Henri Bourgeois Petit Bourgeois Rosé de Pinot Noir 2007
Vin de Pays du Val de Loire; 12,5% abv; 10,97€. At the darker end of salmon pink. A rather sweet scent of strawberry, but it also has nice minerality and obvious Pinosity. Quite intense, high acidity (some might even say it is tart), very refreshing but with enough ripe fruit to counter the structure. A perfectly decent, uncomplicated wine that was a pleasure to drink.
torstai 31. heinäkuuta 2008
lauantai 26. heinäkuuta 2008
Domaine Wardy Sauvignon Blanc 2007
Domaine Wardy Sauvignon Blanc 2007 Bekaa valley; 11,90€; 12,5% abv
A typical nose for the grape with a rather elegantly mineral, blackcurrant leaf aroma. It is pungent, but not the tropical style of NZ yet more so than what I have experienced from the Loire. Very salty palate, moderate and refreshing acidity (but surprisingly very low according to the technical sheet: only 4,8 g/l), ripe fruit. It is a pleasantly mineral wine and a rather personal expression of the grape with its extreme saltiness - one that bridges the styles most commonly seen. Perhaps not terribly memorable but I will never turn down a glass or two.
This strangely salty wine provided a great counterpoint to my dinner of a salad of green beans, leek and chicken in sesame/honey sauce. I accidentally put more honey than originally intended, so it was serendipitous that the wine provided the saltiness otherwise missed.
A typical nose for the grape with a rather elegantly mineral, blackcurrant leaf aroma. It is pungent, but not the tropical style of NZ yet more so than what I have experienced from the Loire. Very salty palate, moderate and refreshing acidity (but surprisingly very low according to the technical sheet: only 4,8 g/l), ripe fruit. It is a pleasantly mineral wine and a rather personal expression of the grape with its extreme saltiness - one that bridges the styles most commonly seen. Perhaps not terribly memorable but I will never turn down a glass or two.
This strangely salty wine provided a great counterpoint to my dinner of a salad of green beans, leek and chicken in sesame/honey sauce. I accidentally put more honey than originally intended, so it was serendipitous that the wine provided the saltiness otherwise missed.
keskiviikko 23. heinäkuuta 2008
Pichon-Longueville Comtesse de Lalande 2000
Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande 2000
8 y.o. in my experience can be the most difficult time to drink a Claret as the youthful aspects (I hesitate to call it fruit, as Bx should only be muscle and bone!) have disappeared but the aged aspects haven't yet appeared. I guess it says something of the excellence of the Pichon-Lalande '00 that it is stunning also now, though it isn't as expressive as it was when younger.
I haven't been as enamoured with the '00s as most Claret drinkers. In fact, I have found most of them too ripe to my taste, so I only had one in my cellar - this Pichon-Lalande. Sadly my economical situation dictated that I had to get rid of a bottle (which was kindly opened in my presence, however).
It was simply stunning. The nose was full of classic Pauillac aromas: wet clay, herbs, baked beans (not a classic descriptor, I know...); though fully ripe this wasn't about sexy, primary fruit but rather of the stereotypical old-style aromas of pencil-shavings and blackcurrant leaves.
The palate is very refreshing and leafy, it is rather tannic but the fruit makes it deceptively drinkable despite its youth. I really love the green but ripe aromas of this wine and am very sorry to see my one bottle go.
8 y.o. in my experience can be the most difficult time to drink a Claret as the youthful aspects (I hesitate to call it fruit, as Bx should only be muscle and bone!) have disappeared but the aged aspects haven't yet appeared. I guess it says something of the excellence of the Pichon-Lalande '00 that it is stunning also now, though it isn't as expressive as it was when younger.
I haven't been as enamoured with the '00s as most Claret drinkers. In fact, I have found most of them too ripe to my taste, so I only had one in my cellar - this Pichon-Lalande. Sadly my economical situation dictated that I had to get rid of a bottle (which was kindly opened in my presence, however).
It was simply stunning. The nose was full of classic Pauillac aromas: wet clay, herbs, baked beans (not a classic descriptor, I know...); though fully ripe this wasn't about sexy, primary fruit but rather of the stereotypical old-style aromas of pencil-shavings and blackcurrant leaves.
