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”

Tariquet Classic 2018

The colour is medium straw. On the nose an inviting aroma of apricot, peach, bergamot and ananas. In the mouth refreshing and as pleasant as on the nose, with a corresponding aftertaste that last for quite a while and completes the experience with some saltiness.

This (in France) hugely popular white wine is produced under the Cotes de Gascogne IGP. Continue reading “Tariquet Classic 2018”

Astrolabe Fronton 2014

This wine is deeply pigmented. On the nose notes of violet, blackberries and some spices. On the palate it is velvety and pleasant, but the finish leaves you with a disturbing bitterness, which I guess is due to a suboptimal use of oak. Fortunately, after some exposition to air, this defect disappears. Nevertheless, I find this imperfection a real shame, given the otherwise pleasant profile of this wine made with a unique grape variety: Négrette. Continue reading “Astrolabe Fronton 2014”

Fébus Jurançon Sec 2017

On the nose the typical aroma of apricot and citrus of the Manseng grapes comes forward, although in a faint version. In the mouth there is a prickly acidity at a level I personally find kind of disturbing. Beside some light apricot hint, no aftertaste worth mentioning.

Jurançon is, along with Marcillac, Gaillac, Fronton and Madiran, one of the five French AOC I intended to visit in July during my last trip to France with my son. Continue reading “Fébus Jurançon Sec 2017”

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”

Côte des roses 2017

This wine displays a pale salmon colour. On the nose cantaloupe, watermelon and pears, among other fruits, can be detected. In the mouth refreshing, with a medium acidity and a pleasant taste that stays for a short while. Although it doesn’t give any revealing sensations, this wine is well balanced and definitely an enjoyable summer drink. Continue reading “Côte des roses 2017”

Aigle Noir Viognier 2016

When you open the bottle you are confronted with a synthetic cork, which I personally find absolutely anti-erotic.

The colour is pale gold, a first sign of the fact that this Pays d’Oc IGT wine is a less rich expression of the grape than the Viognier produced in the Condrieu AOC, which tend to display a deep golden colour. Continue reading “Aigle Noir Viognier 2016”

Gruss Gewürtztraminer Vendages Tardives 2015

This white wine presents itself with a medium gold colour and a perfumed nose, characterised by tropical fruits like mango and ananas, sweet spices such as cinnamon and ginger, and rose petals. Once in the mouth, the wine gives a velvety sensation of opulence. Despite the low acidy, the mouth is left salivating and the pleasantly sweet aftertaste linger for quite a while. Continue reading “Gruss Gewürtztraminer Vendages Tardives 2015”

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”