Wine Geeks Gathering

Supposed to be a Bordeaux <2000 night but ended up with other additions. But a very good session again nonetheless. I've always wanted to try the Desiderio anyway!.

• 1999 Avignonesi Desiderio 93 Points

  Italy, Tuscany, Toscana IGT

  Tasted blind.
  Appearance is clear, deep intensity, dark garnet colour.
  Nose is clean, pronounced intensity, with aromas of sweet chocolate, very much like the initial whiff on peeling open a Kit-Kat chocolate bar. Also aromas of ripe dark fruit.
  On the palate, medium acidity, velvety smooth tannins, full body, long finish. Flavours of chocolate, plush dark fruits - plums and blackberries. Very soft plush mouth-feel with elegance. Ripe fruits and tannins well integrated.
  I initially thought it was a Right Bank Bordeaux, but as the night wore on and with more air, it started to show a bit more Italian character.
  Merlot dominant with a bit of Cabernet Sauvignon.
  Delicious drinking now, smack in the drinking window. Drink up over next 3-4 years. Not as "bullish" as I thought it would be, this prize bull has already calmed down after 15 years of rest.

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• 1998 Primo Palatum Madiran 91 Points

  France, Southwest France, Madiran

  Tasted blind.
  Appearance is a deep intensity, dark garnet colour. Sediments in the decanter.
  Nose is clean, medium intensity, with aromas of vanilla oak.
  On the palate, medium+ acidity, big dusty gum-drying tannins, full body, long finish. Initially very tight and unyielding, this only opened up after about 1.5+ hours in the decanter. Flavours of prunes, dark plums, sour cherries, and also leather.
  I was deciding between a big modern-styled Brunello or a Ribera del Duero Gran Reserva on this one.
  Drink now with extended decant and air, otherwise leave this for another 8+ years before drinking.

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• 1998 Domaine de Chevalier 90 Points

  France, Bordeaux, Graves, Pessac-Léognan

  Popped and poured from bottle.
  Appearance is clear, deep intensity, garnet colour.
  Nose is clean, pronounced intensity, with classic Left Bank Bordeaux characteristics. Nice aromas of toasted oak, tobacco, and a bit of blackcurrant.
  On the palate, fresh high acidity, just the right touch of medium+ silky tannins, medium+ body, and medium finish. Opened up after about 30 mins to reveal flavours of leafy herbs, sweet blackcurrant, and oak and tobacco notes. However, the fruits faded fast and another hour later, the fruits were going down, with a slight sour note towards the finish. Tertiary notes and nice nose remained.
  Conclusion: Drink up this Classic Left Bank Bordeaux now. Don't hold for too long. Beginning to go down.

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• 1998 Château Monbousquet 94 Points

  France, Bordeaux, Libournais, St. Émilion Grand Cru

  Tasted blind.
  Appearance is clear, deep intensity, dark garnet colour.
  Nose is clean, pronounced intensity, wonderful aromas of ripe dark fruits, coffee, oak, and a touch of licorice.
  On the palate, high acidity, velvety tongue coating tannins, full body, long finish. Lots of concentration of the fruits here, with awesome plush ripe blackberry flavour, cocoa, hint of cassis, and a bit of minty herb towards the finish.
  Big Right Bank Bordeaux. Will still continue to develop with cellar age. Wonder how great this will be in another 10 years' time.

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Monbousquet Monster.