Tasting Notes of Wines around the World
Last month I decided to do something different and to organise a blind tasting of wines that sells for less than 30 CHF.
The five wines we tasted have been freely picked by the participants to the event among the ones they prefer in this price range. Continue reading “Wines <30 CHF”
This 13 years old white Bordeaux has a deep gold colour. On the nose a discreet aroma of citrus, mango and a hint of herbs. In the mouth well balanced, with a refreshing acidity. The aftertaste last for a long while, it is discreet as the aroma and is characterised by honeyed notes.
Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte is located in the Pessac-Léognan appellation of Bordeaux. Continue reading “Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte Blanc 2006”
I tasted the Grand Vin of Chateau Margaux along its two second wines: Pavillon Blanc & Pavillon Rouge.
Pavillon Rouge 2012 is a blend of 63% Cabernet Sauvignon, 33% Merlot and some Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Chateau Margaux 2012 is a blend of 87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot and a bit of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Continue reading “Chateau Margaux 2012”
The colour is deep ruby. The nose has a spicy and minty character, with green and smoky notes. In the mouth smooth, but not much of an aftertaste worth mentioning.
The 2012 Bordeaux vintage has been a challenging one, due to lousy weather that caused major problems for the ripening of Cabernet Sauvignon. The resulting wines are very variable. Continue reading “La Croix de Beaucaillou 2012”
On the nose the 2009 is at first very elegant, mentholated with some prune. After some time more spices come out, rosemary and sandalwood can be detected. In the mouth the wine has a similar evolution. At first very smooth, showing firm, but already well integrated tannins. After a while the tannins become more gripping and drying. Continue reading “Château Pape Clément 2005 vs 2009”
On the nose woody, with resin and a touch of burnt. In the mouth austere, but well balanced, with soft tannins and a fresh aftertaste, which sadly is a bit short. This is a wine that growths in the glass and with time shows more complexity. Overall, a good classic Bordeaux from Pessac-Léognan.
The week before tasting this 2008 I shared a 2007 with some friends. Continue reading “Domain de Chevalier 2008”
Visually this wine displays a shiny medium garnet color. On the nose at first a bit dusty. The main sensations are of old, slightly burned wood and tea leaves. With time it shows a tiny bit of complexity.
In the mouth very fresh and elegant. At first rather light, with lean tannins: more Burgundy than Bordeaux in character. Continue reading “Château Clerc Milon 1979”
On the nose the wine is very nuanced, as you should expect from a 30 years old Bordeaux. According to my tasting group, barn, black tea, leather and anise come to mind, with some cassis representing the fruit that is still left in the bouquet. In the mouth it has an earthy flavour profile, with some chocolate, pleasant tannins and a fairly long aftertaste. Continue reading “Château Ducru-Beaucaillou 1989”
The bouquet doesn’t display much complexity, with lots of smoke, cigar, mocha and liquorice, but not much fruit. In the mouth tobacco overpowers other sensation. Although well integrated, the tannins are still very present and add to the rustic experience. The finish is abrupt. The aftertaste fine, but nothing to indulge in and leaning towards a not overly pleasant mocha taste. Continue reading “Château Calon-Ségur 2000”
Albeit the wine is already 14 years old, the nose is still dominated by fruits, with cassis, blueberry and blackberry as the main standouts. In the mouth no sign of age neither, well rounded, elegant and delicate. This wine is very pleasant from the nose to the aftertaste. An outstanding product from a far from perfect vintage. Continue reading “Gran Vin de Léoville du Marquis de Las Cases 2004”