Haut-Medoc lunch

Bel & Brio, Barangaroo, Sydney
Tasted Saturday, December 15, 2018 by CBRwineguy with 276 views

Introduction

A great lunch to check out wines from Haut-Medoc (and celebrate a big birthday). There will be several flights, including a couple of tests - looking forward to this!

Flight 1 - Chateau Lanessan (6 Notes)

This flight highlights age variation.

  • 1998 Château Lanessan

    France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Haut-Médoc

    The appearance is clear and medium garnet in colour. Tears are visible.

    The nose is clean. The aromas have a medium intensity and show notes of bottle-age (leather), mineral (wet soil, potting mix), and black fruit (subtle black currant). An additional herbaceous character (subtle green capsicum) shows if left to decant in the glass. The wine appears to be fully-developed [tertiary notes are prominent on the nose].

    On the palate, the wine is dry with medium acidity, medium alcohol, and medium body. The medium(-) level tannins are ripe and velvety in nature. The flavours have a medium intensity and show notes of black fruit (blackcurrant, blackberry) and bottle-age (subtle leather). The finish has a medium(+) length, with additional notes of oak (milk chocolate) lingering on the palate.

    This is a very good quality wine. The flavours are concentrated and have an amazing balance with the alcohol and a great balance with the acidity. The ripe tannins appear to be fading, but do provide some texture to the wine. The oak treatment is relatively simple, not interfering with the fruit expression. In its current state, the wine shows primary, secondary, and tertiary characteristics. The primary fruit is still showing strongly on the palate. The wine has a finish with great length.

    The wine should be consumed now, it is not suitable for further ageing. While the core primary fruit is still quite prominent, the acid and tannin structure is fading - they will be unlikely to support the wine for ageing beyond another 5 years.

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  • 2000 Château Lanessan

    France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Haut-Médoc

    The appearance is clear and medium ruby in colour. Tears are visible.

    The nose is clean. The aromas have a medium intensity and show notes of bottle-age (old leather, wet leaves) and mineral (wet soil, potting mix). Swirling reveals additional notes of black fruit (bramble) and a herbaceous character (subtle green capsicum). Further notes of oak (coffee, chocolate) and bottle-age (sweet tobacco) show if left to decant in the glass. The wine appears to be fully-developed [tertiary notes are prominent on the nose].

    On the palate, the wine is dry with medium(+) acidity, medium alcohol, and medium body. The medium(-) level tannins are ripe and velvety in nature. The flavours have a medium intensity and show notes of black fruit (wild blackberry, black plum, bramble) and oak (coffee, chocolate). The finish has a medium(+) length, with a herbaceous character (subtle green capsicum) showing on the palate.

    This is a very good quality wine. The flavours are concentrated and have a great balance with the alcohol and the acidity. The ripe tannins appear to be fading, but do provide an enjoyable textural element to the wine. The oak treatment is well-integrated and complements the fruit expression. In its current state, the wine shows primary, secondary, and tertiary characteristics. The tertiary notes dominate the nose, but the primary fruit is quite prominent on the palate [this wine was not decanted beforehand]. The wine has a finish with great length.

    The wine should be consumed now, it is not suitable for further ageing. While the fruit intensity is great and the acidity still strong, the tannin structure appears to be fading - it will be unlikely to support the wine for long-term ageing.

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  • 2005 Château Lanessan

    France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Haut-Médoc

    The appearance is clear and medium ruby in colour. Tears are visible.

    The nose is clean. The aromas have a medium intensity and show notes of bottle-age (new leather) and herbaceous characters (subtle green capsicum). Swirling reveals additional notes of black fruit (blackberry, black plum, bramble) and herbal characters (spearmint). A note of oak (subtle coffee) shows if left to decant in the glass. The wine is developing.

    On the palate, the wine is dry with medium(+) acidity, medium alcohol, and medium body. The medium(-) level tannins are ripe and velvety in nature. The flavours have a medium intensity and show notes of black fruit (blackberry, black plum, bramble), bottle-age (leather), and herbal and herbaceous characters (mint, green capsicum). The finish has a long length, with an oak (chocolate) note lingering on the palate.

    This is a very good quality wine. The flavours are concentrated and have a great balance with the acidity and a good balance with the alcohol. A slight warmth from the alcohol shows on the finish. The ripe tannins appear to be fading, but do provide an enjoyable textural element to the wine. In its current state, the wine shows primary, secondary, and tertiary characteristics. The tertiary notes, and the herbaceous and herbal characters are stronger on the nose initially, but the primary fruit is quite prominent on the palate [this wine was not decanted beforehand]. The oak treatment is well-integrated and complements the fruit expression. The wine has a finish with amazing length.

