2000 Château Lafaurie-Peyraguey

2000 Château Lafaurie-Peyraguey

From a half bottle. The nose is deep and mature with notes of orange peel, almond paste, dry saffron and detergent. A tad soft in the middle.

The taste is mature and semi sweet with notes of dry tangerines, almonds and earth. Very good but a tad muffled.

87p   (tasted 2024/12)

The Ten Most Memorable Wines Of 2024

The time has come. To jot down the wines that have been the most memorable of 2024. The wines that have made a lasting impression. 

It is always difficult to narrow it down to ten wines but I force myself and with a glass of Dolcetto from Ferdinando Principiano (note will come) the task seems a tad easier.

914 wines tasted and drunk during 2024, of which 227 was a Barolo (though only one made the list this year). 

Here are the wines that made the list, in vintage order. 

A toast for a great 2025!

MV Grand Siècle, Laurent-Perrier

I have tried to find out which three vintages that made up the blend for this fantastic Champagne, mailing Laurent-Perrier and so forth, but no no avail. Still, one of the best bottles of bubbly I have ever tasted - Barolista: A Tasty Lineup From Laurent-Perrier (the bottle to the right above).

98p   (tasted 2024/06)

1870 Verdelho Solera, Rutherford & Co

During the same tasting dinner, this beauty and the one below, was poured, an embaressment of riches for us around the table - Barolista: Tasting Dinner With Vintages Ending With A "0". 

Since its a Solera the wine is not entirely from 1870, but the wine displayed all characteristic of an old Madeira.

98p   (tasted 2024/08)

1900 Moscatel de Setubal, J. M. da Fonseca

24 years ago I had this as a perfect wine - Barolista: The Perfect Ones - Part 3. 24 years later its almost as perfect - Barolista: Tasting Dinner With Vintages Ending With A "0". I love these old Setubal´s.

98p   (tasted 2024/08)

1959 Château Pichon Baron

I´m deeply grateful to Lars & Maria for providing three of the most memorable wines during 2024 (and many more gorgeous wines - thanks!). 

The first one is from the stunning tasting dinner with 21 vintages of Pichon Baron. I had higher points for the 1990 and 2005 but the -59 stole my heart - Barolista: A  Fantastic Tasting Dinner - 21 Vintages Of Château Pichon Baron.

96p   (tasted 2024/01)

1964 Barolo, Burlotto

Having tasted a lot of 64´s this year, this Barolo and the Bordeaux below stood out. This 64 combined the beauty of the vintage with a truly great Burlotto feeling - Barolista: A 1964 Barolo Tasting Dinner - Flight II.

94p   (tasted 2024/10)

1964 Château La Mission Haut Brion

1964 / La Mission Haut Brion / magnum - what´s not love? - Barolista: 1964 Magnum Dinner.

95p   (tasted 2024/11)

2012 Merlot Buri, Miani

This Merlot from Miani ranks up there with Masseto and Petrus - a just stunning expression of the grape - Barolista: A Fantastic Spring Dinner. Thanks Lars & Maria for a fantastic spring dinner!

97p   (tasted 2024/05)

2012 G-Max, Keller

I am very fortunate, having tasted two vintages of G-Max during 2024, the 2015 (93p) and this candidate for perfection, Riesling doesn´t get better than this - Barolista: Tasting Dinner With Georges Laval, Keller, Littorai, Philip Togni & More.

98p   (tasted 2024/11)

2016 Il Caberlot, Podere Il Carnasciale

Again, Lars & Maria offers up a stunning tasting dinner with five magnums of the unique Il Caberlot. All of them were fantastic but the -16 was something special - Barolista: 2015 - 2019 Il Caberlot, Podere Il Carnasciale.

