March 16, 2024 - Lots of sediment so decanted but utterly divine straight from the off.
Warm. Spice. Garrigue. Hillside. Resolved and regal.
I don't think that this is improving, it's best days are now and in the immediate future but it is an absolute belter of a wine.
There are remnants of dark, dark fruit, there is liquorice and tobacco, it is smoky and earthy and magnificent.
February 25, 2024 - Mature, impression is of power rather than any particular fruit flavor, yet highly drinkable, good match with dry-aged strip steak and mushroom tagliatelle. Throwing significant sediment, left about a half of a glass in the bottom of the uncorked bottle when decanting, forgot about it until the next day, and it still tasted as lively and enjoyable as the day before.
March 18, 2023 - Mature and slightly past peak. Tastes of black olives, plum and mushrooms. Paired with a D’Artagnan Cassoulet. 14.5%.
January 27, 2023 - Rich & magnificent. Liquorice. Almost port-like without the sweetness. Incredible, elevated mid-section. So much character.
This is my 3rd bottle of the 2003 and I'm an unabashed fan. I think this is an utterly beguiling, magnificent wine.
December 23, 2022 - quite unctuous. not my fav
December 15, 2022 - The First Christmas of New England @ Christmas WIMPS 2022 (La Trompette, Chiswick): From magnum. A real contrast to the four Burgundies that preceded it but once on it this was lovely. On opening a tad cloudy and cold but the sediment from the journey has settled before serving. There is a classic green olive and brine character to this with some kirsch and smoked meats. This is really rich and comforting as well as being a cracking match for the venison. There's some Bakewell sweetness and a fresh Maraschino cherry note as well. With time there is almost a dolmades character and some crab-apple jelly tartness / sweetness. Yum.
December 15, 2022 - The First Christmas of New England @ Christmas WIMPS (La Trompette, London W4): En magnum. Mid dark red in colour. Nose showed red fruits, clove and olive. Fine tannins, medium bodied with good concentration and and juicy red fruits on the midpalate. In a good spot and went nicely with the venison
August 8, 2022 - Opened this wine at home over dinner with a group of friends from the theatre days. We had zi char and ngoh hiong from KPT @ Blk 401.
Light ruby red in colour, with a captivating nose and seductive palate. Some ripe berries, nutmegs, figs, prunes, dried herbs, crushed black pepper, and full of flavour.
As compared to the 03 Domaine A Cabernet Sauvignon, this wine is more elegant, expressive and charming.
June 16, 2022 - Slight bricking on appearance. Nice drive of dried mixed herbs (sage, rosemary etc...), smoke, meat, prune, fig, black pepper and dark fruits. No sign of overcooked/overripe fruits. Fruits are fading, so better drink up now.
June 6, 2022 - Did not take formal tasting notes. Opened and decanted for about 30 minutes to remove sediment. Brick color, definitely showing its age. Still shows decent acidity, but the fruit has faded and was much more raisiny - almost like a port. Not sure if this is from being a hot vintage or held too long. It was still enjoyable with grilled pork chops.