Tasting Notes of Wines around the World
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”
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”
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”
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”
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”
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”
Despite its 29 years, this bottle is still very lively, starting from the brilliant color. At first the nose is boisé, with some plum. After it gets some air, chocolate and a richer variety of fruits come out. The finish is tasty, although at first a bit rough and dry. Given the age, the aftertaste is still fairly long. Continue reading “Opus One 1989”
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”
On the nose cottage cheese and butterscotch. After a while the eucalyptus note typical of this wine also shows up.
In the mouth very smooth tannins, highly pleasant from start to finish. Well balanced and, despite the 12 years, not showing any sign of decline yet. Continue reading “Rompidèe 2005”
It reminds me of a Mon Chéri, the famous single-wrapped chocolate, consisting of a “heart” of cherry floating in a liqueur and contained in a bittersweet chocolate shell.
In fact, although in a fairly discrete way, the 14.5% alcohol reveals itself from the first sniff, giving a sensation of fruits under spirit. The time spent in the barrique adds a clear chocolate flavour. Continue reading “Costamagna 2013”