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WSET Level 2 - Day 2
Pialligo Estate, Canberra, ACT, Australia
Tasted February 19, 2018 by CBRwineguy with 247 views
Introduction
Tasting was pretty much the focus of Day 2 of the course. Entering the room I saw the Rhone valley reds… I was very excited to taste the difference between the north and the south, and compare them to a CdP!
Flight 1 - Chardonnay (5 notes)
White
2015 Domaine William Fèvre Chablis 1er Cru Vaillons
91 points
The appearance is clear and pale lemon in colour.
The nose is clean, with pronounced intensity. There are distinct aromas of citrus fruit (lemon) and lees (buttery pastry). Swirling reveals stone fruit (peach) and a very subtle bottle-age note (honey). If left to decant in the glass, the honey note becomes more intense and is almost smokey in character. The wine is developing.
On the palate, the wine is dry with high acidity, medium alcohol, and medium(+) body. The flavours have a medium(+) intensity and show notes of citrus fruit (lemon), lees (buttery pastry), and very subtle bottle-age (smokey honey). The wine is more creamy on the palate (lees) and also shows mineral notes (sea water, flint). This finish has a long length.
This is a very good quality wine. The flavours are very concentrated and have a great balance with the alcohol and the acidity. The wine displays a great expression of the variety and region of production. The wine shows primary and secondary characters, and is starting to show tertiary notes. The wine is very enjoyable and has a finish with amazing length.
The wine drinks well now, but has potential for further ageing due to the fruit concentration and levels of acidity.
The nose is clean, with pronounced intensity. There are distinct aromas of citrus fruit (lemon) and lees (buttery pastry). Swirling reveals stone fruit (peach) and a very subtle bottle-age note (honey). If left to decant in the glass, the honey note becomes more intense and is almost smokey in character. The wine is developing.
On the palate, the wine is dry with high acidity, medium alcohol, and medium(+) body. The flavours have a medium(+) intensity and show notes of citrus fruit (lemon), lees (buttery pastry), and very subtle bottle-age (smokey honey). The wine is more creamy on the palate (lees) and also shows mineral notes (sea water, flint). This finish has a long length.
This is a very good quality wine. The flavours are very concentrated and have a great balance with the alcohol and the acidity. The wine displays a great expression of the variety and region of production. The wine shows primary and secondary characters, and is starting to show tertiary notes. The wine is very enjoyable and has a finish with amazing length.
The wine drinks well now, but has potential for further ageing due to the fruit concentration and levels of acidity.
1 person found this helpful
Comment
White
2015 Domaine Pierre Naigeon Bourgogne Blanc
77 points
The appearance is clear and pale lemon in colour.
The nose is clean, with a light intensity. There are simple notes of herbaceous aromas (grass) and tropical fruit (pineapple). The wine is youthful.
On the palate, the wine is dry with medium(-) acidity, medium alcohol, and light body. The flavours have a medium intensity and show notes of citrus fruit (grapefruit) and tropical fruit (pineapple). The finish has a medium length. Additional notes of lees (cream) and tropical fruit (banana) show over the finish.
This wine is of an acceptable quality. The nose is restrained, but the flavours are more concentrated on the palate, and show a good balance with the acidity and a reasonable balance with the alcohol. The alcohol begins to dominate into the finish. The wine shows primary and secondary characters, and has a finish with good length.
This wine should be consumed before the next vintage; it is not suitable for ageing due to the level of acidity. The balance with the alcohol will not improve with age.
The nose is clean, with a light intensity. There are simple notes of herbaceous aromas (grass) and tropical fruit (pineapple). The wine is youthful.
On the palate, the wine is dry with medium(-) acidity, medium alcohol, and light body. The flavours have a medium intensity and show notes of citrus fruit (grapefruit) and tropical fruit (pineapple). The finish has a medium length. Additional notes of lees (cream) and tropical fruit (banana) show over the finish.
This wine is of an acceptable quality. The nose is restrained, but the flavours are more concentrated on the palate, and show a good balance with the acidity and a reasonable balance with the alcohol. The alcohol begins to dominate into the finish. The wine shows primary and secondary characters, and has a finish with good length.
This wine should be consumed before the next vintage; it is not suitable for ageing due to the level of acidity. The balance with the alcohol will not improve with age.
White
2017 Redbank Winery Chardonnay The Long Paddock
79 points
The appearance is clear and pale lemon in colour. Pétillance is present.
The nose is clean, with a medium intensity. There are distinct tropical aromas (pineapple, passionfruit, mango), supported by a herbaceous note (grass) and a generic citrus fruit note. The wine is youthful.
On the palate, the wine is dry with medium acidity, medium alcohol, and medium(-) body. The flavours have a medium(+) intensity and show notes of tropical fruit (passionfruit), herbaceous characters (grass), and citrus fruit (grapefruit). The finish has a medium(-) length.
