Alba restaurant, London
Tasted Friday, May 15, 2009 by SimonG with 1,011 views
A good start. The 03 seemed a little atypical but not in the way I was expecting. The 2000 is tight and oaky that I think this is one to leave for a decade. The 02 seems to be starting to close up after my previosu bottles of this that have been more opulent and inviting. The 01 has potential to be very good indeed and the 04 was simply stunning - I'd keep it a while yet but it was probably the most interesting now for those that like em young.
A mixed bag ere. The 91 was poor, the 97 decent enough but losing the fruit it might have once had. The 99 and 98 were both decent, the 99 in a creamier flesher style and the 98 a little higher apparent acidity and with a bit more bite. Seems to have put on a little flesh since the bottle Jeremy brought to an RJ offline three years ago.
The 86 was good, not brutal but also not as obviously Pchon Baron, so possibly it stil needs a bit more time for the terroir to come through. The 66 was lovely, classic claret and the 53 not far behind, just a little in to its decline. Thanks, I think(!) for the blind 67 and well done Neal M for nailing it as the 67.
The 94/95/96 were served blind as part of Mr Holland's 'promote 94 claret' campaign. Interestingly, half the room nailed each individual vintage correctly, but I think it was only Neal M, Nigel W and mself that got all three correct. Anway, chuffed to have picked them out n my percetions of the vintage character. The 94 was, as Mr H would have told you, a good wine.
I think this next flght must have been the best individual flight I've ever had at an offline. Simply stunning. The 89 was my WOTN followed by the 62, 88 and 90. I think if we'd considered half a bottle, rather than a small pour, over the course of the evening the 90 may have crept past on the inside, but as it was, the 89 took it for me. I was really taken by the depth and the richness and texture of the 62. Right up there with the others considering it has a quarter of a century head start.
Interesting selection of sweet wines, the Constance de trop, the 97 Haut Lieu standing above the others carried along by its peerless balance and precission.
A stunning evening of wines. Many thaks to Nigel P for pulling this together and to everyone for their fabulous wines.
1994 Georg Breuer Rüdesheimer Berg Schloßberg Riesling
Germany, Rheingau
Mid to pale straw. Gently kerosine nose. Quite rounded entry, a little hollow in the middle, nice acidity and grapefruit fruit on the finish. Falls away quite quickly. **
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