98p   (tasted 2024/09)

2017 Dolcetto d´Alba Vigna Santo Stefano di Perno, Giuseppe Mascarello

Being member No 2 of the very exclusive club: Dolcetto Boys & Girls (with Elisa Scavino as member No 3, there is only four members in total :-)) one has to drink Dolcetto as often as one can, and this beauty displayed everything that Dolcetto can aspire to - Barolista: 2017 Dolcetto d´Alba Santo Stefano di Perno, Giuseppe Mascarello

94p   (tasted 2024/05)

Earlier years:

The Ten Most Memorable Of 2011

The Ten Most Memorable Of 2012

The Ten Most Memorable Of 2013

The Ten Most Memorable Of 2014

The Ten Most Memorable Of 2015

The Ten Most Memorable Of 2016

The Ten Most Memorable Of 2017

The Ten Most Memorable Of 2018

The Ten Most Memorable Of 2019

The Ten Most Memorable Of 2020

The Ten Most Memorable Of 2021

The Ten Most Memorable Of 2022

The Ten Most Memorable Of 2023

1993 Château Larmande

1993 Château Larmande

A nicely matured, forest filled nose with additional notes of dried plums, fresh stables and cigarette smoke.

The taste is medium bodied and dry with notes of dried up red and black currants, autumn leaves and smoke. A fine dried up sweetness. A fine luncheon Claret.

87p   (tasted 2024/12)

Tasting Dinner With Georges Laval, Keller, Littorai, Philip Togni & More

Last November our tasting group did our second tasting dinner for 2024. All wines, except our own (I brought the two Keller bottles), tasted double blind.

Flight I

2018 Roses de Jeanne, Cedric Bouchard

A high, chalky nose with notes of tarragon, Lily of the Valley, band aid and gravel. Very pure and lively.

The taste is tight and fresh with a high acidity, lemon fruit and a long fine finish. 5+ years. 100% Pinot Noir.

92p   (tasted 2024/11)

2016 Brut Nature Les Chênes, Georg Laval

A very deep, layered nose with notes of lobster shell, sun warm rocks, cookie dough and chalk. Very fine.

The taste is expressive and clean like a whistle with a very fine balance, lovely fruit and a cleansing acidity. 4+ years. 100% Chardonnay.

94p   (tasted 2024/11)

2016 Mont Martin, Nicolas Maillart

100% Pinot Meunier, 4 gr dosage. The nose is open and fine with notes of orange peel, hay, red currants and matchbox. A very fine depth.

The taste is creamy and dry with a chalky character, lots of ripe fruit and a long, fresh finish. Very fine.

94p   (tasted 2024/11)

2015 Les Coupés, Nicolas Maillart

100% Pinot Noir, 2 gr dosage. A somewhat withdrawn nose with notes of dried yellow fruits, chrushed rocks and a hint of dry sherry. 

The taste is tight and fine but a tad one dimensional, nice fruit though and a long, dry finish.

89p   (tasted 2024/11)

Flight II

2015 Abtserde, Keller

A tight, focused nose with notes of yellow pears, lime peeel, wet rocks and chalk. Very intense and fine.

The taste is young and concentrated with tons of dried yellow fruit, a cleansing acidity and a long, long steely finish. Great wine.

95p   (tasted 2024/11)

2012 G-Max, Keller

The real deal. The nose is bottomless deep and refined with notes of candied lemons, wet asphalt, apricots and matchbox. Layers upon layers of the purest fruit.

The taste is intense and just brilliant with every knot and bolt in place. The acidity is breathtaking and the finish goes on and on and on. Give this beauty 10+ years and you´re looking at perfection.

98p   (tasted 2024/11)

2015 B. A. Theriot Vineyard, Littorai

A forward, fine nose with notes of smoke, lemon cream, thai basil and some medicinal notes. Very, very good.

The taste is tight and focused with notes of grapefruit, smoke and candied lemons. A long, fresh finish.

92p   (tasted 2024/11)

2015 Ma Princess, Morlet

A high, warm nose with notes of coconut, fir smoke, ripe apples and dark fudge. Very concentrated.

The taste is big and brawny with cooked yellow fruit, lots of oak and hints of alcohol in the finish. 

85p   (tasted 2024/11)

Flight III

2004 Estate, Château Montelena

An open, juicy nose with notes of ripe black currants, plums, bonfire smoke and tobacco. Very fine.

The taste is tight and focused with lovely black fruit, velvety tannins and a long, long finish. Great wine.

95p   (tasted 2024/11)

2010 Reserve, Mondavi

A tight, laid back nose with notes of ripening black flowers, plums, cold coffe and earth. A very fine warmth.

The taste is nicely concentrated and bold with notes of plums, scorched earth, red beets and a hint of mint. Very long. 5+ years.

