep ruby. Slightly spicy, cassis, vanilla and liquorice. Slightly exotic. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, velvety, elegant, fruity and rounded texture. Very long. 92-94


2012 Le Petit Mouton de Mouton Rothschild:
(2nd Mouton Rothschild) Deep ruby. Scented, slightly exotic, cassis and leather. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fresh and lively, quite elegant, refreshing finish. 87-89


2012 Château Pédesclaux:
Deep ruby. Scented, cassis and vanilla nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity and easygoing. Good length. 84-86


2012 Château Pibran:
Deep ruby. Fruity and bell peppers nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity palate, a bit rich finish. 86-88


2012 Château Pichon Longueville Baron:
Deep ruby. Fruity, fresh and elegant nose, complex. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, fairly full bodied for the vintage, long. 91-93


2012 Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande:
Ruby. Scented, nuanced and fruity nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, elegant and lovely texture if on the leanish side, long. 90-92


2012 Château Pontet-Canet:
Ruby. Scented, floral, unusually intense for this vintage, violets. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, elegant and quite refined, lovely texture, long. 91-93


2012 Château Tour Sieujean:
Deep ruby. Spicy, cassis and curry! nose. Fresh acidoty, ripe tannins, fruity but simple. 81-83
 ]]> Christer Byklum http://www.thewinecellarinsider.com/winetalk/showthread.php?1034-2012-Primeur-Pauillac 2012 Primeur Saint Julien http://www.thewinecellarinsider.com/winetalk/showthread.php?1033-2012-Primeur-Saint-Julien&goto=newpost Thu, 09 May 2013 09:51:37 GMT *Image: http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rq1t3unjZOA/UXYxTr4HUTI/AAAAAAAAD7U/U6DiuezhN2M/s320/prim2012+273.JPG ...


2012 Château Beychevelle:
Ruby. Fruity, scented and elegant nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, and elegant texture, maybe a bit boring, long. 90-92


2012. Château Branaire-Ducru:
Ruby. Fruity, floral and cassis nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, a bit lean, long. 89-91


2012 Clos du Marquis:
Deep ruby. Fruity, minerals, cassis and a deeper feel to it on the nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, elegant and long. 89-91


2012 Croix de Beaucaillou:
Deep ruby. Fruity, scented, nuanced and quite intense nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, fresh, lively and elegant, good length. 88-90


2012 Château Ducru Beaucaillou:
Deep ruby. Scented, nuanced, layered, complex and seductive nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, elegant and refined palate, refreshing and lively, long finish. 92-94


2012 Château du Glana:
Deep ruby. Some cassis and anise on the nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity and easy going. 84-86


2012 Château Gloria:
Ruby. Herbal and cassis nose, fresh. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, palate is lively and elegant, good length. 86-88




2012 Château Gruaud Larose:
Ruby. Slightly spicy, cassis and some floral notes. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fresh, fruity and lively, pure feel, long. 91-93


2012 Château Lagrange:
Ruby. Fruity and scented nose, elegant. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity palate. Slightly ripe, good length. 87-89


2012 Château Lalande-Borie:
Deep ruby. Scented, blueberries, fruity and elegant nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, elegant and refreshing, lovely texture, velvety and good length. 87-89


2012 Château Langoa Barton:
Ruby. Scented, violets and cassis nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity with a herbal touch, oaky finish. 89-91


2012 Château Léoville Barton:
Ruby. Scented. Fruity and elegant cassis nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, lively and very elegant texture and structure, long. 91-93


2012 Château Léoville Las Cases:
Deep ruby. Fruity, minerals, cassis, elegant and nuanced if tight. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, somewhat leaner style, tight palate as well, fairly nuanced, long. 91-93


2012 Château Léoville Poyferre:
Ruby. Fruity, violets and vanilla nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, slightly biting texture, fresher style than recent vintages, long. 89-91


2012 Château Saint-Pierre:
Ruby. Fruity, minerals and scented nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, fresh and quite lively palate, quite elegant and long. 89-91