    The wine should be consumed now, it is not suitable for further ageing. While the fruit intensity is great and the acidity still strong, the tannin structure appears to be fading - it will be unlikely to support the wine for long-term ageing.

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  • 2009 Château Lanessan

    France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Haut-Médoc

    The appearance is clear and medium ruby in colour. Tears are visible (small windows).

    The nose is clean. The aromas have a medium(+) intensity and show distinct notes of MLF (yoghurt), black fruit (blackberry, bramble, ripe black plum), oak (charred wood), herbaceous characters (subtle green capsicum), and herbal characters (very subtle medicinal note). An additional note of oak (butterscotch) shows if left to decant in the glass. The wine appears youthful.

    On the palate, the wine is dry with medium(+) acidity, medium alcohol, and medium(+) body. The medium(+) level tannins are ripe and velvety in nature. The flavours have a medium intensity and show notes of black fruit (ripe blackberry, ripe black plum) and herbaceous characters subtle spearmint, subtle green capsicum). The finish has a long length, with additional notes of oak (charred wood, butterscotch) lingering on the palate.

    This is a very good quality wine. The flavours are concentrated and have a great balance with the acidity and a good balance with the alcohol. A slight warmth from the alcohol shows on the finish. The ripe tannins hold nicely, providing an enjoyable textural element to the wine. In its current state, the wine is complex featuring multiple clusters of primary and secondary characteristics. The black fruit is more prominent than the herbal and herbaceous characters. The oak treatment is well-integrated and complements the fruit expression. The wine has a finish with amazing length.

    The wine drinks well now, but has potential for further ageing. The fruit intensity is great, and the tannin and acid structure should support the wine as tertiary notes develop.

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  • 2010 Château Lanessan

    France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Haut-Médoc

    The appearance is clear and medium ruby in colour. Tears are visible.

    The nose is clean. The aromas have a medium(-) intensity showing notes of black fruit (blackberry, subtle bramble), MLF (subtle cream), and oak (subtle chocolate). The wine appears youthful.

    On the palate, the wine is dry with medium(+) acidity, medium(+) alcohol, and medium(+) body. The medium level tannins are ripe and velvety in nature. The flavours have a medium intensity and show notes of black fruit (black plum, blackberry), oak (charred wood), and MLF (subtle cream). The finish has a medium(+) length, showing an additional herbal note (subtle spearmint).

    This is a very good quality wine. While the nose is restrained, the flavours are concentrated and have a great balance with the alcohol and the acidity. The ripe tannins provide an enjoyable textural element to the wine. In its current state, the wine is has some complexity featuring multiple clusters of primary and secondary characteristics. The black fruit and oak notes are more prominent than the herbal characters. The oak treatment is well-integrated and complements the fruit expression. The wine has a finish with great length.

    The wine drinks well now, but has potential for further ageing. The fruit intensity is great, and the tannin and acid structure should support the wine as tertiary notes develop.

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  • 2015 Château Lanessan

    France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Haut-Médoc

    The appearance is clear and medium purple in colour. Tears are visible.

    The nose is clean. The aromas have a medium intensity and show distinct notes of black fruit (blackcurrant, blackberry) and oak (vanilla). The wine appears youthful.

    On the palate, the wine is dry with medium(+) acidity, medium alcohol, and full body. The high tannins are ripe and have an emery cloth-like nature. The flavours have a medium intensity and show notes of black fruit (blackcurrant, blackberry, bramble) and oak (subtle vanilla). The finish has a medium(+) length.

    This is a very good quality wine. The flavours are concentrated and have a great balance with the alcohol and acidity. The ripe tannins are very grippy, dominating the acidity. In its current state, the wine is simple with few primary and secondary characteristics. The black fruit core of this wine is quite prominent. The wine has a finish with great length.

    The wine is too young; it needs time to mature. The tannins are very intense, detracting from the other elements of the wine. Ageing should help: improve the structural balance of the wine as the tannins begin to fade; and aid the development of additional tertiary flavours and aromas.

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Flight 2 - Chateau Senejac (6 Notes)

This flight highlights vintage variation.

  • 2009 Château Sénéjac

    France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Haut-Médoc

    The appearance is clear and medium ruby in colour. Tears are visible.

    The nose is clean. The aromas have a medium intensity and show notes of black fruit (blackcurrant, bramble), herbaceous characters (green capsicum), oak (subtle nutmeg, subtle ground cinnamon), and bottle-age (subtle leather). An additional oak note (coffee) appears if left to decant in the glass. The wine is developing.