The palate is very refreshing and leafy, it is rather tannic but the fruit makes it deceptively drinkable despite its youth. I really love the green but ripe aromas of this wine and am very sorry to see my one bottle go.
tiistai 22. heinäkuuta 2008
Marlborough & Chianti
Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc 2007
A blind taste: Marlborough; this is horribly expensive here at 25,60€; 7,2g/l acidity. There is a scent that I find in cheap whites very often: paper. I have no idea what causes it, but that is what I find dominant in this wine. There is also some grass and chilli-pepper that should have suggested Sauvignon Blanc, but the general anonymous character made me guess a cheap central European white (I was thinking Welschriesling). The strong, unexalted, neutral scent and the slightly sweet but tart palate also suggested a grape that isn't generally well thought of. Tasted blind I thought this was technically perfectly acceptable but that it lacked soul and was frankly rather predictable and boring. My guess was Dveri Pax Welschriesling from Slovenia (as that is available at our monopoly for 10€). I really suck at blind tastings; but I have also saved lots of money thanks to blind tastes like this!
Giorgio Primo Fattoria La Massa Chianti Classico 2001 14%
I really don't know what to make of the experience. My first impression immediately after opening: frighteningly dark colour, but the nose had classic Sangiovese elements of sandalwood, bright, red fruit, slightly herbal; lovely, strong tannins, leathery, savoury. It started out really well. Sadly a nutty, oaky note with an unpleasantly confected and lifted cherry sweetness started to creep in with time. The charming tannins of my initial impression became over-extracted. It changed into wine that tried too hard to be good. Less would have been more.
A blind taste: Marlborough; this is horribly expensive here at 25,60€; 7,2g/l acidity. There is a scent that I find in cheap whites very often: paper. I have no idea what causes it, but that is what I find dominant in this wine. There is also some grass and chilli-pepper that should have suggested Sauvignon Blanc, but the general anonymous character made me guess a cheap central European white (I was thinking Welschriesling). The strong, unexalted, neutral scent and the slightly sweet but tart palate also suggested a grape that isn't generally well thought of. Tasted blind I thought this was technically perfectly acceptable but that it lacked soul and was frankly rather predictable and boring. My guess was Dveri Pax Welschriesling from Slovenia (as that is available at our monopoly for 10€). I really suck at blind tastings; but I have also saved lots of money thanks to blind tastes like this!
Giorgio Primo Fattoria La Massa Chianti Classico 2001 14%
I really don't know what to make of the experience. My first impression immediately after opening: frighteningly dark colour, but the nose had classic Sangiovese elements of sandalwood, bright, red fruit, slightly herbal; lovely, strong tannins, leathery, savoury. It started out really well. Sadly a nutty, oaky note with an unpleasantly confected and lifted cherry sweetness started to creep in with time. The charming tannins of my initial impression became over-extracted. It changed into wine that tried too hard to be good. Less would have been more.
perjantai 18. heinäkuuta 2008
Seghesio Home Ranch Zinfandel 2004
One of the most offensive liquids (one foodstuff has surpassed this liquid in offensiveness...) that has passed my lips is Seghesio's Old Vine Zinfandel 2003. The 15,3% abv smelled and tasted stronger than well made spirits at 40%! The alcohol coupled with unctuous sweetness and toasty oak was a combination that I simply could not handle. So when I was offered a taste of another Seghesio Zin after work today I was a little hesitant in accepting. But I'm glad I did. This was a perfectly acceptable wine, just not one within my aesthetic preferences. But I can very well understand that this wine will have its fans:
Seghesio Family Vineyards Zinfandel Home Ranch 2004 - USA, California, Sonoma County, Alexander Valley (7/18/2008)
15,3% abv; 36,90€; 15g/l RS; 6,8g/l acidity. Very ripe, sweet, spicy and plummy nose, almost reminiscent of CdP except this is perhaps darker in its fruit tones. Yet it also has a refreshing brightness and lift, so it isn't cloyingly sweet. Extremely full bodied, ripe and sunny fruit (but I am surprised to read Alko's info that it has 15g/l RS!), attractively strong tannins, not much acidity (though again the technical information would suggest otherwise) but it is still refreshing for such a big wine. There is some oak noticeable, but not in frightening amounts. Slightly cooled, the supremely high level of alcohol didn't bother. A successful wine in its style, though I must confess that I do prefer a more elegant style.
