1981 Château Cantemerle

1981 Château Cantemerle

A delicate, soft, mature nose with notes of dried red and black currants, stables, tobacco and sun warm earth. Very good.

The taste is seedy and mature with notes of dried up black currant jam, dusty earth, tobacco and coffee powder. A tad dry in the finish. 11,5%, those were the days...

87p   (tasted 2023/11)

2008 Blanc de Blancs, AR Lenoble

2008 Blanc de Blancs, AR Lenoble

A open, somewhat mature nose with notes of toasted bread, butter cookies, yellow apples and sweet minerals. Very fine.

The taste is chalky and broad with notes of yellow flowers, cookie dough and white currants with a fine acidity and a long, dry finish. Perfect to drink now but will go on for 8+ years.

92p   (tasted 2023/10)

2017 Dogliani Briccolero, Chionetti

2017 Dogliani Briccolero, Chionetti

A tight, restrained nose with notes of ripening cherries, gravel, herbs and dry licorice. Very young.

The taste is tight and nicely concentrated with notes of smoke, violets, herbs and chrushed rocks. Fine, polished tannins. This will need 6+ years.

89p   (tasted 2023/11)

A Parker Calibration

Again, Roderick puts up a Parker Calibration tasting. For info about the concept, see previous tastings:

Barolista: A Parker Calibration

Barolista: 95, 96, 97, 98 & 99 Parker Points Wines

This time we had a 92, 94, 96, 97 and a 99p wine before us, which have been scored by Parker or his employees. 

Glass 1

A big, forward nose with notes of iodine, English licorice, sweet violets and mint aromas. Some maturity.

The taste is that of a high octane beverage with notes of rubber, ripe plums, band aid and menthol. But somehow it works. Very long. 

My guess is that this is a -98 Aussie Shiraz with a Parker score of 94p. 

Well, well, not that far from the thruth, it is 1996 The Armagh, Jim Barry (94p).

93p   (tasted 2023/11)

Glass 2

A restrained nose with notes of undergrowth, cold coffe, assorted black fruit and gravel. 

The taste is mature and a tad foursquare with notes of blueberries, black currants and soft tannins. 

I´m guessing a 1995 Bordeaux with a 90p score. The points was accurate enough but not the origin. It is 1996 Hermitage Monier de la Sizeranne, Chapoutier (90p). 

88p   (tasted 2023/11)

Glass 3

A big, seedy nose with notes of dried black cherries marinated in liquor, smoke, violets and lots of oak. A tad to large scaled.

The taste is big and concentrated with burnt black fruit, scorched earth and toasted oak. Very long and fiery.

Another Aussie Shiraz from the 1998 vintage with a 92p score, is my guess. Again, not that far from the truth - it is 1996 Stonewell Barossa Shiraz, Peter Lehmann (92p).

85p   (tasted 2023/11)

Glass 4

A deep, tight, focused nose with notes of violets en masse, sugared coffee, asphalt and band aid. Very, very fine.

The taste is massive yet balanced with gorgeous black fruit, silky tannins and a long, long finish. Ends with a dry twist. Lovely.

My guess is a California Syrah from the 2001 vintage with a 97p score. Close enough... - 2002 The Factor, Torbreck with a 99p score.

95p   (tasted 2023/11)

Glass 5

A gorgeous, deep, multi layered nose with notes of ripe blueberries, iron, black pepper and chrushed rocks. Very, very fine.

The taste is tight, concentrated and balanced with polished tannins, beautiful black fruit and a long, intense finish. Great wine. 6+ years.

My guess is a Côte-Rôtie from a great vintage with a 99p Parker score. Well, the origin is right - 

2015 Saint-Joseph Vigne de la Hospice, Guigal (96p).

97p   (tasted 2023/11)

Glass 6

A overextracted, over-the-top nose with notes of raisins in alcohol, burnt rubber, hot asphalt and fire smoke. Not my cup of tea.

The taste is hot and heavy with notes of cooked blackberries, scorched earth, melting asphalt and burning herbs. Long and fiery. 

Another Aussie Shiraz is my guess. Vintage - ? When the bottle is revealed I´m shocked. I have tasted earlier vintages of this wine and have been really impressed. But not this time. 2015 No 4 Syrah, Andremily (97p).

80p   (tasted 2023/11)

2021 Dolcetto Di Diano d´Alba Superiore Sori`Pradurent, Claudio Alario

2021 Dolcetto Di Diano d´Alba Superiore Sori`Pradurent, Claudio Alario

All who is to be trusted in Langhe, says that 2021 is a killer vintage for Dolcetto. This bottle proves the point.