2012 Château Talbot:
Deep ruby. Tight cassis and floral nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fresh and fruity, long. 89-91

 ]]> Christer Byklum http://www.thewinecellarinsider.com/winetalk/showthread.php?1033-2012-Primeur-Saint-Julien 2012 Primeur Sauternes http://www.thewinecellarinsider.com/winetalk/showthread.php?1032-2012-Primeur-Sauternes&goto=newpost Thu, 09 May 2013 09:50:49 GMT *Image: http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rQKU5ROUik4/UXYv36X7PfI/AAAAAAAAD60/JHdROtHxF84/s320/prim2012+174.JPG ...


2012 Château Bastor Lamontagne:
Pale golden. Apples and a slight tropical touch. Fresh acidity, fairly lively but leanish. 84-86


2012 Château Caillou:
Pale golden. Fruity nose, some tropical notes. Fresh acidity, creamy texture, elegant and easygoing. 84-86


2012 Castelneau de Suduiraut:
No Suduiraut made in 2012. Pale golden, apples and fresh nose, light tropical touch. Fresh acidity, lively and quite elegant, a bit easy even for Castelneau. 85-87


2012 Clos Haut-Peyraguey:
Pale golden. Pineapples and vanilla nose. Fresh acidity, fruity, clean and easy. Good length. 87-89


2012 Château Coutet:
Pale golden. Scented, citrus flowers, pineapples, lovely nose. Fresh acidity, elegant fruit and body, long finish. 89-91


2012 Château Doisy Daëne:
Pale golden. Pineapples, apricots and apples nose, some minerals, very elegant. Fresh acidity, refreshing and playful, elegant if a bit easy going. Long. 90-92




2012 Château Doisy-Vedrines:
Pale golden. Fruity and pineapples nose. Fresh acidity, elegant, lively and fruity palate if not that complex. Good length. 88-90


2012 Château Guiraud:
Pale golden. Rich pineapples and apricots nose. Fresh acidity, lively, fruity if a bit big on the body, not the most elegant. 90-92


2012 Château Lafaurie-Peyraguey:
Pale golden. Light tropical and apricots nose. Fresh acidity, elegant and creamy palate, nuanced if not that complex, long. 89-91


2012 Château de Malle:
Pale golden. Easygoing and fresh nose. Fresh acidity, livelier palate, good length. 84-86


2012 Château de Myrat:
Pale golden. Fruity and intense both for the estate and vintage. Fresh acidity, richer palate than most, apricots and pineapples palate, quite delightful. A surprise. 88-90


2012 Château Nairac:
Pale golden. Apples and vanilla nose. Fresh acidity, fruity if not that complex, elegant. 87-89


2012 Château Rabaud Promis:
Pale golden. Pineapples and apricots nose. Fresh acidity, creamy texture, elegant, good length. 88-90


2012 Château Rayne Vigneau:
Pale golden. Apples, pineapples and vanilla nose. Fresh acidity, lively, creamy texture, nuanced, elegant and long. 90-92


2012 Château La Tour Blanche:
Golden. rich, some botrytis, pineapples, fresh and complex nose. Fresh acidity, lively and elegant, lovely freshness, length and fruit. 91-93
 ]]> Christer Byklum http://www.thewinecellarinsider.com/winetalk/showthread.php?1032-2012-Primeur-Sauternes 2012 Primeur Saint Estephe http://www.thewinecellarinsider.com/winetalk/showthread.php?1031-2012-Primeur-Saint-Estephe&goto=newpost Thu, 09 May 2013 09:50:02 GMT *Image: http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KaVR9gu2KKM/UXYuhGYXIlI/AAAAAAAAD6U/ba_JCPzqqtU/s320/prim2012+234.JPG ...


