Judgement of Sydney Blind Tasting

Tasted Saturday, August 23, 2014 by CamWheeler with 445 views

Flight 1 (1 Note)

  • 2000 Krug Champagne Vintage Brut 93 Points

    France, Champagne

    Brioche, sea spray, mandarin and musk aromas. Powerful palate, good cut from the acid too - it isn't all punch, there is a sense of finesse that pervades throughout. Has the potential to improve greatly, I'd give it 5-10 years and check in again.

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Flight 2 (1 Note)

Flight 3 (4 Notes)

  • 1997 Antinori Solaia 93 Points

    Italy, Tuscany, Toscana IGT

    Inky coloured. Earth, graphite, cedar, black cherry and bramble. Really impressive the structure on this, the fruit takes a back seat and the acidity keeps it fresh. The balance for me was excellent and this was my favourite of the flight.

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  • 1995 Abreu Cabernet Sauvignon Madrona Ranch 92 Points

    USA, California, Napa Valley

    Mint/menthol, earth, with a little meaty brett as well. The fruit is restrained but what is there is fresh and pleasing in flavour. The acid and tannins are both in fine balance and this was in a really good spot for my taste.

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  • 1996 Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande 92 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Pauillac

    The most "classic" Cabernet of this flight. Red currant, iron, chocolate, cedar and some olive and undergrowth aromas. The acidity is fresh and the fruit is lithe, resulting in a palate that is the hallmark of restraint. The fruit could probably use a little bit more body to take it to the next level but this was very fine regardless.

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  • 1996 Moss Wood Cabernet Sauvignon 92 Points

    Australia, Western Australia, South West Australia, Margaret River

    Blackberry, cedar, blackcurrant and has a rather nice floral lift to it. Good length and flow, with the intensity of the fruit held in place by good structure. Consistent with previous bottles, this has plenty more years left to improve.

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Flight 4 (4 Notes)

  • 1995 Harlan Estate 97 Points

    USA, California, Napa Valley

    Bursts forth with cherry, rose, blackberry, briar and spices. Fantastic balance that is driven by gripping but seamless tannin structure. Very good acidity plays off against deep and luscious fruit. Shows its quality at every step. Fantastic, exhilarating wine.

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  • 1997 Tenuta San Guido Sassicaia 93 Points

    Italy, Tuscany, Bolgheri, Bolgheri Sassicaia

    Really, really floral aromas along with cocoa, some herbal notes and meaty elements. Composed on the palate, there is no sign of the herbal element in the flavour profile. Interesting and classy, and drinking well right at the moment.

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  • 1996 Château Latour Grand Vin 93 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Pauillac

    Soil, blackberry, licorice and light herb aromas. Tannins are still at the fore of this wine and the fruit remains primary, though obviously with plenty of class about it. I like the wine but it is in need of much more time than any other wine in this flight to be at its best.

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  • 1996 Penfolds Cabernet Sauvignon Kalimna Block 42 94 Points

    Australia, South Australia, Barossa, Barossa Valley

    Stands out as being the Australian wine in the flight, but that was far from being a bad thing for me - it is perfumed by violets, vanilla oak, chocolate, red currant and cherry. The fruit is bright and lifted, with acidity playing a big role. Tannins are present but not the focus. This still needs 10-15 more years of development (which is what I thought 8 years ago as well!) and I can see it being stunning at that time.

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Flight 5 (4 Notes)

Flight 6 (1 Note)

  • 1976 Château d'Yquem 93 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Sauternais, Sauternes

    Marmalade, quince, caramelised orange and a musky perfume across the nose. The acidity is beautifully cleansing, with the sweetness rather restrained on the palate. This is a classy way to finish any evening, let alone a night of this quality.

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