Tasting Dinner With Salon, Laville Haut Brion, Batard-Montrachet, Lafleur, Smith Haut Lafitte & Much More!

Time for another fantastic tasting dinner with our monthly tasting group. These tasting dinners have over the years turned out to some of the real highlights of that year (see previous dinners below).

All wines tasted double blind except for the ones I brought.

2002 Salon
A racy, refined nose with notes of lime, shellfish, wet asphalt, candied lemons and gravel. Very deep and complex. Really fine. Young.
The taste is pure and tight with notes of chrushed rocks, lime, wet sand and cucumber. The finish goes for over a minute. A fine acidity. Still young, but highly enjoyable now and the coming 10+ years.
95p   (tasted 2017/04)

2002 Fleur de Passion, Diebolt-Vallois
A deep, somewhat mature nose with notes of grilled lemons, smoke, warm grass and a touch of coconut. Round and generous. Very, very good.
The taste is plump and dry with notes of grape fruit, white currants, grass and yellow apples. A long, seedy finish. Drinking perfect on this evening.
92p   (tasted 2017/04)

2011 Grande Cellier d´Or, Vilmart
A young, smoky nose with notes of earth, dry lemons, grass and slate. Cool and elegant. Very good.
The taste is cool, tight and dry with notes of starfruit, chrushed rocks and minerals. Very ascetic. A high acidity. Very long. Promising.
91p   (tasted 2017/04)

NV L´Amateur, David Leclapart
A refined, deep nose with notes of white currants, white flowers, almonds and smoke. Laid back and very fine. Intense. This is really good.
The taste is young, tight and pure with notes of lemon peel, chalk, flowers and minerals. A naked feeling to it. Very, very good. Still very young.
93p   (tasted 2017/04)

1982 Château Latour Martillac
A broad, mature nose with notes of lanolin, plastic, dried apricots and smoke. A tad loose around the edges.
The taste is mature and rich with notes of dried fruit, grilled apples, linoleum and hay. The acicity is a tad low. I have had better bottles. Went really well with the turbot though.
87p   (tasted 2017/04)

1982 Château Laville Haut Brion
An absolut stunner, caught at the top of its game. The nose is a dream with gorgeous notes of Seville oranges, rubber boots, dried mango, fried nuts and wet asphalt. Deep, deep, deep. A hint of dried up botrytis. Very complex. Just lovely.
The taste is intense and brilliant with notes of dried lemons, fried oysters, nuts, linoleum and dried flowers. The finish goes on for over two minutes. Perfect balance. The real thing. This is why one should age wine.
98p   (tasted 2017/04)

2009 Batard-Montrachet, Morey Coffinet
A broad, deep, weighty nose with notes of melted butter, cap gun smoke, banana peel and some tropical fruit. Rich and good.
The taste is big and smokey with notes of lemon cream, soap, pine apple and butter cookies. A long, warm finish. A very good structure, but maybe a tad large for my palate.
89p   (tasted 2017/04)

2009 Batard-Montrachet, Bachelet-Monnot
Oooh yes! This has a deep, velvety, complex nose with notes of yellow plums, candied lemons, butter biscuits and a fine touch of band aid. Very deep and refined. Lovely.
The taste is tight and concentrated with notes of ripe lemons, butter flowers, lime fudge and warm gravel. A long, intense finish. A fine acidity. Really, really good.
94p   (tasted 2017/04)

1998 Château Lafleur
Always a treat to drink this Pomerol. The 98 shows of a deep, maturing nose with lovely aromas of plums, violets, fresh stables, moccha and leather. Refined. Very, very good.
The taste is earthy and velvety with notes of dried red and black currants, plums, anise and autumn leaves. A very fine warmth. Has starting to mature. Really fine.
94p   (tasted 2017/04)

1998 Château Smith Haut Lafitte
The surprise of the evening. Haven´t tasted that much from Smith Haut Lafitte, but after this bottle (and a 2003 tasted recently) that has to be rectified.
The nose is deep and complex with notes of ripe red and black currants, Oriental spices, expensive leather and cigar smoke. Very, very fine.
The taste is intense and tight with notes of dusty warm earth, ginger bread, cold coffee and corinthians. A beautifully structured wine. Long. This I want to drink more of.
96p   (tasted 2017/04)

1998 Château Quinault L´Enclos
An open, direct and deep nose with notes od violets, star anise, moccha and bonfire smoke. A very fine sweet fruit in the shape of plums and blueberries. Very, very good.
The taste is sandy and tight with notes of ripe red currants, spices, dusty earth and tobacco. Some still sturdy tannins in the long finish.
92p   (tasted 2017/04)