The nose is tight, pure and multi layered with notes of "drottningsylt" (a Swedish coccotion of blueberries and raspberries), Lily of the Valley, bakelite, sweet violets and sun warm rocks. Very fine.

The taste is young and potent with notes of ripe blueberries, iron, violets and warm gravel. Silky tannins. Very long and complex. 6+ years. Glad I bought a bunch.

92p   (tasted 2023/11)

A Bottle Of Bubbly - 2002 Special Club Blanc de Blancs Vieilles Vignes, Pierre Gimmonet

2002 Special Club Blanc de Blancs Vieilles Vignes, Pierre Gimmonet

A fairly mature, open nose with notes of caramel, smoke, ginger and lemon cream. A fine sweetness to the fruit.

The taste is long and precise with a good acidity and notes of dried up lemoncello, smoke, dried flowers and chrushed rocks. 3+ years.

90p   (tasted 2023/10)

1975 Château Filhot

1975 Château Filhot

A deep, nicely focusd nose with notes of saffron, dried apricots, moist earth and iodine. A lovely maturity. Very fine.

The taste is pure and racy with nots of dried orange peel, almond paste, band aid and hay. Very complex and refined. A joy to drink.

94p   (tasted 2023/10)

A Ordinary Wednesday - Foradori, Montevetrano, Brovia, Tua Rita

A big thanks to M! All tasted double blind.

2020 Granato, Foradori

A young, tight nose with notes of iron, red currants, gravel and tobacco leaves. High and fine.

The taste is tight and seedy with low keyed red fruit, polished tannins and a medium long finish. 8+ years.

91p   (tasted 2023/11)

1995 Montevetrano

A deep, somewhat mature nose with notes of tobacco, black currants, plums and undergrowth. Very fine.

The taste is taut and herbal with notes of peppery black fruit, moist tobacco and a long, long finish. Perfect to drink now but will keep for 6+ years.

94p   (tasted 2023/11)

2006 Barolo Rocche, Brovia

A very deep, balsamic nose with notes of ripe raspberries, warm earth, minerals and salmiak. Very fine.

The taste is perfumed and fine with notes of dried fruit, a very fine acidity and a long, delicate finish. 8+ years.

94p   (tasted 2023/11)

2001 Redigaffi, Tua Rita

A big, outgoing nose with notes of blackberries, chocolate mousse, moist earth and fir wood. Deep and fine.

The taste is rich and concentrated with sandy tannins, dried black fruit, asphalt and smoke. 4+ years.

91p   (tasted 2023/11)

2021 Chianti Classico Casanuova di Nittardi Vigna Doghessa, Nittardi

2021 Chianti Classico Casanuova di Nittardi Vigna Doghessa, Nittardi

A high, handome nose that needs some time in the glass to open up. Notes of toasted almonds, black cherries, Tuscan road dust and herbs. Very, very good.

The taste is young, tight and focused with notes of dried cherries. tobacco, herbs and some balsamic notes. Very fine in a restrained way. 8+ years.

91p   (tasted 2023/11)

2015 Chianti Classico Casanuova di Nittardi Vigna Doghessa, Nittardi

2018 Chianti Classico Casanuova di Nittardi Vigna Doghessa, Nittardi

Château Calon Ségur 1948 - 2008

A very nice tasting dinner with 12 vintages of Château Calon Ségur in the highseat. The other bottles will get separate posts.

Flight I

1948 Château Calon Ségur

An old school, mature nose with notes of clay, old tobacco, moist earth and worn leather. Seemed a touch corked at first but got back with air in the glass.

The taste is mature and dry with notes of dry tobacco, autumn leaves and earth. Hanging in there, just.

82p   (tasted 2023/10)

1978 Château Calon Segur

Another lovely 78. The nose is round and mature with notes of dried black currants, smoke, leather and sugared coffee. Very, very good.

The taste is soft and mature with fine black fruit, a long dry finish and a overall high drinkability.

92p   (tasted 2023/10)

2008 Château Calon Segur

The youngster in the line up. The nose is big and concentrated with notes of ripe black currants, chocolate, fir wood and a english fruit cake.

The taste is upfront and juicy with focused black fruit, sugared coffee, new leather and sweet minerals. Will turn out fine, just wait 10+ years.

92p   (tasted 2023/10)

Flight II

1961 Château Calon Segur

A deep, ethereal nose with notes of bay leaves, dried black currants, cold coffe and a crisp autumn forest. Stunning.

The taste is tight and refined with a perfect maturity. Notes of cloves, iron, dried black currants and earth. A lovely balance. 

96p   (tasted 2023/10)

1962 Château Calon Segur

A deep, sweet, mature nose with notes of cooked black currants, chocolate biscuits, violets and warm earth. Very fine.

