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Burgundy vs Barolo
Tasted July 25, 2023 by melvinyeowq with 162 views
Introduction
Thought that it would be difficult but ended up 12/12. Tell-tale signs were acidity and the VA for the Barolos, while the Burgundies had markedly softer tannins. Overall I preferred the Barolos to the Burgundies as most of the latter were too masculine. Quality of producers was also definitely higher for the former.
Flight 1 (13 notes)
White
2016 Roagna Montemarzino Derthona
90 points
Nutty with a hint of reduction and honeysuckle notes. Agree with a previous note that said this was between a Riesling and Chardonnay.
Red
1992 Maison Roche de Bellene Latricières-Chambertin Collection Bellenum
91 points
Not often that I come across a birth year wine. Guessed 90s Gevrey if it was properly stored. Had tertiary soy and mushroom notes but kept very much alive by the high acidity. For a weak vintage, this was very good.
Red
2012 Fratelli Alessandria Barolo Monvigliero
93 points
Guessed as 2013 Barolo. Some spice and high-toned red fruit notes. Firm backbone and tannins. With air, it put on a lovely elegance. My favourite of the flight.
Red
2011 Bouchard Père et Fils Chambolle-Musigny 1er Cru Les Noirots
90 points
I didn't get a green note that some pointed out, so I guessed 2013 Burgundy based on the high acidity. Prominent vanilla note on the nose. Vibrant cherry fruit but had distracting powdery tannins. A more structured Chambolle.
Red
2012 Luciano Sandrone Barolo Le Vigne
91 points
At first, this was my favourite with attractive, elegant red fruit and just the right amount of VA. With time it became more creamy, powerful and alcoholic. Guessed a modern Barolo producer from a warm vintage like 2012.
Red
2005 Lucie & Auguste Lignier Gevrey-Chambertin Les Seuvrées
88 points
Brought as an extra. Dark, extracted fruit with some five spice and savoury notes. The imposing tannic structure wasn’t in my wheelhouse.
Red
2013 Chanson Père & Fils Charmes-Chambertin
80 points
Guessed a 2015 Burgundy from a really bad maker. Over-ripe, candied fruit with a jarring acidity that should have led me to 2013. Really disliked the syrupy nature of the wine. Been some time since I've been so offended by a Burgundy.
Red
2013 Luigi Oddero Barolo Rocche Rivera
92 points
My contribution. Quite closed at the moment, but this was a classy wine with everything in place. Well-balanced wine with structure and acidity, good purity of dark cherry fruit. Textbook classic Barolo.
Red
1993 Armand Vincenot Vosne-Romanée
89 points
Was thinking that this was a Burgundy from a high-acid year like 2008 but was surprised when it turned out to be much older. Slightly cloudy with some coffee notes. A bolder, old-school sort of Burgundy.
Red
2013 G.D. Vajra Barolo Albe
91 points
Guessed as a young, slightly modern Barolo from 2016. Some VA on the nose gave a high-toned freshness to the wine. High acidity and structure, even though it was a lighter style of Barolo. Needs more time.
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Comment
Red
2012 Schiavenza Barolo Prapò
89 points
Had a sharp acidity but the alcohol heat was evident from a warmer vintage. Guessed 2011 Barolo. Not the most balanced wine.
Red
2014 Domaine François Gerbet Vosne-Romanée 1er Cru Les Petits Monts
89 points
Quite heavy on the toasted oak. Darker end of the fruit spectrum for a Burgundy, so went for 2015 Gevrey. Lacked the finesse and freshness of recent vintages, slight over-use of stems?
Red
2006 Domaine Chicotot Nuits St. Georges 1er Cru Rue de Chaux
87 points
Another muscular wine with toasty oak. Tough and not the most refined tannins. Guessed another old-school maker from the 2000s.