Chateau Gruaud-Larose 2009

The colour is deep garnet. On the nose at first a bit animal, but also forest floor, tobacco and blueberries. In the mouth very elegant and smooth, with nicely integrated tannins. On the palate coffee and cocoa. The taste is subtle. The aftertaste fairly long but slightly bitter. Continue reading “Chateau Gruaud-Larose 2009”

Alter Ego de Palmer 2009

The colour is deep ruby. On the nose ripe black fruits, chocolate and mocha. In the mouth well integrated tannins and balanced. The aftertaste is elegant and last for very long. Very good wine, although I find this bottle less exciting than the one I tasted one year ago.

Alter Ego de Palmer is a second label (not a second wine) produced by Château Palmer since 1998. Continue reading “Alter Ego de Palmer 2009”

Wines >100 CHF

Wines >100 CHF: Last month I organised a blind tasting of wines that sells between 100 CHF and 150 CHF.

The six wines we tasted were freely picked by the participants to the event. We usually taste completely blind, without even knowing the wines we are tasting. This time we decided to announce the wines beforehand. Continue reading “Wines >100 CHF”

Château Phélan Ségur 2009

The colour is deep ruby. Not showing any sign of ageing yet. On the nose dark cherries, plums, forest, and some chocolatey and smokey notes. In the mouth very elegant, with well-integrated tannins and a good acidity. The aftertaste is delicious and last for quite a while.

Château Phélan Ségur is located in the Saint-Estèphe region of Bordeaux. Continue reading “Château Phélan Ségur 2009”

Chateau Haut-Lavignere 2016

The colour is deep ruby. On the nose charmingly fruity. Prunes, cherries and the ever-present blackberries come to mind. In the mouth not much of a body, with a unpleasantly bitter and drying finish. The aftertaste is medium long. When you start eating, the flaws in the mouth disappear and the appealing sensations on the nose make the overall experience with this wine very enjoyable. Continue reading “Chateau Haut-Lavignere 2016”

Wines <30 CHF

Last month I decided to do something different and to organise a blind tasting of wines that sells for less than 30 CHF.

The five wines we tasted have been freely picked by the participants to the event among the ones they prefer in this price range. Continue reading “Wines <30 CHF”

Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte Blanc 2006

This 13 years old white Bordeaux has a deep gold colour. On the nose a discreet aroma of citrus, mango and a hint of herbs. In the mouth well balanced, with a refreshing acidity. The aftertaste last for a long while, it is discreet as the aroma and is characterised by honeyed notes.

Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte is located in the Pessac-Léognan appellation of Bordeaux. Continue reading “Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte Blanc 2006”

Chateau Margaux 2012

I tasted the Grand Vin of Chateau Margaux along its two second wines: Pavillon Blanc & Pavillon Rouge.

Pavillon Rouge 2012 is a blend of 63% Cabernet Sauvignon, 33% Merlot and some Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Chateau Margaux 2012 is a blend of 87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot and a bit of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Continue reading “Chateau Margaux 2012”

La Croix de Beaucaillou 2012

The colour is deep ruby. The nose has a spicy and minty character, with green and smoky notes. In the mouth smooth, but not much of an aftertaste worth mentioning.

The 2012 Bordeaux vintage has been a challenging one, due to lousy weather that caused major problems for the ripening of Cabernet Sauvignon. The resulting wines are very variable. Continue reading “La Croix de Beaucaillou 2012”

Château Pape Clément 2005 vs 2009

On the nose the 2009 is at first very elegant, mentholated with some prune. After some time more spices come out, rosemary and sandalwood can be detected. In the mouth the wine has a similar evolution. At first very smooth, showing firm, but already well integrated tannins. After a while the tannins become more gripping and drying. Continue reading “Château Pape Clément 2005 vs 2009”