    On the palate, the wine is dry with medium(+) acidity, medium alcohol, and medium body. The medium level tannins are ripe and silky in nature. The flavours have a medium intensity and show notes of black fruit (blackcurrant, black plum), herbaceous characters (green capsicum), and oak (nutmeg, cinnamon). The finish has a long length, featuring notes of black fruit (black plum) and oak (chocolate).

    This is a very good quality wine. The flavours are concentrated and have a great balance with the acidity and the alcohol. The ripe tannins have a good balance with the acidity and provide an enjoyable textural element to the wine. In its current state, the wine has some complexity featuring multiple clusters of primary, secondary, and tertiary characteristics. The black fruit has a great intensity and is supported by a very interesting oak treatment; the herbaceous characters are very much in the background. The wine has a finish with amazing(!!!) length.

    The wine drinks well now, but has potential for further ageing. The fruit intensity is great, and the tannin and acid structure should support the wine as tertiary notes continue to develop.

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  • 2010 Château Sénéjac

    France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Haut-Médoc

    The appearance is clear and medium ruby in colour. Tears are visible.

    The nose is clean. The medium intensity aromas show notes of black fruit (wild blackberry, black plum, subtle bramble) and oak (subtle coffee, subtle chocolate). The wine appears youthful.

    On the palate, the wine is dry with medium(+) acidity, medium alcohol, and medium(+) body. The medium(+) level tannins are ripe and silky in nature. The flavours have a medium intensity and show notes of black fruit (wild blackberry, black plum). The finish has a medium length, with additional flavours showing: oak (chocolate) and herbaceous characters (subtle green capsicum).

    This is a very good quality wine. The flavours are concentrated and have a great balance with the acidity and the alcohol. The silky tannins have a good balance with the acidity and provide a gentle grip on the palate. In its current state, the wine shows primary and secondary characteristics. The wine showed a fruit-forward personality, featuring a black fruit core that is supported by oak characters that are very much in the background. The wine has a finish with good length.

    The wine drinks well now, but has potential for further ageing. The fruit intensity is great, and the tannin and acid structure should support the wine as tertiary notes develop.

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  • 2012 Château Sénéjac

    France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Haut-Médoc

    The appearance is clear and medium ruby in colour.

    The nose is clean. The medium intensity aromas show notes of black fruit (black plum, blackberry), oak (subtle coffee), and charcuterie. The wine appears youthful.

    On the palate, the wine is dry with high acidity, medium alcohol, and medium body. The medium(+) level tannins are ripe and silky in nature. The flavours have a medium(-) intensity and show notes of black fruit (blackcurrant, bramble), oak (vanilla), MLF (cream), bottle-age (leather), and herbaceous and herbal characters (green capsicum, subtle medicinal nuance). The finish has a long length.

    This is a good quality wine. The flavours show a reasonable concentration and a good balance with the alcohol and the acidity. The silky tannins have a good balance with the acidity and provide a good textural component to the wine. In its current state, the wine shows primary, secondary, and tertiary characteristics. The primary fruit is somewhat thin, with the secondary and tertiary characters being more prominent. This wine shows signs of a difficult vintage, with characteristics of less-ripe fruit and sulphur. That said, the wine has a finish with amazing length featuring secondary and tertiary notes.

    The wine drinks well now, but is not suitable for further ageing. The fruit intensity was less than preferred and will fade further over time.

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  • 2013 Château Sénéjac

    France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Haut-Médoc

    The appearance is clear and medium ruby in colour. Tears are visible.

    The nose is clean. The aromas have a medium intensity and show notes of oak (coffee), black fruit (blackberry, subtle black plum), herbaceous characters (subtle green capsicum), and bottle-age (subtle leather). The wine is developing.

    On the palate, the wine is dry with medium(+) acidity, medium alcohol, and medium(+) body. The medium(+) tannins are silky in nature but show a slight astringency. The flavours have a medium intensity and show notes of black fruit (blackberry, black plum), bottle-age (new leather), mineral (wet soil, potting mix), and herbaceous and herbal characters (green capsicum, spearmint). The finish has a long length.

    This is a good quality wine. The flavours are concentrated and have a good balance with the acidity, and a reasonable balance with the alcohol (warmth from the alcohol shows on the mid- and back-palate). The tannins show a slight astringency, but have a great balance with the acidity. In its current state, the wine shows primary, secondary, and tertiary characteristics. The herbaceous and herbal characters are quite prominent, and when combined with the slightly astringent tannins, present indications of a wet vintage. That said, the wine has a finish with amazing length.

