(Decanter Fine Wine Encounter) Sweet perfume, ripe fruitss like peach, lemon and leech. Fresh and light in the mouth, nice acidity, good balance, ends in a rather short aftertaste. An everyday wine to drink on its own or with salad and fruits.

(Decanter Fine Wine Encounter) Deep purple color, dense fruity nose and black pepper. Intense in the mouth, complex, ripe fruits again with a more spiced character this time. Slightly alcoholic (14.5% vol) ends in a medium aftertaste. Feels young , could some more time. It would be interesting to see how this is going to age.

(Decanter Fine Wine Encounter) Round and fresh, ripe fruits, minerallity, nice acidity short afteraste.

(Decanter Fine Wine Encounter) Very fruity and sweet like jasmin nose. The same fruitness goes in the palate too, with nice acidity and medium aftertaste

(Decanter Fine Wine Encounter) This is 100% Marsanne, beautiful nose, candied grape, the same sweetness goes in the mouth too, with ripe exotic fruits, meduum aftertaste slightly a bit high on acid.

(Decanter Fine Wine Encounter) This is 60% Grenache, 40% Syrah, fermented in inox tanks. Light and fruity in both nose and palate, short aftertaste. A simple everyday wine

(Decanter Fine Wine Encounter) This is a blend of Grenache, Syrah and Carignan. So many fruits in the nose, lightly spiced, round mouth, sweet ripe fruits, medium aftertaste

(Decanter Fine Wine Encounter) Classic Shiraz nose, very peppery on a fruity background. tight mouth, quite alcoholic (14,5%), ripe blackberry, pepper again with a medium aftertaste

(Decanter Fine Wine Encounter) Cherry color, red fruits in the nose, very good complexity and expressive. Marmelade in the mouth, nicea acidity, round and balanced, could easily drink it now and for the next 10 years.

(Decanter Fine Wine Encounter) Rich cherry color, spiced nose good aciity, firm and full mouth, medium aftertaste. This is too young and it will take some time to open up. Interesting to try it in the future

(Decanter Fine Wine Encounter) I was very troubled about this one, I have a feeling that I rated it a bit low maybe because I had hgh expectations, without any doubt I'll try it again in the future and probably rate it higher. I thought the color would much thicker than the light red I saw in the gass, the nose was a bit closed of course, the palate was really good with roundness, butter, very fruity, sweet spices like nutmeg but a shortish aftertaste.

(Decanter Fine Wine Encounter) Deep cherry color, peppery nose but also a lot of fruit, round mouth, spiced (pepper) again, firm, tight, full with medium aftertaste and a few years ahead

(Decanter Fine Wine Encounter) This is 100% Marsanne, light and fruity nose, feather like mouth, quince, fat (could use some acidity there) short aftertaste

(Decanter Fine Wine Encounter) Bright red color, a bit closed in the nose, round mouth, very fruity, peppery, nice acidity, firm, end with a cherry aftertaste. Very good food wine ready to drink now and maybe for the next 3-5 years.

(Decanter Fine Wine Encounter) Nice red color, peppery nose on a thick fruity background. Very fresh in the mouth (as it should be I guess), sweet ripe fruits, blackberry, cherry, round, balanced excellent fruity aftertaste. This could be drunk and definately for the 10+ years. This could be fascinating to try it in the future

(Decanter Fine Wine Encounter) This is a blend of 2/3 Marsanne & 1/3 Rousanne. Very good nose, dense and toasted, sweet mouth, full, ripe fruits, almost red-wine dryness, but why so short aftertaste ??? I have to try it again

(Decanter Fine Wine Encounter) Typical petrol nose, well defines, good acidity, fruity palate, sweetish short to medium aftertaste. Nice Aussie Riesling

(Decanter Fine Wine Encounter) This is 76% Shiraz & 24% Cabernet Sauvignon with 12 months oak (no new casks) Deep purple color, ultra fruity nose, round and smooth tannins, good acidity, fresh and slightly sweetish aftertaste. A very good eveyday wine

(Decanter Fine Wine Encounter) A bit heavy on the nose, ripe fruit, pepper. Palate dominated by fruits,nutmeg, vanilla, sweet, juicy tannins, a firm aftertaste

(Decanter Fine Wine Encounter) Sweet nose, vanilla and very fruity, some oak in the mouth, short and spiced aftertaste.

