PWS

In general the formula here is that the host sets a theme and every participant brings a wine of the theme. The host puts a few extra on the table. We taste all wines blind, knowing our own wines. We first taste a little bit in a random order. Then we decide together in which order the wines will be tasted again and after that reveal which wine it is. In this group we do not use spittoons, so the number of bottles is limited. We don’t empty the bottles, but leave the leftovers for the host to taste again the next day, or take home the bottle we brought.

• 2010 Château Chasse-Spleen 92 Points

  France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Moulis en Médoc

  Tasted the Chasse Spleen 2010 and 2011 completely blind beside each other, only knowing it was Bordeaux. This will be one comparative tasting note. The 2010 showed a lot of vanilla and toast in the bouquet at first. Later it was a bit dusty with good cassis and graphite. The 2011 had the same toast, cassis and graphite, but also showed some smoke and peach(?). On the palate the 2011 was harmonious with the bouquet with dark forest fruits, oak, smoke, some sweetness, juicy acidity and mild tannin. The 2010 was 2 or 3 steps better on all points. Much more beautiful cassis and other dark berry fruits, some good bell pepper, firm but good acidity and oak, sticky tannin and firm bitterness. The 2010 still needs many years so it all can integrate. The 2011 was, with some air, much easier to like. Maybe most significant at the moment was the difference in color. The 2011 fairly light and even a bit transparent, while the 2010 was still purple and quite dark. Overall two nice wines with each their own merits; the 2011 probably at its peak between 2020 and 2025, but the 2010 will probably reach its maturity around 2024 and will most likely be really nice until at least 2030. My scores: 2011 87 - 88. 2010 91 – 92.

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• 2011 Château Chasse-Spleen 88 Points

  France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Moulis en Médoc

  Tasted the Chasse Spleen 2010 and 2011 completely blind beside each other, only knowing it was Bordeaux. This will be one comparative tasting note. The 2010 showed a lot of vanilla and toast in the bouquet at first. Later it was a bit dusty with good cassis and graphite. The 2011 had the same toast, cassis and graphite, but also showed some smoke and peach(?). On the palate the 2011 was harmonious with the bouquet with dark forest fruits, oak, smoke, some sweetness, juicy acidity and mild tannin. The 2010 was 2 or 3 steps better on all points. Much more beautiful cassis and other dark berry fruits, some good bell pepper, firm but good acidity and oak, sticky tannin and firm bitterness. The 2010 still needs many years so it all can integrate. The 2011 was, with some air, much easier to like. Maybe most significant at the moment was the difference in color. The 2011 fairly light and even a bit transparent, while the 2010 was still purple and quite dark. Overall two nice wines with each their own merits; the 2011 probably at its peak between 2020 and 2025, but the 2010 will probably reach its maturity around 2024 and will most likely be really nice until at least 2030. My scores: 2011 87 - 88. 2010 91 – 92.

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• 2001 Château d'Armailhac 91 Points

  France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Pauillac

  Beautiful bouquet with cassis, graphite, smoke, tobacco, coffee and mocha. On the palate the same luxurious ingredients with luxurious oak. Beautiful fresh acidity and friendly tannin which still has a pleasant bite and is a bit drying in the finish. Not a concentrated blockbuster, but a very elegant and refined wine. Completely ready now. Probably wise to drink it over the next two years.

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• 2009 Château Moulinet 89 Points

  France, Bordeaux, Libournais, Pomerol

  Beautiful bouquet with dark forest fruits and some good oak. On the palate dark fruits like cassis, some chocolate, good acidity and slightly drying tannin. Not extremely concentrated for a 2009 and already showing some development.

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