    The wine drinks well now, but is not suitable for further ageing. While the fruit is concentrated and the tannin and acid structure would be able to support the wine over time, the balance with the alcohol and the astringent notes are unlikely to improve with age.

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  • 2014 Château Sénéjac

    France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Haut-Médoc

    The appearance is clear and deep ruby in colour. Tears are visible.

    The nose is clean. The aromas have a medium intensity and show aromas of black fruit (blackberry, black plum, bramble) and herbaceous characters (green capsicum). The wine appears youthful.

    On the palate, the wine is dry with medium acidity, medium alcohol, and medium body. The medium level tannins are ripe and silky in nature. The flavours have a medium intensity and show notes of black fruit (blackberry, black plum, bramble), oak (wood, vanilla), and herbaceous characters (subtle green capsicum). The finish has a long length.

    This is a very good quality wine. The flavours are concentrated and have a great balance with the alcohol and the acidity. The silky tannins have a great balance with the acidity, and provide a textural element that complements the flavours. In its current state, the wine shows primary and secondary characteristics. The prominent fruit core is supported by the oak treatment, and the herbaceous characters are very much in the background. The wine has a finish with amazing length, featuring secondary characteristics.

    The wine drinks well now, but has potential for further ageing. The fruit intensity is great, and the tannin and acid structure should support the wine as tertiary notes develop.

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  • 2015 Château Sénéjac

    France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Haut-Médoc

    The appearance is clear and medium ruby in colour. Tears are visible.

    The nose is clean. The aromas have a medium intensity and show aromas of black fruit (blackberry, black plum) and herbaceous characters (green capsicum). The wine appears youthful.

    On the palate, the wine is dry with medium(+) acidity, medium alcohol, and medium(+) body. The high level tannins are ripe and velvety in nature. The flavours have a medium intensity and show notes of black fruit (blackberry, black plum) and herbaceous characters (green capsicum). The finish has a long length.

    This is a very good quality wine. The flavours are concentrated and have a great balance with the alcohol and the acidity. The velvety tannins are drying and dominate the acidity. In its current state, the wine is quite simple, only presenting primary characteristics. The wine has a finish with amazing length.

    The wine is too young and needs time to mature. Over time the tannins will soften, improving the balance. The fruit intensity is great, and the tannin and acid structure should support the wine as tertiary notes develop.

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Flight 3 - 1996 Australia vs Haut-Medoc (6 Notes)

This flight was served blind; we had to identify if the wines were from Australia or Haut-Medoc.

  • 1996 Bowen Estate Cabernet Sauvignon

    Australia, South Australia, Limestone Coast, Coonawarra

    The appearance is clear and medium garnet in colour. Tears and sediment are visible.

    The nose is clean. The aromas have a medium(-) intensity and show notes of herbaceous characters (green capsicum), bottle-age (old leather), dried fruit (raisin), generic red fruit, and oak (subtle coffee). The wine is developing.

    On the palate, the wine is dry with high acidity, medium alcohol, and medium body. The medium level tannins are ripe and have an emery cloth-like texture. The flavours have a medium intensity and show notes of bottle-age (old leather), herbaceous characters (eucalyptus, tomato leaf), and dried fruit (raisin). The finish has a medium length.

    This is a good quality wine. While the nose is restrained, the flavours have a decent concentration and a reasonable balance with the acidity and the alcohol. Warmth from the alcohol shows on the mid- and back-palate. In its current state, the fruit core appears to have faded during the ageing process, leaving pyrazines, dried fruit and tertiary characteristics. The finish has a good length.

    The wine should be consumed now; it is not suitable for further ageing. Any further changes from ageing are unlikely to be positive.

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  • 1996 Château La Lagune

    France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Haut-Médoc

    The appearance is clear and medium garnet in colour. Tears are visible.

    The nose is clean. The aromas have a medium intensity and show notes of bottle-age (new leather), oak (coffee), herbaceous characters (green capsicum), and generic black fruit. The wine is developing.

    On the palate, the wine is dry with medium(+) acidity, medium alcohol, and medium body. The medium(+) tannins are ripe and velvety in nature. The flavours have a medium intensity and show notes of black fruit (blackberry, blackcurrant), mineral (wet soil, potting mix), and herbaceous characters (subtle green capsicum). The finish has a medium(+) length.

    This is a very good quality wine. The flavours are concentrated and have a great balance with the alcohol and the acidity. The tannins have a great balance with the acidity, and provide a textural element that complements the flavours. In its current state, the wine shows primary, secondary, and tertiary characteristics. The fruit is more prominent on the palate, and is met with mineral and herbaceous undertones. The tertiary notes are more prominent on the nose. The wine has a finish with great length.