(Decanter Fine Wine Encounter) Bright cherry color, nice nose of sweet chocolate. Feather like mouth, round, easy juicy aftertaste

(Decanter Fine Wine Encounter) Peppery nose, very fruity and dense, round mouth, fruity, sweet spices, nice acidty, excellent balance, medium aftertaste

(Decanter Fine Wine Encounter) Deep cherry color, sweet perfume, fruits over spices. Round mouth, ultra fruity,spiced (?), medium aftertaste

(Decanter Fine Wine Encounter) This is a blend of 90% Shiraz and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon. Deep red color, dense and fresh nose. Full mouth, fruity, nice acidity, a bit too alcoholic, firm tannins, medium to long aftertaste

(Decanter Fine Wine Encounter) Light in the mouth, sweet, minimum acidity, quince, pear, short aftertaste, nice everyday wine

(Decanter Fine Wine Encounter) Sweet perfume, flowers, sweet in the mouth too, fat, ripe fruits and sweet short aftertaste

(Decanter Fine Wine Encounter) 18 months in 20% new oak. Deep purple color, round mouth, fruit and pepper, nice acidity, tannins firm without angles, easy, for now and the next 2-5 years

(Decanter Fine Wine Encounter) Deep yellow color, full nose, spices (curry?), round mouth, very fat but easy with medium aftertaste. A very nice wine

(Decanter Fine Wine Encounter) This is a blend of 55% Cabernet Sauvigon, 45% Shiraz, 22 months in 15% new oak from France, USA and Hungary (apparently its like the French but spicier). Deep inky red color,very fruity, leather, tobacco, very round, complex and fruits again in the palate. You can drink it now but could also age in the bottle for another 10 to 15 years.

(Decanter Fine Wine Encounter) Swet mouth, petrol and warm bread. nicea cidity, sweet and slighty fruity aftertaste. Interesting

(Decanter Fine Wine Encounter) 3 months in oak, nice fruity nose, some oak, excellent balance, ends in a mediium fruity aftertaste. One of the stars of this weekend

(Decanter Fine Wine Encounter) 10 months in 33% new oak. Chery color, a bit of oak, vanilla. Very light in the mouth, cherry, raspberry, round tannins, nice acidity, medium aftertaste

(Decanter Fine Wine Encounter) 10 months in 100% new oak. Pale red color, light nose, vanilla, fruity, some tobacco (?) in the mouth, cherry again but short aftertaste

(Decanter Fine Wine Encounter) This is a blend of 64% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc, 14% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Malbec, 18 months in oak. Purple color, rather closed nose, but very fruity mouth, along with sweet spices, round but firm tannins and medium aftertaste.

(Decanter Fine Wine Encounter) A blend of 85% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc, 4% Cabernet Sauvignon, 1% Malbec, 20 months in 60% new oak. Purple color, sour cherry in the nose, some oak, full juicy palate, firm tannins, fatty , spiced medium aftertaste.

(Decanter Fine Wine Encounter) This is 100% Syrah, 18 months in 40% new oak. Dense fuity nose, cinnamon and a bit pepper. Very round mouth, firm tannins, basket full of fruits over pepper and a bit of oak on the side. Already drinkable but it also has a long life ahead of it.

(Decanter Fine Wine Encounter) 20 months in 40% new oak. Dense nose, blackberry, plums, oak, spiced. Firm and tannic, berries again, liquorice, alcohol sticks out a bit too much, medium fruity aftertaste. This is a wine for ageing !!!

(Decanter Fine Wine Encounter) 80% in oak, 20% in inox tanks, 11 months aged in oak (10% new) . Beautiful gold, full nose, oak of course but well alongside the fruit, a bit of flowers too. Oak gets back in the palate with ripe fruits , sweet medium aftertaste

(Decanter Fine Wine Encounter) 22 months in 100% new oak. Purple color, blackcurrant nose, peppers and oak. Intense mouth, very fruity again, a bit too oaky at this stage, very nice acidity, very "french" aftertaste. This could easily age nicely for another decade

(Decanter Fine Wine Encounter) This is a blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot, 16 months in 20% new oak. Bright red color, very subtle nose, a bit of pepper, currant mouth, round almost sweet, very easy to drink, short aftertaste

(Decanter Fine Wine Encounter) 12 months in 40% new oak. Fruity nose vanilla, but uneven in the mouth, vanilla again, nice acidity, balanced but not something special

(Decanter Fine Wine Encounter) This is a blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Shiraz, 5% Petit Verdot, 3% Cabernet Franc, 2% Malbec, 16 months in 20% new oak. Surprisingly light red color, vanilla filled nose, blackcurrent and pepper. Blackerry in the palate, full and firm tannins, juicy Shiraz medium finish. This is way too young, could be fascinating over the next decade.

(Decanter Fine Wine Encounter)

(Decanter Fine Wine Encounter) Light red color, warm nose, cherry, minimum tannins, a bit fruit in the back, short and oaky aftertaste.

(Decanter Fine Wine Encounter) This also has 12% Cabernet Franc,100% new oak for 17 months. Spiced nose, strange and undefined character, leather, tannic, tight, cherry, cranberry, short aftertaste.

(Decanter Fine Wine Encounter) 74% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Franc, 24 months in 65% new oak. Light red color, tobacco and ripe fruits in the nose, oak in the mouth, with baked red fruits, cinnamon, nutmeg and a medium aftertaste.

(Decanter Fine Wine Encounter) 3 months on its lees in inox tank. Sweet perfume, fruity and full mouth, nice acidity, very everyday wine.

