Altos de la Finca 2014

The colour is deep purple. The nose has an herbal character, complemented by chocolate and dark cherries. In the mouth fresh, with round tannins and a long aftertaste of mocha, with hints of caramel.

Altos de la Finca is a blend of 60% Petit Verdot and 40% Syrah. It is aged for 18 months in new French oak barrels. This explains the chocolate notes on the nose and the overpowering mocha sensation in the aftertaste. Continue reading “Altos de la Finca 2014”

Château Nine Peaks

Château Nine Peaks stands alone on a hill surrounded by its vineyards. Not very different from any upscale wine property you would find in the West, except that this winery is located in the Far East. Continue reading “Château Nine Peaks”

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”

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”

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 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”

Château la Tour Carnet 2013

The nose is dominated by smoky notes. In the mouth the wood overpowers with disturbing tannins, that accompanies you till the end and leaves you with a dry feeling. With later sips some fruit come forward, but overall the wine is overshadowed by the oak. Continue reading “Château la Tour Carnet 2013”