2012 Château Calon-Ségur:
Deep ruby. Fruity nose, cassis, scented and layered nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, again fruity palate, leaner body than nose, fresh and pure feel, lively and long. 90-92


2012 Château Capbern Gasqueton:
Ruby. Scented, ripe raspberries and cassis nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, refreshing and fruity. Quite elegant if structured, good length. 86-88


2012 Château Clauzet:
Deep ruby. Slightly sweet nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity but short.
82-84


2012 Château Cos Labory:
Deep ruby. Scented, fruity and almost flirting nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity and elegant, quite lively palate. 88-90


2012 Château Domeyne:
Deep ruby. Ripe, fruity and slightly sweet nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity palate, not that complex but charming somehow. Good length. 84-86


2012 Château Haut-Marbuzet:
Deep ruby. Scented, coffee and fruity nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fairly lively palate, good length. 85-87


2012 Château La Haye:
Deep ruby. Fruity nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, ripe and easy going. 82-84




2012 Château La Peyre:
Deep ruby. Ripe nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, sweet and easy. 80-82


2012 Château Lafon-Rochet:
Deep ruby. Fruity, rich and fairly intense nose. Fresh acidty, ripe tannins, leaner body, refreshing and good length. 87-89


2012 Château Lilian Ladouys:
Deep ruby. A bit closed nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity palate, elegant body. 86-88


2012 Château Meyney:
Ruby. Fruity, cassis, elegant nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, structured, fruity and quite lively, good length. One of few that will benefit from some cellaring this year. 87-89


2012 Château Montrose:
Ruby. Fruity, nuanced, layered and scented nose, touch of anise. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, refreshing, lively, elegant, fruity and long. 91-93


2012 Château Ormes de Pez:
Deep ruby. Fresh, fruity and fairly deep nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, elegant and good length. 87-89


2012 Château de Pez:
Deep ruby. Fruity, vanilla nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, quite refreshing and good length. 87-89


2012 Château Phélan Ségur:
Deep ruby. Scented. Fruity. Vanilla and quite intense nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity and quite refreshing, elegant and lively, lovely length. 90-92




2012 Château Petit Bocq:
Deep ruby. Alcoholic and vanilla nose, and palate is not any better. 78-80


2012 Château Ségur de Cabanac:
Deep ruby. Scented and cassis nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, slightly herbal and easy. 83-85


2012 Château Serilhan:
Ruby. Spicy and cassis nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fairly fresh, good length. 85-87


2012 Château Tour de Pez:
Deep ruby. Cassis, bell peppers and vanilla. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fresh and fruity palate, a bit lean finish. 85-87


2012 Château Tronquoy Lalande:
Ruby. Floral, scented and cassis nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, some vanilla. A bit lean, good length. 86-88
 ]]> Christer Byklum http://www.thewinecellarinsider.com/winetalk/showthread.php?1031-2012-Primeur-Saint-Estephe Domaine Faiveley Chambolle-Musigny Cote de Nuits 2009? http://www.thewinecellarinsider.com/winetalk/showthread.php?1030-Domaine-Faiveley-Chambolle-Musigny-Cote-de-Nuits-2009&goto=newpost Thu, 09 May 2013 06:08:23 GMT Anyone tried this wine? 95 points from Stephen Tanzer and he rarely gives that kind of scores to below 50 Euro burgundies. Anyone tried this wine?

95 points from Stephen Tanzer and he rarely gives that kind of scores to below 50 Euro burgundies. ]]> Andreas Lantz http://www.thewinecellarinsider.com/winetalk/showthread.php?1030-Domaine-Faiveley-Chambolle-Musigny-Cote-de-Nuits-2009 1959-2004 Château Palmer vertical tasting. http://www.thewinecellarinsider.com/winetalk/showthread.php?1029-1959-2004-Château-Palmer-vertical-tasting.&goto=newpost Wed, 08 May 2013 12:02:42 GMT * Château Palmer vertical tasting 1959-2004 * *Image:... Château Palmer vertical tasting 1959-2004






A bit soaked corks for the age of the wines compared to other estates and bottles that I regularly open is a bit of a worry. All bottles have been sourced from different cellars and have lived different lives.

