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”

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”

Opus One 1989

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”

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”

Costamagna 2013

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”