    The wine drinks well now, but has potential for further ageing. The fruit intensity is great, and the tannin and acid structure should support the wine as tertiary notes continue to develop.

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  • 1996 Château Haut-Marbuzet

    France, Bordeaux, Médoc, St. Estèphe

    The appearance is clear and medium garnet in colour.

    The nose is clean. The aromas have a medium(-) intensity showing notes of dried fruit (raisins) and generic black fruit. The wine appears youthful on the nose [it is difficult to assess the development due to the intensity; primary only, no tertiary notes. The appearance is a useful indicator though].

    On the palate, the wine is dry with medium acidity, medium alcohol, and medium(+) body. The high level tannins are ripe and velvety in nature. The flavours have a medium intensity and show notes of black fruit (black plum), dried fruit (raisins), and bottle-age characters (subtle leather, subtle gamey character). The finish has a medium(-) length.

    This is a good quality wine. While the nose is restrained, the flavours have a good concentration. There is a good balance between the flavours and both the acidity and the alcohol. The tannins are enjoyable, but easily dominate the acidity. In its current state, the wine shows primary and tertiary characters. The primary fruit is very much in the foreground, with the tertiary notes still quite subtle on the palate. The wine has a finish with reasonable length.

    The wine drinks well now but has potential for further ageing. The fruit has a good intensity and the tannin and acid structure should support the wine as the tertiary notes continue to develop.

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  • 1996 Lindeman's Cabernet Sauvignon St. George

    Australia, South Australia, Limestone Coast, Coonawarra

    The appearance is clear and deep ruby in colour. Tears are visible.

    The nose is clean. The aromas have a medium(-) intensity and show notes of herbal characters (eucalyptus, mint), mineral (menthol), and vegetable characters (subtle potato [apparently via pyrazines]). The wine appears youthful on the nose [it is difficult to assess the development due to the aroma intensity and my sensitivity to pyrazines; primary only, no tertiary notes].

    On the palate, the wine is dry with medium(+) acidity, medium alcohol, and full body. The high level tannins are ripe with a nature similar to wet and dry sandpaper. The flavours have a medium(+) intensity showing notes of black fruit (blackberry, blackcurrant), oak (vanilla, cedar), bottle-age characters (new leather), and herbal and mineral characters (eucalyptus, menthol). The finish has a medium(+) length.

    This is a very good quality wine. The flavours are concentrated and have a great balance with the alcohol and the acidity. The ripe tannins provide a great textural component, and have a good balance with the acidity. In its current state, the wine shows complexity with primary, secondary, and tertiary characteristics. The oak treatment is well-integrated complementing the primary and tertiary characters. While there is a bunch of pyrazines on the nose, the black fruit, oak treatment, and tertiary notes are more prominent on the palate, with the pyrazines holding a more complementary role in the flavour profile. The wine has a finish with great length.

    The wine drinks well now, but has potential for further ageing. The primary fruit is still quite vibrant, the flavour intensity is great, and the tannin and acid structure should support the wine as the tertiary notes continue to develop.

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  • 1996 Château Patache d'Aux Médoc

    France, Bordeaux, Médoc

    The appearance is clear and medium ruby in colour.

    The nose is clean. The aromas have a medium intensity and show notes of oak (coffee, toast), bottle-age characters (leather), and herbaceous characters (green capsicum). The wine is developing.

    On the palate, the wine is dry with medium(+) acidity, medium alcohol, and full body. The high level tannins are ripe and velvety in nature. The flavours have a medium intensity and show notes of black fruit (blackcurrant), oak (coffee, toast), bottle-age characters (leather), and herbaceous characters (green capsicum). The finish has a medium(+) length.

    This is a very good quality wine. The flavours are concentrated and have a great balance with the alcohol and the acidity. The velvety tannins provide a great textural element that has a good balance with the acidity, allowing the tannins to fade away nicely on the back-palate. The oak treatment complements the flavour profile. In its current state, the wine shows primary, secondary, and tertiary characteristics. The wine has a finish with great length.

    The wine drinks well now, but has potential for further ageing. The fruit intensity is great and the tannin and acid structure should support the wine as tertiary notes continue to develop.

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  • 1996 Tahbilk Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve Flawed

    Australia, Victoria, Central Victoria, Nagambie Lakes

    The appearance is clear and medium ruby in colour. Tears are visible.

