WSET2 Course Notes

To structure my growing knowledge in wine and support it by some certification, I decided to enroll in WSET2 programme. In addition, I was very excited to taste dozens of wines along with the classes. I do not want to lose those notes and would like to be able to refer to them in the future. Therefore, I am putting them on CellarTracker. I hope, no one minds the dry and academically descriptive notes. If you do, I apologise. I also might be conservative on the ratings as I do not have the opportunity to spend time with the wines and truly explore them.

• 2021 Cantina Terlan Pinot Grigio Tradition 85 Points

  Italy, Trentino-Alto Adige, Alto Adige, Alto Adige - Südtirol

  (10/22/2023)

  Appearance: pale lemon.
  Nose: light to medium intensity. Only primary aromas: lemon, a lot of pear, but quite balanced.
  Palate: Intense for a Pinot Grigio, dry, high acidity, medium alcohol. Medium- body. Green apple and lime, sorrel. Surprisingly, medium finish.
  This was the first pinot Grigio I did not dislike and I appreciate that. 8-/18 or in WSET terms Acceptable to good.

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• 2020 Domaine Weinbach Gewurztraminer Les Treilles du Loup 88 Points

  France, Alsace

  (10/22/2023)

  Appearance: Pale lemon to gold.
  Nose: Pronounced. A lot of blossoms, honeysuckle flower, white rose petals. Melons, lychee and snake fruit! There is even nectarine, white pepper, honey syrup.
  Palate: Off-dry, medium acidity, high alcohol, full body. Medium+ finish.
  8+/18 or very good as per WSET

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• 2020 Karim Vionnet Beaujolais-Villages Du beur dans les pinards 87 Points

  France, Burgundy, Beaujolais, Beaujolais-Villages

  (10/22/2023)

  Appearance: deep ruby with purple hue.
  Nose: Intense with red cherries, maraschino cherries, and plums. Black pepper, anise. Hi-chew grape candy and even banana.
  Palate: Dry, medium+ acidity, medium tannin and alcohol. Medium body and intensity. Redcurrants, liquorice. Medium finish.
  8/18 or Good.

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• 2019 Germano Ettore Barolo 88 Points

  Italy, Piedmont, Langhe, Barolo

  (10/22/2023)

  Appearance: Garnet to tawny. Pale.
  Nose: Medium intensity. Rose, asphalt, blackberry, dried herbs, violets. Smoke, leather, and cedar.
  Palate: High tannin, dry, medium acidity, medium body, high alcohol. Canned plums, rubber, liquorice. Eucalyptus and dates on the medium finish.
  8+/18. Will probably show much better with age.

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• 2021 Domaine Chanterêves Bourgogne 91 Points

  France, Burgundy, Bourgogne

  (10/22/2023)

  Appearance: Pale ruby.
  Nose: Medium+ intensity. Red cherries, but black olives, tomato leaf, green pepper, black pepper. Smoke. Fresh mushroom, wet fallen leaves.
  Palate: Dry, medium+ acidity. Green medium tannin. Medium alcohol, medium- body, medium+ intensity. Strawberry, cedar. Cigar on the finish. Medium+.
  9+/18. Very good.

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• 2020 Cloudy Bay Pinot Noir 90 Points

  New Zealand, South Island, Marlborough

  (10/22/2023)

  Appearance: medium and almost garnet.
  Nose: Medium to high intensity. Darker cherry, blackberry, plum. Fresh-cut grass. A lot of spices: cinnamon and clove. Tobacco, dried mushroom.
  Palate: Dry, medium acidity, ripe medium tannin, high alcohol, but medium body. Pronounced flavours. Calmer than the previous one, though. Pepper, vanilla, dark cherries. Long finish with dried apples.
  9/18. Also very good.

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• 2021 Seghesio Family Vineyards Zinfandel Sonoma County 87 Points

  USA, California, Sonoma County

  (10/22/2023)

  Appearance: Medium ruby with a touch of purple.
  Nose: Medium intensity. Cherries, prunes, raisins. Cloves and vanilla from the oak.
  Palate: Dry, high alcohol, medium- acidity, full body. Very ripe medium tannin. Medium intensity. Dark cherry, cinnamon, cloves and vanilla. Medium finish with chocolate and prunes.
  8/18. Acceptable to good.