1998 Château Troplong-Mondot
A deep yet rather restrained nose with notes of black plums, sweet tobacco, figs and smoke. Very good but when I saw the label, I expected more.
The taste is big and steady with notes of violets, rubber, hot cherries and spices. A long, stern finish. Again, very good, but is this a representative bottle?
87p   (tasted 2017/04)

1998 Château Beau-Séjour Bécot
This is a wine to love. Ripe, inviting fruit, yet with a firm backbone and a great length. The nose start you up with notes of ripe blueberries, bonfire smoke, plums, forest floor and some diesel scents. Really fine.
The taste is focused, tight and fruity with notes of warm herbs, blueberries, asphalt, leather and sweet minerals. The finisg goes on for minutes and leave the palate wanting more. A real handsome wine, still on the young side of things.
94p   (tasted 2017/04)

1997 Château Lafaurie-Peyraguey
The first of the 97 Sauternes trio sports a deep, somewhat mature nose full of botrytis and notes of mango, linoleum, mint and candied oranges. High and fine.
The taste is big and concentrated with notes of dried apricots, band aid, warm hay and detergents. A long, warm, almost hot finish. Very, very good.
91p   (tasted 2017/04)

1997 Château La Tour Blanche
A high, energetic, concentrated nose with notes of ripe oranges, duck fat, orange blossom water, candied lime and hand cream. Very finely focused and intense. Multilayered. This is really fine.
The taste is just brilliant with its combination of sweetness, acidity, candied fruit and intensity. Almond paste, candied blood oranges, band aid and warm grass makes up a stunning combination. This is a great wine.
95p   (tasted 2017/04)

1997 Château Rieussec
A tight, concentrated, rich nose with notes of  ripe passionfruit, grilled lemons, dried up lime fudge and a hint of Islay whisky. Very deep and very fine.
The taste is big, tight and concentrated with notes of orange marmelade, sugared sea weed (!), a hint of coconut and a dash of botrytis. Really packing a punch. Needs more time. Very, very good.
93p   (tasted 2017/04)

Previous Tasting Dinners:
Tasting Dinner 2016

Tasting Dinner 2015

Tasting Dinner 2014

Tasting Dinner 2013

Tasting Dinner 2012

Tasting Dinner 2011

Some Misceallanous Bottles

These bottles have been tasted and drunk during the last couple of weeks.

Whites
NV Piper-Heidsieck
A bottle supposedly from the eighties. The bubbles are small and a bit subdued, but the nose is fine with notes of ripe oranges, dry fudge, dried up vanilla ice cream and hand cream. A fine maturity.
The taste is round and mature with notes of lemon cream, caramel and yellow apples. A medium long finish with a fine acidity.
88p   (tasted 2017/02)

2014 Chardonnay, Lioco
A young, fresh, grassy nose with notes of elderberries, cold butter and some cream. Very nice in a discreet kind of way.
The taste is racy and dry with notes of lemon curd, starfruit and grass. A fine length. Very, very good.
90p   (tasted 2017/03)

2012 Timian Riserva, Cascina La Ghersa
A young, cool, seedy nose with notes of white peppers, grass and chrushed rocks. Correct but a tad charmless.
The taste is dry and stony with notes of gravel, tangerines and minerals. A light finish. Good.
84p   (tasted 2017/03)

2014 Chardonnay, Frog´s Leap
A young, laid back nose with notes of ripe lemons, ginger and chlorophyll. Light and very good.
The taste is fresh and cool with a likeness to Sauvignon Blanc with lots of grassy notes. A fine acidity. A tad short.
87p   (tasted 2017/03)

Reds:
1982 Savigny-les-Beaune 1er Cru La Dominode Cuvée Reservee, Charles Berr
An open, mature nose with notes of forest floor, stale Coca-Cola, Christmas spices and cigar smoke. Soft, round and fine.
The taste is tight and mature with notes of dried strawberries, smoke, dried mushrooms and undergrowth. A soft, dry, lingering finish. Very good.
87p   (tasted 2017/04)

2014 Langhe Nebbiolo, Elio Sandri
A cool, upfront nose with notes of red currants, roses, liquorice and mushrooms. Still young.
The taste is cool and tight with notes of hard cherry candy, liquorice, rosehips and mushrooms. Some perky tannins in the medium long finish. Very good. Needs some more years in the cellar.
87p   (tasted 2017/03)

