I never had such a disappointing experience visiting a winery. Having some knowledge of the Chinese wine world, my expectations were already low before getting to the property, but Chateau Changyu-Castel managed nevertheless to delude me. Continue reading “Chateau Changyu-Castel”
Tag: Extra
Can Sala 2007
The colour is medium yellow. On the nose very intense, with a sweet sensation of peach and honey, accompanied by toasty elements. In the mouth very tasty and interesting, reminding of a crème brûlée, with a long lasting aftertaste that recalls tawny Port. Continue reading “Can Sala 2007”
Vigna Truss 2006
On the eyes the wine has a deep garnet colour. On the nose the flavour is very intense and, despite the 13 years, surprisingly fruity, with prune, black cherry and some cocoa. In the mouth very dry and raw. The finish is bitter and short. An interesting contrast to the opulence displayed to the eyes and to the nose. Continue reading “Vigna Truss 2006”
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”
Quinta do Noval Port Vintage 2003
On the nose mocha, leather, anise and other spices, with some balsamic notes. In the mouth velvety and balanced, although a bit warm due to the high alcohol content. The aftertaste is fruity, sweet and seductive.
Quinta do Noval, whose name first appeared in land registers in the year 1715, is one of the most prestigious names in Porto. Continue reading “Quinta do Noval Port Vintage 2003”
Catena Zapata Nicosia Vineyard 2008
Fruity nose of prune, mulberries and blackberries, accompanied by some liquorice. In the mouth very rich and smooth, with well integrated tannins and a pleasant acidity. The aftertaste is discreet but fairly long. Overall this wine is less bold than I expected.
Malbec is a black-skinned grape variety native of southwestern France, specifically the area around Cahors. Continue reading “Catena Zapata Nicosia Vineyard 2008”
Stricto Sensu 2013
At the first sight the wine appears pretty dense, signalling a lot of matter. The nose is very rich. Pleasantly spicy, with dark cherries mixed in with some coffee and liquorice. Once in the mouth the wine is less filling than it made you anticipate from the visual and olfactory point of view. On the other hand it is more elegant than expected. A finesse that is confirmed by the discreet aftertaste. Continue reading “Stricto Sensu 2013”
Le Chevalier de Sterimberg 2011
On the nose (acacia) honey, nuts and caramelized citrus aromas. In the mouth very elegant and superbly balanced. The finish is characterised by an explosion of flavours. The aftertaste is subtly discreet, but stays around for quite a while.
This Hermitage Blanc is a blend of 2/3 Marsanne and 1/3 Roussanne, both indigenous of the northern Rhône Valley. Continue reading “Le Chevalier de Sterimberg 2011”