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• NV Beringer Vineyards White Zinfandel California 77 Points

  USA, California

  (10/22/2023)

  Appearance: medium salmon (pink-orange).
  Nose: Medium- intensity. Grape soda, artificial strawberry, watermelon jolly ranchers. Being generous, a touch of rose.
  Palate: Medium sweetness. Medium acidity, low alcohol, medium- body and intensity. Grape juice. Short finish.
  Fun one to try at the course, for sure. And not insufferable at all.
  6/18. Acceptable.

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• 2022 Penfolds Riesling Bin 51 91 Points

  Australia, South Australia, Barossa, Eden Valley

  (10/22/2023)

  Appearance: Pale lemon.
  Nose: Medium+ intensity. Gooseberry, grapefruit, green apple, a little ammonia, blossom, jasmines, wet sand and stone. Surprisingly, petrol.
  Palate: Dry, high acidity, medium alcohol and body. Strong mineral water note, almost salt, lime, grapefruit. Medium+ finish with a lot of lime juice and salinity.
  Very good wine, my favourite of the day.
  9+/18

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• 2018 Bollig-Lehnert Dhroner Hofberg Riesling Spätlese 90 Points

  Germany, Mosel Saar Ruwer

  (10/22/2023)

  Appearance: pale lemon turning gold.
  Nose: Medium intensity. Peach, flowers, orange blossom, ripe apple. Wet stones. A touch of honey and petrol. Very nice.
  Palate: medium sweetness, medium+ acidity, low alcohol, medium body. Medium intensity. Balanced. Flowers, white peach, lychee, honey and saltiness. Slightly bitter finish.
  9/18. Very good

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• 2021 Mother Rock Wines Chenin Blanc Force Celeste 85 Points

  South Africa, Coastal Region, Swartland

  (10/22/2023)

  Appearance: Medium gold (evidence of skin contact).
  Nose: Medium intensity. Bruised apple, unfiltered apple juice. Orange wine notes: linseed oil and jackfruit. Raw potato peels. The promised wool!
  Palate: Dry, medium acid. Tannin-reminiscent astringency. Medium body. Medium flavour intensity. Lemon, apple, cedar. Medium finish.
  8-/18. Good.

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• 2018 Domaine des Baumard Savennières 85 Points

  France, Loire Valley, Anjou-Saumur, Savennières

  (10/22/2023)

  Appearance: Pale lemon.
  Nose: Medium intensity. A little funk. Cooked chanterelles. Yellow apple and kumquat.
  Palate: Off-dry, medium acidity. Medium alcohol and body m. Medium+ flavour intensity. Yellow apples, wet stones. Bitter finish.
  I was not a huge fan but everyone else seemed to enjoy it way more.
  8-/18

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• 2013 Château Suduiraut Lions de Suduiraut 85 Points

  France, Bordeaux, Sauternais, Sauternes

  (10/22/2023)

  Appearance: Deep gold.
  Nose: medium intensity. Dried apricot, peach cobbler. Nectarine, orange marmalade. Confiture. Almond nuttiness.
  Palate: Sweet. Medium+ acidity, medium+ alcohol, full body. Thick honey, confiture, dried mango, vanilla. Minerality. Long finish.
  8-/18

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• 2017 Domaine Vocoret et Fils Chablis 1er Cru Vaillons Vieilles Vignes 87 Points

  France, Burgundy, Chablis, Chablis 1er Cru

  (10/22/2023)

  Appearance: Medium lemon with green hue.
  Nose: Medium intensity. Lemon and underripe gooseberry, green apple, wet stones. Very faint cottage cheese (battonage). Toasted nuts.
  Palate: Dry, high acidity. Medium alcohol and body, medium intensity. Battonage signs. Maybe a touch of malolactic conversion. Of course, lemon.
  I am not sure I love the lees stirring to be honest or maybe it’s at a bad age.
  8/18

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• 2020 Jean-Jacques Vincent Pouilly-Fuissé Château de Fuissé Tête de Cuvée 87 Points

  France, Burgundy, Mâconnais, Pouilly-Fuissé

  (10/22/2023)

  Appearance: medium lemon to gold.
  Nose: Medium intensity. Mango, ripe peach, pineapple juice. Almonds. Butterscotch and vanilla.
  Palate: Dry. Medium acidity. Medium alcohol. Medium body. Round in the palate with lemon and the notes from the nose. Medium+ finish.
  8/18

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• 2020 Grgich Hills Chardonnay 88 Points

  USA, California, Napa Valley

  (10/22/2023)

  Appearance: Pale golden.
  Nose: Medium- intensity. Peaches, dry banana. Cheese. Nutty, vanilla but there are still wet stones.
  Palate: Dry, medium acidity. Medium intensity. More lemon. Oak. Buttery medium+ finish.
  8+/18. Very good.