    The nose is unclean with aromas of TCA (wet cardboard), bottle-age (new leather), and herbal and mineral characters (eucalyptus, menthol).

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Flight 4 - 2000 Haut-Medoc vs Classed Growths (6 Notes)

This flight was served blind; we had to identify if the wines were classed or cru.

  • 2000 Château Rauzan-Gassies

    France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Margaux

    The appearance is clear and medium ruby in colour. Tears are visible.

    The nose is clean. The aromas have a medium(+) intensity showing well-defined notes of red fruit (raspberry, red plum), black fruit (blackberry, blackcurrant), oak (chocolate, subtle coffee), bottle-age character (subtle leather), and herbaceous characters (green capsicum). The wine is developing.

    On the palate, the wine is dry with medium acidity, medium alcohol, and medium body. The medium level tannins are ripe and silky in nature. The flavours have a medium intensity and show notes of oak (coffee), black fruit (blackcurrant, blackberry), red fruit (red plum), and herbaceous characters (green capsicum). The finish has a medium length.

    This is a very good quality wine. The flavours are concentrated and have a great balance with the acidity and a good balance with the alcohol. Some warmth from the alcohol shows on the finish. The oak treatment is well-integrated, complementing the primary fruit. In its current state, the wine shows primary, secondary, and tertiary characters. The primary fruit core is still quite prominent, and is supported by the secondary and tertiary notes. The finish has a good length.

    The wine drinks well now, but has potential for further ageing. The fruit intensity is great and the tannin and acid structure should support the wine as tertiary notes continue to develop.

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  • 2000 Château Citran

    France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Haut-Médoc

    The appearance is clear and medium ruby in colour. Tears and sediment are visible.

    The nose is clean. The aromas have a medium(-) intensity and show notes of black fruit (subtle black plum), bottle-age characters (subtle leather), and herbaceous characters (very subtle green capsicum). The wine is developing.

    On the palate, the wine is dry with medium acidity, medium alcohol, and medium body. The medium level tannins are ripe and silky in nature. The flavours have a medium intensity and show notes of black fruit (blackberry, blackcurrant), oak (coffee, very subtle coconut), and bottle-age characters (subtle leather). The finish has a medium length.

    This is a very good quality wine. The nose is restrained and the flavours have a reasonable concentration, and a great balance with the alcohol and the acidity. The oak treatment is subtle and complements the flavour profile (the coconut seems to indicate the use of American oak). In its current state, the wine shows primary, secondary, and tertiary characters. The finish has a good length.

    The wine drinks well now but has potential for further ageing. The fruit intensity is good and the tannin and acid structure should support the wine as tertiary notes continue to develop.

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  • 2000 Château Cissac

    France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Haut-Médoc

    The appearance is clear and deep ruby in colour. Tears are visible.

    The nose is clean. The aromas have a medium(-) intensity. Swirling reveals notes of black fruit (black plum, black cherry) and herbaceous characters (subtle green capsicum). The wine appears youthful (no tertiary notes detected).

    On the palate, the wine is dry with medium(+) acidity, medium alcohol, and medium body. The medium level tannins are ripe and chalky in nature. The flavours have a medium intensity and show notes of black fruit (black plum, black cherry, blackcurrant), oak (subtle vanilla), and bottle-age (subtle leather). The finish has a medium(+) length.

    This is a very good quality wine. While the nose is restrained the flavours are concentrated and have a great balance with the alcohol and the acidity. The tannins give way to the acidity slightly by the back palate, leading to a more refreshing finish. In its current state the wine shows primary, secondary, and tertiary notes. The fruit core is supported by subtle oak and tertiary notes. The finish has a great length.

    The wine drinks well now, but has potential for further ageing. The fruit intensity is good and the tannin and acid structure should support the wine as tertiary notes continue to develop.

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  • 2000 Château Lynch-Bages

    France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Pauillac

    The appearance is clear and deep ruby in colour. Tears are visible.

    The nose is clean. The aromas have a medium intensity and show notes of oak (coffee), herbaceous characters (green capsicum), and black fruit (subtle blackberry). The wine appears youthful (no tertiary notes were detected).

    On the palate, the wine is dry with medium(+) acidity, medium alcohol, and medium(+) body. The medium(+) level tannins are ripe and velvety in nature. The flavours have a medium intensity and show notes of black fruit (blackberry, black cherry), herbaceous characters (subtle green capsicum), oak (coffee), and generic mineral characters (earthy?). The finish has a medium length.

    This is a very good quality wine. The flavours are concentrated and have a great balance with the alcohol and the acidity. The tannins have a great balance with the acidity. In its current state, the wine shows primary and secondary characters. The well-integrated oak treatment supports the fruit well. The finish has a good length.