This is an acceptable quality wine. The flavours are concentrated and have a good balance with the acidity and a reasonable balance with the alcohol. The alcohol begins to dominate on the finish. The wine is simple, only showing primary characters, and has a finish with reasonable length.
This wine should be consumed before the next vintage; it is not suitable for ageing. The balance with the alcohol will not improve with age.
The nose is clean, with a medium intensity. There are distinct tropical aromas (pineapple, passionfruit, mango), supported by a herbaceous note (grass) and a generic citrus fruit note. The wine is youthful.
On the palate, the wine is dry with medium acidity, medium alcohol, and medium(-) body. The flavours have a medium(+) intensity and show notes of tropical fruit (passionfruit), herbaceous characters (grass), and citrus fruit (grapefruit). The finish has a medium(-) length.
This is an acceptable quality wine. The flavours are concentrated and have a good balance with the acidity and a reasonable balance with the alcohol. The alcohol begins to dominate on the finish. The wine is simple, only showing primary characters, and has a finish with reasonable length.
This wine should be consumed before the next vintage; it is not suitable for ageing. The balance with the alcohol will not improve with age.
White
2014 Ata Rangi Chardonnay Craighall
87 points
The appearance is clear and pale lemon in colour.
The nose is clean, with a medium(+) intensity. There are distinct aromas of oak (toast), MLF (butter) and deliberate oxidation (toffee), supported by subtle citrus fruit (grapefruit). The wine is youthful.
On the palate, the wine is dry with medium acidity, medium alcohol, and medium body. The flavours have a medium(+) intensity and show notes of MLF (butter), oak (toast), and citrus fruit (lemon, grapefruit). The finish has a medium(+) length.
This is a very good quality wine. The flavours are concentrated and have a great balance with the alcohol and the acidity. The wine shows primary and secondary characters, is enjoyable, and has a finish with great length.
This wine should be consumed before the next vintage; it is not suitable for ageing. It appears as though the fruit concentration is starting to fade, with the secondary aromas beginning to dominate; enjoy it while you can.
The nose is clean, with a medium(+) intensity. There are distinct aromas of oak (toast), MLF (butter) and deliberate oxidation (toffee), supported by subtle citrus fruit (grapefruit). The wine is youthful.
On the palate, the wine is dry with medium acidity, medium alcohol, and medium body. The flavours have a medium(+) intensity and show notes of MLF (butter), oak (toast), and citrus fruit (lemon, grapefruit). The finish has a medium(+) length.
This is a very good quality wine. The flavours are concentrated and have a great balance with the alcohol and the acidity. The wine shows primary and secondary characters, is enjoyable, and has a finish with great length.
This wine should be consumed before the next vintage; it is not suitable for ageing. It appears as though the fruit concentration is starting to fade, with the secondary aromas beginning to dominate; enjoy it while you can.
White
2015 Domaine Heitz-Lochardet Meursault Les Gruyaches
85 points
The appearance is clear and pale lemon in colour.
The nose is clean, with a medium(+) intensity. There are well-defined aromas of oak (toast, charred wood), stone fruit (peach, white nectarine), and subtle citrus fruit (lemon). The wine is youthful.
On the palate, the wine is dry with medium(+) acidity, medium alcohol, and medium body. The flavours have a medium(+) intensity and show notes of oak (charred wood, vanilla) and stone fruit (peach). The finish has a medium length.
This is a good quality wine. The flavours are concentrated and have a great balance with the alcohol and the acidity. The wine shows primary and secondary characters, is enjoyable, and has a finish with good length.
This wine drinks well now, and has potential for further ageing due to the level of acidity and fruit concentration.
The nose is clean, with a medium(+) intensity. There are well-defined aromas of oak (toast, charred wood), stone fruit (peach, white nectarine), and subtle citrus fruit (lemon). The wine is youthful.
On the palate, the wine is dry with medium(+) acidity, medium alcohol, and medium body. The flavours have a medium(+) intensity and show notes of oak (charred wood, vanilla) and stone fruit (peach). The finish has a medium length.
This is a good quality wine. The flavours are concentrated and have a great balance with the alcohol and the acidity. The wine shows primary and secondary characters, is enjoyable, and has a finish with good length.
This wine drinks well now, and has potential for further ageing due to the level of acidity and fruit concentration.
Flight 2 - Pinot Noir (2 notes)
Red
2014 Faiveley Beaune 1er Cru Clos de l'Ecu
88 points
The appearance is clear and medium ruby in colour. Tears are visible.
The nose is clean with a medium intensity. There are well-defined aromas of red fruit (red cherry, raspberry) and a subtle bottle-age note (savoury character). Swirling reveals oak (cloves) and an additional bottle age note (subtle mushroom). The wine is developing.
On the palate, the wine is dry with medium acidity, medium alcohol, and medium body. The medium(-) level tannins are slightly astringent and chalky in nature. The flavours have a medium intensity and show notes of red fruit (under-ripe cherry, white strawberry), a generic green vegetal character, and a herbal nuance (medicinal character). The finish has a medium(+) length.