2006 Chianti Classico Rocca Guicciarda, Barone Ricasoli
A fine, sandy nose with notes of sweet/sour cherries, rosemary, liquorice and Tuscan gravel. Very typical and fine.
The taste is medium bodied and nice with some dried out cherry fruit, a fine acidity but somewhat hollow in the middle. For drinking sooner than later.
84p   (tasted 2017/02)

1999 Classique Bergerie, Domaine de l´Hortus
A nice, meaty nose with notes of bay leaves, pepper, red currants and some balsamic scents. Somewhat mature. Very good.
The taste is cool and mature with notes of red cherries, bonfire smoke, meat stock and undergrowth. A medium long finish that ends dry. Good.
86p   (tasted 2017/03)

2000 Dolcetto d´Alba Vigna Bussia, Franco Conterno
A mature, soft nose with notes of mint spiked cherries, chocolate, red apples and gravel. A fine maturity. Very good.
The taste is dry, seedy and mature with notes of balsamic marinated red apples, undergrowth, gravel and dry liquorice. Went perfectly with some grilled pork chops.
86p   (tasted 2017/03)

2007 Dofana, Carpineta

This Super Tuscan (I like that name much more than the official IGT) with its interesting blend of 50% Sangiovese and 50% Petit Verdot is a really fine wine. Granted, I have now only tasted two vintages, but call me impressed. Gotta get me more!

2007 Dofana, Carpineta
The 2006 was a stunner and the 07 is equally great, even an inch or two better. The nose is a dream with lovely notes of ripe blueberries, sandelwood, fresh herbs, a touch of cooca and a gorgeously perfumed, flowery aroma. Really deep and refined. Still young. This is truly fine.
The taste is more restrained than the nose with notes of damsons, blueberries, coffee grounds, asphalt and rosemary. A long, structured, firm finish with lots of finely polished tannins. Will surely evolve great over the next 8+ years. This is right up my alley, young as it is.
95p   (tasted 2017/04)

Six Unimpressive Portugese Bottles

Maybe it was a root day. Maybe I wasn´t in the mood (but I am always in the mood for wine!). Or maybe this bottles weren´t that good. There were a consensus around the table that these bottles didn´t impress.

1995 Quinta de Crasto
The oldest wine and the best one. It has a warm, open nose with notes of grilled meat, earth, warm black berries and autumn leaves. A fine maturity.
The taste is dry and mature with notes of burnt toast, red currants and charcoal. A long, warm finish with some drying out tannins at the end. A fine warmth.
89p   (tasted 2017/03)

2005 Quinta de Alqueve
A dark, sooty nose with notes of ripe red apples, sausages, dusty earth and violets. Open and good.
The taste is tight and seedy with notes of red currants, dusty earth and dried meat. A medium long, dry finish. Good.
87p   (tasted 2017/03)

2007 Quinta de Vallado
A smoke, peppery nose with notes of ink, graphite, meat stock and cooked raspberries. Deep and warm.
The taste is tight and concentrated with notes of peppered black cherries, earth and charcoal. Teeth gripping tannins. A alcohol touch at the end. Good but young and not balanced yet.
85p   (tasted 2017/03)

2005 Chryseia
A rich, smoky nose with notes of blueberries, eraser, grilled meath and dried flowers. Very rich fruit, almost verging on cooked.
The taste is dry, tight and seedy with notes of blueberries, salami, ink and undergrowth, A very long, very warm finish, the end is almost port-like.
86p   (tasted 2017/03)

2005 Pintas, Wine & Soul
An open, spicy nose with notes of bay leaves, violets, smoke and cough pastilles. Deep, rich and very good.
The taste is tight and expressive with notes of ripe blueberries, chocolate, asphalt and some burnt toast. In an hour it falls together in the glass and becomes alcoholic and strange.
83p?   (tasted 2017/03)

2004 Quinta Vale D. Maria
A black, tight nose with notes of toasted almonds, violets, spicy blueberries and smoke. Some cough medicin. Very good.
The taste is very tight and seedy with notes of scorched earth, ink, blueberries and rubber. A long, over-the-top finish with drying tannins. Some alcohol in the end. Not ny cup of tea.
84p   (tasted 2017/03)

Some Bottles From Kaesler

Sasha Timeaus from Kaesler was in town, and Divine invited to a casual tasting of the following wines.