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• 2022 Domaine Laporte Sancerre La Terre des Anges 88 Points

  France, Loire Valley, Upper Loire, Sancerre

  (10/29/2023)

  Appearance: Pale lemon.
  Nose: Medium+ intensity. Lime and green apple. Asparagus and a little rhubarb. Wet stones.
  Palate: Dry, high acidity, medium alcohol, medium body, medium+ intensity. Green underripe fruit and vegetables, rhubarb especially. Grass and stones on the back of the palate and medium finish.
  8+/18. Very good.

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• 2022 Whitehaven Sauvignon Blanc 90 Points

  New Zealand, South Island, Marlborough

  (10/29/2023)

  Appearance: Pale lemon.
  Nose: Pronounced intensity. Passionfruit overshadowing green apple. Pink grapefruit, rhubarb soda. Lemongrass. Mango peels or guava.
  Palate: Dry, medium+ acidity, medium alcohol, medium- body, pronounced intensity. Lime, rhubarb and guava. Long finish.
  9/18. Very good quality.

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• 2020 Domaine Boissonnet Condrieu 90 Points

  France, Rhône, Northern Rhône, Condrieu

  (10/29/2023)

  Appearance: Medium lemon with green hues.
  Nose: Medium intensity. Nectarines and almost apricots. Blossom of honeysuckle. Honeydew melon. Vanilla, caramel and even toffee.
  Palate: Dry, medium acidity (esp. after the SBs). Medium to high alcohol, medium body and intensity. Vanilla really shows. White peach. Surprising and almost clashing (with other notes) grassiness. Medium finish.
  9/18. Very good. This was my first 100% Viognier. I now understand why I love it as a blending partner (for example, in Ornellaia Bianco and Ixsir El White). However, I don't think I will go for a pure Viognier often.

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• 2021 Decoy Merlot 83 Points

  USA, California

  (10/29/2023)

  Appearance: Medium to deep ruby.
  Nose: Medium intensity. Red plum, black cherries. Cloves and anise. Chocolate.
  Palate: Dry, medium tannin. Medium+ body and acidity, high alcohol. Medium intensity. Red and black cherry. Dark chocolate on the medium- finish.
  7/18. Good.

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• 2019 Château La Rose Garnier 87 Points

  France, Bordeaux, Libournais, Fronsac

  (10/29/2023)

  Appearance: Medium+ ruby to garnet.
  Nose: Medium intensity. Plum, cherry, and black pepper. Cedar, dry moss, which is a little surprising and quite pleasing.
  Palate: Dry, medium+ acidity. Medium alcohol, body, and tannin. Dark plum and cherry. Earthy, noticeable oak. Medium finish.
  8/18, interesting 100% Merlot from Fronsac.

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• 2020 Rust en Vrede Cabernet Sauvignon Estate Vineyards 88 Points

  South Africa, Coastal Region, Stellenbosch

  (10/29/2023)

  Appearance: Deep ruby.
  Nose: Medium intensity. Blue berries, black currant, black chokeberry. Liquorice, leather, and just a hint of dry meat.
  Palate: Medium+ acidity, high tannin and alcohol, full body. Black chokeberry, smoke, mint. Medium+ finish.
  8+/18, could be too early to drink yet.

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• 2020 Château d'Armailhac 90 Points

  France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Pauillac

  (10/29/2023)

  Appearance: Deep ruby.
  Nose: Medium+ intensity. Vanilla is the most pronounced note. Cassis, blackberry. Coffee becomes more apparent as you look deeper. Earthy character.
  Palate: Dry, medium+ acidity, high and velvety tannin, full body, medium+ acidity. Green bell pepper, surprisingly. Blackberry jam. Warm and spiced long finish.
  9/18. Very, very good.