(Decanter Fine Wine Encounter) 12 months in old casks. Nice purple color, very fruity mouth, a bit tannic, very easy to drink, short aftertaste

(Decanter Fine Wine Encounter) 12 months in 15% new oak. Deep red color, full, dense fruity nose, round, spiced (pepper), nice aftertaste

(Decanter Fine Wine Encounter) 15% in new oak. Deep cherry color, very fruity, spices (pepper), full nose, cranberry in the palate, cinnamon, firm tannins, nice medium aftertaste

(Decanter Fine Wine Encounter) This is a blend of Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot that has spent 18 months in 33% new oak. Deep red color, dense nose, fruity, spiced, leather, intense, tannic, medium aftertaste

(Decanter Fine Wine Encounter) Deep red color, dense and shy nose (still too young) fresh in mouth, very fruity, softer than the 2007 (more Petit Verdot), sweet, juicy, fruity and a bit spiced medium aftertaste. This is rated quite low I think but then it is way too young. Interesting wine to keep in the cellar and at a great price (14 pounds)

(Decanter Fine Wine Encounter) This is the big wine from Glenelly. Its a blend of mainly Cabernet Sauvignon and 19% Petit Verdot, 24 months in 100 new oak. Very deep purple color, oak is still apparent, spiced nose, fruits and oak in the mouth, intense, tannic, long aftertaste. Very "french" character but what could anyone expect from the owner of Pichon Comtesse de Lalande!!! Excellent value for money and a wine that could easily for 10 to 15 years.

(Decanter Fine Wine Encounter Chateau La Mission Haut Brion Masterclass)

Vintage Info: Ideal conditions throughout the year, ideal ripeness for grapes, a perfect year. 69% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, and a touch of Cabernet Franc

Beautiful deep purple color. Earthy nose, leather, quite closed still, chocolate, cigar box (came back at the end and there was ripe cherry and blackcurrant). The taste of it is very strong, overwhelming, firm tannins, powerful medium length aftertaste. This baby will need at least another 10 years.

(Decanter Fine Wine Encounter Chateau La Mission Haut Brion Masterclass)

Cabernet Sauvignon 42%, Merlot 55%, Cabernet Franc 3%

Deep red color, rather earthy notes, spices like cinnamon and not that fruity. Round enough, cedar, no angles. feels ready to drink , ends in a medium aftertaste. Nice

(Decanter Fine Wine Encounter Chateau La Mission Haut Brion Masterclass)

Cabernet Sauvignon 52%, Merlot 30%, Cabernet Franc 9%.

Deep red/blue color, currants on the back, earth up front, complex nose, you can tell there is more Cabernet Sauvignon in it. It was the only one that differed in its character from the tasting. Round and very fruity palate, cinnamon, a bit firm, well balanced, medium aftertaste. Feels ready to drink now and for the next 10 years.

(Decanter Fine Wine Encounter Chateau La Mission Haut Brion Masterclass)

Cabernet Sauvignon 35%, Merlot 62%, Cabernet Franc 3%

Nice deep red color. Closed nose, ripe fruit with earthy notes and some pepper in the back. The palate is very complex, round, ripe fruits, leather, chocolate, ends with a medium aftertaste. Ready to drink .

(Decanter Fine Wine Encounter Chateau La Mission Haut Brion Masterclass)

Dark blue inky color. Big, dense and complex nose filled with all the fruits and chocolate!!! Full mouth, layer upon layer of ripe fruits, almost sweet, absolute balance, firm but excellent tannins, long and juicy aftertaste. This is a BIG BIG WINE

(Decanter Fine Wine Encounter Chateau La Mission Haut Brion Masterclass)

Cabernet Sauvignon 42%, Merlot 50%, Cabernet Franc 8% (65% new oak, when usually its 90%)

A bit evolved red color, sweet aromas, cinnamon, chocolate, lacks a bit of density though. Completely round,coffee, chocolate, feels alcoholic, nice tannins, very fruity, but lacks pf complexity. This is ready to drink now and I wouldn't keep for a very long time.

(Decanter Fine Wine Encounter Chateau La Mission Haut Brion Masterclass)

Cabernet Sauvignon 35%, Merlot 65%

Beautiful and lively purple color. Perfect nose, complex, fruits over spices and then fruits again. Black fruits, sweet spices, round, firm tannins ends in a medium to long juicy aftertaste. This is a very good vintage, matured and will stay gorgeous for a long time.

(Decanter Fine Wine Encounter Chateau La Mission Haut Brion Masterclass)

Cabernet Sauvignon 47%, Merlot 48%, Cabernet Franc 5%

Quite evolved red color, spiced nose with pepper and blackcurrants on the back . Round, balanced, ripe fruits, long spiced aftertaste. It has reached maturity and feels like it will stay there for at least another 10 years.

(Decanter Fine Wine Encounter Chateau La Mission Haut Brion Masterclass)

Semillon 85% - Sauvignon Blanc 15%, fermented in 50% new oak

Deep gold color, oak is very apparent, i think it covers the fruit but after a while it gets some balance, nice vanilla notes. In the palate the oak is stil too strong , the fruits stay in the back. Medium aftertaste with citrus (lemon) aftertaste and very good acidity. This can be drank now and it would be very intertesting in the future.