Seghesio Family Vineyards Zinfandel Home Ranch 2004 - USA, California, Sonoma County, Alexander Valley (7/18/2008)
15,3% abv; 36,90€; 15g/l RS; 6,8g/l acidity. Very ripe, sweet, spicy and plummy nose, almost reminiscent of CdP except this is perhaps darker in its fruit tones. Yet it also has a refreshing brightness and lift, so it isn't cloyingly sweet. Extremely full bodied, ripe and sunny fruit (but I am surprised to read Alko's info that it has 15g/l RS!), attractively strong tannins, not much acidity (though again the technical information would suggest otherwise) but it is still refreshing for such a big wine. There is some oak noticeable, but not in frightening amounts. Slightly cooled, the supremely high level of alcohol didn't bother. A successful wine in its style, though I must confess that I do prefer a more elegant style.
keskiviikko 16. heinäkuuta 2008
J. Hofstätter Pinot Nero (Alto-Adige)
I very much enjoyed the J. Hofstätter Meczan Pinot Nero 2004 when it became available here in '06. But it got better and better all the time though our monopoly suggested it should be drunk within a year. I opened up my last bottle yesterday with dinner, but it was sadly corked. FWIW, my previous bottle of the '04 a few months earlier was just lovely with a strongly mineral and red toned fruit, great Pinosity but in a rather gravelly style. It was bright and refreshing, light and intense, very food friendly.
Anyway, I returned the corked bottle to Alko and was happy to see that this is a rare case where a wine to my taste isn't discarded once a vintage is sold out, so the following vintage was available! Of course, it doesn't cost 15€ anymore but 18€, so I had to pay a few € for the replacement, but I have to say that though it isn't a bargain Pinot in my book anymore, the J. Hofstätter Meczan Pinot Nero 2005 is still a charming wine! 13,5%; 17,90€. The fruit is darker toned than the '04, but it is still full of Pinosity. Though it is a riper wine than the '04 it is still a bright and mineral wine. It has a refreshing tartness to the sweet fruit, strong structure, but is not as lively and vibrant. I really enjoyed this now but considering how well the '04 is drinking now, I expect I will like this '05 even more in a year or two. Very enjoyable.
Anyway, I returned the corked bottle to Alko and was happy to see that this is a rare case where a wine to my taste isn't discarded once a vintage is sold out, so the following vintage was available! Of course, it doesn't cost 15€ anymore but 18€, so I had to pay a few € for the replacement, but I have to say that though it isn't a bargain Pinot in my book anymore, the J. Hofstätter Meczan Pinot Nero 2005 is still a charming wine! 13,5%; 17,90€. The fruit is darker toned than the '04, but it is still full of Pinosity. Though it is a riper wine than the '04 it is still a bright and mineral wine. It has a refreshing tartness to the sweet fruit, strong structure, but is not as lively and vibrant. I really enjoyed this now but considering how well the '04 is drinking now, I expect I will like this '05 even more in a year or two. Very enjoyable.
tiistai 15. heinäkuuta 2008
Zanzibari fish and coconut soup
1 coconut
1,25 l hot water
4 tbs cooking oil
1kg fish cut in cubes
250g celery
250g leeks
2 onions
2 tea spoons curry
salt, pepper & green chilli to taste
1,5 l fish stock from the fish bones and celery and leek trimmings
1 kg tomatoes peeled and chopped
2 bunches of coriander, chopped
juice of 3 limes
Grate coconut. Pour hot water over shredded flesh. Let stand for 30 mins. Strain and save the coconut milk. Heat oil in a large pan. Add fish, celery, leeks and onions. Fry for 3-4 mins. Add curry, salt, pepper, chilli and garlic. Stir in coconut milk and fish stock. Add tomatoes and simmer for 10 mins. Add coriander and lime just before serving.
1,25 l hot water
4 tbs cooking oil
1kg fish cut in cubes
250g celery
250g leeks
2 onions
2 tea spoons curry
salt, pepper & green chilli to taste
1,5 l fish stock from the fish bones and celery and leek trimmings
1 kg tomatoes peeled and chopped
2 bunches of coriander, chopped
juice of 3 limes
Grate coconut. Pour hot water over shredded flesh. Let stand for 30 mins. Strain and save the coconut milk. Heat oil in a large pan. Add fish, celery, leeks and onions. Fry for 3-4 mins. Add curry, salt, pepper, chilli and garlic. Stir in coconut milk and fish stock. Add tomatoes and simmer for 10 mins. Add coriander and lime just before serving.