    The wine drinks well now, but has potential for further ageing. The fruit intensity is great, and the tannin and acid structure should support the wine as tertiary notes develop.

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  • 2000 Château Cos Labory Flawed

    France, Bordeaux, Médoc, St. Estèphe

    The appearance is clear and deep ruby in colour. Tears are visible.

    The nose is unclean. The aromas have a medium(-) intensity with notes of herbaceous characters (spearmint), TCA (subtle damp cardboard), black fruit (very subtle blackberry). The wine is faulty.

    On the palate, the wine is dry with medium(+) acidity, medium alcohol, and medium(+) body. The medium(+) level tannins are ripe and chalky in nature. The flavours have a medium(-) intensity and show notes of bottle-age (meaty character), herbaceous characters (spearmint, green capsicum), black fruit (very subtle blackberry), and TCA (subtle wet cardboard).

    This wine is faulty. The taint, while at a low level, subdues the primary fruit causing the wine to appear more savoury. The acidity and the tannins were in great balance though.

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  • 2000 Château Sociando-Mallet

    France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Haut-Médoc

    The appearance is clear and medium ruby in colour. Tears are visible.

    The nose is clean. The aromas have a medium(-) intensity. Swirling reveals notes of bottle-age characters (meaty character), mineral (earthy character, dry soil), and black fruit (subtle blackberry, subtle bramble). The wine is developing.

    On the palate, the wine is dry with high acidity, medium alcohol, and medium body. The medium level tannins are ripe and velvety in nature. The flavours have a medium intensity and show notes of black fruit (blackberry, bramble), oak (wood, very subtle vanilla), bottle-age (subtle meat), and herbaceous characters (subtle green capsicum). The finish has a medium length.

    This is a good quality wine. The flavours are concentrated and have a good balance with the alcohol, and a reasonable balance with the acidity. The tannins appear suppressed due to the more dominant level of acidity. In its current state, the wine shows primary, secondary, and tertiary characters. The wine has a good length.

    The wine should be consumed now, it is not suitable for further ageing. While the fruit intensity is great and the acidity still strong, the tannin structure appears to be fading - it will be unlikely to support the wine for long-term ageing.

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Flight 5 - 2009 Haut-Medoc (6 Notes)

This flight was highlighting the impacts of global warming. Some of the producers are doing it right... others, not so much...

  • 2009 Château Liversan

    France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Haut-Médoc

    The appearance is clear and medium ruby in colour. Tears are visible.

    The nose is clean. The aromas have a medium intensity and show notes of black fruit (black plum, blackcurrant) and oak (wood, cedar). The wine appears youthful.

    On the palate, the wine is dry with medium(+) acidity, medium alcohol, and medium body. The medium level tannins are ripe and velvety in nature. The flavours have a medium intensity and show notes of black fruit (blackcurrant, blackberry, black plum), herbaceous characters (green capsicums), oak (wood, cedar, generic sweet spice characters), and bottle-age characters (savoury, meaty character). The wine has a medium length.

    This is a very good quality wine. The flavours are concentrated and have a great balance with the alcohol and the acidity. The tannins have a good balance with the acidity. In its current state, the wine shows primary, secondary, and tertiary characters. The core of primary fruit is supported by the secondary and tertiary notes. The finish has a good length.

    The wine drinks well now, but has potential for further ageing. The fruit intensity is great, and the tannin and acid structure should support the wine as tertiary notes develop.

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  • 2009 Château Bernadotte

    France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Haut-Médoc

    The appearance is clear and deep ruby in colour. Tears are visible.

    The nose is clean. The aromas have a medium(+) intensity and show notes of black fruit (blackcurrant, black plum, blackberry) and oak (wood, cedar). The wine appears youthful.

    On the palate, the wine is dry with medium(+) acidity, medium alcohol, and medium body. The medium level tannins are ripe and silky in nature. The flavours have a medium intensity and show notes of black fruit (blackcurrant, black plum, blackberry), pungent spice (liquorice), and oak (wood, cedar). The finish has a medium(+) length.

    This is a very good quality wine. The flavours are concentrated and have a great balance with the acidity and a good balance with the alcohol. There is a slight warmth from the alcohol that shows on the back-palate. The tannins fade over the back-palate as the acidity takes over, leading to a refreshing finish. In its current state, the wine shows primary and secondary characters. The primary fruit is more prominent and is supported by the secondary oak notes. The finish has a great length.

