Grace Vineyard 2007

The colour is medium garnet. On the nose antique furniture and leather, with mentholated notes. The bouquet is at first light, but it grows in the glass. In the mouth only the acidity and the by now very soft tannins are left. The most surprising characteristic is the long persistence.

Overall this wine has certainly passed its prime, but it still reveals signs of a noteworthy past, especially for a Chinese wine. Continue reading “Grace Vineyard 2007”

Château Nine Peaks

Château Nine Peaks stands alone on a hill surrounded by its vineyards. Not very different from any upscale wine property you would find in the West, except that this winery is located in the Far East. Continue reading “Château Nine Peaks”

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”

Clos de l’Obac

So far my 152 posts on wine have focused on my tasting experience of single bottles. This time I want to write about the visit I had at Clos de l’Obac. A winery officially named Costers del Siurana and located in Gratallops, in the heart of the Priorat DOQ. Continue reading “Clos de l’Obac”

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”

Domain de Chevalier 2008

On the nose woody, with resin and a touch of burnt. In the mouth austere, but well balanced, with soft tannins and a fresh aftertaste, which sadly is a bit short. This is a wine that growths in the glass and with time shows more complexity. Overall, a good classic Bordeaux from Pessac-Léognan.

The week before tasting this 2008 I shared a 2007 with some friends. Continue reading “Domain de Chevalier 2008”

Argentiera 2009

The nose is rich of plums and dark cherries. Inviting, but devoid of any complexity, a feature that I would expect from a 10 years old Bordeaux. In the mouth and in the finish not much, beside a hint to the fruits perceived on the nose, the drying sensation of the tannins and some burning from the 14.5% alcohol. Overall a fine wine, but not much to enjoy for the 55 CHF I paid four years ago at Chiodi Ascona. Continue reading “Argentiera 2009”

Château Clerc Milon 1979

Visually this wine displays a shiny medium garnet color. On the nose at first a bit dusty. The main sensations are of old, slightly burned wood and tea leaves. With time it shows a tiny bit of complexity.

In the mouth very fresh and elegant. At first rather light, with lean tannins: more Burgundy than Bordeaux in character. Continue reading “Château Clerc Milon 1979”

Château Ducru-Beaucaillou 1989

On the nose the wine is very nuanced, as you should expect from a 30 years old Bordeaux. According to my tasting group, barn, black tea, leather and anise come to mind, with some cassis representing the fruit that is still left in the bouquet. In the mouth it has an earthy flavour profile, with some chocolate, pleasant tannins and a fairly long aftertaste. Continue reading “Château Ducru-Beaucaillou 1989”