(Decanter Fine Wine Encounter Chateau La Mission Haut Brion Masterclass)

Deep yellow color. Dense nose, oaky but also ripe fruits, feels sweet with huge concentration. Oak is strong, feels a bit unbalanced, I think its a bit low on acidity, ends in a medium aftertaste. Maybe it needs time.

(Decanter Fine Wine Encounter) Dark red color, dense fruity and jammy nose, some cinnamon in the back. The mouth is dominated by oak, the tannins are firm. Medium aftertaste. Feels young still.

(Decanter Fine Wine Encounter) Dark ruby color, dense and concentrated nose, very fruity. So it is in the mouth too. Nice ripe fruits, medium aftertaste.Still a bit closed but it should be ready in 2-3 years time.

(Decanter Fine Wine Encounter) This bottle was very different from the one I tried in the chateau. Deep cherry color, a bit closed in the nose, with undistinguished fruits and some spices in the back. In the palate its nice and fruity, with intergrated oak but lacks the complexity and density I remembered, ends in a rather short-ish aftertaste. Pity..

(Decanter Fine Wine Encounter) Dark red color, dense, fruity and multi-layered nose. The palate is beautiful, dark small fruits, firm but round tannins, end in a medium slightly peppery aftertaste. Feels ready to drnk

(Decanter Fine Wine Encounter) Fresh fruity nose, it could use a bit more acidity, fruity and short aftertaste. A descent everyday wine

(Decanter Fine Wine Encounter) Good refined nose, full with fruits in the mouth, short to medium aftertaste. Its more of a food wine

(Decanter Fine Wine Encounter) Bright cherry color, Oaky nose, leather, ripe fruits. In the mouth the tannins are firm and round, sweet fruits, a bit of spices, short aftertaste. An everyday wine to be consumed in the next 2-3 years.

(Decanter Fine Wine Encounter) This label aso has 15% Merlot (75% new oak for 15 months) . Beautiful red color, Very fruity and spices like cinnamon. In the palate the fruits attack again, with pepper and cinnamon in the back, ends in a short to medium aftertaste. It feels like it could use some more time in the bottle to soften the tannins but that doesn't mean it is not supposed to be consumer now and for the 2-4 years. A very nice everyday wine for food.

(Decanter Fine Wine Encounter) Beautiful nose of exotic fruits and vanilla. Full in the mouth, nice acidity, intergrated oak, medium fruity aftertaste. This is a chardonnay for now and to keep in the cellar. Wonderful

(Decanter Fine Wine Encounter) This also has 20% (I think) Merlot. Full dense nose, fruity, leather, cinnamon. Full and complex in the palate too, with loads of ripe fruits, peppers and cinnamon that ends in a medium aftertaste. The 2006 vintage produced wines that reached maturity quicker than normal so this is wonderful to drink now.

(Decanter Fine Wine Encounter) This wine has spent 15 months in 85% new oak. Beautiful nose of fresh red fruits with an intense palate of firm tannins, red fruits and a medium spicy aftertaste.

(Decanter Fine Wine Encounter) This wine is a blend of 73% Carmenere, 10% Merlot and 17% Cabernet Sauvignon and has spent 22 months in new oak. Deep purple/inky color. The nose is full with fruits and spices. Dense and complex palate, firm but not overpowering tannins, nice acidity which gives excellent balance apart from the oak that is a bit too apparent (but then again its way too young), ends in a long fruity aftertaste. It is a wine to keep in the cellar for some time

(Decanter Fine Wine Encounter) Intense fruity nose with melon and pear. Round and fresh mouth, fruity medium aftertaste. Wonderful everyday wine

(Decanter Fine Wine Encounter) Nice nose of baked bread, warm and fruity, mouth filled with fruits, end with a medium aftertaste

(Decanter Fine Wine Encounter) Bright cherry color, nice nose, loads of fruit, cherry, strawberry. berries , watermelon (???). A little tight in the mouth, but quite full, ends in a fruity medium aftertaste. Nice

(Decanter Fine Wine Encounter) This wine also has 5% Sangiovese, 4% Carmenere. Deep cherry color, quite fresh nose, buttery. Intense mouth, still oaky, spice, medium aftertaste. It could use a couple of years in the bottle.

(Decanter Fine Wine Encounter) This wine also has 12% Cabernet Franc. Loads of fruit in the nose, very fresh and dense. Full in the mouth, firm tannins, ends in a medium aftertaste filled with ripe blackberries. Give it a couple of years.

(Decanter Fine Wine Encounter) This wine also has 6% Syrah and 6% Cabernet Sauvignon. Deep red cherry color. Complex nose, fruits and spices. Full mouth,well made, firm tannins, very fruity, medium aftertaste. This is a wonderful wine to drink now (despite its youth) and could certainly be adorable in the next 5 to 8 years.

(Decanter Fine Wine Encounter) Beautiful nose, dense, fruity and spiced. Wonderful in the mouth, round, a bit of black pepper, some oak, ends in a medium aftertaste.