2004 Château Palmer:
Ruby. Scented, blueberries, cassis, a touch of vanilla nose, young and fresh. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, leather and a bit smoky style, slightly rough oak at this stage, good length. 89


1998 Château Palmer:
Ruby. Scented, floral, fruity, elegant and refined nose. Complex and layered. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, elegant body, textured backbone, long. 91


1996 Château Palmer:
Ruby, garnet rim. Scented, minerals, cassis, blueberries, layered and complex nose, refined, some cedar. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, elegant and quite structured backbone, long. 93+


1995 Château Palmer:
Bright ruby. Fruity, floral, cassis and blueberries. Scented and layered. Ads with air. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity and elegant, lively, long. Some felt quite strongly that this bottle was corked but even after six hours in the glass, there was no trace of any cork taint, and even the most bombastic tasters went silence. 94



1990 Château Palmer:
Bright ruby. Scented, fruity, layered, nuanced and elegant, refined nose. Mint and spicy and touch of Christmas spices. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, lovely fruit and balance, richer and somewhat exotic, refined and very long. 96


1989 Château Palmer:
Bright ruby, garnet rim. Leather, cedar, floral, very subdued and elegant nose, layered and a bit light on it's feet, gorgeous nose. Slightly heavier with air. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, elegant and leaner body, still quite intense, leather, tobacco and still a slight tannic grip in the finish. Long. 94+


1988 Château Palmer:
Lower neck fill. Bright ruby, garnet rim. Some floral notes over figs, anise, plums and blueberries. Slightly herbal and scented. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, playful and elegant, mouthwatering, long, but drops off suddenly. 91+


1986 Château Palmer:
Top shoulder fill. Bright ruby, very thin brick rim. Deeper nose, some plums, cherries, scented and intense nose. Layered and complex. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity and lively, quite playful and refreshing, towards mouthwatering, very long. But looses something with air. Becomes shorter. 95




1985 Château Palmer:
Bottom neck fill. Bright ruby, thin brick rim. Intense and scented nose, floral and layered, cassis and leather, lovely nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity and lively, lovely fruit and texture, very elegant but a little bit short. 93


1983 Château Palmer:
Lower neck fill. Bright ruby, garnet rim. Scented, cherries, touch of figs and fruit stones. Minty touch. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, lively and mouthwatering, slightly dry palate, long. 92


1982 Château Palmer:
Top shoulder fill. Ruby, garnet rim. Scented, fruity, floral, nuanced and layered. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity and very elegant, lively and lovely balance, long. 94


1981 Château Palmer:
Top shoulder fill. Garnet, thin brick rim. Some leather, lean nose. Fresh fruit, slightly dry, easy going but refreshing. 83


1979 Château Palmer:
Very top shoulder fill. Bright ruby, garnet rim. Mature nose of plums, anise, leather and tobacco. Slightly floral with air. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity and plummy even if leaner body, dying off in the finish. 87




1976 Château Palmer:
Berry Bros & Rudd label, estate bottled, dark green BBR foil. Cork confirms label. Bottom neck fill. Bright garnet, brick rim. Scented and floral, lean and very mature nose. A touch of VA that blows off. Sweet and sour. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, lean and drying, somewhat fruitier with air. 85


1967 Château Palmer:
Top shoulder fill. Garnet, brick rim, slightly cloudy. Cherries, liquorice and sweet and sour. Fresh acidity, few tannins, a bit lean and dry, lacks fruit. 82


1966 Château Palmer:
Berry Bros & Rudd bottled, darker red foil, lower neck fill. Cork states Berry Bros Rudd LTD London. Bright garnet, brick rim. Beautiful floral, cherries and red berries nose. Scented, layered and nuanced. Gorgeous nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity and lively, very elegant, quite refined, playful, slightly drying finish, but very refreshing and more so with air. 93



1961 Château Palmer:
Berry Bros & Rudd bottled, golden foil, mid-shoulder fill. Cork reads Berry Bros Rudd LTD London Château Palmer Margaux 1961. Slightly cloudy garnet with almost orange rim. Scented, slightly floral, red berries and cherries, figs, leather and prunes, dried tobacco. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity and lively but drying finish, quite full bodied first, lean finish. Ads with air, getting fuller and longer. 92


