Trip to France

Burgundy, Rhone Valley (Chateauneuf-du-Pape), Paris
Tasted Monday, October 13, 2008 - Friday, October 24, 2008 by Nutty08 with 2,029 views

Introduction

Planned vacation with Derek:
Three days traveling through Burgundy
Two days in Rhone Vally
Random wines in Paris.

Flight 1 - 10/14/08 (2 Notes)

  • 2000 Domaine Alain Michelot Nuits St. Georges 1er Cru Aux Champs Perdrix 87 Points

    France, Burgundy, Côte de Nuits, Nuits St. Georges 1er Cru

    (10/14/2008)

    Really had trouble figuring this one out. Very aromatic nose with lots of dense cherry, but dominated by an oily licorice scent I couldn't place. Maybe had a little anise and liquorish as well. Palate and finish were disappointing compared to the nose. Rather firm, closed, with some bright fruit. Finish was rather simple and short. In all, an intriguing nose but the palate and finish couldn't keep up.

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  • 2003 Mongeard-Mugneret Beaune 1er Cru Avaux 88 Points

    France, Burgundy, Côte de Beaune, Beaune 1er Cru

    (10/14/2008)

    Sour cherry nose with some rustic earthy notes and iron and red meat, classic Beaune nose. Smooth round palate with perceptible tannins, but not too distracting. Very fruit driven. Medium finish with earthy notes and oak, but rather simple and primary.

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Flight 2 - 10/15/08 (9 Notes)

Traveling south through Côte de Nuits toward Beaune.

  • 2000 David Duband Nuits St. Georges 90 Points

    France, Burgundy, Côte de Nuits, Nuits St. Georges

    (10/15/2008)

    Nose was initially rather sharp, but that blew off with air and was expressive with ripe cherry with some mushroom and maybe a hint of fig. Palate was round with some perceptible tannins, but smooth. Added some blackberry, mushrooms and flint. Finish was long, a little simple, but carried the fruit for quite some time and added some stone and mineral notes. A well built balanced Pinot that was very enjoyable now.

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  • 2006 Domaine François Gerbet Vosne-Romanée 90 Points

    France, Burgundy, Côte de Nuits, Vosne-Romanée

    (10/15/2008)

    Some sweet cherry, licorice, and hints of wood/nuts. Palate is very smooth with fine tannins and soft mouthfeel. Just a hint of sourness on the midpalate. Long balanced finish with some cherry and raspberry, but driven by stone/mineral. Good.

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  • 2004 Domaine Thierry Beaumont Morey St. Denis 1er Cru Les Sorbes 89 Points

    France, Burgundy, Côte de Nuits, Morey St. Denis 1er Cru

    (10/15/2008)

    Aromatic nose of dark fruits, earth, fig, mushrooms centered around cherry. Palate was acidic, light round subtle tannins with similar flavors from the nose. Finish medium length and complexity. Excellent.

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  • 2006 Domaine François Gerbet Vosne-Romanée Aux Réas 90 Points

    France, Burgundy, Côte de Nuits, Vosne-Romanée

    (10/15/2008)

    nose a little sharp, but with some ripe cherry, dark fruit and heavy on oak. Palate adds some plum mushroom and black cherry notes, with just a hint of sourness on the midpalate. Long mineral finish saves this some with stone, cedar, and earth notes with some raspberry highlights. Good, needs time to integrate the oak and soften the acidity some. Gets a couple of points for potential.

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  • 2006 Domaine François Gerbet Bourgogne Hautes-Côtes de Nuits 87 Points

    France, Burgundy, Bourgogne Hautes-Côtes de Nuits

    (10/15/2008)

    Nose of sour cheery, licorice, sandalwood? Firm closed palate, not showing too much. Light bodies and pretty, with medium length simple finish of mostly mineral and slate.