This is a very good quality wine. The flavours are concentrated and have a good balance with the acidity and the alcohol. The warmth from the alcohol picks up slightly on the finish. The chalky tannins have a good balance with the acidity and complement the flavour profile. The subtle oak treatment does not interfere with the primary fruit. In its current state, the wine shows primary, secondary, and tertiary characteristics. The wine is very drinkable and has a finish with great length.
The wine drinks well now, but has potential for ageing. The fruit intensity is great, and the acidic structure will support the wine as tertiary notes further develop.
The nose is clean with a medium intensity. There are well-defined aromas of red fruit (red cherry, raspberry) and a subtle bottle-age note (savoury character). Swirling reveals oak (cloves) and an additional bottle age note (subtle mushroom). The wine is developing.
On the palate, the wine is dry with medium acidity, medium alcohol, and medium body. The medium(-) level tannins are slightly astringent and chalky in nature. The flavours have a medium intensity and show notes of red fruit (under-ripe cherry, white strawberry), a generic green vegetal character, and a herbal nuance (medicinal character). The finish has a medium(+) length.
This is a very good quality wine. The flavours are concentrated and have a good balance with the acidity and the alcohol. The warmth from the alcohol picks up slightly on the finish. The chalky tannins have a good balance with the acidity and complement the flavour profile. The subtle oak treatment does not interfere with the primary fruit. In its current state, the wine shows primary, secondary, and tertiary characteristics. The wine is very drinkable and has a finish with great length.
The wine drinks well now, but has potential for ageing. The fruit intensity is great, and the acidic structure will support the wine as tertiary notes further develop.
Red
2013 Kooyong Pinot Noir Haven
87 points
The appearance is clear and medium garnet in colour. Tears and sediment are visible.
The nose is clean with a medium(-) intensity. The aromas are quite delicate, but swirling reveals notes of bottle-age (meaty character), black fruits (subtle blackcurrant jam), and oak (vanilla, subtle cloves). The wine is developing.
On the palate, the wine is dry with medium acidity, medium(+) alcohol, and medium body. The medium level tannins are ripe and dusty in nature. The flavours have a medium intensity and show notes of oak (vanilla, cloves), black fruits (blackcurrant), red fruits (cooked strawberry). There is a subtle undertone of whole-bunch fermentation (generic herbaceous character). The finish has a medium length.
This is a very good quality wine. While the nose is restrained, the flavours are concentrated and have great balance with the acidity and the alcohol. The dusty tannins have a great balance with the acidity and complement the flavour profile. The oak treatment is well-integrated and does not dominate the wine. In its current state, the wine shows primary, secondary, and tertiary characteristics. The wine is very drinkable and has a finish with good length.
The wine drinks well now, but has potential for ageing. The fruit intensity is great, and the acidic structure will support the wine as tertiary notes further develop.
The nose is clean with a medium(-) intensity. The aromas are quite delicate, but swirling reveals notes of bottle-age (meaty character), black fruits (subtle blackcurrant jam), and oak (vanilla, subtle cloves). The wine is developing.
On the palate, the wine is dry with medium acidity, medium(+) alcohol, and medium body. The medium level tannins are ripe and dusty in nature. The flavours have a medium intensity and show notes of oak (vanilla, cloves), black fruits (blackcurrant), red fruits (cooked strawberry). There is a subtle undertone of whole-bunch fermentation (generic herbaceous character). The finish has a medium length.
This is a very good quality wine. While the nose is restrained, the flavours are concentrated and have great balance with the acidity and the alcohol. The dusty tannins have a great balance with the acidity and complement the flavour profile. The oak treatment is well-integrated and does not dominate the wine. In its current state, the wine shows primary, secondary, and tertiary characteristics. The wine is very drinkable and has a finish with good length.
The wine drinks well now, but has potential for ageing. The fruit intensity is great, and the acidic structure will support the wine as tertiary notes further develop.
Flight 3 - Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon (4 notes)
Red
2016 Redbank Winery Merlot The Long Paddock
84 points
The appearance is clear and medium ruby in colour. Tears are visible.
The nose is clean with a medium(+) intensity. There are well-defined aromas of oak (toast, subtle vanilla) and a herbal note (mint). Swirling reveals notes of red fruit (raspberry, red plum). The wine is youthful.
On the palate, the wine is dry with medium(+) acidity, medium alcohol, and medium(-) body. The medium level tannins are ripe and chalky in nature. The flavours have a medium intensity and show notes of red fruit (red plum), oak (vanilla, cloves), and a subtle generic herbaceous character. The finish has medium length.
This is a good quality wine. The flavours are concentrated and have a great balance with the acidity and a good balance with the alcohol. The warmth from the alcohol picks up on the finish. The chalky tannins have a good balance with the acidity and complement the flavour profile. The oak treatment is well-integrated and provides an additional layer of character that supports the primary aromas and flavours. The wine has a finish with good length.
The wine drinks well now, but has potential for ageing due to the tannin and acid structure.
