Keith's Auction Blind Challenge Offline

Alba Restaurant, London
Tasted Friday, October 6, 2006 by SimonG with 793 views

Introduction

Thanks to Keith for an excellent evening in aid the Pebbles charity. Palate and note taking flagged halfway through so notes very patchy. Nothing really stood out as exceptional, with the standard fairly uniform across the styles. Agree with others' coments that this time the food was distincly ordinary - the tough boiled meat in a bland broth exemplifying this. However, the venue is good and the staff very obliging - maybe stick to a steak next time (they executed this very well last time round). Also appreciated Alex taking the cash ahead of time so we didn't need to worry on the night.

Flight 1 (2 Notes)

Not surprised by the result given how full and showy the KB was. Thought the Pol was the better wine but needed time. However, the KB was impressive and deserved it's win on the night. Will Keith ever let this rest?!

  • 1993 Twee Jonge Gezellen Krone Borealis

    South Africa, Western Cape

    Similar colour to the Pol Roger 90 tasted alongside it. Quite a yeasty, vegetal nose, becoming quite full and slightly smokey. Nice, rounded, mature. Falls away a bit from the mid-palate but comes back a bit on the finish. Very decent indeed considering origin. Not surprised that it was the group's favourite on the night cf the Pol. I think this benefited from both wines only being opened 20mins before tasting. Excellent vfm at original release price though I found more that interested me in the Pol.

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  • 1990 Pol Roger Champagne Vintage Brut

    France, Champagne

    Mature, slightly pinot nose. Palate more elegant than the KB though mousse possibly a little coarser. More poise and acdity and gas. Quite elegant and a little longer than the Krone Brealis tasted alongside. Not the best showing though I've never been totally wowed by this. Opened up considerably taking on more of the mature chardonnay character over an hour or so as noted by Mark P. For the purposes of this tasting would have benefited from opening earlier or possibly decanting. I'll give future bottles some air time to allow them to show.

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Flight 2 (2 Notes)

Flight 3 (2 Notes)

  • 2002 André Perret St. Joseph Blanc

    France, Rhône, Northern Rhône, St. Joseph

    Quite light. Slightly olive, thyme, gariggue nose. Quite mineral, slightly neutral in the moth though full. Quite long. ?Rhone, possibly a very young hermitage?

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  • 2000 Mas de Daumas Gassac Blanc

    France, Languedoc Roussillon, Languedoc, Vin de Pays de l'Hérault

    Slightly fishy nose. Then a bit richer and more floral. Mineral and flour on palate. Slightly chalky. Some weight and slight sweetner. Good. ?Southern French? Cassidy suggested Mas de DG - not tasted it before but this is how I'd expect it to have been. Well done Cassidy!

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Flight 4 (2 Notes)

  • 1998 Château Laforge

    France, Bordeaux, Libournais, St. Émilion Grand Cru

    Claret nose. Mid to dark ruby. Still quite tannic and acidic. Scented, violet nose. More merlot coming through with time - ?Right bank? Preferred this to the other of the pair.

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  • 1998 Château Calon-Ségur

    France, Bordeaux, Médoc, St. Estèphe

    Claret nose. Mid to dark ruby. Slightly sweaty nose. Again, a little sharp. Slightly bretty. Don't like this as much as the other wine in the pair for now, but susect this is probably the better bet for the long haul. ?left bank Bordeaux?

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Flight 5 (2 Notes)

An extra glass of a red a friend ok keith's was considering importing. based on this sample, don't do it. Rotten banana on the nose with acetone coming in behind it. Really smelt foul. I wish I'd listened to those that shoued DNPIM. Unfortunately, I relented.

Flight 6 (2 Notes)

Flight 7 (2 Notes)

Flight 8 (2 Notes)

Palate and note taking flagging / gone at this stage, so very sparce impression until the sweet wines.

Flight 9 (2 Notes)

Flight 10 (2 Notes)

Flight 11 (2 Notes)

Flight 12 (2 Notes)

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