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  • 2006 Michel Magnien Morey St. Denis 1er Cru Les Chaffots 86 Points

    France, Burgundy, Côte de Nuits, Morey St. Denis 1er Cru

    (10/15/2008)

    Woody nutty nose with some fig and mushrooms--quite earthy. Palate is sharp and acidic rather bland compared to the nose. Short mineral finish. Might just be too young and had some chunky tannins. Maybe try again with some time.

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  • 2004 Domaine Lignier-Michelot Morey St. Denis 88 Points

    France, Burgundy, Côte de Nuits, Morey St. Denis

    (10/15/2008)

    Dusty mushroom nose. Dense dark cherries on the palate with some sour acidity and bloody meat. Fine but firm tannins. Medium finish of slate and flint. Much too young, but still excellent.

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  • 2002 Henri et Gilles Buisson Pommard Les Petits Noizons 86 Points

    France, Burgundy, Côte de Beaune, Pommard

    (10/15/2008)

    Nose was a little closed, but showed some tart cherry and licorice. Very acidic palate with a sour cherry note. medium length finish with some slate/mineral. Rather light bodied and simple, but enjoyable enough.

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  • 2006 Domaine des Beaumont Gevrey-Chambertin Vieilles Vignes 89 Points

    France, Burgundy, Côte de Nuits, Gevrey-Chambertin

    (10/15/2008)

    Nose not too expressive, but showing some cherry, licorice, and mushrooms. Palate is smooth without some of the sharp acidity of the others. Some darker fruit on the palate, firm fine tannins. medium to long finish with the fruit persisting and giving way to slate/mineral finish. Young, but still excellent.

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Flight 3 - 10/16/08 (14 Notes)

Trips to Chateau Meursault and Olivier Leflaive

Flight 4 - 10/17/08 (4 Notes)

Chateau Marsannay

Flight 5 - 10/20/08 (16 Notes)

Running around the Rhone: at Chateau Beaucastel, Janasse, and Telegraphe.

  • 2006 Famille Perrin / Perrin & Fils Vinsobres Les Cornuds 87 Points

    France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Vinsobres

    (10/20/2008)

    Nose was close, mostly dark fruit. Prominent acidity on the palate, plum and black cherry up front, chunky tannins. Bit of heat on the finish with medium length and complexity with scorched earth and gamy character. A bit harsh and astringent, but good considering the price.

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  • 2006 Famille Perrin / Perrin & Fils Gigondas La Gille 87 Points

    France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Gigondas

    (10/20/2008)

    Nose of game and dark fruits and sand. Palate had a crisp acidity,core of dark fruits, and finish of mineral and earth. Disappointingly simple and short finish, though balanced. Fine, but nothing exceptional.

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  • 2005 Château de Beaucastel Côtes du Rhône Coudoulet de Beaucastel 91 Points

    France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Côtes du Rhône

    (10/20/2008)

    Nose not too expressive, but did show some earth with floral highlights, sweet cherry, plum, raisin? dense, explosive palate, fruit forward and high alcohol, but carries it well. Medium to long finish with earth and tar fruits holding together nicely over the finish. Firm fine tannins. Really liked this one, quite surprising.

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  • 2005 Château de Beaucastel Châteauneuf-du-Pape 92 Points

    France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Châteauneuf-du-Pape

    (10/20/2008)

    Closed nose, but could pull out some tobacco, mushroom and black cherry. palate with firm fine tannins, closed, some fruit up front with cassiss, black cherry, blackberry. Finish saves it some, with a long dense complex line of mineral and fruit flavors. Really tight and dense and while approachable now, doesn't seem to do anything but hint at its potential. Hold.

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  • 1995 Château de Beaucastel Châteauneuf-du-Pape 91 Points

    France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Châteauneuf-du-Pape

    (10/20/2008)

    Big expressive nose with plenty of mature notes: leather, cigar box. Palate still tannic and firm, with some dark fruits and earthiness. Medium finish with some flint and mineral after a flash of earth and tobacco. Very nice now, but still seems rather young and still quite tannic. Hopefully will keep improving as the tannins integrate.