The nose is clean with a medium(+) intensity. There are well-defined aromas of oak (toast, subtle vanilla) and a herbal note (mint). Swirling reveals notes of red fruit (raspberry, red plum). The wine is youthful.
On the palate, the wine is dry with medium(+) acidity, medium alcohol, and medium(-) body. The medium level tannins are ripe and chalky in nature. The flavours have a medium intensity and show notes of red fruit (red plum), oak (vanilla, cloves), and a subtle generic herbaceous character. The finish has medium length.
This is a good quality wine. The flavours are concentrated and have a great balance with the acidity and a good balance with the alcohol. The warmth from the alcohol picks up on the finish. The chalky tannins have a good balance with the acidity and complement the flavour profile. The oak treatment is well-integrated and provides an additional layer of character that supports the primary aromas and flavours. The wine has a finish with good length.
The wine drinks well now, but has potential for ageing due to the tannin and acid structure.
Red
2014 Château Teyssier St. Émilion Grand Cru
89 points
The appearance is clear and medium ruby in colour. Tears are visible.
The nose is clean with a medium(+) intensity. There are well-defined aromas of red fruit (red plum), oak (cloves, vanilla, toast), and subtle black fruit (black plum). The wine is youthful.
On the palate, the wine is dry with medium acidity, medium alcohol, and medium body. The medium level tannins are ripe and fine-grained in nature. The flavours have a medium(+) intensity and show notes of oak (vanilla, cloves), red fruit (red plum). A subtle herbal note (mint) shows on the finish. The finish has a medium(+) length.
This is a very good quality wine. The flavours are concentrated and have a great balance with the alcohol and the acidity. The fine-grained tannins have a great balance with the acidity and complement the flavour profile. The oak treatment is well-integrated and supports the primary aromas and flavours. The wine is very drinkable and has a finish with great length.
The wine drinks well now, but has potential for ageing. The fruit intensity is great, and the tannin and acid structure will support the wine as tertiary notes develop.
[Note: 70% merlot, 30% cabernet franc]
The nose is clean with a medium(+) intensity. There are well-defined aromas of red fruit (red plum), oak (cloves, vanilla, toast), and subtle black fruit (black plum). The wine is youthful.
On the palate, the wine is dry with medium acidity, medium alcohol, and medium body. The medium level tannins are ripe and fine-grained in nature. The flavours have a medium(+) intensity and show notes of oak (vanilla, cloves), red fruit (red plum). A subtle herbal note (mint) shows on the finish. The finish has a medium(+) length.
This is a very good quality wine. The flavours are concentrated and have a great balance with the alcohol and the acidity. The fine-grained tannins have a great balance with the acidity and complement the flavour profile. The oak treatment is well-integrated and supports the primary aromas and flavours. The wine is very drinkable and has a finish with great length.
The wine drinks well now, but has potential for ageing. The fruit intensity is great, and the tannin and acid structure will support the wine as tertiary notes develop.
[Note: 70% merlot, 30% cabernet franc]
Red
2006 Château Langoa Barton
95 points
The appearance is clear and deep ruby (just on the edge of garnet) in colour. Tears are visible.
The nose is clean with a medium(+) intensity. There are very well-defined aromas of black fruit (blackberry), herbal notes (mint), and bottle-age characters (leather). Swirling reveals additional notes of black fruit (blackcurrant), oak (cedar), and bottle-age (tobacco). This wine is developing.
On the palate, the wine is dry with medium(+) acidity, medium alcohol, and medium body. The medium(+) level tannins are ripe and fine-grained in nature. The flavours have a medium(+) intensity and show notes of black fruit (blackcurrant, black berry), oak (cedar, smoke), and bottle-age (tobacco, earthy character). The finish has a long length.
This wine is of outstanding quality. The flavours are concentrated and have an amazing balance with the acidity and the alcohol. The fine-grained tannins are in perfect balance with the acidity and complement the flavour profile. The oak treatment is well-integrated and complements the flavour profile. In its current state, the wine shows complexity with primary, secondary, and tertiary characteristics. The wine is incredibly drinkable and has an amazing length. The flavours provide a very clear expression of Cabernet Sauvignon, with typical black fruit and herbaceous aromas.
The wine drinks well now, but has potential for further ageing. The fruit intensity is great, and the tannin and acid structure will support the wine as the tertiary notes continue to develop.
[Note: 70% cabernet sauvignon, 25% merlot, 5% cabernet franc]
The nose is clean with a medium(+) intensity. There are very well-defined aromas of black fruit (blackberry), herbal notes (mint), and bottle-age characters (leather). Swirling reveals additional notes of black fruit (blackcurrant), oak (cedar), and bottle-age (tobacco). This wine is developing.
On the palate, the wine is dry with medium(+) acidity, medium alcohol, and medium body. The medium(+) level tannins are ripe and fine-grained in nature. The flavours have a medium(+) intensity and show notes of black fruit (blackcurrant, black berry), oak (cedar, smoke), and bottle-age (tobacco, earthy character). The finish has a long length.
