August 13, 2015 - I was despairing of these '95s so that I almost passed this bottle by. Almost exactly a year ago, I was still complaining about tartness and rawness of acidity which impaired the typical dry Vouvray wax, citrus, quince, honey and minerals. Well at last the acidity has lost its astringent edge and has become juicy and mouth-watering. The result was a model, still youthful seeming dry Vouvray full of tension and beautifully focussed. Alas no more bottles left. Very good at last.
August 10, 2014 - I have been disappointed by these HL 95s. I repeat almost verbatim a TN from 2 years ago.
It was very tight 10 years ago and it has certainly opened up but is still not IMO a perfect mature dry Vouvray. Colour was now quite deep amber and the nose released aromas of wax, citrus fruit with quince touches, honey and minerals but also a raw note. The medium bodied palate struck me as somewhat disjointed and was dominated by still tart acidity with the wax and honey elements from the nose clashing somewhat with the acidity particularly on the finish. The overall impression was of a meaner and shorter wine than the outstanding Le Mont 1996 sec.
Towards the end of the Pinguet era there was more RS in the sec and I think that it was generally beneficial to balance although I have seen reports of premox in some vintages. There was certainly none of that here.
May 18, 2014 - Still alive and kicking, with plenty of time left. Good acidity, and nice complex nose. A little too simple on the palate though so I don't think this will ever be a great wine
January 21, 2012 - Well, the wine isn't bad, but I didn't feel it was good either. It lacked a bit of power in the palate, especially in the aftertaste, it was still a bit light even after decanting for 3 hours. Not sure if the wine is just too young or if I just don't understand the wine.
March 7, 2011 - Intense nose of smoky lemon and peach. Base of the cork quite discoloured but no obvious hints of any flaws. Very concentrated flavours of lemon, marzipan and a hint of charcoal. Tart but with an undercurrent of sweetness that holds it together very well. Powerful wine, well made.
December 18, 2007 - Beautifully crisp bouquet of lemon zest, lychee and gooseberry; surprising tart and acidic in the mouth but a delicious and refreshing finish.