Wine
|
Wine Nicholas Rossignol found that the 2008 vintage did not pose too many problems apart from some botrytis which was dealt with by rigorous triage of the grapes in the vineyard and on arrival at the cellars. The domaine Rossignol-Trappet has, for several years now, been farmed bio-dynamically and we are convinced that it is this that keeps their vines producing fruit of a quality and health far superior to many of their neighbours. Their '08 reds have a concentration that others struggle to rival.
|
|
Wine In the past, Beychevelle has failed to inspire. Excitingly, in 2010, it would appear that they have been able to maximise on the ripeness of the vintage. A wholesome mix of primary red and black fruit have combined with more earthy / tertial truffle and cedar tones. Drinking from 2020 – 2035.
|
|
Wine The ever-sanguine Gérard Boudot, sporting a grey designer stubble, continues to make excellent wines. His immaculate winery inspires one with confidence, with its nautically furled hosepipes, shiny tanks, and scrubbed tiles underfoot. We are seeing a changing of the guard at the domaine, with his daughter and her husband gradually taking over the reins, but like all these things, gradual is the operative word. Maintaining standards won’t be an issue, but bettering their inheritance may be difficult. Gérard’s 09s are fresh and clean, with some excellent weight of ripe fruit. They will be drinking supremely relatively soon.
|
|
Wine "The 1990 Margaux continues to be the quintessential example of this chateau. In addition to being profoundly concentrated, its ethereal bouquet of sweet black fruits, cedar, spices, flowers, smoke, and vanilla is remarkably well-formed and intense. In the mouth, there is not a hard edge to this classic wine, which is super-concentrated, soft, silky-textured, and opulent. It displays an opaque ruby/purple color, a compelling bouquet, and exquisite layers of flavors that cascade over the palate without any notion of toughness or coarseness. The acidity is low, although sufficient enough to provide vibrancy and focus. This wine's significant tannin level is remarkably well-concealed by the wealth of fruit. Although still an infant in terms of development, this fabulous Margaux is already drinkable. There have been so many great vintages of Margaux under the Mentzelopoulos regime that it is almost inconceivable that the 1990 could outrank the 1982, 1983, 1985, 1986, and 1995, but, in my opinion, it possesses an extra-special dimension. While it is approachable, it will last for 25-30 years." Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate, 100 points
|
|
Wine Anne is a member of the legendary Burgundian Gros dynasty, and is based in Clos Vougeot, Her vineyard work is dictated by her deep respect for the soil, her land and the greater environment, so ploughing and tilling are the order of the day. Her custom-built barrel cellar is immaculate, and has more in common with a top Bordeaux château’s than with the average Burgundy cellar. Her wines, which are equally immaculate have the ability to age with exceptional grace and elegance.
|
|
Wine Nicholas Rossignol found that the 2008 vintage did not pose too many problems apart from some botrytis which was dealt with by rigorous triage of the grapes in the vineyard and on arrival at the cellars. The domaine Rossignol-Trappet has, for several years now, been farmed bio-dynamically and we are convinced that it is this that keeps their vines producing fruit of a quality and health far superior to many of their neighbours. Their '08 reds have a concentration that others struggle to rival.
|
|
Wine Around 77% Cabernet and 23% Merlot, but there is 0.5% splash of Cabernet Franc. So we were told! Like its junior sibling, this wine has great structural properties, and the initial impression when tasted was that this was a very serious wine, with masses of brooding, ripe tannins. At this very early stage, however, black fruit, tar, coffee beans and spice were all in strong evidence, but these will undoubtedly disappear in due course, to emerge in future years. Unlike its junior sibling, however, this was taking no prisoners, and is undoubtedly a wine for very long-term keeping – which will probably be the toast of top restaurants in many years to come. Drink from 2021 – 2035
|
|
Wine Anne is a member of the legendary Burgundian Gros dynasty, and is based in Clos Vougeot, Her vineyard work is dictated by her deep respect for the soil, her land and the greater environment, so ploughing and tilling are the order of the day. Her custom-built barrel cellar is immaculate, and has more in common with a top Bordeaux château’s than with the average Burgundy cellar. Her wines, which are equally immaculate have the ability to age with exceptional grace and elegance.
|
|
Wine Ancient vines of which 80% were planted in 1953 and the balance in 1972, by the Morey family. This three-quarters of an acre site produces pitifully low yields (20 – 35 hectolitres per hectare), but the health of the vines has improved dramatically since Dominique took this into biodynamic cultivation. At the very southern end of Le Montrachet, facing south, the wines are usually quite high in alcohol, but this is balanced to perfection by high acidity; wines for keeping – indefinitely.
|
|
Wine Anne is a member of the legendary Burgundian Gros family. Based in Vosne Romanée, her vineyard work is dictated by her deep respect for the soil, her land and the greater environment, so ploughing and tilling are the order of the day. Her custom built barrel cellar has more in common with a top Bordelais château's than with the average Burgundian cellar. Her wines show elegance and style, and need several years to show themselves off at their best.
|
|
Wine A superb vintage for Lafite. A well-structured wine with masses of blackcurrant fruit and oak aromas and a deliciously spicy edge. A serious wine that will continue to age 20+ years.
|
|
Wine This wine has proven to be one of Bordeaux's modern day legends. Absolutely spectacular for its first 7-8 years after bottling, the wine has gradually begun to reveal more delineation, structure, and tannin... It exhibits a thick, opaque garnet color with light amber at the edge. The nose, which was ostentatious earlier in its life, still offers up significant amounts of roasted fruit, coffee, melted chocolate, and decadently rich, sweet black fruits. This is an exotic full-bodied, moderately tannic, massive example of Cheval Blanc noted for its sheer opulence and intensity.' - Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate, 100 points.
|
|
Wine A blistering April and August bracketed a dismal summer. However, careful vineyard husbandry and reduction of crop, allowed Rousseau to make a charming wine for medium-term keeping. Drink 2012 -2015. A blistering April and August bracketed a dismal summer. However, careful vineyard husbandry and reduction of crop, allowed Rousseau to make a charming wine for medium-term keeping. Drink 2012 - 2015.
|
|
Wine A blistering April and August bracketed a disappointing summer, but the cool months in between encouraged noticeably balanced fruit, and with a great harvest, Rousseau has made charming wines for medium term keeping.
|
|
Wine "The thick, unctuously-textured, jammy fruit and enormous flavor concentration that are the hallmarks of the vintage are present, but the wine is extremely unevolved, and behaves like a young barrel sample. This massive, powerful example of Mouton exhibits huge tannin and immense body... Owners who do not want to commit infanticide should cellar it for another 5-10 years. Like Latour, the 1982 Mouton-Rothschild is a potential 50-60 year wine." Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate, 100 points
|
|
Wine For the first time, this has marginally more Merlot (52%) than Cabernet (41%) with a slice of Petit Verdot (7%) thrown in to add its own magic. Intense purple/black fruit, with super-ripe tannins and velvet texture. Serious concentration of flavours with maybe more plum than black cherries/cassis, but at this stage (29th March 2010), the overriding impression was of a four-square classic which will be a revelation in twenty years time. A joy to taste and experience. Drink from 2020 – 2035.
|