1959 Château Palmer:
L'Acheteur negociant bottling. Top shoulder fill. Cork stated nothing. Bright garnet, brick rim. Scented, liquorice, floral and a touch of mint on the nose. Red berries. Fresh acidity, drying palate, dusty and unpleasant, dry finish. Again it ads with air, getting more body. 86


 ]]> Christer Byklum http://www.thewinecellarinsider.com/winetalk/showthread.php?1029-1959-2004-Château-Palmer-vertical-tasting. TNs: 14 Big Ass Napa Cabs, Champagne and more http://www.thewinecellarinsider.com/winetalk/showthread.php?1028-TNs-14-Big-Ass-Napa-Cabs-Champagne-and-more&goto=newpost Thu, 02 May 2013 21:24:17 GMT Our dinner group enjoyed an exquisite evening at the Plow & Angel Restaurant at the prestigious San Ysidro Ranch. Our annual wine theme of Big Ass Napa Cabs was taken seriously and complimented by some fine bubbly and other wines that made for a complete experience. The wines:

2002 AR LENOBLE BdB- from a 1.5L bottle, this shined as I have known it to in the last few months with nice acidity, refreshing citrus and floral notes blessed with a touch of salt and minerals; great start and palate preparation for what was to come.

NV BOLLINGER BRUT ROSE- another one I`m quite familiar with, this was as good as any I`ve had previously; complexity and balance stand out from the outset; it had a medium to full body, offered wonderful fruitiness with fresh raspberry, cherry and strawberry being most prominent with a mild spicy toastiness to please even the most discerning of palates; note to self, “buy some more”.

2002 JJ PRUM GRAACHER HIMMELREICH RIESLING KABINETT- another marvelous Riesling bring from one who is committed to such, this was not too sweet or dry, just right and provided wonderful grapefruit, lemon-lime notes in an oily texture that carried all of the pleasure to the back end; splendid.

2010 HENRI BOILLOT CORTON CHARLEMAGNE- this hits the WOW factor from the first taste on after somewhat inviting aromatics of fresh cut flowers and especially rose petal; it`s rich and creamy and luscious; as good as this is now, it should mature into a clear champion and even then, I`d be hard put to avoid drinking it ahead of time; a real treat; killer white Burg.

2005 WILLIAMS SELYEM RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY CHARDONNAY- this fits into the category of a tough act to follow; Ideally and in hindsight, it would have been more appreciated served prior to the Boillot; light to medium weight, it had some OK acidity, crispness and apple, pear and citrus notes and a somewhat abrupt finish possibly from a significant ice water chill.

We now move into the 14 Cabernets served blind and in flights of 2 and identified at the very end:

2002 BRESSLER VINEYARDS- it took some time for this to open up and once it did, it had nice herbal blue and black fruit with a hint of eucalyptus, pepper and some oakiness that does not distract or overwhelm; aside from what I liked about it, there was an “off” character that I could not identify that was not welcomed at the back end and reduced the overall experience.

1997 ETUDE- an off bottle; some Brett, menthol, sharp and unpleasant aromatics; I suspect there are better versions of this around.

2002 ROBERT FOLEY RESERVE- deep, dark purple, intense black cherry/ berry with other red and black fruit; complex and of nice structure; the finish had some funk or medicinal character that kept this from being a complete winner; not a good start.

2004 SHAFER HILLSIDE SELECT- the brown bag did not cover up the weight of this bottle and I thought of Hourglass, Pride, Switchback Ridge and a few others that feature such; nonetheless, this had some heaviness to please along with complexity and structure and a fruit profile of mint flavored ripe black cherry and black currant along with some toasted oak notes; it finished a little on the dry side.