This wine is of outstanding quality. The flavours are concentrated and have an amazing balance with the acidity and the alcohol. The fine-grained tannins are in perfect balance with the acidity and complement the flavour profile. The oak treatment is well-integrated and complements the flavour profile. In its current state, the wine shows complexity with primary, secondary, and tertiary characteristics. The wine is incredibly drinkable and has an amazing length. The flavours provide a very clear expression of Cabernet Sauvignon, with typical black fruit and herbaceous aromas.
The wine drinks well now, but has potential for further ageing. The fruit intensity is great, and the tannin and acid structure will support the wine as the tertiary notes continue to develop.
[Note: 70% cabernet sauvignon, 25% merlot, 5% cabernet franc]
Red
2012 Jim Barry Cabernet Sauvignon The Benbournie
85 points
The appearance is clear and deep ruby in colour. Tears are visible.
The nose is clean with a medium(-) intensity. There are well-defined aromas of oak (vanilla) and black fruits (blackcurrant, mulberry). Swirling reveals notes of pungent spice (white pepper) and herbal characters (eucalyptus). The wine is youthful.
On the palate, the wine is dry with medium acidity, medium alcohol, and medium body. The medium(-) level tannins are ripe and dusty in nature. The flavours have a medium intensity and show notes of black fruit (blackcurrant, mulberry jam), oak (vanilla), pungent spice (white pepper), and a herbal character (eucalyptus). The finish has a medium(+) length.
This is a good quality wine. The flavours are concentrated and have a good balance with the acidity. The warmth from the alcohol picks up slightly on the finish, being carried by the acidity that also appears to cause the dusty tannins fade. The oak treatment is well-integrated, complementing the flavour profile. In its current state, the wine shows primary and secondary characteristics. The wine has a finish with great length.
The wine drinks well now, but has potential for further ageing. While the tannin structure is starting to fade, the acidity level will help support the fruit intensity as tertiary notes develop.
The nose is clean with a medium(-) intensity. There are well-defined aromas of oak (vanilla) and black fruits (blackcurrant, mulberry). Swirling reveals notes of pungent spice (white pepper) and herbal characters (eucalyptus). The wine is youthful.
On the palate, the wine is dry with medium acidity, medium alcohol, and medium body. The medium(-) level tannins are ripe and dusty in nature. The flavours have a medium intensity and show notes of black fruit (blackcurrant, mulberry jam), oak (vanilla), pungent spice (white pepper), and a herbal character (eucalyptus). The finish has a medium(+) length.
This is a good quality wine. The flavours are concentrated and have a good balance with the acidity. The warmth from the alcohol picks up slightly on the finish, being carried by the acidity that also appears to cause the dusty tannins fade. The oak treatment is well-integrated, complementing the flavour profile. In its current state, the wine shows primary and secondary characteristics. The wine has a finish with great length.
The wine drinks well now, but has potential for further ageing. While the tannin structure is starting to fade, the acidity level will help support the fruit intensity as tertiary notes develop.
Flight 4 - Sauvignon Blanc (2 notes)
White
2016 Pascal Jolivet Sancerre
85 points
The appearance is clear and pale lemon-green in colour. Tears are visible.
The nose is clean with a medium(+) intensity. There are well-defined aromas of citrus fruit (grapefruit, lime), green fruit (gooseberry), and a subtle herbaceous note (grass). The wine is youthful.
On the palate, the wine is dry with medium(+) acidity, medium alcohol, and medium(-) body. The flavours have a medium intensity and show notes of citrus fruit (grapefruit, lime, lemon) and a subtle herbaceous note (grass). The finish has a medium length.
This is a good quality wine. The flavours are concentrated and have a great balance with the acidity and the alcohol. The wine is simple in its current state, showing only primary characteristics. The wine has a finish with good length.
The wine drinks well now, but has potential for further ageing due to the fruit concentration and levels of acidity.
The nose is clean with a medium(+) intensity. There are well-defined aromas of citrus fruit (grapefruit, lime), green fruit (gooseberry), and a subtle herbaceous note (grass). The wine is youthful.
On the palate, the wine is dry with medium(+) acidity, medium alcohol, and medium(-) body. The flavours have a medium intensity and show notes of citrus fruit (grapefruit, lime, lemon) and a subtle herbaceous note (grass). The finish has a medium length.
This is a good quality wine. The flavours are concentrated and have a great balance with the acidity and the alcohol. The wine is simple in its current state, showing only primary characteristics. The wine has a finish with good length.
The wine drinks well now, but has potential for further ageing due to the fruit concentration and levels of acidity.
1 person found this helpful
Comment
White
2016 Hãhã Sauvignon Blanc
87 points
The appearance is clear and pale lemon-green in colour. Tears and pétillance are visible.
The nose is clean with a pronounced intensity. There are well-defined aromas of tropical fruit (passionfruit), stone fruit (nectarine), and herbaceous characters (green capsicum, grass). The wine is youthful.
