100% Pinot Noir aged in sandstone, no dosage. Didn't quite get both of these Dechanne champagnes, both were a little lean and austere without much fruit to the point of unripeness. The Terre was marginally better with less coarseness.

100% Pinot Noir aged in amphora, no dosage. Didn't quite get both of these Dechanne champagnes, both were a little lean and austere without much fruit to the point of unripeness. The Terre was marginally better with less coarseness.

A very typical Rhone white that I didn't care much for. Nutty, heavy, and oxidative without much acidity, not compensated by depth and complexity that was evident in the Sorrel Rocoules a couple of weeks back.

Strong petroleum on the nose. Fully dry, the clean and pure citrus fruits showed the strength of the vintage but Rheingau Rieslings lack the extra dimension that Mosel Rieslings seem to have for me even though they are different expressions admittedly.

Appealing nose of red cherries with a slight cola note. Rather earthy and herbaceous that could only be a Burgundy. Pleasant if not memorable.

I recall I didn't like this much in a Leoville Barton vertical a few years back, preferring the 2001 and 2002. Similar impression today, despite the vaunted vintage it appeared a little blocky with the rough tannins dominating the black fruit.

Best wine of the dinner. The concentration and weight were the first things that hit me first, which is always a sign of a top quality wine. Sweet dark fruit, without any stewed qualities or funk, had good acidity and a mineral finish. Still very youthful and has the structure to age for a long while yet.