sunnuntai 13. heinäkuuta 2008
Chapoutier, Haag, Passionvale, Pauly-Bergweiler, Rochebin
With my tastes for wines with high acidity, minerality and a generally elegant outlook, it is rather surprising that I have lately had some interest in white Rhones. M. Chapoutier Hermitage Blanc Chante-Alouette 2004 was quite a sensational match with a soup of Jerusalem Artichokes and smoked reindeer though I was worried that the texture of soup will not work with wines. 100% Marsanne; 14,5% abv; 50,10€. Light gold. The nose is quite closed: some marzipan, nuts and peach - very attractive scent on the savoury rather than the sweet side. Very rich and oily in texture, low in acid but strangely enough stays together and is actually moreish. Extremely long, oily and nutty aftertaste. Sadly the alcohol does stick out a bit, though otherwise it is a very interesting wine. I sometimes have issues with oak and Chapoutier, but not in this one though apparently a third of the wood is new!
Fritz Haag Brauneberger Juffer Sonnenuhr Riesling Auslese 2005 (AP 25770500606; 7,5% abv) was a nice, weighty wine with still lots of fat - a sunny style but pure. The structure is showing better than in previous tastes. I think this will turn out nice.
Forumite Ben Rotter kindly sent a couple Rhubarb wines that I tried with szechuan chicken which I think is a very good food for these wines. The Passionvale Sweet Mayfield Vegetal 2007 was indeed vegetal, slightly bitter, small touch of jalopeño - quite a mute nose but interesting. Slightly sweet, enough acid to keep it clean and refreshing, vegetal/earthy aftertaste. Nice!
Passionvale Sweet Mayfield Oxidised 2007 was earthy, dried apples - rather reminds me of some ciders. It is pétillant, quite tannic (?)/good grip, finishes dry and mineral. Very pleasant. I think Ben is making some really great fruit wines!
Dr. Pauly-Bergweiler Bernkastleler alte Badstube am Doctorberg Riesling Spätlese 2004
A.P. 2 576185 019 05; 7,5% abv; 15,95€. This is a pleasant, slightly rustic style of Mosel Spätlese. The nose has some earth and steel coupled with honeyed fruit. The acidity is quite high and makes the sweetness taste very clean and pure. The taste has a few rough and rustic edges, but is still a nice example of Mosel Riesling. Refreshing and moderately long aftertaste.
Domaine de Rochebin Mâcon-Azé 2005
100% Gamay; 12% abv; 9,91€. Bright, tart cherry and earth aromas; bright fruit, high acid - I find this very enjoyable with some fatty food that moderates the structure, but I can imagine this isn't a wine for popular taste.
Fritz Haag Brauneberger Juffer Sonnenuhr Riesling Auslese 2005 (AP 25770500606; 7,5% abv) was a nice, weighty wine with still lots of fat - a sunny style but pure. The structure is showing better than in previous tastes. I think this will turn out nice.
Forumite Ben Rotter kindly sent a couple Rhubarb wines that I tried with szechuan chicken which I think is a very good food for these wines. The Passionvale Sweet Mayfield Vegetal 2007 was indeed vegetal, slightly bitter, small touch of jalopeño - quite a mute nose but interesting. Slightly sweet, enough acid to keep it clean and refreshing, vegetal/earthy aftertaste. Nice!
Passionvale Sweet Mayfield Oxidised 2007 was earthy, dried apples - rather reminds me of some ciders. It is pétillant, quite tannic (?)/good grip, finishes dry and mineral. Very pleasant. I think Ben is making some really great fruit wines!
Dr. Pauly-Bergweiler Bernkastleler alte Badstube am Doctorberg Riesling Spätlese 2004
A.P. 2 576185 019 05; 7,5% abv; 15,95€. This is a pleasant, slightly rustic style of Mosel Spätlese. The nose has some earth and steel coupled with honeyed fruit. The acidity is quite high and makes the sweetness taste very clean and pure. The taste has a few rough and rustic edges, but is still a nice example of Mosel Riesling. Refreshing and moderately long aftertaste.
Domaine de Rochebin Mâcon-Azé 2005
100% Gamay; 12% abv; 9,91€. Bright, tart cherry and earth aromas; bright fruit, high acid - I find this very enjoyable with some fatty food that moderates the structure, but I can imagine this isn't a wine for popular taste.
tiistai 8. heinäkuuta 2008
Portugal, Slovenia, South Africa
Quinta do Ferro Vinho Verde Dom Ferro Avesso 2007 - Portugal, Minho, Vinho Verde (7/8/2008)
10,12€; 12,5% abv; from Baião sub-region; 100% Avesso (=Jaén blanco). Grassy and mineral, slightly nutty/leesy and even a bit vanillary though unoaked. Very full bodied for a Vinho Verde, moderate acidity, mineral and refreshing but turns oily on the finish. A nice, uncomplicated wine, but rather different from what I expected of a Vinho Verde.