On the palate the wine is dry with medium acidity, medium alcohol, and medium(-) body. The flavours have a medium(+) intensity and show herbaceous notes (grass, green capsicum), and tropical fruit aromas (passionfruit). The finish has a medium(+) length.
This is a very good quality wine. The flavours are concentrated and have an amazing balance with the acidity and the alcohol. The flavours are more herbaceous on the palate than the nose would indicate. The wine is simple in its current state, only showing primary characteristics. The wine is enjoyable and has a finish with great length.
The wine drinks well now, but has potential for further ageing due to the fruit concentration and levels of acidity.
The nose is clean with a pronounced intensity. There are well-defined aromas of tropical fruit (passionfruit), stone fruit (nectarine), and herbaceous characters (green capsicum, grass). The wine is youthful.
On the palate the wine is dry with medium acidity, medium alcohol, and medium(-) body. The flavours have a medium(+) intensity and show herbaceous notes (grass, green capsicum), and tropical fruit aromas (passionfruit). The finish has a medium(+) length.
This is a very good quality wine. The flavours are concentrated and have an amazing balance with the acidity and the alcohol. The flavours are more herbaceous on the palate than the nose would indicate. The wine is simple in its current state, only showing primary characteristics. The wine is enjoyable and has a finish with great length.
The wine drinks well now, but has potential for further ageing due to the fruit concentration and levels of acidity.
Flight 5 - Syrah and Grenache (4 notes)
Red
2013 E. Guigal Côtes du Rhône
84 points
The appearance is clear and medium ruby in colour. Tears are visible.
The nose is clean with a medium intensity. There are well-defined aromas of black fruit (cooked blackberry), red fruit (strawberry), oak (subtle wood), and pungent spice (white pepper). The wine is youthful.
On the palate, the wine is dry with medium(+) acidity, medium(+) alcohol and medium body. The medium(-) level tannins are ripe and dusty in nature. The flavours have a medium intensity and show notes of red fruits (raspberry, cooked red plum), pungent spice (white pepper), and oak (very subtle wood). The finish has a medium length.
This is a good quality wine. The flavours are concentrated and have a great balance with the acidity and the alcohol. The dusty tannins fade, with the acidity taking over for a refreshing finish. The subtle oak treatment does not interfere with the primary fruit. In its current state, the wine shows primary and secondary characteristics. The wine has a finish with good length.
The wine drinks well now, but has potential for further ageing. While the tannin structure is starting to fade, the acidity level will help support the fruit intensity as tertiary notes develop.
[Note: 50% syrah, 45% grenache, 5% mourvèdre]
The nose is clean with a medium intensity. There are well-defined aromas of black fruit (cooked blackberry), red fruit (strawberry), oak (subtle wood), and pungent spice (white pepper). The wine is youthful.
On the palate, the wine is dry with medium(+) acidity, medium(+) alcohol and medium body. The medium(-) level tannins are ripe and dusty in nature. The flavours have a medium intensity and show notes of red fruits (raspberry, cooked red plum), pungent spice (white pepper), and oak (very subtle wood). The finish has a medium length.
This is a good quality wine. The flavours are concentrated and have a great balance with the acidity and the alcohol. The dusty tannins fade, with the acidity taking over for a refreshing finish. The subtle oak treatment does not interfere with the primary fruit. In its current state, the wine shows primary and secondary characteristics. The wine has a finish with good length.
The wine drinks well now, but has potential for further ageing. While the tannin structure is starting to fade, the acidity level will help support the fruit intensity as tertiary notes develop.
[Note: 50% syrah, 45% grenache, 5% mourvèdre]
Red
2014 Domaine du Vieux Télégraphe Châteauneuf-du-Pape Télégramme
88 points
The appearance is clear and pale ruby in colour. Tears are visible.
The nose is clean with a medium(+) intensity. There are well-defined aromas of red fruit (raspberry), pungent spice (white pepper, subtle liquorice), oak (subtle smoke), a bottle-age character (subtle leather), and a generic herbaceous note. The wine is developing.
On the palate, the wine is dry with medium(-) acidity, high alcohol, and medium body. The medium level tannins are ripe and dusty in nature. The flavours have a medium intensity and show notes of pungent spice (white pepper, liquorice), red fruit (subtle raspberry), and a bottle-age character (subtle leather). The finish has a medium(+) length.
This is a very good quality wine. The flavours are concentrated and have a great balance with the acidity and the alcohol. The dusty tannins have a reasonable balance with the acidity and complement the flavour profile. The subtle oak treatment does not interfere with the primary fruit. In its current state, the wine shows some complexity with primary, secondary, and developing tertiary characteristics. The wine is enjoyable and has a finish with great length.
The wine drinks well now, but has potential for further ageing. The fruit intensity is great, and the tannin and acid structure will support the wine as the tertiary notes continue to develop.