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  • 2006 Château de Beaucastel Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc 92 Points

    France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Châteauneuf-du-Pape

    (10/20/2008)

    Juicy citrus nose with a hint of mayo?, very expressive nose, almost sweet. Big round mouth coating palate, full bodied and rich. Fruit stays together on the finish very long and complex with stone and mineral coming through. Really enjoyed this, don't have too much other white Rhone's to compare to, but this was excellent.

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  • 2007 Château de Beaucastel Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc Cuvée Roussanne Vieilles Vignes

    France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Châteauneuf-du-Pape

    (10/20/2008)

    Just bottled prior to this tasting. Fresh citrus nose, a little closed. Palate was quite acidic almost sour, but never quite harsh, adding some prominent oak and sweet cedar. Finish was long and complex with bright fruits and mineral sailing on for minutes. Really dense and complex, I think I just tried this at a strange time just after bottling. 89 now, has 95+ potential.

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  • 2007 Domaine de la Janasse Côtes du Rhône Blanc 86 Points

    France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Côtes du Rhône

    (10/20/2008)

    Expressive nose with white fruits, pear and citrus, very acidic palate, very fresh with bright fruit. Finish medium to long, mostly fruit forward and some mineral in the background. Nice wine, not extremely complex but refreshing and enjoyable.

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  • 2007 Domaine de la Janasse Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc 90 Points

    France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Châteauneuf-du-Pape

    (10/20/2008)

    Nose more expressive than the Cotes du Rhone with warmer fruit, some oak, pear, and floral notes. Fresh acidity on the palate, but in check and balanced with citrus and melon flavors. Lengthy fruit finish with mineral and slate, stays together nicely. Impressive complex finish. Really nice wine, quite enjoyable.

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  • 2006 Domaine de la Janasse Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc Prestige 94 Points

    France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Châteauneuf-du-Pape

    (10/20/2008)

    This is really something special. Nose was closed with some honey notes. Explosive palate, mouth coating texture, with mango, apricot and almond honey notes. Layered and complex. Warm long finish with layers of dense complexity with roasted notes prominent that went on forever. Needs time to unravel some, but impressive potential.

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  • 2006 Domaine de la Janasse Châteauneuf-du-Pape 89 Points

    France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Châteauneuf-du-Pape

    (10/20/2008)

    A sweet berry nose with blackberry, raspberry, plum and cedar notes. Acidic slightly sour palate, some perceptible tannins, thin fruit somewhat overshadowed by oak. Lengthy finish of scorched earth and tar. A little unbalanced now, may integrate in the next couple of years. Good, not exceptional.

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  • 2006 Domaine de la Janasse Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée Chaupin 91 Points

    France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Châteauneuf-du-Pape

    (10/20/2008)

    Clean bright nose, typical grenache notes and very berry driven. Palate is very dense with dark fruits, blackberries, raspberries, and plum, and firm fine tannins. Lengthy finish, starting with a bit of heat, but holds together with berry, oak, and earthy notes. Very primary right now, but tightly wound and has great potential.

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  • 2006 Domaine de la Janasse Châteauneuf-du-Pape Vieilles Vignes 94 Points

    France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Châteauneuf-du-Pape

    (10/20/2008)

    This is really going to be something special. Big expressive nose with some floral notes (roses?), berries, and sweet cedar. Palate is dense and packed with fruit flavors, spicy, with layers of complexity. Finish is lengthy with scorched earth, fig, and tobacco notes with some stoniness at the end. A little tannic now, but impressive complexity and balance. Exceptional.

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  • 2006 Domaine les Pallières Gigondas 88 Points

    France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Gigondas

    (10/20/2008)

    Earth mushroom nose, a little game, some candied cherry, and dark fruits. A sweet smooth palate with mostly earth notes and mushroom and fig coming through. A little heat on the backend that really detracts from the finish, which is otherwise medium in the length and complexity and earthy. Gritty tannins really come though on the finish. Good, a little unbalanced at this point, not sure it'll come together.