Jeruzalem Ormož Rhein Riesling 2006 - Slovenia, Podravje, Štajerska (7/7/2008)
8,95€; 11g/l RS; 6,7g/l acidity; 12% abv. Light as water. The nose is attractive, though perhaps not as obviously varietal as these descriptors would suggest: lime, mineral, melon. Ripe fruit, slightly sweet, good grip; surprisingly long and mineral aftertaste that grows in the mouth. An attractive Riesling made all the more attractive by the price.
2006 Iona Sauvignon Blanc Elgin 2006- South Africa, Overberg, Elgin (7/4/2008)
13% abv; 13,17€. Very light colour - almost like water. A very obvious and full on nose of jalopeño/chili, blackcurrant leaves and an almost tropical fruit. Charming acidity, but as so often with new world SB that emulates the popular NZ style, I find the aftertaste almost sugary in its tropical fruit and wonder if there is in fact some RS in it. It has such acidity, that the slight sweet touch - whatever its cause (ripeness of fruit or actual RS) - is very welcome. Though a perfectly decent SA example of the NZ type of SB with its mix of under- and over-ripe fruit and obvious, in-your-face aromas, I easily get bored with such an obvious style of wine.
10,12€; 12,5% abv; from Baião sub-region; 100% Avesso (=Jaén blanco). Grassy and mineral, slightly nutty/leesy and even a bit vanillary though unoaked. Very full bodied for a Vinho Verde, moderate acidity, mineral and refreshing but turns oily on the finish. A nice, uncomplicated wine, but rather different from what I expected of a Vinho Verde.
Jeruzalem Ormož Rhein Riesling 2006 - Slovenia, Podravje, Štajerska (7/7/2008)
8,95€; 11g/l RS; 6,7g/l acidity; 12% abv. Light as water. The nose is attractive, though perhaps not as obviously varietal as these descriptors would suggest: lime, mineral, melon. Ripe fruit, slightly sweet, good grip; surprisingly long and mineral aftertaste that grows in the mouth. An attractive Riesling made all the more attractive by the price.
2006 Iona Sauvignon Blanc Elgin 2006- South Africa, Overberg, Elgin (7/4/2008)
13% abv; 13,17€. Very light colour - almost like water. A very obvious and full on nose of jalopeño/chili, blackcurrant leaves and an almost tropical fruit. Charming acidity, but as so often with new world SB that emulates the popular NZ style, I find the aftertaste almost sugary in its tropical fruit and wonder if there is in fact some RS in it. It has such acidity, that the slight sweet touch - whatever its cause (ripeness of fruit or actual RS) - is very welcome. Though a perfectly decent SA example of the NZ type of SB with its mix of under- and over-ripe fruit and obvious, in-your-face aromas, I easily get bored with such an obvious style of wine.
torstai 3. heinäkuuta 2008
Hunawihr, Texier, Nino Negri, Trimbach, Musar
Cave Vinicole de Hunawihr Pinot Gris Grand Cru Rosacker 2006 13% 17,80€
Gold. Very mineral nose, but with the typical glue, spice and apple scents I hope to find in Alsace examples. Surprisingly for the grape, I found this to have high acidity. Yet, oddly enough, I also found an extreme ripeness of fruit - rather like the overripeness of 2003. There is some RS (the 2002 on Alko's web site has a figure of 25g/l and though I can't say for sure, of course, my guess is that this is about that as well), and it is a heavy wine as Alsace PG usually is. How strange to have such acidity and such ripeness in one wine. Mineral and super-ripe aftertaste. Decent, but when dealing with moderately priced producers, I would much rather have the superb Scharsch PG that I wrote about recently.
Eric Texier Côtes-du-Rhône Brézème Roussanne 2006
A lovely wine, mineral and appley, floral; weighty like most white Rhones, but with a lightness of touch that makes it very moreish and refreshing despite the weight.
Eric Texier Côtes-du-Rhône Villages St. Gervais Vieilles Vignes des Cadinières 2005
Though I rarely enjoy S. Rhône wines, I very much enjoyed this one. It smells like Physalis Peruviana and spice. Well structured, ripe but not overly sweet, refreshing despite the warm year. Quite lovely.