1990 VON STRASSER DIAMOND MOUNTAIN- corked

2007 KAPCSANDY FAMILY WINERY STATE LANE VINEYARD GRAND VIN- very impressive; big and not too much so, delicious and enough so, complex, very tannic and early on fruit forwardness with wild cherry dominating; not in balance yet; needs time to evolve and should be a good one in 10-20 years.

1997 SHAFER HILLSIDE SELECT- this was very good; lots of depth with fine structure and acidity to suggest longevity in this seemingly youthful Cab; surprising to discover it was from 97`; I would have thought it to be much younger although there is some tertiary wild grape fruit notes to suggest otherwise.

2004 LOCOYA HOWELL MOUNTAIN- I got some anise, licorice and blueberry early on and thereafter; pleasant, youthful, rich and vibrant.

2009 OVID- I liked this one a lot and got it as my #2 Cab.of the night; in fact, it was one of the favs for most before the unveiling; although there is so much happening here, it`s not yet integrated, but it seems certain to evolve into a beautiful blend of lusciousness; some oakiness amidst the fresh black and blue fruit profile with spices and herbs filling in the layers between.

2003 SWITHCHBACK RIDGE PETERSON FAMILY VINEYARD- a winner out of the gate, this was nothing short of great; spearmint, spice, peppermint chocolate, black cherry and more to delight; full on, power and finesse; silky smooth and long finish; what`s not to like? My #1 WOTN.

2000 RUBICON- showing well; chocolaty black fruit coated with strawberry icing; full body; great texture and length; good structure and polished tannins; taste again many years down the road.

2010 DRINKWARD PESCHON ENTRE DEUX MERES- very black purple and seemingly way youthful, it was loaded up front with lots of coffee, chocolate, fresh and forward black fruit and a promise to become something much greater with time.

2002 RUDD- another serious, complex and nicely structured Cab., it was very good and gave up lots of chocolate, cedar, cigar box laced black fruit especially currant; long and pleasant finish.

After a palate frying 14 Cabernets, we were treated to some lessening effects by the following dessert wines:

1999 ZIND HUMBRECHT PINOT GRIS VIEILLES VIGNES- to quote my first thought, “serious shit”; thick and luscious, creamy and rich; notes of pineapple, orange, nectarine and peach abound; almost required a spoon to indulge; definitely a wine to sip not gulp as a little goes a long, long way; my palate has just been revived from the overload of tannins.

2001 RAYMOND-LAFON SAUTERNES- somewhat green; what prevailed was good notes of honeyed orange peel, kiwi and a citrus blend in the viscous liquid delivering such; for an 01` which is a strong vintage for dessert wines, this was middle class.

2001 ALBAN ROTTEN LUCK VIOGNIER TBA- apricot city; thick, oily creamy texture delivering sweet honeyed stone fruit; the color is an amazing maple syrup like and it`s almost suggestive of a topping for pancakes/ waffles; superb botrytis elegance; 10.1% alc.

Just another stellar night out with the gang and with the frequency were on now, there`s another one coming in about 10 days. Life is good.

Cheers ]]> Blake Brown http://www.thewinecellarinsider.com/winetalk/showthread.php?1028-TNs-14-Big-Ass-Napa-Cabs-Champagne-and-more Tasting - 30 German Estate Riesling 2012 http://www.thewinecellarinsider.com/winetalk/showthread.php?1027-Tasting-30-German-Estate-Riesling-2012&goto=newpost Thu, 02 May 2013 13:48:24 GMT Selten gab es ein Jahrgang in Deutschland aus dem die Weine so viel Substanz hatten aber so charmant gewirkt haben."

Stuart Pigott


Yesterday I hosted the "BerlinGutsrieslingCup" and served blind 30 Estate Rieslings of the upcoming vintage 2012 to a group of Riesling experts. The Estate Riesling is the business card of every estate.


Top 3

A.J. Adam
Keller "Pinard de Picard Edition"
Bürklin-Wolf



In comparison to last year the vintage 2012 is more slim, fresher, more ambitious, shows less alcohol, perfect balancing&ripe acidity and overall well-balanced. Clearly the Top Estate Rieslings are better in quality in comparison to 2011. And with view of the GGs or Grand Cru Rieslings the vintage 2012 has a better aging potential than 2011.