    The wine drinks well now, but has potential for further ageing. The fruit intensity is great and the acid and tannin structure should support the wine as tertiary notes develop.

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  • 2009 Château Belle-Vue (Haut-Médoc)

    France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Haut-Médoc

    The appearance is clear and deep ruby in colour. Tears are visible.

    The nose is clean. The aromas have a medium intensity and show notes of oak (chocolate) and generic dried black fruit. Swirling reveals additional black fruit notes (ripe black plum, blackberry). The wine is developing.

    On the palate, the wine is dry with medium(+) acidity, medium(+) alcohol, and medium body. The medium level tannins are ripe and silky in nature. The flavours have a medium intensity and show notes of black fruit (black plum, blackcurrant, blackberry), oak (chocolate), and herbaceous characters (very subtle green capsicum). The finish has a medium(+) length.

    This is a good quality wine. The flavours are concentrated and have a great balance with the acidity. The flavours have a reasonable balance with the alcohol, showing some warmth on the mid-palate that builds further over the finish. The tannins have a good balance with the acidity. In its current state, the wine shows primary, secondary, and tertiary characters. The wine is predominately primary, supported by oak, and some subtle tertiary characters in the background. The finish has a great length.

    The wine drinks well now, but is not suitable for long term ageing. While the flavour concentration is great, with the primary characters still showing well, the balance with the alcohol will not improve with age.

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  • 2009 Château La Tour Carnet

    France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Haut-Médoc

    The appearance is clear and deep ruby in colour. Tears are visible.

    The nose is clean. The aromas have a medium(-) intensity and show notes of generic black fruit. Swirling reveals additional generic characters of mineral (subtle menthol) and bottle-age (subtle leather). The wine is developing.

    On the palate, the wine is dry with medium acidity, medium(+) alcohol, and medium body. The medium level tannins are ripe and velvety in nature. The flavours have a medium intensity and show notes of black fruit (blackcurrant, blackberry), mineral (menthol), and bottle-age characters (subtle leather). The finish has a medium length.

    This is a good quality wine. While the nose is restrained, the flavours show moderate concentration and have a great balance with the acidity and the alcohol. The ripe tannins have a great balance with the acidity. In its current state, the wine shows primary and tertiary characters, with the primary fruit taking the lead. The finish has a good, but not great, length.

    The wine drinks well now, but has potential for ageing. The wine has great balance, and the primary characters are still well-presented. Ageing will aid the development of additional tertiary characters, increasing the complexity of the wine.

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  • 2009 Château La Tour de Bessan Flawed

    France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Margaux

    The appearance is clear and deep ruby in colour. Tears are visible.

    The nose is unclean. The aromas have a light intensity with notes of TCA (subtle damp cardboard). The wine is faulty.

    On the palate, the wine is dry with medium(+) acidity, medium alcohol, and medium(+) body. The high level tannins are ripe and chalky in nature. The flavours have a medium(-) intensity and show notes of TCA (damp cardboard) and black fruit (very subtle blackberry).

    This wine is faulty. The taint was too dominant for me, hiding the primary fruit.

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  • 2009 Château La Tour de Mons

    France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Margaux

    The appearance is clear and medium ruby in colour. Tears are visible.

    The nose is clean. The aromas have a medium(+) intensity and show notes of black fruit (blackberry, black plum), oak (vanilla), MLF (cream), and mineral (subtle gravel). The wine is developing.

    On the palate, the wine is dry with medium(+) acidity, medium(+) alcohol, and medium(+) body. The medium(+) level tannins are ripe and velvety in nature. The flavours have a medium intensity and show notes of black fruit (black plum, blackberry, black cherry), oak (vanilla), MLF (cream, subtle biscuit), and mineral (subtle gravel). The finish has a medium(+) length.

    This is a very good quality wine. While the alcohol appears dominant relative to the fruit, the acidity and tannins do show good balance. Further, the wine shows some complexity with primary, secondary, and tertiary characters. That said, the secondary oak and MLF notes were also quite dominant relative to the primary fruit. The wine has a finish with great length. The wine does show some interesting points, but is unable to bring them together harmoniously.

    The wine drinks well now, but is not suitable for long term ageing. While the flavour concentration is great, the balance with the alcohol and secondary notes will not improve with age.

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Closing

This was a great insight into vintage variation, age variation, and impacts of climate change. The blind flights were fantastic: highlighting the difference between Australian and Haut-Medoc wines, as well as classed vs cru. While I scored 100% on the Australian vs Haut-Medoc, the classed vs cru flight highlighted my lack of experience in assessing concentration - more work is required in this space!

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