Nino Negri Valtellina Sassorosso Grumello 2004
Some of the wine sees barrique and it does show to a small degree, but gladly the Nebbioloness is to the fore. It is brightly cherried in its aromas. Palate-cleansing structure, ripe and slightly sweet fruit, long, refreshing aftertaste. Despite a light barrique aroma, I quite enjoyed this!
Trimbach Cuvée Frédéric Émile 1999
I have never found the '99 to be among the best recent vintages for CFE, yet it is still an extremely lovable wine: CFE for me seems to be one of the most consistently great wines. Lime, slightly crystallised, mineral; powerful but restrained and elegant palate, dry, quite high acidity, mineral and very, very long. "Only" good when compared to say the '01 and '02, but exquisite in comparison to most Riesling. Though it brought me pleasure it is very young and there is little point in opening one now.
Château Musar Rouge 1997
Dried fruit, cherry, apple, some VA and earthiness - classic Musar. Well structured, tight and vinegary, but with expressive and sweet red fruit: simply wonderful Musar. Long, earthy and deep aftertaste. This went through a phase where I thought it was quite weird, but it seems like a stupendous young Musar once again. Still needs time.
Château Musar Blanc 1998
Blind: Orange colour. If I hadn't seen the colour, from the scent I would have guessed a red Beaune: vegetal, beetroot, earthy, red toned fruit - some apricot, too. Mineral, upright, quite tannic and robust, the fruit is expressive but isn't the aspect most to the fore. Long and quite Burgundian. Perhaps the best bottle of this that has come my way so far. Lovely, but I'll try to let mine rest a long time as I think this is still very young.
Gold. Very mineral nose, but with the typical glue, spice and apple scents I hope to find in Alsace examples. Surprisingly for the grape, I found this to have high acidity. Yet, oddly enough, I also found an extreme ripeness of fruit - rather like the overripeness of 2003. There is some RS (the 2002 on Alko's web site has a figure of 25g/l and though I can't say for sure, of course, my guess is that this is about that as well), and it is a heavy wine as Alsace PG usually is. How strange to have such acidity and such ripeness in one wine. Mineral and super-ripe aftertaste. Decent, but when dealing with moderately priced producers, I would much rather have the superb Scharsch PG that I wrote about recently.
Eric Texier Côtes-du-Rhône Brézème Roussanne 2006
A lovely wine, mineral and appley, floral; weighty like most white Rhones, but with a lightness of touch that makes it very moreish and refreshing despite the weight.
Eric Texier Côtes-du-Rhône Villages St. Gervais Vieilles Vignes des Cadinières 2005
Though I rarely enjoy S. Rhône wines, I very much enjoyed this one. It smells like Physalis Peruviana and spice. Well structured, ripe but not overly sweet, refreshing despite the warm year. Quite lovely.
Nino Negri Valtellina Sassorosso Grumello 2004
Some of the wine sees barrique and it does show to a small degree, but gladly the Nebbioloness is to the fore. It is brightly cherried in its aromas. Palate-cleansing structure, ripe and slightly sweet fruit, long, refreshing aftertaste. Despite a light barrique aroma, I quite enjoyed this!
Trimbach Cuvée Frédéric Émile 1999
I have never found the '99 to be among the best recent vintages for CFE, yet it is still an extremely lovable wine: CFE for me seems to be one of the most consistently great wines. Lime, slightly crystallised, mineral; powerful but restrained and elegant palate, dry, quite high acidity, mineral and very, very long. "Only" good when compared to say the '01 and '02, but exquisite in comparison to most Riesling. Though it brought me pleasure it is very young and there is little point in opening one now.
Château Musar Rouge 1997
Dried fruit, cherry, apple, some VA and earthiness - classic Musar. Well structured, tight and vinegary, but with expressive and sweet red fruit: simply wonderful Musar. Long, earthy and deep aftertaste. This went through a phase where I thought it was quite weird, but it seems like a stupendous young Musar once again. Still needs time.
Château Musar Blanc 1998
Blind: Orange colour. If I hadn't seen the colour, from the scent I would have guessed a red Beaune: vegetal, beetroot, earthy, red toned fruit - some apricot, too. Mineral, upright, quite tannic and robust, the fruit is expressive but isn't the aspect most to the fore. Long and quite Burgundian. Perhaps the best bottle of this that has come my way so far. Lovely, but I'll try to let mine rest a long time as I think this is still very young.
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