Interesting to see that the regions Rheinhessen and Mosel dominated the Top 10.

Ranking
1. A.J. Adam
2. Keller "Edition Pinard de Picard"
3. Bürklin-Wolf
4. Keller
5. Geltz-Zilliken
6. Scultetus-Brüssel
7. Julian Haart
8. Wittmann
9. Knewitz
10. Fritz Haag
11. Schäfer-Fröhlich
12. Karl Schaefer feinherb
13. Dönnhoff
14. Andi Schneider
15. Emrich-Schönleber
16. Bassermann-Jordan
17. Battenfeld-Spanier
18. Krebs
19. Seehof
20. Fürst
21. Christmann
22. Thörle
23. Kühling-Gillot
24. Van Volxem
25. ***
26. Rebholz
27. Karl Schaefer trocken
28. Breuer Sauvage
29. Schloss Johannisberg
30. von Winning

Note: the second place by Keller is a special edition for the german wine-dealer Pinard de Picard. Don´t worry, the regular Estate Riesling version ranked #4 is as good as the special edition.

Cheers,
Martin Zwick ]]> Martin Zwick http://www.thewinecellarinsider.com/winetalk/showthread.php?1027-Tasting-30-German-Estate-Riesling-2012 what did older vintages of bordeaux cost on release? http://www.thewinecellarinsider.com/winetalk/showthread.php?1026-what-did-older-vintages-of-bordeaux-cost-on-release&goto=newpost Thu, 02 May 2013 09:52:44 GMT What did the older vintages of bordeaux like 61 cost when they released (adjusted for inflation) ? What were the top 10 most expensive wines back... What did the older vintages of bordeaux like 61 cost when they released (adjusted for inflation) ? What were the top 10 most expensive wines back then? ]]> Andreas Lantz http://www.thewinecellarinsider.com/winetalk/showthread.php?1026-what-did-older-vintages-of-bordeaux-cost-on-release Spätburgunder 2005 http://www.thewinecellarinsider.com/winetalk/showthread.php?1025-Spätburgunder-2005&goto=newpost Sat, 27 Apr 2013 08:08:43 GMT Last friday we tasted blind 10 Top-Spätburgunder of the vintage 2005. The wines were double-decanted 2h before. We were 10 people and we gave no... Last friday we tasted blind 10 Top-Spätburgunder of the vintage 2005. The wines were double-decanted 2h before. We were 10 people and we gave no points but ranking. So at the end of the TN you will find the collective ranking of the wine. The place #3 was given to two wines.

Clearly a chastening and disappointing performance of the german Spätburgunder. Either they were too alcoholic and showed to much woood or the were too excerted. And they were to puffed up too. Fair to say that the german winemakers have learned from the mistakes in the past and since a few years they use the wood a bit more carefully.

Intro

(Mosel) 2007 Günther Steinmetz "Pinot Meunier"
Aperitif. Well-made daily business-wine. Impressive QPR for 7 Euro.




1. (Mosel) Horst Löwenstein, Winninger Domgarten, Spätburgunder Auslese tr. Barrique, 13,5%, 17,50€
Present a cool stilistic with roast notes, soft and round with a certain elegance. BUT it lacks length&complexity in the finish. A wine which will impress and quite excerted. Bottom-line, solid wine but nothing special. #5


2. (Baden) Franz Keller, Spätburgunder Selection A, 13,5%, 35€
Bombastic toast notes. Wooden Hammer!!! Powerful acidity and huge coffee flavors. Break apart in the middle. #8


3. (Pfalz) Pfleger, Edition Curator Spätburgunder Auslese, Pinot Noir ****, 14%, 30€
Opulent sweet dense fruit. Extravagant fruit. Chubby and very charming. The finish presents fruit, fruit, fruit. Hedonistic Spätburgunder with adiction potential. #3