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  • 2006 Famille Brunier Châteauneuf-du-Pape Domaine La Roquète 88 Points

    France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Châteauneuf-du-Pape

    (10/20/2008)

    Interesting nose of dark fruits, tar, and leather. Rather stiff drying tannins on the palate, but the fruit comes overtop with some cherry being most prominent, despite it being a bit closed. Medium finish with mostly earth and dirt, tar, mushrooms. this bottle might have been just opened, or was already shutting down and the palate just wasn't showing much. Good structure and balance, with good potential.

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  • 2006 Domaine du Vieux Télégraphe Châteauneuf-du-Pape La Crau 90 Points

    France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Châteauneuf-du-Pape

    (10/20/2008)

    Nose was rather closed compared to the Roquette and Pallieres. Closed, but still layered and could coax out some black cherry, plum, leather, and sweet cedar. Firm fine tannins and prominent oak on the palate, but dense core of fruit with cherry and raspberry most prominent. Very layered and complex. Finish was a little disappointing with scorched earth and tar, but rather short and sudden. Still, a well built balanced CdP with good potential.

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Flight 6 - 10/21/08 (18 Notes)

In the village Chateauneuf-du-Pape. Started at Domaine Pegau with Laurence(the winemaker), Roger Sabon, Pierre Usseglio, Bosquet des Papes, and a few other random wines.

  • 2005 Domaine du Pégau Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée Réservée 92 Points

    France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Châteauneuf-du-Pape

    (10/21/2008)

    Nice aromatics with plum, blueberries, and current--mostly dark fruits-- with some tobacco. Palate rather fruit forward, some earth and tar underneath. Firm fine tannins, a little drying. Some distracting heat on the backend. Long finish with earth notes prominent, with mushroom highlights and the dark fruits still persistence. Really enjoyed this, but certainly needs some time to unwind as it's very dense and complex, even though it's quite enjoyable now.

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  • 2006 Domaine du Pégau Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée Réservée 91 Points

    France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Châteauneuf-du-Pape

    (10/21/2008)

    Aromatic musty nose of black cherries, leather, and earth. Palate with some acidity, and gritty tannins, but rather open for a younger wine, and full of dense red fruit flavors. Long finish of mostly earth, flint, and tar. Very balanced and approachable now, plenty of rustic flavors.

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  • 2007 Domaine du Pégau Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée da Capo

    France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Châteauneuf-du-Pape

    (10/21/2008)

    At the domain, barrel sample, with 18months to go in barrel. Wow, it's hard for me to express how exciting this wine was. Aromatic dark nose, with sany earth, leather and tobacco, very rustic nose. Palate was very fruit forward, explosive, with layer upon layer of dense dark fruit. Plenty of currant, plum, and blueberry coming through. Plush full mouthfeel. Complexity sails through the finish which is very long, fruits dominating at this point. Structured, but not distractingly tannic. Very exciting now, I can't wait to see how this turns out after bottling. Certainly one of the most memorable wines I've ever had. No official score as it's only a barrel sample, but likely 95++ by my impression.

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  • 2007 Domaine du Pégau Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée Réservée

    France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Châteauneuf-du-Pape

    (10/21/2008)

    Unblended barrel sample at the domain. Nose of red fruits, mushroom and game. Acidic well structured palate with red fruits and earth. Medium finish. Showing structure and balanced in a muscular dense fruit driven CdP, very much looking forward to the final blend and bottling.

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  • 2007 Domaine du Pégau Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc Cuvée Réservée

    France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Châteauneuf-du-Pape

    (10/21/2008)

    Barrel sample at the winery, still cloudy. Mostly citrus nose, highly acidic palate but full bodied, dense and complex. Long mineral finish. Dense and complex without being "big". Was pleasantly lithe. Impressive, very curious how this will be after bottling.

