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”

Château Calon-Ségur 2000

The bouquet doesn’t display much complexity, with lots of smoke, cigar, mocha and liquorice, but not much fruit. In the mouth tobacco overpowers other sensation. Although well integrated, the tannins are still very present and add to the rustic experience. The finish is abrupt. The aftertaste fine, but nothing to indulge in and leaning towards a not overly pleasant mocha taste. Continue reading “Château Calon-Ségur 2000”

Gran Vin de Léoville du Marquis de Las Cases 2004

Albeit the wine is already 14 years old, the nose is still dominated by fruits, with cassis, blueberry and blackberry as the main standouts. In the mouth no sign of age neither, well rounded, elegant and delicate. This wine is very pleasant from the nose to the aftertaste. An outstanding product from a far from perfect vintage. Continue reading “Gran Vin de Léoville du Marquis de Las Cases 2004”

Gran Vin du Domaine L’Ostal Cazes 2012

On the nose black cherries, liquorice and black pepper, which gives a slightly prickly sensation. In the moth well balanced and consistent with the nose. Fairly long finish, but lighter than expected, with an earthy character.

This wine is produced under the Minervois La Livinière red wine appellation by the Domaine L’Ostal Cazes. Continue reading “Gran Vin du Domaine L’Ostal Cazes 2012”

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”

Chateau Figeac 1982

On the nose boisé and earthy. It reminds of antique furniture and clay pot. In the mouth it still displays a good acidity, solid tannins and a decent aftertaste. Unfortunately, the overall sensory experience can be defined as fascinating and intriguing, but not really as pleasant. Neither in the bouquet nor in the savour.  Continue reading “Chateau Figeac 1982”

Cuvée du Baptême 2016

The nose is dominated by an aroma of apricot. In the mouth the wine displays a velvety texture and a light, but fairly long, aftertaste of the same sweet apricot first perceived on the nose.

Overall, this Jurançon Sec produced by Cave de Gan delivers a simple but very pleasant experience. At 7 EUR a bottle in Paris it offers an attractive price-quality relationship.  Continue reading “Cuvée du Baptême 2016”

Mondeuse Lunatique 2016

On the nose meaty and herbal notes. In the mouth a light and raw texture, a beeswax finish and not much of an aftertaste. To complement its mediocrity, the wine displays a pale and cloudy appearance. At 10.5% the alcohol content is surprisingly low for a red wine.

As my wife said: “it tastes a bit like table wine from Italy”.  Continue reading “Mondeuse Lunatique 2016”

Les Clefs d’Or 2013

On the nose at first kind of prickly, with herbs and spices dominating the aroma. Among them anise and eucalyptus. With some air, red cherry fruit and liquorice come forward and the sensation get smoother.

In the mouth sort of masculine as on the nose, Continue reading “Les Clefs d’Or 2013”

Nouvelère 2010

On the nose a well achieved mix of dark fruits and spices. With some air licorice, black olives and herbal notes become more apparent. After a while, the black fruits come back reinforced, but only to fade away and reappear later on. In the mouth, the tannins are still very gripping. At first, this Syrah is less filling than you would expect and with a finish that is a bit abrupt. Continue reading “Nouvelère 2010”