2016 Riesling, Clare Valley Company
A fine, light nose with notes of red apples, nuts and soap. Very, very nice.
The taste is tight and fresh with a fine acidity and very fine yellow fruit.
87p   (tasted 2017/03)

2016 Old Vine Semillon, Kaesler
The Semillon has a stony, smoky nose with assorted yellow fruit. A bit dense on the nose.
The taste is dry and tight with notes of ripe lemons, tangerines and grass. Crisp. Very good.
86p   (tasted 2017/03)

2014 Cabernet Sauvignon, Kaesler
A young, upfront, sweet nose with notes of ripe black currants, Christmas spices and charcoal. Very, very good in its forward style.
The taste is big and steady with notes of black currants, blueberries, star anise and coffee. A long, fine finish with juicy tannins. Really good.
91p   (tasted 2017/03)

2010 Dry Red No 1, Yarra Yerring
Its been to long since I tasted anything from Yarra Yerring, but I have some found memories of bottles in the past. This Cabernet, Merlot blend is a beauty. The nose is deep and concentrated with a hint of maturity and notes of dried black currants, toasted almonds, iron and leather. Very fine.
The taste is complex and mouth coating with notes of dried red and black currants, cherry liquorice, warm earth and a touch of bonfire smoke. A long, lingering, stern finish. Will be even better in 6+ years. Great wine.
94p   (tasted 2017/03)

2014 Stonehorse GSM, Kaesler
A big, open nose with notes of raspberries, sweet spices, smoke and hand cream. A tad loose around the edges.
The taste is young and fruity with notes of spicy red fruit, smoke and earth. A fine backbone. Very direct and good. The taste is better than the nose.
88p   (tasted 2017/03)

2014 Stonehorse Shiraz, Kaesler
A deep, peppery nose with notes of ripe blueberries, violets and fresh flowers. Very, very good.
The taste is tight and concentrated with notes of blackberries, asphalt and violets. A fine salty note. This is good!
91p   (tasted 2017/03)

2014 Nashwauk Shiraz, Kaesler
A very spicy, deep yet open nose with notes of eucalyptus scented blueberries, smoke and warm spices. Deep and refined. Very, very good.
The taste is young and tight with ripe blue- and blackberries, ink, smoke and chrushed black pepper. Very long and structured.
92p   (tasted 2017/03)

2014 Bogan Shiraz, Kaesler
A big, bold yet refined nose with notes of ripe blackberries, tobacco, tar and sweet minerals. A very fine depth.
The taste is big and sturdy with notes of sweet violets, blueberries, liquorice and dried flowers. A very solid wine, for the long haul.
92p   (tasted 2017/03)

2014 Old Bastard, Kaesler
I have had some problems with the Old Bastard in the past, for instance - the 2004, tasted in 2013. I wrote "like motor oil"... But lately, like many Aussie producers, they have changed for the better, more restrained, less alcohol and less new wood (why that has ever been a problem!?). I liked the 2013, and the 14 is even better.
The nose is wonderfully perfumed and rich with notes of ripe blackberries, mint, Christmas spices and sweet violets. Very deep. Lovely.
The taste is big, dense and concentrated with notes of cooked blueberries with a touch of mint and balsamic vinegar, with some raspberry liquorice, dried flowers and sugared coffee tossed in. Its sounds like much but it carries is with ease. Massive, ripe tannins in the end. Very long. Give this 8+ years.
94p   (tasted 2017/03)

Just Bought

Another 100+ year wine, from my favourite Island. I just love that the label says "Special Aperitif" - I will surely make this a very special aperitif one day!

The End Of Easter - Two Bottles Of Tuscan Merlot

A new acquaintance for me, this Tuscan wine grower has a lot of different wines from Liguria and Tuscany. The first vintage of this 100% Merlot was the 1993. I would love to get hold of more vintages after drinking these two.

1997 Ser Gervasio, Pietraserena
A round, mature, yummy nose with notes of ripe plums, bonfire en masse, dried raspberries and some balsamic scents. Fully mature. Very good.
The taste is tigher than the nose and shows of fine notes of dried black cherries, blueberries, violets, rosemary and warm rocks. A long, sturdy finish. Very, very good. Fully mature but should hold its own for another 4+ years.
89p   (tasted 2017/04)

1999 Ser Gervasio, Pietraserena
The 99 is a beauty. The nose is deep and profound with lovely aromas of ripe red and black cherries, plums, anise, dried flowers and some bonfire scents in a distance. Just lovely. Some maturity.
The taste is full bodied, velvety yet with a stern backbone and notes of hard cherry candy, ripe plums, asphalt and raspberry liquorice. The finish is long, long, dry and really fine. A very fine mouthfeel. Just entering maturity, this will provide great pleasure for another 7+ years.
93p   (tasted 2017/04)

1989 & 1996 Barbaresco Riserva, Salvano

With the traditionally Easter roast lamb its customary to pour some Bordeaux. Not in this household - here it is Nebbiolo all the way!

