Chateau d’Armailhac 2009 & 2012

The colour is in both cases medium ruby. On the nose also pretty similar. Both display an aroma of herbs, red and black berries, with the addition of leather and tobacco for the 2009, and coffee and chocolate for the 2012. In the mouth they are both very elegant. The tannins of the 2012 are edgier. The aftertaste medium long in both cases.

This the first impression, with the bottles just opened. Continue reading “Chateau d’Armailhac 2009 & 2012”

Icewines

During my 2023 summer holidays in Canada I bought three bottles of Icewine. Each one made with a different grape variety: Riesling, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. Since then I tasted all of them. Below the reviews.

Trius Showcase Riesling Icewine 2019: The colour is deep gold. On the nose honey, marmalade, dried apricot, candied pineapple. In the mouth mandarin, with a balance of sweetness and acidity. Continue reading “Icewines”

Dasempre 2022

The colour is medium ruby, with purple hues. On the nose vinous, with aromas of roses, violets, stewed strawberries, and orange peels, among others. In the mouth mid-bodied, balanced, and tasty. The aftertaste is long lasting.

This cheerful and convivial wine is produced under the Lacrima di Morrro d’Alba DOC by Vicari. Continue reading “Dasempre 2022”

Le Black Label Brut

The colour is medium gold, with fine, long lasting bubbles. On the nose pastry and bread crust. In the mouth refreshing, with a citrusy flavour. The aftertaste is fairly long.

Le Black Label Brut is a blend of 51% Pinot Noir, 36% Chardonnay and 13% Meunier grapes. Continue reading “Le Black Label Brut”

Marqués de Riscal Gran Reserva 2016

The colour is deep ruby. On the nose chocolate, prunes, dark berries. In the mouth smooth and full, with a tasty finish and a long aftertaste.

To make its Gran Reserva wine, Marqués de Riscal uses Tempranillo grapes from over 80 years old vines. The wine is aged between two and a half and three years into French oak barrels, and rests another three years in bottle before its release. Continue reading “Marqués de Riscal Gran Reserva 2016”

Hacienda Monasterio 2014

The colour is deep ruby with garnet hues. On the nose blueberries, blue cherries, prunes, liquorice, meat. In the mouth smooth, with a savoury lingering aftertaste.

Hacienda Monasterio 2014 is a blend 80% Tempranillo and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon. It has been made by Peter Sisseck of Pingus fame. Continue reading “Hacienda Monasterio 2014”