Apollo5710
Member #15,881 signed up 6/2/2006
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427 Tasting Notes
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Member since June 2006
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Member #15,881 signed up 6/2/2006
427 Tasting Notes
This member's profile is not public.
2016 Clos I Terrasses Priorat Laurel
5/5/2024 - Apollo5710 wrote: 93 Points
A very good showing, and a bit different from what we had expected. At 80% Grenache, 15% Syrah, and 5% Cabernet, we had expected something a bit more Southern Rhone-like, which was not the case. While a tiny percentage of Cabernet, that is the grape that seemed to dominate the experience. Initial nose of underbrush, damp earth, red apple, cherry, blackberry, and with time, chocolate and a sense of hickory. A bit woody at times too. It closed up after 20 minutes so we decanted. It re-emerged with 2-3 hours, and but was at its best with the last glass with 6 hours of air. Creamy in the mouth, smooth and suave mouthfeel, with a darker fruit profile with air, although the red apple notes were particularly prominent the whole time. It also gained weight and depth with more aeration as well. Definitely different, but enjoyable! While good now (with plenty of air), we'll hold another 3-5 years to open another. The 15% alcohol went totally unnoticed. 93+
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2016 Pierre-Henri Morel Châteauneuf-du-Pape
4/14/2024 - Apollo5710 wrote: 91 Points
The nose initially featured bright, red fruit notes (e.g., pomegranate, raspberry) coupled with a hint of graphite and game. Fruit-driven in the mouth, but a bit light at first and noticeable alcohol presence. The nose then went into a shell and never returned in a substantive way. The wine returned to life, however, after 4-5 hours in the decanter, building weight, depth, and darkness in the mouth. Quite enjoyable at this stage, but it never seemed well balanced. I'll hold my other bottle for a few years to see what happens. 91+
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2017 Paul Jaboulet Aîné Crozes-Hermitage Domaine de Thalabert
4/7/2024 - Apollo5710 wrote: 92 Points
A good, solid wine at a great QPR! Open and ready from the beginning, but not especially distinct or pronounced with anything in particular beyond red fruits. It was at its best with 3 hours of air, at which point bing cherry, raspberry, and plum came to the fore with rosemary herbs and some minerality. Nicely textured, concentrated, and expansive in the mouth. Good now, and can age further - 92+
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