Carlton Restaurant, Zurich
Tasted Monday, August 6, 2018 by sirpat00 with 144 views
Double blind tasting with 10 friends along a 3-course dinner at the Carlton (they charge no corkage on Monday's, service and especially the Sommelier are great).
One remark I need to make: It was a very warm evening in the middle of the heat wave with just barely enough wine to go around (1bt for 10ppl). As a consequence the juice in the glass got very warm very fast which left little time for ideal examination. Maybe in a better enviornment one or the other bottle could have scored a notch or so higher...
While we missed the opportunity to vote for the best bottle, names that got mentioned most often after were: Bionic Frog 2011, Eisele Araujo 2009, Le Moine Clos de Vougeot 2012.
2015 Château d'Esclans Côtes de Provence Garrus 94 Points
France, Provence, Côtes de Provence
A dry rosé with medium+ acidity and hardly perceptible tannins. Not being a fan of rosés, I was impressed by the flavour complexity this one had to offer with good precision and a surprisingly full body. The colour was pale and light salmon, so light in fact that people at the table wondered if it really was a rosé. Fairly long finish but with a bit of excess acidity unfortunately and the complexity drop-down to the palate was somewhat underwhelming and couldn't keep up with the stunning and delicate nose. Roses (or better: rose water), some citric notes but also mandarin and nectarine were supported by a pleasant smokiness. Ultimately wondering now if a short 15-30min decant would have boosted the experience even further? This being a rosé, the price tag gives you an immediate eye seizure – but quality backs up the price to a pretty large extent I found. Looking forward to tasting Chateau d'Esclans' other wines! I realize I'm above consensus here with the score but I think it is deserved. Go try!
Post a Comment / 1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Report Issue
2009 M. Chapoutier Ermitage Blanc De L'Orée 94 Points
France, Rhône, Northern Rhône, Hermitage
Dry with an initial impression of medium- to low acidity but high flavour intensity and complexity. Texture was a tad too thin for my liking. Over time in the glass a sudden surge of minerality which reminded me of Burgundy Chardonnay. Some greenish fruit (apple) and stone fruit (nectarine) but on average a more tropical fruit profile (mango, passion fruit). Slightly smokey and toasty as well. I've confused Marsanne with Bordeaux whites time and time again and I think I'll never get the hang of this.
Post a Comment / 2 people found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Report Issue
2012 Weingut Knoll Grüner Veltliner Smaragd Vinothekfüllung 93 Points
Austria, Niederösterreich, Wachau
Intense nose with flavours of ripe peach and the typical canned pineapple so typical of Grüner Veltliner. Also some honey, crème brulee or biscuits as secondary aroma components. A slightly oily texture provides for a pleasing drinking experience. Decent value for money if you can get a hold of it.
Post a Comment / 1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Report Issue