93p   (tasted 2024/11)

2001 Hillside Select, Shafer

A broadshouldered nose with notes of dried raspberries, plums, sweet violets and burning wood. Very fine in a in-your-face kind of way.

The taste is taut and structured with black fruit in boatloads, a rustic elegance and a long, fiery finish. 

92p   (tasted 2024/11)

2001 Cabernet Sauvignon, Togni

A deep, handsome nose with notes of tobacco, ripe black currants, stables and expensive leather. Very fine.

The taste is intense and balanced with rich black currants fruit, velvety tannins and a lovely, layered finish. Great wine.

96p   (tasted 2024/11)

Flight IV

2022 The FMC, Ken Forrester

This Chenin Blanc displays a cool, spicy nose with notes of dry lemons, sage, band aid and dried up honey. 

The taste is high and fresh with restrained yellow fruit, a high acidity and a medium long finish.

87p   (tasted 2024/11)

2022 Savennières, Domaine Les Deux LL

A delicate, creamy nose with notes of yellow pears, gravel and oil cloth. Very, very good.

The taste is dry and spicy with notes of wet earth, tangerines, lemon peel and gravel. A very fine acidity.

88p   (tasted 2024/11)

Flight V

1965 Colheita Port, Barros

A high, fine nose with notes of nougat, fried nuts, detergent and raisins. A very fine sweetness.

The taste is rich and concentrated with a mix of candied fruits and nuts, a long fiery finish and a nice balancing acidity.

93p   (tasted 2024/11)

1944 Colheita Port, Real Companiah Velha

A tight, semi sweet nose with notes of orange peel, dry chocolate, stale nuts and banana peel. Very good and interesting.

The taste is broad and mature with notes of bakelite, dry chocolate, toasted almonds and gravel. Ends on a semi dry note.

90p   (tasted 2024/11)

Two Fine 1964 Bordeaux

1964 Château La Tour de Mons

This 60 year old Margaux sports a round, mature nose with notes of vintage leather, dried red fruit, red beet juice and undergrowth. Still hanging in there.

The taste is dry and refined with a very good mouthfeel, soft tannins and a long, pure finish. Very, very good.

88p   (tasted 2024/12)

1964 Château du Colombier-Monpelou

"For many years this was probably the best wine made at the cave coopérative, although always sold under its own name" (Bordeaux, David Peppercorn, 1991). 

A real surprise - the nose oozes out of the glass with gorgeous notes of plum, dark fudge, fir wood, sweet tobacco and fresh stables.

The taste is rich and concentrated with notes of ripe black currants, salmiak, forest floor and coffee powder. A very long, dry finish. Still structure for further aging. If this had been poured blind to me I would have guessed a really fine -78.

93p   (tasted 2024/12)

Three Bottles From Paolo Scavino

1980 Barolo Bric dël Fiasc, Paolo Scavino

A light, mature, delicate nose with notes of forest floor, almond paste, dark fudge and fir smoke. Very, very good.

The taste is soft and warm with lots of charm but the fruit has taken the backseat, the tannins have all melted and the finish is a tad short, but still a fine mouthful of aged Barolo. 

1978 was the first vintage of Bric dël Fiasc. In 2012 I arranged a vertical tasting with 12 vintages of Bric dël Fiasc - Barolista: Tasting Dinner with 12 Vintages of Bric dël Fiasc.

90p   (tasted 2024/12)

1985 Barolo Riserva, Paolo Scavino

This Riserva is a stunner. From the great vintage of -85 it offers up a deep, meaty and structured nose with notes of black cherries, sugared coffee, ripe roses, asphalt and violets. Pure and lovely.

The taste is rich and concentrated with notes of dried up black cherry jam, sandelwood, violets, tar and leather. Still some sweet tannins. Very long. Great wine.

95p   (tasted 2024/12)

1999 Barolo Bric dël Fiasc, Paolo Scavino

This youngster displays a deep, tight nose with notes of ripe cherries, dark flowers, violets and a touch of mint. High and fine.

The taste is tight and focused with notes of hard cherry candy, licorice, violets and Lange earth. The tannins suggest the need of another 6+ years in the cellar. Very fine.

95p   (tasted 2024/12)

New Years Eve´s Bubblies

2013 Brut, Olivier & Laëtitia Marteux

50% Pinot Meunier, 30% Chardonnay, 20% Pinot Noir. 5 gr dosage. 7 years on the lees. 