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  • 2006 Roger Sabon Châteauneuf-du-Pape Les Olivets 90 Points

    France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Châteauneuf-du-Pape

    (10/21/2008)

    Candied nose with cherries and raspberry, hints of leather. Dense fruit palate, very primary and hot, but some earthiness and fig underneath. Medium length finish with some tar and scorched earth and hint of cigar box. Firm plush tannins. Might be a little more concentrated than the '05. Excellent.

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  • 2006 Roger Sabon Châteauneuf-du-Pape Reserve 91 Points

    France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Châteauneuf-du-Pape

    (10/21/2008)

    Continues the candied cherry nose of "Les Olivets" but more sublte and closed, with more prominent earth, mushroom, and gamey character. Firm fine tannins in a fruit driven palate, but remains in balance, with medium length finish adding some smoke and tar. More muscular and tannic than "Les Olivets" built more for aging and less assessable now, but has great potential.

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  • 2006 Roger Sabon Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée Prestige 93 Points

    France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Châteauneuf-du-Pape

    (10/21/2008)

    Bright clean candied cherry and raspberry nose with some floral highlights and mushroom. Less expressive now than "Les Olivets" or "Reserve" right now. Big complex palate with bright fruit up front and prominent fine tannins with rust on the backend. Finish is long and complex with earth and leather notes. The most tannic and tightly wound of the 3, with the greatest potential. Needs some bottle age to really shine, but could be something special.

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  • 2007 Domaine Pierre Usseglio & Fils Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc 85 Points

    France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Châteauneuf-du-Pape

    (10/21/2008)

    Rich nose of honey and mango. Very acidic palate with some white peach, but a little harsh. Short to medium finish with distracting heat. A little harsh and edgy for me, maybe will be better in a year or two.

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  • 2007 Domaine Pierre Usseglio & Fils Côtes du Rhône 87 Points

    France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Côtes du Rhône

    (10/21/2008)

    Gamey and sharp nose with hints of cherry and raspberry. Warm round palate with plenty of game, black cherry, raspberry, blackberry and earth. Disappointing simple, short, hot finish with stone and mineral notes.

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  • 2006 Domaine Pierre Usseglio & Fils Châteauneuf-du-Pape 89 Points

    France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Châteauneuf-du-Pape

    (10/21/2008)

    Gamey leather nose, with an almost tangy element in the background. Rich plush palate with fine tannins and medium body; lithe. Cherry, blackberry notes with prominent game, earth, tobacco and cedar. Medium length finish, thought s bit simple and primary now. Great potential, would let sleep for a few years.

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  • 2004 Domaine Pierre Usseglio & Fils Châteauneuf-du-Pape 90 Points

    France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Châteauneuf-du-Pape

    (10/21/2008)

    Rustic leather nose with currant and cherry. Big acidic palate up front with dark fruits, a little hollow on the mid palate, but has silky tannins and plush mouthfeel. Simple earthy tobacco finish. Coming together nicely.

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  • 2006 Domaine Pierre Usseglio & Fils Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée de mon Aïeul 90 Points

    France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Châteauneuf-du-Pape

    (10/21/2008)

    Grenache prominent in the nose, with cherry and raspberry with earth and game in the background. Palate was dark fruit driven, with plum and blackberry notes, and some raspberry poking through. Rather tannic now, but fine, with dense layers. A bit hot and more new world in style than the regular CdP release. Finish was lengthy and primary now, with prominent leather and earth. Excellent overall, needs some time to integrate.

    I notice my notes are less enthusiastic than others on this site. Not sure if my palate was tiring at the end of the day, or if the bottle at the winery was just opened, or if it was the fact I didn't know the price or that this was their top cuvee at the time and just wasn't that impressed. This is excellent for sure, but I may need to spend more time with it to see the excitement others are seeing.