1989 Barbaresco Riserva, Salvano
I would venture that this bottle has suffered from some heat. Not bad at all, and with the food it held its own, but a 89 should have been better (given how the 96 performed, see below). Perfect fill and a perfect cork, but alas.
The nose is big, deep and (over)mature, with notes of crushed strawberries with some white mold on them, moist earth, melted asphalt and cooked cherries. Rich but a bit loose around the edges. A fine warmth though.
The taste is big and brawny with notes of cooked red fruit, moits undergrowth, soft liquorice and old tobacco. A long, warm finish with drying out tannins at the end. Again, worked well with the food.
84p   (tasted 2017/04)

1996 Barbaresco Riserva, Salvano
The 96 is a stunner. The nose soars up from the glass with notes of ripe red cherries, warm tiles, fried herbs, violets and a ever so slight touch of mint. Very, very fine. High, pure and enticing.
The taste is still tight with a very good structure and notes of hard cherry candy, dried raspberries, autumn leaves and dry asphalt. A long, dry, salivating finish, leaving you wanting another sip. In a perfect drinking stage, but should go on effortless for another 8+ years. This is goood!
93p   (tasted 2017/04)

1999 Barolo, Salvano tasted here.

NV Vinho Do Porto Velho No 5 (Cinco), Real Companhia Vinicola

After a long Easter lunch with food, family and friends, C and I realize that we after all need something to eat in the early evening.
I rummage through the refrigator and find a Stilton ceramic jar. According to the bottom the last date of consumption was March 2014. Should be perfect now...

NV Vinho do Porto Velho No 5 (Cinco), Real Companhia Vinicola
According to the seller, this bottle is from the 60´s. The nose is deep, sweet and yummy with notes of candied orange peel, white raisins, milk chocolate, moist hay and overripe melon. Not that complex but interesting and rewarding. Very, very good.
The taste is mature, round and velvety with chocolate covered orange peels, dades, dried flowers and a cold coffee drink. Ends dryer than initially expected. Very good.
The Stilton was perfect - pungent, salty, creamy and intense, maybe a tad overpowering visavi the Port, but a nice match all the same.
86p   (tasted 2017/04)

RGB - Really Good Bordeaux!

Peter invited to a RGB dinner. We each brought wines and Peter opened some additional bottles. A great evening with stunning bottles. Thanks all, and especially Peter for planning, inviting, food and fine bottles of wine!

All wines tasted double blind except for the bottle I brought and the 2001 Coutet at the end.

1995 Blanc des Millénaires, Charles Heidsieck
A finely tuned, flinty nose with notes of grilles lemon, sandelwood, cured ham and a hint of fudge. Very complex and refined. Deep. Really, really good.
The taste is elegant, somewhat mature and velvety with notes of blood grape, chalk, wet stones and biscuits. Very long. A fine acidity. Drinking great today but there is no hurry to drink any remaining bottles.
94p   (tasted 2017/04)

2000 Cuvée St Vincent, R. L. Legras
A tight, seedy nose with notes of smoke, steel and gravel. With air some fruity aromas appear in the shape of lemon peel and ripening passionfruit. A fine salty note. Very, very good.
The taste is tight and intense with notes of lemon grass, dry grass and chalk. A high, fine acidity. Still on the young side of things.
91p   (tasted 2017/04)

Flight I
1959 Château Haut-Bailly
The first Bordeaux and the wine of the evening. An absolutely stunning bottle of perfectly mature Bordeaux. The nose is ripe, rich and multi layered with notes of sweet black currants, plums, cigarr smoke, dog fur and a hint of mint. A lovely dried up sweetness. Just brilliant.
The taste is velvety, balanced yet intense with notes of dried plums, red currants, bonfire, cold coffee and a dusty earth. Still packing a punch. Very long with a fine warmth. The texture is magnificent. Perfectly mature. One taster pegged it as a 61 but the rest of us had it as much younger. Bottles like this will hold for 10 years. Great, great wine.
98p   (tasted 2017/04)