The nose is crisp and fine with notes of yellow apples, ginger, matchbox and gravel. Very, very good.

The taste is finely tuned and steely with notes of lemons, pickled ginger and dried flowers, A very good acidity.

90p   (tasted 2024/12)

2010 Extra Brut, Olivier & Laëtitia Marteux

The 2010 has the same grape mix as the -13. 2 gr dosage and 11 years on the lees.

The nose is racy and mineral laden with gorgeous yellow fruit and notes of cap gun smoke, lemon cream and chushed rocks. Gorgeous.

The taste is dry and delicate with notes of white currants, lemon cream, sweet minerals and smoke. A crisp acidity. Very long. 

93p   (tasted 2024/12)

2013 Barolo, Burlotto

2013 Barolo, Burlotto

The 13 Normale from Burlotto is in a rather ungainly phase now, even with extended air. The nose is deep and tight with notes of hard cherry candy, asphalt. smoke and shoe polish. Low keyed. Needs plenty of time..

The taste is high and fine but the fruit is locked up, there is silky tannins and a fine acidity here, but this will need 6+ years to come around. Glad I have more.

88p   (tasted 2024/12)

2022 Golden Slope Chardonnay, Liquid Farm

2022 Golden Slope Chardonnay, Liquid Farm

A very handsome, mineral driven nose with notes of lemon cream, orange peel and Finnish candy marmelade (the green balls, those who knows know). Lovely.

The taste is nicely concentrated, racy and focused with a fresh acidity, gorgeous yellow fruit and a long, chalky finish. 

94p   (tasted 2024/12)

1982 Château Fonroque

1982 Château Fonroque

A earthy, autumn filled nose with additional notes of dry tobacco, vintage leather and assorted dried black fruits. 

The taste is mature and dry with notes of cedar, red currants, dry tobacco and gravel. Hanging in there nicely. 70% Merlot & 30% Cabernet Franc.

85p   (tasted 2024/12)

Four Bottles Of Port

Last tasting of the season with our monthly tasting group, and as ussual we finish with the fortified wines. 

1994 Vintage Port, Graham

A deep, open, juicy nose with notes of sugared coffee, plums, bakelite and boatloads of sweet violets. Very, very good.

The taste is tight and concentrated, still young, with silky black fruit, a very long, distinct finish with sweet tannins. Needs at least 10 more years. 

90p   (tasted 2024/12)

30 Anos Port, S. Leonardo

A mature, deep nose with notes of molasses, cooked red apples, roasted nuts and shoe polish. Complex and fine.

The taste is big and bold with notes of white raisins, cookie dough, walnuts and sugared coffee. Very long and yummy.

92p   (tasted 2024/12)

40 Anos Port, S. Leonardo

A rich, concentrated nose with notes of old wood, plum jam, bonfire smoke, dried apples and detergent. Very high and interesting.

The taste is tight and focused with depth, intensity and massive sweetness which is paired with a healthy dose of tannins and acidity. Very fine.

94p   (tasted 2024/12)

Great Grandfather Rare Tawny, Penfolds

This old Solera displays a bottomless deep, perfumed and just stunning nose with notes of plums, a petrol station, smoke, high octane coffee and ripe black currants. Intense and subtile at the same time. High and refined.

The taste is taut, rich and multi layered with the settings set to eleven - Spinal Tap - "These go to eleven...." - yet it is balanced, focused and utterly gorgeous. Grand Vin.

98p   (tasted 2024/12)

A Fine Lineup Of Bottles From DuMOL

In Key West I found a great wine store - Key West Fine Wines - where I bought the -21 DuMOL, previously posted - Barolista: Two Fine Chards From Rhys & DuMOL. 

On returning the next day, charming sales manager Mariette Bolitski from DuMOL, poured some 22:s and I was fortunate to get to taste them. 

2022 Wester Ranch Chardonnay

A broad, smoky, caramel filled nose & a focused, concentrated taste with lovely yellow fruit.

~93p   (tasted 2024/12)

2022 Estate Chardonnay

This stunner shows of a layered, racy nose with a gorgeous purity & a deep, rich taste with gorgeous fruit.