[Note: 80% grenache, 10% syrah, 6% mourvèdre, 4% cinsault]
The nose is clean with a medium(+) intensity. There are well-defined aromas of red fruit (raspberry), pungent spice (white pepper, subtle liquorice), oak (subtle smoke), a bottle-age character (subtle leather), and a generic herbaceous note. The wine is developing.
On the palate, the wine is dry with medium(-) acidity, high alcohol, and medium body. The medium level tannins are ripe and dusty in nature. The flavours have a medium intensity and show notes of pungent spice (white pepper, liquorice), red fruit (subtle raspberry), and a bottle-age character (subtle leather). The finish has a medium(+) length.
This is a very good quality wine. The flavours are concentrated and have a great balance with the acidity and the alcohol. The dusty tannins have a reasonable balance with the acidity and complement the flavour profile. The subtle oak treatment does not interfere with the primary fruit. In its current state, the wine shows some complexity with primary, secondary, and developing tertiary characteristics. The wine is enjoyable and has a finish with great length.
The wine drinks well now, but has potential for further ageing. The fruit intensity is great, and the tannin and acid structure will support the wine as the tertiary notes continue to develop.
[Note: 80% grenache, 10% syrah, 6% mourvèdre, 4% cinsault]
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Red
2013 E. Guigal Crozes-Hermitage
88 points
The appearance is clear and deep purple in colour. Tears are visible.
The nose is clean with a medium intensity. There are well-defined aromas of oak (dark chocolate), black fruit (blackberry, subtle black cherry), and pungent spice (black pepper). The wine is youthful.
On the palate, the wine is dry with medium(+) acidity, medium alcohol, and medium (+) body. The medium(+) level tannins are ripe, fine-grained in nature, and hold firm. The flavours have a medium intensity and show notes of black fruit (blackberry, black cherry), oak (wood), and pungent spice (black pepper, liquorice). The finish has a medium(+) length.
This is a very good quality wine. The flavours are concentrated and have a great balance with the alcohol and the acidity. The fine-grained tannins have a great balance with the acidity and complement the flavour profile. The subtle oak treatment does not interfere with the primary fruit. In its current state, the wine only shows primary and secondary characteristics. The wine is very enjoyable and has a finish with great length. The flavours provide a very clear expression of syrah, with typical black fruit, dark chocolate, and black pepper aromas.
The wine drinks well now, but has potential for further ageing. The fruit intensity is great, and the tannin and acid structure will support the wine as the tertiary notes develop.
[Note: 100% syrah]
The nose is clean with a medium intensity. There are well-defined aromas of oak (dark chocolate), black fruit (blackberry, subtle black cherry), and pungent spice (black pepper). The wine is youthful.
On the palate, the wine is dry with medium(+) acidity, medium alcohol, and medium (+) body. The medium(+) level tannins are ripe, fine-grained in nature, and hold firm. The flavours have a medium intensity and show notes of black fruit (blackberry, black cherry), oak (wood), and pungent spice (black pepper, liquorice). The finish has a medium(+) length.
This is a very good quality wine. The flavours are concentrated and have a great balance with the alcohol and the acidity. The fine-grained tannins have a great balance with the acidity and complement the flavour profile. The subtle oak treatment does not interfere with the primary fruit. In its current state, the wine only shows primary and secondary characteristics. The wine is very enjoyable and has a finish with great length. The flavours provide a very clear expression of syrah, with typical black fruit, dark chocolate, and black pepper aromas.
The wine drinks well now, but has potential for further ageing. The fruit intensity is great, and the tannin and acid structure will support the wine as the tertiary notes develop.
[Note: 100% syrah]
Red
2014 John Duval Wines Shiraz Eligo
88 points
The appearance is clear and deep purple in colour. Tears are visible.
The nose is clean with pronounced intensity. There are well-defined aromas of sweet spice and oak (nutmeg, cloves, cinnamon, subtle vanilla), pungent spice (black pepper), and black fruit (subtle cooked blueberry). The wine is youthful.
On the palate, the wine is dry with medium acidity, high alcohol, and medium(+) body. The medium tannins are ripe and fine-grained in nature. The flavours have a medium(+) intensity and show notes of sweet spice and oak (vanilla, nutmeg, cloves), black fruit (blackberry), and pungent spice (black pepper). The finish has a medium length.
This is a very good quality wine. The flavours are concentrated and have an amazing balance with the acidity and the alcohol (despite the high level). The fine-grained tannins have a great balance with the acidity and complement the flavour profile. The oak treatment is very interesting, showing multiple sweet spice notes, and works well with the primary fruit. In its current state, the shows primary and secondary characters. The wine is very enjoyable and has a finish with good length.
The wine drinks well now, but has potential for further ageing. The fruit intensity is great, and the tannin and acid structure will support the wine as the tertiary notes develop.
The nose is clean with pronounced intensity. There are well-defined aromas of sweet spice and oak (nutmeg, cloves, cinnamon, subtle vanilla), pungent spice (black pepper), and black fruit (subtle cooked blueberry). The wine is youthful.