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• 2020 Domaine Faury St. Joseph (Hedonism) 90 Points

  France, Rhône, Northern Rhône, St. Joseph

  (10/29/2023)

  (CellarTracker seems to clump together two wines under this page: "Hedonism" bottling with a red label and one with a white label imported by Kermit Lynch to the US. This note is on the latter)
  
  Appearance: Deep purple to ruby.
  Nose: Medium intensity. Surprisingly, very pronounced liquorice. Blackberry. Some black pepper and leather, anise and smoke.
  Palate: Dry, medium acidity and tannin, high alcohol, medium+ body and high intensity. Black currant, black cherry. Fruit leaves. Leatheriness, a bit of cedar. Medium+ finish.
  9/18. Very good.

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• 2017 Elderton Shiraz 90 Points

  Australia, South Australia, Barossa

  (10/29/2023)

  Appearance: Deep garnet.
  Nose: Pronounced. Blackberry jam, stewed cherries, eucalyptus. Vanilla and oak. Some dried meat or bacon, tobacco.
  Palate: Dry, medium acidity and tannin, full body, and pronounced intensity. Sweet fruit and spices: blackberry confiture and black fruit compote. Medium finish.
  9/18. Very good. Great wines today :)

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• 2020 Bosquet des Papes Châteauneuf-du-Pape 87 Points

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

  (10/29/2023)

  Appearance: Medium ruby to garnet.
  Nose: Medium intensity. Ripe strawberries and their leaves, garrigue, white pepper, anise.
  Palate: Dry, medium acidity and tannin, medium+ body, high alcohol, medium+ intensity. Strawberry jam. Earthy turning smokey on the medium+ finish.
  8/18. Good.

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• 2019 Bodegas Ostatu Rioja Crianza 81 Points

  Spain, La Rioja, La Rioja Alavesa, Rioja

  (10/29/2023)

  Appearance: Medium to deep ruby with purple hues.
  Nose: Medium intensity. Plum, cherry. Vanilla and coconut. Barnyard and a little cheese.
  Palate: Dry, medium+ acidity, medium tannin, medium alcohol and body, medium intensity. red plums, some oak. Medium finish.
  7/18. Good but I found it leaning closer to acceptable.

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• 2019 Aranwa Malbec Reserve 83 Points

  Argentina, Mendoza

  (10/29/2023)

  Appearance: Deep ruby to garnet.
  Nose: Medium intensity. Blackberry, guelder rose. Spices, vanilla.
  Palate: Dry, though fruity. Medium- acidity, medium ripe tannin, high alcohol, medium+ body and intensity. Black plum and blackberry. Tart guelder rose. Medium finish.
  7/18, but I do not like Malbec.

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• 2019 Kanonkop Pinotage 90 Points

  South Africa, Coastal Region, Stellenbosch, Simonsberg-Stellenbosch

  (10/29/2023)

  Appearance: Deep ruby to garnet.
  Nose: Medium+ intensity. Prune, black currant. Vulcanised rubber and warm volcanic soil (two different aromas, just happen to have the word volcano in common). Hint of coffee and smoke. Cedar wood.
  Palate: Dry, medium+ acidity, medium+ tannin and body, high alcohol and flavour intensity. Smoke character with some very ripe red cherries. Distant chocolate. Medium+ finish.
  9/10. Very good but to be honest, I expected more.

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• 2022 Villa Sparina Gavi di Gavi 87 Points

  Italy, Piedmont, Gavi

  (10/29/2023)

  Appearance: Pale golden.
  Nose: Medium- intensity. Pear, lemon, and a little orange. Some honeysuckle.
  Palate: Dry, medium+ acidity, medium- body, medium alcohol and flavour intensity. Lemon, green apple. The orangey note shines through for me, making it a more interesting wine. Medium finish.
  8/18. Good, very solid.