~96p   (tasted 2024/12)

2022 Isobel Chardonnay

Tight, pure and fresh on the nose & a palate with loads of ripe lemons, smoke and a great finish.

~94p   (tasted 2024/12)

2022 Chloe Chardonnay

More broad and smoky than the 21 - Barolista: Two Fine Chards From Rhys & DuMOL - with notes of caramel ice cream, matchbox and lemon cream.

~94p   (tasted 2024/12)

2022 Wester Ranch Pinot Noir

A open, juicy nose with lots of fresh raspberries and thai basil & and a ripe, delicious taste with a handsome structure and gulpability.

~93p   (tasted 2024/12)

2022 Ryan Pinot Noir

A restrained, focused nose & a structured, layered taste with ripe red currants, smoke, flowers and red beets. Lovely.

~95p   (tasted 2024/12)

2022 Estate Pinot Noir

A bottomless deep, beautiful nose with notes of incense, raspberry licorice and smoke & a pure, intense taste that goes on and on and on with purity, balance and focus. Truly great.

~97p   (tasted 2024/12)

A Bottle Of Bubbly - Grand Reserve Chardonnay, Racines

NV Grand Reserve Chardonnay, Racines

This bubbly is a result of a collaboration between Tyler Winery, de Montille and Pierre Peters. And the impact of the latter is obvious, if I would have got this poured blind, Pierre Peters Champagne would have been one of my guesses. 

This is really fine. The nose soars up from the glass with notes of butter cookies, chrushed minerals, roasted hazel nuts and yellow flowers. Very delicate.

The taste is young, tight and pure with crisp lemon fruit, smoky notes, a cleansing acidity and a long, distinct finish. 4+ years. 7.995 bottles made.

94p   (tasted 2024/12)

Birthday Dinner With Francis Orban, Aubert & Corison

This years birthday was spent in Miami, hence no 64:s this year (although I have drunk quite a few during this autumn).

NV Extra Brut, Francis Orban

This 100% Pinot Meunier offers up a crisp, chalky nose with notes of starfruit, white currants, assorted nuts and smoke. Very, very good.

The taste is pure and fine with a high acidity, smoky fruit and a long, balanced finish. Still young, this would need 5+ years in the cellar.

91p   (tasted 2024/12)

2019 UV-SL Vineyard Chardonnay, Aubert

A high, intense nose with notes of cold butter, grey pears, freshly washed linen and lemon caramels. Absolutely stunning.

The taste is tight and intense with gorgeous notes of lemon cream, lime peel, chrushed minerals and matchbox. The finish goes on and on and on. A stunner.

97p   (tasted 2024/12)

2019 Cabernet Sauvignon, Corison

Cathy has fashioned a great Cabernet in 2019 (as always). The nose is deep and pure nose with notes of fresh stables, violets, ripe black currants and dried flowers. Very fine.

The taste is taut and refined with lovely black currant fruit, silky tannins, a fine focus and a structure for aging. 6+ years.

95p   (tasted 2024/12)

Two Fine Chards From Rhys & DuMOL

2015 Bearwallow Vineyard Chardonnay, Rhys

A deep, spicy nose with notes of lemon cream, dry caramel, green tomatoes and lime pie. Complex and very fine. Some maturity.

The taste is layered and balanced with lovely lemon toffee notes, dry vanilla pods, matchbox and minerals. Very long and intense. Great wine.

95p   (tasted 2024/12)

2021 Chloe Chardonnay, DuMOL

The Chloe Chard comes from three vineyard and offers up a young, fresh, steely nose with notes of tangerines, lemon peel and chalk. A fine dry sweetnees to the fruit.

The taste is young and tight with a fine acidity and restrained yellow fruit. Needs time to open up in the glass. Dried up lemon ice cream, smoke and grass are some of the fine notes in the long finish.

93p   (tasted 2024/12)

2019 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, Crescere

2019 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley, Crescere

A bottomless deep, hauntingly beautiful nose with notes of ripe black currants, charcoal, fine tobacco and boatloads of sweet violets. Stunning.

The taste is tight and refined with notes of dark chocolate, asphalt, dried up black currant jam and violets. The finish goes on forever. 8+ years. 89% Cabernet & 11% Petit Verdot. Worldclass.