The taste is round and generous with fine black fruit, a long, warm finish and heaps of generosity.

93p   (tasted 2023/10)

1964 Château Calon Segur

A mature, soft nose with notes of smoke, violets, dried black currants and worn leather. Very, very good.

The taste is tight, dry and a tad foursquare with notes of dried black currants, scorched earth and cold coffee. There is still some unresolved tannins in the finish.

91p   (tasted 2023/10)

Flight III

1990 Château Calon Segur

A deep, hauntingly beautiful nose with notes of ripe black currants, sweet tobacco, chrushed rocks, violets and dark bread. Just stunning.

The taste is tight, rich and concentrated with some maturity, an awesome structure and massive fruit for the coming 20+ years. Impressive.

96p   (tasted 2023/10)

1989 Château Calon Segur

A deep, warm nose with notes of dried up black currant jam, moist undergrowth, chocolate wafers and sweet violets. Very fine.

The taste is big and bold with rich black currant fruit, steady tannins and a long, warm finish. 6+ years.

92p   (tasted 2023/10)

1986 Château Calon Segur

Sadly corked.

No rating   (tasted 2023/10)

Flight IV

1996 Château Calon Segur

A deep, multi layered nose with notes of ripe black currants, bakelite, tobacco and graphite. Very fine.

The taste is nicely concentrated with a very fine balance, silky tannins and gorgeous black fruit. Still young, 8+ years.

94p   (tasted 2023/10)

2000 Château Calon Segur

A dark, deep, broad shouldered nose with notes of dark bread, black currant jam, tar and new leather. 

The taste is powerful and concentrated with intense black fruit, forceful tannins and a very long, dry finish. Drink now or cross your fingers and save for 20+ years.

90p   (tasted 2023/10)

2005 Château Calon Segur

A young, refined nose with notes of ripe blueberries, black currants, graphite, coffee powder and road dust. Very fine.

The taste is structured and rich with intense black currant fruit waiting to unfold. Very, very long with polished tannins and a lovely balance. 10+ years.

93p   (tasted 2023/10)

A Vertical Of Clos de la Truffière & A Batard-Montrachet From Michel Niellon

2012 Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru Les Chaumées Clos de la Truffière, Michel Niellon

A high, fine, spicy nose with notes of peach, ginger, yellow apples and minerals. Very, very good.

The taste is dry and tight with notes of lemon meringue, chrushed rocks and dry fudge. 4+ years.

90p   (tasted 2023/10)

2011 Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru Les Chaumées Clos de la Truffière, Michel Niellon

A cool, restrained nose with notes of wet cement, lemon peel, butter cookies and ginger. 

The taste is young, dry and tight with notes of lemon peel, white currants, dry fudge and minerals. Very long. 6+ years.

92p   (tasted 2023/10)

2010 Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru Les Chaumées Clos de la Truffière, Michel Niellon

A fine, deep, buttery nose with notes of almond paste, peach and road dust. A fine round character.

The taste is seedy and concentrated with lovely yellow fruit, almond paste and chrushed rocks. Very long. 6+ years.

93p   (tasted 2023/10)

2009 Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru Les Chaumées Clos de la Truffière, Michel Niellon

A restrained, seedy nose with notes of lemon peel, road dust and dried flowers. Very good.

The taste is cool and tight with and low keyed yellow fruit, sand and birch leaves. 4+ years.

89p   (tasted 2023/10)

2008 Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru Les Chaumées Clos de la Truffière, Michel Niellon

A very fine, spicy nose with notes of grey pears, chives, peach and chrushed minerals. Very deep and fine.

The taste is high and fine with notes of ripe peach, dried passion fruit and sun warm rocks. Very fine. 5+ years.

94p   (tasted 2023/10)

2007 Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru Les Chaumées Clos de la Truffière, Michel Niellon

A big, dry nose with notes of red apples, warm rocks, almond paste and dried flowers. Deep and fine.

The taste is dry and seedy with notes of orange peel, chrushed rocks, dry ginger and apples. Long. 3+ years.

92p   (tasted 2023/10)

2007 Batard-Montrachet, Michel Niellon

A very deep, mature nose with notes of white peach, burnt butter, wax and warm grass. Very fine.

The taste is mature and willful with notes of ripe tangerines, earth, yellow flowers and sweet minerals. Very, very long.

95p   (tasted 2023/10)

2013 Barolo Tortoniano, Michele Chiarlo

2013 Barolo Tortoniano, Michele Chiarlo

A laid back, dusty nose with notes of leather, dried flowers, red beets and ripening cherries. 

The taste is tight and still fairly young with an assortment of fruits - cherries, red currants and raspberries. Silky tannins. A dry finish. 6+ years.

88p   (tasted 2023/10)