Not bad at all - an interesting nose, a combination of quite ripe, deep, fruity aromas - blackcurrants and raspberries mainly, but also some Asian spice, a bit of game, some leather and even a hint of hazlenut. The attack is much less rich than expected, quite a classic blend of blackcurrant and plum, with again some savoury flavours, this time a little meatiness and quite a subtle but persistent wave of spices. The middle section broadens out into something fruitier, with velvety plum dominating some dark cherry, before the blackcurrant comes back on the quite tannic finish. What makes it interesting is certainly the 50% Petit Verdot, but there's a pleasing crispness to the fruit which keeps it on track. Not a "classic" claret, but not an über-ripe in-yer-face Rolland clone either, this is very promising and should improve further.
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Henri Bloem tasting, Bloemendaal, november 7: value for your money, classic (Bolaire itself and the vintage), so this wine needs some hours of aeration and than it gives a dark Petit Verdot colour, a flowery (close to Margaux) and black fruit bouquet, juicy, bit severe, lovely bitters and a balanced aftertaste (you can't miss the load of ripe tannins); will become even better.
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More tight than the '15. ripe and noticeable tannins, dark colour, The midtaste has to grow a bit, the balance is there already; give this wine some years.
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Thought at first it had a problem. Almost balsamic nose, but that’s given way after a minute to just a blast of fruit. Light mouthfeel compared to the nose. Easy drinking. Tannic but not too much.
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steady performer, loads of black fruit, smokiness and freshness. developed a bit compared to last visit, therefore a point up! 2018 seems a buy as well looking at Jeff's score ;-)
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1/2 hr decant. Raspberries, blueberries, thyme, leather, mushrooms, chocolate and pencil on the nose. The nose would lead you to believe that the wine is actually more fruity than it is. In the mouth the primary fruit is currants. The wine is medium bodied with significant acid and fine tannins. Very dry. Lots of minerals. There is a bit of chewiness on the finish with some very dark chocolate.
After 1.5 hr decant the nose has changed significantly. Savory notes are coming out. Balsamic vinegar, olives, shallots, Worcestershire sauce. Blackberries, fig, and prune are present in the mouth. This wine seems to have plenty of interesting development in its future. This is a shocking value for $12.
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Nice fruit driven with soft tannines. I recognize Jeff’s freshness! Good buy @ 9 euri - was just reading about petit verdot and its bold tough structure, that defenitly not noticeable in this wine. Suprising because of 50 PV share
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With an unusual blend of 50% old vine Petit Verdot and 50% Merlot , it's easy to find the floral, ripe, very fresh, black raspberry fruits. Ripe, with length and lots of freshness going on here.
5/17/2023 - Zweder Likes this wine: 90 Points
Dark berries, sweet spices, Beautiful acidity and round, but powerful tannin. Very good wine.
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6/30/2022 - Julian Marshall Likes this wine: 90 Points
Not bad at all - an interesting nose, a combination of quite ripe, deep, fruity aromas - blackcurrants and raspberries mainly, but also some Asian spice, a bit of game, some leather and even a hint of hazlenut. The attack is much less rich than expected, quite a classic blend of blackcurrant and plum, with again some savoury flavours, this time a little meatiness and quite a subtle but persistent wave of spices. The middle section broadens out into something fruitier, with velvety plum dominating some dark cherry, before the blackcurrant comes back on the quite tannic finish.
What makes it interesting is certainly the 50% Petit Verdot, but there's a pleasing crispness to the fruit which keeps it on track.
Not a "classic" claret, but not an über-ripe in-yer-face Rolland clone either, this is very promising and should improve further.
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11/7/2021 - FransS wrote: 90 Points
Henri Bloem tasting, Bloemendaal, november 7: value for your money, classic (Bolaire itself and the vintage), so this wine needs some hours of aeration and than it gives a dark Petit Verdot colour, a flowery (close to Margaux) and black fruit bouquet, juicy, bit severe, lovely bitters and a balanced aftertaste (you can't miss the load of ripe tannins); will become even better.
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10/22/2021 - FransS wrote: 89 Points
More tight than the '15. ripe and noticeable tannins, dark colour, The midtaste has to grow a bit, the balance is there already; give this wine some years.
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4/15/2020 - Mike Solomon Likes this wine:
Thought at first it had a problem. Almost balsamic nose, but that’s given way after a minute to just a blast of fruit. Light mouthfeel compared to the nose. Easy drinking. Tannic but not too much.
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11/28/2019 - Vandelaar Likes this wine: 89 Points
steady performer, loads of black fruit, smokiness and freshness. developed a bit compared to last visit, therefore a point up!
2018 seems a buy as well looking at Jeff's score ;-)
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10/26/2019 - Gern Blanston Likes this wine: 90 Points
1/2 hr decant. Raspberries, blueberries, thyme, leather, mushrooms, chocolate and pencil on the nose. The nose would lead you to believe that the wine is actually more fruity than it is. In the mouth the primary fruit is currants. The wine is medium bodied with significant acid and fine tannins. Very dry. Lots of minerals. There is a bit of chewiness on the finish with some very dark chocolate.
After 1.5 hr decant the nose has changed significantly. Savory notes are coming out. Balsamic vinegar, olives, shallots, Worcestershire sauce. Blackberries, fig, and prune are present in the mouth. This wine seems to have plenty of interesting development in its future. This is a shocking value for $12.
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9/27/2019 - RogerQ wrote: 91 Points
Dark fruit, fleshy with nice tannic structure. Drink through 2026.
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2/19/2019 - Vandelaar Likes this wine: 88 Points
Nice fruit driven with soft tannines. I recognize Jeff’s freshness! Good buy @ 9 euri - was just reading about petit verdot and its bold tough structure, that defenitly not noticeable in this wine. Suprising because of 50 PV share
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4/29/2017 - Jeff Leve wrote: 90 Points
With an unusual blend of 50% old vine Petit Verdot and 50% Merlot , it's easy to find the floral, ripe, very fresh, black raspberry fruits. Ripe, with length and lots of freshness going on here.
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