98p   (tasted 2024/12)

2020 Feather, Long Shadow Wintners

2020 Feather, Long Shadow Wintners

This Columbia Valley Cabernet displays a deep, focused nose with notes of ripening black currants, green pepper, dark fudge, charcoal and some inky notes. Multilayered and just awesome.

The taste is high and intense with notes of cranberries, graphite, nougat, tobacco and smoke. A long, fresh finish with velvety tannins. Great wine. 6+ years.

96p   (tasted 2024/12)

Two Fine Bottles From Coursey Graves

2019 Bennett Mountain Estate, Coursey Graves

This blend of 58% Cabernet Sauvignon and 42% Merlot offers up a plum filled nose with additional notes of tapenade, dark flowers, tobacco and some chocolate aromas.

The taste is young and silky with notes of ripe plums, sand, pipe tobacco and sweet minerals. Very long and balanced. 5+ years.

93p   (tasted 2024/12)

2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley, Coursey Graves

A young, tight, restrained - opened up nicely on the second day - with notes of ripe black currants, new leather, graphite and sun warm rocks. Needs time. Really fine.

The taste is structured and concentrated with notes of charcoal, black currant flavoured chocolate and fine tobacco. Very long with a fine mouthfeel. 6+ years.

94p   (tasted 2024/12)

Two Russian River Valley Chardonnay’s

2021 The North Slope Vineyard Chardonnay, Walter Hansel

A refined, bread filled nose with notes of butter biscuits, lemon cream and chrushed minerals. Very fine.

The taste is structured and racy with notes of candied lemons, lemon licorice and brioche. A very fine acidity. Lovely.

93p   (tasted 2024/12)

2019 Russian River Valley Chardonnay, Paul Hobbs

Big and bold with gorgeous ripe lemon fruit, smoke, sugared lime juice and dark fudge. Deep and intense.

The taste is creamy and steady with notes of lemon sponge cake, sweet minerals and matchbox. Long and juicy. Just great.

93p   (tasted 2024/12)

2019 Vanguard Pinot Noir, The Hilt Estate

2019 Vanguard Pinot Noir, The Hilt Estate

A cool, spicy nose with notes of dried raspberries, cranberries, red beets, tobacco ashes and a hint of rubber. Very, very good.

The taste is seedy and fine with a nice balance, sweet raspberry fruit and a long, dry finish. Drinking great now.

91p   (tasted 2024/12)

2022 Barbera d´Alba, Ferdinando Principiano

2022 Barbera d´Alba, Ferdinando Principiano

A smoky, upfront nose with notes of ripe wild raspberries, warm tiles, leather and Langhe earth. Very, very good.

The taste is medium bodied and cool with a fine acidity and notes of raspberries, licorice and earth. 

Notes from my visit to the estate - Barolista: A Couple Of Days In Piedmont - Visit To Ferdinando Principiano.

88p   (tasted 2024/11)

2020 Côte-Rôtie La Mouline, La Turque & La Landonne

I couldn´t make it to the annual Guigal tasting at Wineaffair, but they were ever so kind to let me pick up small bottles of the wines tasted. 

Previous wines tasted:

Barolista: Two Fine Wines From Guigal

Barolista: A Fine Lineup Of Whites From Guigal

2020 Côte-Rôtie La Mouline, Guigal

A very handsome, layered nose with notes of violet licorice, pancetta, fine tobacco and chrushed rocks. Very deep.

The taste is young, focused yet velvety with notes of blackberries, red beets, spices and boatloads of violets. A finish that goes on and on and on. 8+ years.

97p   (tasted 2024/11)

2020 Côte-Rôtie La Turque, Guigal

A tight, iron filled nose with notes of ripe blueberries, bakelite, tiles, dried flowers and sun warm rocks. Beautiful.

The taste is rich and concentrated with taut tannins and notes of violet pastilles, ripe blueberries, asphalt and sweet minerals. Very, very long. 12+ years.

96p   (tasted 2024/11)

2020 Côte-Rôtie La Landonne, Guigal

A very deep, restrained nose with stunning notes of fir smoke, chrushed minerals, charcoal, violets and dried meat. World class.

The taste is very young, explosive and multi layered with power, finesse and intensity. Just wait 20+ years...