On the palate, the wine is dry with medium acidity, high alcohol, and medium(+) body. The medium tannins are ripe and fine-grained in nature. The flavours have a medium(+) intensity and show notes of sweet spice and oak (vanilla, nutmeg, cloves), black fruit (blackberry), and pungent spice (black pepper). The finish has a medium length.
This is a very good quality wine. The flavours are concentrated and have an amazing balance with the acidity and the alcohol (despite the high level). The fine-grained tannins have a great balance with the acidity and complement the flavour profile. The oak treatment is very interesting, showing multiple sweet spice notes, and works well with the primary fruit. In its current state, the shows primary and secondary characters. The wine is very enjoyable and has a finish with good length.
The wine drinks well now, but has potential for further ageing. The fruit intensity is great, and the tannin and acid structure will support the wine as the tertiary notes develop.
Flight 6 - Riesling (2 notes)
White
2013 Balthasar Ress Hattenheimer Schützenhaus Riesling Kabinett
94 points
The appearance is clear and pale lemon in colour. Pétillance are visible.
The nose is clean with pronounced intensity. There are well-defined aromas of citrus fruit (lemon), green fruit (green apple), pungent spice (saffron), floral notes (elderflower), and bottle-age notes (subtle petrol, very subtle honey). The wine is developing.
On the palate, the wine is medium-dry with medium(+) acidity, low alcohol, and a medium body. The flavours have a medium(+) intensity and show notes of citrus fruit (lemon), pungent spice (saffron), green fruit (green apple), stone fruit (peach), and bottle-age notes (honey, subtle petrol). The finish has a medium(+) length.
This wine is of outstanding quality. The flavours are concentrated and have a great balance with the acidity, sweetness, and the alcohol. The residual sugar provides a thicker mouthfeel, adding an interesting textural dimension, but remains refreshing due to the level of acidity. The wine shows complexity in its current state, with primary, secondary, and tertiary characteristics. The wine is very drinkable and has a finish with great length.
The wine drinks well now, but has potential for further ageing due to the fruit concentration and level of acidity.
The nose is clean with pronounced intensity. There are well-defined aromas of citrus fruit (lemon), green fruit (green apple), pungent spice (saffron), floral notes (elderflower), and bottle-age notes (subtle petrol, very subtle honey). The wine is developing.
On the palate, the wine is medium-dry with medium(+) acidity, low alcohol, and a medium body. The flavours have a medium(+) intensity and show notes of citrus fruit (lemon), pungent spice (saffron), green fruit (green apple), stone fruit (peach), and bottle-age notes (honey, subtle petrol). The finish has a medium(+) length.
This wine is of outstanding quality. The flavours are concentrated and have a great balance with the acidity, sweetness, and the alcohol. The residual sugar provides a thicker mouthfeel, adding an interesting textural dimension, but remains refreshing due to the level of acidity. The wine shows complexity in its current state, with primary, secondary, and tertiary characteristics. The wine is very drinkable and has a finish with great length.
The wine drinks well now, but has potential for further ageing due to the fruit concentration and level of acidity.
White
2017 Mesh Riesling
79 points
The appearance is clear and pale lemon in colour. Tears are visible.
The nose is clean with a medium(+) intensity. There are well-defined notes of green fruit (red apple), stone fruit (apricot), and tropical fruit (pineapple). The wine is youthful.
On the palate, the wine is dry with medium(+) acidity, medium alcohol, and medium(-) body. The flavours have a medium intensity and show notes of citrus fruit (lime, bitter grapefruit), and a generic floral nuance. The finish has a medium length.
This wine is of acceptable quality. The flavours are concentrated and have a good balance with the acidity. Warmth from the alcohol picks up on the finish. In its current state, the wine is simple only showing primary characteristics. The wine has a finish with good length.
This wine should be consumed before the next vintage; it is not suitable for ageing. The balance with the alcohol will not improve with age.
The nose is clean with a medium(+) intensity. There are well-defined notes of green fruit (red apple), stone fruit (apricot), and tropical fruit (pineapple). The wine is youthful.
On the palate, the wine is dry with medium(+) acidity, medium alcohol, and medium(-) body. The flavours have a medium intensity and show notes of citrus fruit (lime, bitter grapefruit), and a generic floral nuance. The finish has a medium length.
This wine is of acceptable quality. The flavours are concentrated and have a good balance with the acidity. Warmth from the alcohol picks up on the finish. In its current state, the wine is simple only showing primary characteristics. The wine has a finish with good length.
This wine should be consumed before the next vintage; it is not suitable for ageing. The balance with the alcohol will not improve with age.
Closing
The group tasting was great - talking through some of these wines made me appreciate them a little more. It was also handy to help hone my ability to identify certain aromas and flavours. The wine of the day has be be split between the 2006 Chateau Langoa Barton (Saint-Julien) for the reds, and the 2013 Balthasar Ress (Hattenheim Schützenhaus, Rheingau) for the whites.