(Decanter Fine Wine Encounter) This is a blend of 82% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Cabernet Franc, 5% Syrah, 5% Petit Verdot, 18 months in 94% new oak. Deep purple color, intense nose, ripe fruits and spices, leather and chocolate. In the palate you can feel the strength of this wine, full and round, ripe fruits, firm tannins. Ends in a long aftertaste of black fruit jam and cinnamon. This wine is still way too young, give it another try after 3-5 years and then definately for another 10.

(Decanter Fine Wine Encounter) Nice nose, great balance between fruits and oak, fresh and buttery. Sweet in the mouth, very fruity, not that oaky, unfortunately ends in a short aftertaste. Nice everyday wine

(Decanter Fine Wine Encounter) 90% fermented in oak (30% new) and 10% fermented in tanks. Well balanced oak, spiced nose, round, fruity mouth, a bit spiced aftertaste. Nice everyday wine

(Decanter Fine Wine Encounter) 15 months in 40% new oak. Deep gold color,oak is there but not too strong, round mouth, oak again, ripe fruits, nice acidity,oaked aftertaste. This feels a bit young

(Decanter Fine Wine Encounter) 20 months in 30 new oak. Deep red inky color, full nose, fruits, nutmeg and cinnamon, a bit aggressive tannins, powerful , ripe blackcurrants, nice acidity, juicy and firm medium aftertaste. This will need at least 3-4 years

(Decanter Fine Wine Encounter)

100% new oak for 18 months. Nice red color, nice nose with fruits, cinnamon and oak, but the mouth is quite uneven, very dry, too much oak, maybe its too early, but i dont have much hope there

(Decanter Fine Wine Encounter)

Deep red color, a bit agressive nose, round mouth, needs time, short to medium fruity aftertaste. Not much there

(Decanter Fine Wine Encounter)

Deep red color, quite oaky, spicy and minimum fruit on the back. Tastes uneven, fruits and oak mostly, ends with a short finish. I wouldnt pay for this one, maybe after 5 years gets better

(Decanter Fine Wine Encounter)

100% Merlot aged for 20 months. Deep cherry color, fruity nose, round, oaky edges, ends in a peppery medium aftertaste. Very pleasant

(Decanter Fine Wine Encounter)

This wine is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon 66%, Shiraz 29%, Merlot 5%. Nice deep red color, dense nose, blackberry, cranberry, ripe cherry. Round mouth, very fruity, pepper, nice acidity, alcohol a bit strong, medium aftertaste. Nice tasty wine for food to be enjoyed now and at least another 5 years

(Decanter Fine Wine Encounter) Cherry color, beautiful aromas of cherry and cranberry, very fruity inthe mouth too, a bit tight, milk chocolate, high acidity, medium aftertaste.

(Decanter Fine Wine Encounter) Red/cherry color, fruity nose, soft and round mouth, featherlike, with short aftertaste. It feels young though

(Decanter Fine Wine Encounter) Closed nose, mostly cherry flavoured mouth, tight, almost sweet, very young

(Decanter Fine Wine Encounter) Evolved brick color, milk chocolate in the nose at first and then it gets heavier, ripe fruits. Completely round in the mouth, good acidity still, medium aftertaste (of leather????)

(Decanter Fine Wine Encounter) This wine stayed 12 months in oak and its a blend of 1er cru sites. Nice intergrated oak not overpowering the fruit, nice balanced mouth, medium aftertaste of ripe fruits, give it some time and it will get even better

(Decanter Fine Wine Encounter) This is made with a high proportion of 1er Cru and was aged for 15 months in oak. Bright color, oak in the nose, full, buttery with notes of flowers, full mouth, vanilla, ripe fruits, good balance, nice acidity, long aftertaste. A very good wine

(Decanter Fine Wine Encounter) This has spent 12 months in 20% new oak. Nice bright color, very oaky character in both nose and mouth, ripe fruits and citrus acidity, in a short to medium aftertaste. This is a wine made to match with food.

(Decanter Fine Wine Encounter Opus One Masterclass)

Cabernet Sauvignon 80%,Cabernet Franc 16%, Merlot 4%, 10 days skin contact,24 months new oak, 1st vintage of Opus One

Served from magnum. Evolved red with brick hues but not unpleasant. Nice nose,round, hints of pepper, overripe fruit, blackberries, sour cherry,a bit olive, milk chocolate, cigar box. Completely round, oak in the back, cinnamon, short aftertaste, fully matured and balanced. I dont whether it will get any better, I doubt it. Nevertheless I would definately buy a couple of bottles if I could fine any.

(Decanter Fine Wine Encounter Opus One Masterclass)

Cabernet Sauvignon 96%, Cabernet Franc 3%, Merlot 1%, 24 days skin contact, 18 months in new french oak casks

Served from magnum. Beautiful deep cherry color. Dense nose, very fruity character with spicy background, a bit heavy though, leather, earth notes , it feels young!! Alive and kicking in the mouth, sweet, very fruity, good tannic structure, not that spicy, medium aftertaste. It has a long way ahead of it.