98p   (tasted 2024/11)

2017 Dogliani Superiore, San Fereolo

2017 Dogliani Superiore, San Fereolo

A cool, herbal nose with notes of cranberries, red currants, violets, church benches and some band aid. Very, very good.

The taste is open and juicy with a fine structure, sandy tannins and a long, warm finish. Drinking great but could age, I´m buying a bunch.

91p   (tasted 2024/11)

Previous vintages tasted:

2012

2013

2015

1964 Magnum Dinner

I keep on opening and drinking my stash of 64´s. This evening we drank all of my magnums from The Greatest Vintage Ever.

NV Brut, Louis Roederer

A bottle from the 60´s and I of course assume that the main part is from 1964... The nose is low keyed and earthy with notes of dried apples, red tea and nougat. Old but hanging in there.

The taste is dry and seedy with notes of autumn apples, earth and hay. A medium long dry finish.

84p   (tasted 2024/11)

NV Brut, Louis Roederer

I think this is the last version of Roederer Brut before the name changed to Collection. I have had it in the cellar for a couple of years. The nose is young and forward with notes of jasmine, chrushed rocks, fried nuts and spices. Very, very good.

The taste is fresh and racy with lots of ripe yellow fruits, a fine acidity and a long finish. 6+ years.

We toyed around with the two and a mix of 1/4 old and 3/4 new Roederer was even better than the young one.

88p   (tasted 2024/11)

1964 Chablis 1er Cru, Leon Rigault

Magnum. A large scaled, mature nose with notes of iodine, dry biscuits, orange peel and hay. Interesting.

The taste is dry and mature with noutes of oil cloth, dried herbs, yellow apples and chocolate wafers. Holding up well and very good with the food.

86p   (tasted 2024/11)

1964 Vino Amaro Dolcetto, Bersano

Magnum. Who said that Dolcetto can´t age? The nose is earthy and fresh with notes of red currants, dry violets, iron and hint of band aid.

The taste is tight and herbal with, for its age, perky black fruit, soft tannins and a sparse finish. Held very well to the following day.

89p   (tasted 2024/11)

1964 San Marco Grande Reserva, S.V.P Constantino

Magnum. Alive but both the nose and taste is earthy, dry and one dimensional.

68p   (tasted 2024/11)

1964 Côtes-du-Rhone Villages, Château de la Gardine

Magnum. A high, smoky nose with notes of cooked blueberries, moist earth, balsamic vinegar and red beets. Very much alive.

The taste is seedy and peppery with a fine structure, lots of dried black fruits and a longm dry finish. As with the Dolcetto, held very well to the following day.

89p   (tasted 2024/11)

1964 Clos de l´Oratoire

Magnum. A earthy, deep nose with notes of mullberries, leather, tobacco and forest floor. A very fine dried up sweetness.

The taste is soft and still perky with notes of plums, leather and cold coffee. Very long and fine.

92p   (tasted 2024/11)

1964 Château Peygeneston

Magnum. A low keyed, mature nose with notes of undergrowth, old leather, smoke and cheap tobacco.

The taste is long and has a fine warmth but the finish is a touch foursquare.

84p   (tasted 2024/11)

1964 Château Cantemerle

Magnum. A fine, velvety nose with notes of hot earth, fresh stables, dried black currants and dark fudge.

The taste is tight and fine with notes of tobacco, earth and herbs. A tad short on the finish though.

89p   (tasted 2024/11)

1964 Château Chasse Spleen

I opened two bottles but one was corked. The good one displays a deep, sweet nose with notes of violets, black currants, dark bread and fir wood. Very, very good.

The taste is warm and mature with a fine dried up sweetness, dried black currants and charcoal. Long and fine.

90p   (tasted 2024/11)

1964 Château La Mission Haut Brion

Magnum. A deep, sandy nose with notes of forest floor, expensive tobacco, ripe black currants and warm tiles. Lovely.

The taste is rich and concentrated with tight black fruit, still some perky tannins and a long, long finish. Great wine.

95p   (tasted 2024/11)

1964 Boal, Justino Henriques

A deep, ethereal nose with notes of toasted almonds, paint, wet asphalt, chocolate wafer and incense. Very fine.

The taste is very intense and layered with notes of raisins, dry chocolate, tea leaves and iodine. A very long finish. Lovely.

93p   (tasted 2024/11)