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• 2022 Fratelli Alessandria Barbera d'Alba 87 Points

  Italy, Piedmont, Alba, Barbera d'Alba

  (10/29/2023)

  Appearance: Medium ruby.
  Nose: Medium intensity. Raspberry, strawberry, tomato leaf, cherry, blackberry. Black pepper, distant oak. (The wine is actually not aged in barrels, so I am not sure where I got the note from)
  Palate: Dry, medium+ acidity, medium tannin, alcohol, and body. Medium flavour intensity. Red cherry and plum. Still red fruits mostly but getting blacker compared to the nose.
  8/18

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• 2019 Zymé Valpolicella Rêverie 87 Points

  Italy, Veneto, Valpolicella

  (10/29/2023)

  Appearance: Medium- garnet.
  Nose: Medium intensity. Tomato stems, plums and cherries, cherry jam (?). Very pronounced allspice.
  Palate: Dry, medium+ acid, medium tannin & alcohol, medium- body, medium intensity. Cherry and slight cranberry. Allspice and a little earthiness.
  8+/18. Very interesting and a flattering representation of Valpolicella.

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• 2018 Cafaggio Chianti Classico Villa Cafaggio Riserva 90 Points

  Italy, Tuscany, Chianti, Chianti Classico DOCG

  (10/29/2023)

  Appearance: Medium garnet.
  Nose: Medium intensity. Cherry and cherry pit, bay leaf and a touch of barnyard. Tomatoes. Cedar and tobacco.
  Palate: Dry, medium+ acidity, medium alcohol and tannin, medium body and flavour intensity. Cherry and cherry pit :) Tomato leaf, oak becomes very noticeable. Medium finish.
  9/18

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• NV Drusian Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore Extra Dry 88 Points

  Italy, Veneto, Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG

  (11/5/2023)

  Appearance: Pale lemon. Mousse concentrates on the rim.
  Nose: Very clear peaches, blossoms, some melon. Great interplay of floral and fruity notes.
  Palate: Off-dry, medium acidity. Good balance. Lemon and some melon.
  8+/18. Very well made, to be honest, the label does not do it justice.

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• NV Capdevila Pujol Cava Especial Brut Nature Reserva 83 Points

  Spain, Cava

  (11/5/2023)

  Appearance: pale gold.
  Nose: Bread dough and brioche, but also even a little yoghurt. Maybe squash?
  Palate: Dry. Really noticeable yeast character. Seems that they really aimed for it. Some bitterness and acidity on the finish.
  7/18

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• NV Paul Bara Champagne Grand Cru Grand Rosé 88 Points

  France, Champagne, Champagne Grand Cru

  (11/5/2023)

  Appearance: Pink-orange.
  Nose: Toast and yeastiness, unripe strawberry.
  Palate: Dry, high acidity. Full body with the mousse. Strawberries really coming through. A little salinity on the finish.
  8+/18. It grew on me and maybe I would have rated it much higher if I had more time with it.

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• 2022 Saracco Moscato d'Asti 87 Points

  Italy, Piedmont, Asti, Moscato d'Asti

  (11/5/2023)

  Appearance: Mousse on the rim.
  Nose: Orange blossom and honeysuckle. Unripe tropical fruit like mango.
  Palate: sweet. A little acacia honey, lemon, some vegetal character, too. Maybe mango peel?
  8/18. I love Moscato :)

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• NV Valdespino Manzanilla Deliciosa 88 Points

  Spain, Andalucía, Manzanilla de Sanlúcar de Barrameda

  (11/5/2023)

  Colour: Medium yellow.
  Nose: Yeastiness: sourdough, dried flowers and green almond. Lemon and just a little bit of yellow apple. Olive brine.
  Palate: Brininess, salinity, lemons, some dough.
  8+/18. My first Manzanilla and it's really cool! I really want seafood with this.

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• NV Taylor (Fladgate) Porto 10 Year Old Tawny 87 Points

  Portugal, Douro, Porto

  (11/5/2023)

  Appearance: Medium tawny.
  Nose: Roasted coffee, toffee, dates. Allspice and mint are there as well for some reason. Orange peel, maybe.
  Palate: Medium acidity, low tannin. Full body. Sweet, of course.
  8/18. I have tried this wine before, my notes are slightly different but impression is the same.

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This was really fun and interesting. I really liked the structure WSET brings even if I know that the world of wine is way more complex than that. It was nice to try so many different wines and patch up the holes in theory and experience where I had them.

Monica Marin was a great instructor and her personal touch made the course so much more special.

Among memorable encounters are Australian Riesling and Manzanilla sherry.

I scored 98 on the final exam having made only 1 mistake. Now I have "Pass with Distinction" certificate.