(Decanter Fine Wine Encounter Opus One Masterclass)

Cabernet Sauvignon 93%, Cabernet Franc 6%, Merlot 1%, 33 days skin contact, 15 months in new oak casks. 1st vintage in the estate

Served from magnum. Deep crimson red very youthful. Dense and complex nose filled with fruits and spices. Sweet feeling in the mouth, round, fruity, good tannins, chocolate, cinnamon, still quite young, long blackcurrant aftertaste. It has a long future ahead.

(Decanter Fine Wine Encounter Opus One Masterclass)

Cabernet Sauvignon 86%, Cabernet Franc 7%, Merlot 5%, Malbec 2%, 39 days skin contact, 18 months in new french oak.

Served from magnum. Deep red/blue color. Delicate nose of pepper and dark chocolate. Fruity palate, juicy, spiced, intense, very young, complex, dense and long aftertaste.

(Decanter Fine Wine Encounter Opus One Masterclass)

Cabernet Sauvignon 82%, Cabernet Franc 8% Merlot 5%, Malbec 4%, Petit Verdot 1%, 32 days skin contact, 18 months in new french oak.

Bright red color, very young. A bit closed noese, spiced with a very fruity background, dense, cranberry jam. The palate is a bit let down, its not as dense as the nose even though it seems ready now, short aftertaste of black fruit jam. I thought it was rather uneven, maybe it is still too young. I hope I am mistaking. I should try another botte sometime. It was the weakest of the tasting.

(Decanter Fine Wine Encounter Opus One Masterclass)

Cabernet Sauvignon 87%, Cabernet Franc 2%, Merlot 6%, Malbec 3%, Petit Verdot 2%, 32 days skin contact, 17 months in new french oak

Very dark red color. Thick nose, multilayered fruity character, ripe fruits even marmelade but not that spicy. Very dense in the mouth, fruity, ultra concentrated, clean, tannins made of velvet, runs like silk on the tongue absolute balance, huge aftertaste. You could drink it now with so much pleasure but I have no doubt it will be great for many years. An incredible wine, absolutely juicy, stimulating every taste bud and every nerve in the brain. The star of the tasting without a doubt

(Decanter Fine Wine Encounter Opus One Masterclass)

Cabernet Sauvignon 88%, Cabernet Franc 3%, Merlot 5%, Malbec 1%, Petit Verdot 3%, 29 days skin contact, 18 months in new french oak.

Deep ruby color. Slightly peppery nose, complex and dense, needed time to open , felt great and filled with ripe fruis when it did. Full in the mouth, thick, concentrated, firm tannins with no angles though, obviously too young, nutmeg, cranberry jam, long fruity aftertaste

(Decanter Fine Wine Encounter Opus One Masterclass)

Cabernet Sauvignon 77%, Cabernet Franc 5%, Merlot 12%, Malbec 3%, Petit Verdot 3%, 26 days skin contact, 17 months in new french oak.

Thick purple color. Very fruity nose (too much Merlot), silky, you could tell its young just by the nose of it. The fruity character continues in the mouth (Merlot is standing out), notes of oak, cinnamon, strong tannins but then again its only 4 years old, a bit tight, good sized length aftertaste. I have to try it again after 3-5 years

(Decanter Fine Wine Encounter Vintage Champagne Masterclass)

Info on the wine:a portion of the wine is without malolactic fermentation. The Chardonnay comes from premier and grand crus, 15% Clos de Goisses in Marseuil-Sur-Ay with another 15% fromTrepail, the rest comes mainly from Cuis, Cramant, Mareuil-sur-Ay adn Vertus.

Info on the vintage: Despite the low temperatures and the unpresented rainfall in August, the grapes were saved by a prolonged heatwave in September and the largest harvest in history

Bright gold color, delicate nose, distinctive aromas, mainly citrus like lemon, dried nuts like baked almond, baked bread, very beautiful nose, burnt match. In the mouth you cant help but notice the high level of acidity, citrus again, very dry, ends with a long lemon aftertaste. Its more of food champagne and it feels like it will stay as good as it now for a long time.

(Decanter Fine Wine Encounter Vintage Champagne Masterclass)

Info on the wine: 50% Chardonnay Grand Crus of Cote des Blancs, 50% Pinot Noir Grand Crus of Montagne de Reims. Vinified in inox tanks with full malolactic fermentation. 10gram dosage

Info on the vintage: Despite the low temperatures and the unpresented rainfall in August, the grapes were saved by a prolonged heatwave in September and the largest harvest in history

Gold color, warm nose, round, ripe fruits and flowers. Round mouth, citrus, nice acidity, quite balanced, very fresh, medium aftertaste. Champagne for food.

(Decanter Fine Wine Encounter Vintage Champagne Masterclass)

Info on the wine: Chardonnay from Grand Crus of Oger, Le Mesnil sur Oger, partially fermented in oak. Dosage under 10gram. Minimum maturation in cellar after disgorgement for 12 months.

Info on the vintage: 1996 is considered one the greatest vintages of the 20th century if not the best, high levels of maturity and acidity, balanced and great ageing potential.

