Medium intense nose with aromas of blackcurrant, pencil lead, and saddle leather. On the palate, dry, very fine aristocratic polished tannins, with medium intense flavors of plum, cherry and a vanilla note. Over time, more intense flavors of cassis develop. Long finish. Like a classic Bordeaux, there was nothing over-the-top about it, but it exudes effortless class.
A pleasant, straightforward Bordeaux showing red berry fruit with accents of cigar on the nose and more berries on the palate. Didn’t evolve in the glass like some of the better-rated wines in our tasting. But had a classy finish and overall it was a nice package probably worth the investment.
France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Such a treat to drink a well-aged Chateauneuf de Pape. Pure and alluring, with an intense, sweet nose of kirsch, spice box, and pepper. The clean, still-fresh palate is balanced, powerful, and delicious, showing dark fruit character. Another wine that was longer and more expressive than the lithe entry palate would suggest.
WOTN, everyone loved it, although I personally gave a slight edge to the Ducru and CdP. Classic Barolo characteristics of rose petal, tar, and cherry on the nose and layered palate. Looks and tastes lithe but packs a flavorful and long punch.
Italy, Tuscany, Montalcino, Brunello di Montalcino
Maybe the biggest disappointment of the night and may have been closed, although the 10-year mark is usually my sweet spot for Brunello. A bit heavy and herbaceous, although maybe it just needs a bit more time.
A very nice, gentle wine with a long finish evoking red burgundy. Crunchy raspberries on the nose with hints of mint. The steely but delicious palate features strawberry and clove, with a mineral note on the finish. Elegant and polished.
Great value play. Straightforward cherry and plum flavors are accented by more sophisticated menthol and lavender elements. A little bottle age probably helped this reach a new plateau.
Young Oregon pinot sometimes comes across a bit high-toned and ungiving for me. Stony and sturdy with floral and herbal notes that outshine fruitier elements.
Such a carefree and crowdpleasing wine and they make it look easy. Sweet black and blue fruits, crushed violets, and pepper on the nose with a full-bodied rich palate of the same flavors. No hard edges, well-integrated, with a smooth finish.
2001 Château Ducru-Beaucaillou 95 Points
France, Bordeaux, Médoc, St. Julien
Medium intense nose with aromas of blackcurrant, pencil lead, and saddle leather. On the palate, dry, very fine aristocratic polished tannins, with medium intense flavors of plum, cherry and a vanilla note. Over time, more intense flavors of cassis develop. Long finish. Like a classic Bordeaux, there was nothing over-the-top about it, but it exudes effortless class.
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2009 Château Clerc Milon 91 Points
France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Pauillac
A pleasant, straightforward Bordeaux showing red berry fruit with accents of cigar on the nose and more berries on the palate. Didn’t evolve in the glass like some of the better-rated wines in our tasting. But had a classy finish and overall it was a nice package probably worth the investment.
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2007 La Ferme du Mont Châteauneuf-du-Pape Côtes Capelan 94 Points
France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Such a treat to drink a well-aged Chateauneuf de Pape. Pure and alluring, with an intense, sweet nose of kirsch, spice box, and pepper. The clean, still-fresh palate is balanced, powerful, and delicious, showing dark fruit character. Another wine that was longer and more expressive than the lithe entry palate would suggest.
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