1934 Château Latour
83 years old, and still hanging in there. The nose is a tad frail with notes of dried red and black currants, cigarette ashes, old leather and some rust. Good.
The taste is dry and mature with notes of warm sand, dried red currants and pencil shavings. A medium long, delicate finish. It has a classy feeling about it, although full of creases and wrinkles. Still enjoyable, although it surely was better 30-40 years ago.
86p   (tasted 2017/04)

1966 Château Figeac
A beauty! This sports a big, sweet, round nose with notes of ripe plums, a cedar box (which have had cigars in it), bonfire and dark coffee. A high, fine nose with a lovely sweetness. Mature but not overly so. Very, very fine.
The taste is mature and balanced with notes of plums, blueberries, cigar smoke and undergrowth. A long, dry finish with a fine warmth. This is drinking beautifully today.
94p   (tasted 2017/04)

1982 Vieux Château Certan
A deep, restrained, cool nose with notes of red currants, dry tobacco, warm sand and a hint of dry chocolate. Very fine in a withdrawn kind of way.
The taste is dry and seedy with notes of ripe red currants, leather, warm rocks and chocolate biscuits. A long, stern finish. Very, very good but it doesn´t show the exuberance of the vintage.
92p   (tasted 2017/04)

1964 Château Pichon Longueville de Lalande
From magnum, this was my offering (no surprise given the vintage...). The nose is gorgeous with all the traits of a perfectly mature Bordeaux - a stable in the distance, ripe black currants, fine leather, tobacco and a hint of fur. Really fine. This is what mature Bordeaux is all about.
The taste doesn´t reach the level of the nose, but it is very, very good with notes of dried black currants, warm tiles, old tobacco and road dust. Medium long. A fine dryness in the end.
92p   (tasted 2017/04)

Flight II
2002 Château La Mission Haut-Brion
A cool, dark perfumed nose with notes of ripe black currants, veal stock, cigarette ashes and a hint of chocolate. Deep and refined. A bit unrevieled.
The taste is tight and racy with notes of red and black currants, warm tiles, cigarette ashes and herbs. A long lasting finish with still taut tannins. Needs another 5+ years in the cellar.
91p   (tasted 2017/04)

2006 Le Dôme
This St Emilion sports a deep, focused nose with notes of Christmas spices, plums, dark liquorice and a fine perfumed note. Very, very deep. Some bonfire scents appears after a while. Dark violets. This I like.
The taste is tight and refined with notes of dark cherries, black currants, liquorice, dark forest floor and new leather. Rich and structured. Very, very fine. Give this 5+ years.
93p   (tasted 2017/04)

2008 Château La Mission Haut-Brion
The 08 La Mission is a gorgeous creature. The nose is tight and concentrated with notes of cool black currants, blueberries, dark perfume, iron and a touch of coconut cream. Very, very fine.
The taste is tight, focused and pure with notes of ripe red and black currants, bakelite, undergrowth and new, expensive leather. Long, long and distinct. Very handsome. This will turn out even greater in 6+ years.
94p   (tasted 2017/04)

2002 Château Pichon Baron
A wonderful, deep and concentrated nose with notes of balsamic vinegar spiced black currants, model clay, pipe tobacco and dark chocolate. Very fine. This is sooo good!
The taste is tight and intense with notes of polished black currants, leather, cocoa and warm gravel. A very long, structured finish. It ends with a beautiful dry twist. Really fine.
95p   (tasted 2017/04)

2012 Le Dôme
Aaaaah! This lovely wine displays a deep, focused nose with notes of ripe black currants, plums, dark fudge, perfumed flowers and moist earth. Very complex and fine. This is stunning!
The taste is young, tight and concentrated with notes of perfectly ripe black currants, dried raspberries, asphalt, iron, dried flowers and cocoa. The finish goes on and on and on. Absolutely fabolous. Give this 6+ years and you´re looking at perfection.
97p   (tasted 2017/04)

2014 Chassagne-Montrachet, Domaine Michel Niellon
Peter thought that we needed a refreshment before the sweetie, and this bottle did the trick. A young, fresh, smoky nose with notes of melon, grapefruit and assorted flowers.
The taste is young and perky with notes of sweet lime, crushed rocks and flint. A fine acidity. Very, very good. Glad I have a couple of these, I will give them 5+ years.
90p   (tasted 2017/04)

2001 Château Coutet
A deep, luscious, refined nose with notes of fried pinenuts, band aid, apricots and a healthy dose of botrytis. Very, very deep and refined.
The taste is pure and multi layered with notes of candied orange peels, dry honey, ripe melons and warm hay. Long, long and complex. Balanced. This is fine. Will go on for 20+ years.
93p   (tasted 2017/04)