Deep gold color, full in the nose, warm bread, vanilla from the oak, sweet nose, hints of yeast, dried nuts and fruits. Full in the mouth with a lot of acidity still. Very powerful, citrus and long aftertaste. Definately a food champagne, tastes great and will stay like this for at least another 10 years.

Try it again after the tasting had ended. The nose of this champagne is gorgeous!!!!!

(Decanter Fine Wine Encounter Vintage Champagne Masterclass)

Info on the wine: 100% Chardonnay from Vertus, fermented and aged in oak with occassional batonage. Partial malolactic, extra brut 3gram dosage

Info on the vintage: Major problems with rot due double rain than normal in September, not declared from many houses

Bright gold/straw color, round nose, notes of yeast, dried white fruits, not that complex nose, lemon on the backgound. Very dry mouth, long aftertaste, lemon in the mouth, maybe its too young, it will be great to have before dinner.

(Decanter Fine Wine Encounter Vintage Champagne Masterclass)

Info on the wine: Ungrafted single vineyard of Chardonnay, 0,4ha Les Sables vineyard 50 years old. Fermented in oak (new to 25 years old), no malolactic, dosage of 2 grams

Info on the vintage: Major problems with rot due double rain than normal in September, not declared from many houses

Deep golden color, round nose, lemon pie, sweet nose, ripe fruits. Good mouth with angles, fresh, some oak, long aftertaste with a killer acidity. Before dinner

(Decanter Fine Wine Encounter Vintage Champagne Masterclass)

Info on the wine: 50% Chardonnay 50% Pinot Noir plus 14-15% Pinot Noir wine. Pinot Noir comes from Marseuil-sur -Ay, Ay, Aubonnay. Double cold settling, low first temperature 13-14oC. 15% fermented in Burgundy oak. Matured on lees for 5-6 months with occassional batonage.

Info on the vintage: Major problems with rot due double rain than normal in September, not declared from many houses

Pale cherry color, creamy nose, buttery and fruits. Round, very fruity, long vanilla (butter) aftertaste. Ideal for food

(Decanter Fine Wine Encounter Vintage Champagne Masterclass)

Info on the wine: Chardonnay dominated by Pinot Noir, high proportion from Trepail ja Villes, Marney in the Montagne de Reims. Fermented in inox tanks with full malolactic, 8 grams dosage.

Info on the vintage: a good start and good flowering, rest of summer was uneven, a lot of rain at the end of August, but ideal wather after Sept 10th, big crop of high quality

Bright color (highly carbonated). The nose is a bit closed, sweet and fruity (pear) on a background of baked bread. Full mouth, a bit low in acid, round, very fruity, medium aftertaste. Already drinkable but could easily age for a long time.

(Decanter Fine Wine Encounter Vintage Champagne Masterclass)

Info on the wine: 70% Pinot Noir, 30% Chardonnay. 20% of wines vinified in oak with weekly batonnage. Saignee method after cold maceration that can last 5-8 days.

Info on the vintage: Despite the low temperatures and the unpresented rainfall in August, the grapes were saved by a prolonged heatwave in September and the largest harvest in history

Onion like rose color, fruity and slightly herbal nose. Round mouth, sweet, good long aftertaste. Champagne for food

(Decanter Fine Wine Encounter Vintage Champagne Masterclass)

Info on the wine: 100% Pinot Meunier from Merfy in Montagne de Reims. The House owns 0,7ha of ungrafted vines cultivated with the ancient provigneage (layering) method (30,000 vines/hectare). No malolactic. Natural yeasts from the plots. Fermentation in 4-9 years old oak. No dosage

Info on the vintage: Hot and sunny June, rain and hail in July in Cote des Bar and southwest of Reims, cool and wet August, but clear and sunny September. Fears for lack of acidity due to midsummer heat, the harvest lasted 1 month, much longer than usual.

Barley color, soft and shy nose, fresh but fruity, ripe apple. Round mouth, vinous, full, nice acidity, medium aftertaste. Its more of a food champagne. This could be very interesting in the future.

(Decanter Fine Wine Encounter Champagne Masterclass)

Info on the wine: 60% Chardonnay & 40% Pinot Noir, all Grand Crus from estate owned vineyards. Fermented in inox tanks with full malolactic and 6 gram dosage

Info on the vintage: A strange year wit a lot higher temperatures and rainfall than average. Excellent maturity but the worst levels of acidity and pH for decates. The major Houses declared vintages only after a severe selection, on the other hand not many Houses will declare it.

Bright yellow straw color. Medium intensity, evolved and mineral nose, more chardonnay in the nose with fresh fruit. Minerallity in the mouth, delicate, round and full palate. More of a food champagne. This is great to drink now I think it will be great for another 10 to 15 years.

(Decanter Fine Wine Encounter Vintage Champagne Masterclass)

Info on the wine: 2/3 Pinot Noir from Montagne de Reims & Vallee de Marne and 1/3 Chardonnay from Cote des BLancs. The red wine (12,8%vol) was produced from Pinot Noir harvested in Bouzy. Fermented in inox tanks. Served from a magnum, disgorged in 2008.