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  • 2005 Château de la Gardine Châteauneuf-du-Pape 87 Points

    France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Châteauneuf-du-Pape

    (10/21/2008)

    Gamey leather nose with dark fruits and currant. Palate rather stiff, not too accessible now, medium finish with distracting heat. Good not great.

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  • 2006 La Bastide Saint-Dominique Châteauneuf-du-Pape 86 Points

    France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Châteauneuf-du-Pape

    (10/21/2008)

    Nose with bright acidity with game, leather and scorthced earth. Palate had a distracting game/brett character, with some dark fruit, fig, and mushroom character. Medium finish. Too much brett for me.

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  • 2006 Domaine de St. Paul Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée Jumille 86 Points

    France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Châteauneuf-du-Pape

    (10/21/2008)

    Closed nose of mushroom and currants. Very acidic palate with game and heavy with fruit up front, with scorched earth character dominating on mid-palate. medium finish of scorched earth, tar, and smoke?. Distracting hotness that this can't contain. Not well integrated or balanced at this point.

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  • 2005 Bosquet des Papes Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée Tradition 91 Points

    France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Châteauneuf-du-Pape

    (10/21/2008)

    Nose was a little closed, with game and dark fruits. Firm palate with fine tannins, with plum and currant up front, and prominent cedar and cigar box. Medium length finish with game and earthy notes, leather, smoke and cigar. Nice, should improve over next 10 years.

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  • 1990 Bosquet des Papes Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée Tradition 86 Points

    France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Châteauneuf-du-Pape

    (10/21/2008)

    Purchased directly from domain in CdP. Brick red/orange color in the glass. Mature nose of leather, tobacco, earth, cedar, red meat and iron. Palate was full and round with some red fruits. Tannins almost completely integrated with soft velvety mouthfeel. Unfortunately, this crashed into a wall on the finish, lasting only a few seconds with some earth and mineral, leaving a salty simple aftertaste. Feels very tired and past prime. This was probably an excellent wine at some point, but it certainly past prime now with the finish not living up to the promise of the palate and nose.

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Flight 7 - Random wines tasted around Paris. (3 Notes)

Mostly at Willi's wine bar. (www.williswinebar.us)
Great place.

  • 2006 Domaine Tollot-Beaut Beaune 1er Cru Clos du Roi 90 Points

    France, Burgundy, Côte de Beaune, Beaune 1er Cru

    (10/23/2008)

    Nose of sandlewood, black cherry, hint of licorice, almost with a hint of a Nuits-st-George nose( but just a hint), some mushroom in the background. Bright acidity on tv palate, with clean fruits up fruit, some heavy cedar and firm fine tannins, but not too bothersome. Some earth, fig, and mushrooms come out on palate. Lengthy finish, with oak, earth, and mushroom with some hints of mineral. Drinking nicely now, would expect to integrate some more in near future, but seems to have excellent aging potential.

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  • 2006 Domaine Saint Préfert Châteauneuf-du-Pape 89 Points

    France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Châteauneuf-du-Pape

    (10/18/2008)

    Nose is rustic, earthy and gamey, but with plum and tart cherry. Palate has firm tannins, but balanced. Fruit up front- Grenache is prominent, but fades quickly to scorched earth, tar. Finish medium length and complexity, with some mineral notes. Nice. Accessible now, but would wait 3-4 years before trying again.

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  • 2001 Château La Tour Haut-Brion 88 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Graves, Pessac-Léognan

    (10/18/2008)

    Poured from previously opened bottle in wine bar. Not decanted. Fresh nose, dark fruits, oak and cedar, hint of smoke. Palate is a little closed, heavy in oak, with firm tannins. Dense core of dark fruits-cassis and plum. Finish is medium length, overshadowed by the heavy oak, with some flint and tar. tannins are a bit rough and distancing now. Need time to soften and integrate. Hopefully, will try again in >5yrs. 88

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Closing

Great time overall having an exceptional time in the Rhone valley and learning a great deal in Burgundy.

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