4. (Baden) Huber, Wildenstein -R-, 13,5%, 58€
Charming nose. On the palate middle density with roast notes. Clearly oak dominated, but not such heavily in comparison to the Keller Spätburgunder from Baden. A bid moldy and you could say something good and something bad about this wine. Bottom-line, clearly a disappointing performance for the famous "Wildenstein". In a bad mood right now? Too young?? #7


5. (Franken) Fürst, Centgrafenberg, 13%, 23€
WOTN........clearly the the most interesting wine so far. Impressive structure with wonderful balance&harmony. Cool stilistic and cleary less alcohol than the previous wines. BUT I detected some green notes. . No doubt, Fürst is the master of Spätburgunder. #1




6. (Baden) R&C Schneider, Spätburgunder Parzelle Schönenberg, 13%, 25€
My WOTN. Shows power&presence on the palate. A bit avaricious with the fruit and in general quite puristic. The only Spätburgunder at this tasting which didn´t taste german. GREAT #2




7. (Pfalz) Knipser, Im Großen Garten GG, 14%, 32€
What is this??! Wood, wood, wood with unripe tannins and little substance. And too alcoholic. And it dry out in the finish.
A BBQ-wine nothing more. Horrible. #6


8. (Ahr) Adeneuer, Walporzheimer Gärkammer GG, 14%, 55€
NO.......not my cup of Spätburgunder. In all the years I didn´t find access to the Spätburgunder of Adeneuer. Too much wood for me. But other people adore it. #3


9. (Baden) Duijn, Jannin, 13,5%, 27€
Very polished and mega-elegant. Lolly flavors. It´s OK, but nothing special #9

P.S. according to our host the wine hugely improved the next day


10. (Pfalz) Becker, St. Paul (Schweigener Sonnenberg GG), 13,5%, 44€
Where is the structure?!. A strange blankness in the finish. I am shocked, I`ve never tasted such a bad Becker Spätburgunder. Maybe the wine suffered from double-decanting? Or bad bottle?? #10





Cheers,
Martin Zwick ]]> Martin Zwick http://www.thewinecellarinsider.com/winetalk/showthread.php?1025-Spätburgunder-2005 question for Jeff Leve http://www.thewinecellarinsider.com/winetalk/showthread.php?1024-question-for-Jeff-Leve&goto=newpost Fri, 26 Apr 2013 22:24:28 GMT Jeff, Looking at the top twenty or so wines of the 2012 bordeaux vintage, which do you think will be shown at the UGC in two years? Does the list... Jeff,

Looking at the top twenty or so wines of the 2012 bordeaux vintage, which do you think will be shown at the UGC in two years? Does the list of UGC wines change much? Thanks ]]> Dave Poppons http://www.thewinecellarinsider.com/winetalk/showthread.php?1024-question-for-Jeff-Leve Super Tuscan Blends? http://www.thewinecellarinsider.com/winetalk/showthread.php?1023-Super-Tuscan-Blends&goto=newpost Wed, 24 Apr 2013 10:29:07 GMT 6 months ago I tried a really Remarkable wine, Tassinaia 2006 by Castello del Terriccio. The fruit and the tannic structure was outstanding for a... 6 months ago I tried a really Remarkable wine, Tassinaia 2006 by Castello del Terriccio.

The fruit and the tannic structure was outstanding for a fairly cheap wine. A month later I tried a second bottle that was equally complex. The next day the wine had wonderfull coffee and mocca flavors mixed with weedgarden, a true indication of a quality wine that will live for a long time I thought.

A third bottle, a month later was very disapointing though. Zero fruit and tannins just spunky oak and weedgarden flavors. A fourth bottle a month later was equally disapointing.

Is this typical for Super Tuscan Blends with equal parts of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Sangiovese?

I have tried other wines with the same blend and they somehow tend to taste past prime after 7 years compared to the great tannic structure, that almost grabs your tongue, they have after 6 years. ]]> Andreas Lantz http://www.thewinecellarinsider.com/winetalk/showthread.php?1023-Super-Tuscan-Blends