Info on the vintage: This is a great vintage og really good wines that are due for short term ageing. There were problems from frost that resulted in 20% loss of volume. The flowering was interrupted and that caused 2 harvests, the 1st started on September and the 2nd on October 10th.

Pale pink color, baked bread with fruit in the back. gentle and delicate. Round mouth, dried red fruits with a buttery background in a medium aftertaste. This is a champagne for food and its ready now.

(Decanter Fine Wine Encounter Vintage Champagne Masterclass)

Info on the wine: 100% Grand Cru from 4-5 Grand Cru of Cotes des Blancs, Oger, Mesnil, Cemant. Fermented in inox tanks with full malolactic and 12 gram dosage

Info on the vintage: This is one the most succesful vintags of the decade with mild, humid winter, sunny spring and hot summer. Thre quality of the grapes were excellent, something that helped to make a very strict selection. The maturity of Chardonnay balanced the slightly over-the-top acidity of Pnot Noir.Great ageing potential.

Bright golden color. Full yeasty nose with brioche and ripe fruits. A magnificent aroma!! Delicate body, brioche again, dried fruits, round, creamy texture, medium to long aftertaste, definately for food. Its perfect as it is , maybe another 5 to 10 years. Star of the masterclass

(Decanter Fine Wine Encounter Vintage Port Masterclass)

Red/black color. Bit alcoholic nose, fresh ripe fruits, dense nose, blackcurrant jam, vinous nose. Intense palate, tannic, complex but also fresh, fruity, layers upon layers of flavours like ripe fig, plums, prunes, candied fruits and jam, a bit alcoholic again but excellent balance whatsover. Medium aftertaste and a long time ahead of it.

(Decanter Fine Wine Encounter Vintage Port Masterclass)

Deep red inky color, very fruity, velvety buttery and straightforward nose. Intensity in the mouth, marmelade, vinous, firm and tight, candied grape and walnut, honey, long aftertaste and long time ahead of it.

(Decanter Fine Wine Encounter Vintage Port Masterclass)

Deep rich thick blue color. Concentrated and complex nose of small ripe fruits, jam, walnut liquer. Ripe mouth, velvety, chewy, intense, complex, excellent balance, very concentrated, long finish.

(Decanter Fine Wine Encounter Vintage Port Masterclass)

Deep red color. Dense and complex nose, velvety character filled with sour cherry jam, fig, liquer, candied grape. Ripe and balanced in the mouth, good acidity levels and tannic,vinous, candied grape, medium aftertaste of fig and blackcurrant. Ready to drink now but a port for long cellaring too.

(Decanter Fine Wine Encounter Vintage Port Masterclass)

Bright red color. Straighforward nose, balanced, velvety, very fresh and fleshy, stewed fruit. Totally round, absolute balance, ripe fruits and perfect acidity levels, multilayered, huge aftertaste of unbelievable intensity and flavoured with fresh fruits. The best port of the tasting. The best wine of the weekend. Probably the closest I have ever been to wine heaven !!!!

(Decanter Fine Wine Encounter Vintage Port Masterclass)

Deep red color. Alcoholic nose, walnut liquer, dense, complex but a bit confused too. Vinous character, quite velvety, slightly tight and tannic, short to medium aftertaste. This has been ready to drink for some time now. This is not a great vintage, probably the weakest of the rest, but an enjoyable and tasty port all the same.

(Decanter Fine Wine Encounter Vintage Port Masterclass)

Red (pinot noir) color. Evolved nose, fruity still, not that dense (maybe needs more time). Velvety and smooth, round, blackcurrant and plum, perfect balance, delicate and long aftertaste. This is great and will be stay that way for many more years.

(Decanter Fine Wine Encounter Vintage Port Masterclass)

Brick - cherry color. Nice nose, milk chocolate, nutmeg, smooth. Vinous, not that fruity, liquerish, tasty and balanced medium aftertaste.

(Decanter Fine Wine Encounter Vintage Port Masterclass)

Quite evolved color. Nose of chocolate, velvety, strawberry jam, tobacco leaves ??? Strangely high levels of acidity, alive and kicking, vinous, walnut liquer,medium aftertaste.

(Decanter Fine Wine Encounter Vintage Port Masterclass)

Nice cherry color. Quite fruity still, tobacco leaves, stewed fruits. Intense in the mouth, not that fruity, a bit more alcoholic, nevertheless balanced, memories of grape (!), medium aftertaste. This is still holding quite nicely

(Decanter Fine Wine Encounter Vintage Port Masterclass)

Very evolved color. Beautiful , smooth, velvety and sensual nose. Completely round, fruity, absolute balance, still kicking, nutmeg, sweet chocolate, ends with memories of grape in a medium aftertaste. Probably the rarest wine I've tried. A truly memorable experience

(Decanter Fine Wine Encounter Vintage Port Masterclass)

Deep blue almost black color. Beautiful nose, dense and complex filled with ripe fruits. Round in the mouth, feels more balanced than Warre's and Dow's, velvety, concentrated, plums, prunes and blackcurrant jam, with a bit of nutmeg. Long aftertaste and some serious ageing potential.