|
1989 Henri Jayer
- Cros Parantoux
(France / Burgundy / Cote de Nuits / Vosne-Romanee)
|
RATED: 06/07/2002 |
|
|
|
| COLOR: |
Tile Red.
|
| AROMA: |
Truffles. Herbal. Raspberry. Strawberry. Toast. Cherry. Vanilla. Red Fruits.
|
| FLAVOR: |
Barnyard. Truffles. Game. Herbal. Raspberry. Strawberry. Cherry. Vanilla. Red Fruits. Mineral.
|
|
PROFILE: |
Complex. Balanced.
Smooth
Mouthfeel.
Medium
Body.
Long
Finish.
|
|
|
| COMMENTS: |
The utmost pure expression of the pinot noir grape. Not a single trace of heaviness. Elegant, finess, and pure. Great complexity but in a very subtle sense. Still very youthful and very well balanced with the acidity as the lead to explore this delicate and intricate burgundy. One of my best wine experience.
|
|
| SCORE: 100
|
| BY: rchan
|
| DRINK:
Now |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1987 Domaine de la Romanee-Conti
- La Tache
(France / Burgundy / Cote de Nuits / Vosne-Romanee)
|
RATED: 06/07/2001 |
|
|
|
| AROMA: |
Rose Petals. Truffles. Game. Floral. Leather. Blackberry. Strawberry. Red Fruits. Dark Fruits.
|
| FLAVOR: |
Barnyard. Truffles. Game. Bacon. Toffee. Blackberry. Tobacco. Strawberry. Toast. Hazelnut. Oak. Almonds. Vanilla. Red Fruits. Mineral. Dark Fruits.
|
|
PROFILE: |
Complex. Balanced.
Smooth
Mouthfeel.
Medium
Body.
Light
Tannin.
Long
Finish.
|
|
|
| COMMENTS: |
I have had different vintages of La Tache including some great vintages but none hit me like the 1987. Perhaps I was drinking it at its prime or there are other external factors that influences my appreication. That's why I never like rating wine under a fixed scoring system because there are just way too many factors that may influence people's judgement. But at that time, environment and condition, this is a perfect wine. Simply speaking, it is a benchmark of burgundy. Words won't do it justice so I have to quote from Clive Coates "...sing like a nightingale, shine forth like a sapphire, intrigue like the most complex of chess problems, and seduce like the first kiss of someone you are just about to fall in love with...it can inspire like a great orator, satisfy like a most subtle of three-star meals, and leave you at peace at the end like the slow movement of a Mozart piano concerto...the wine is complex but not puzzling, profound but not didactic, perfect but not intimidating, and magnificent but never toher than friendly"
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1986 Chateau Mouton Rothschild
(France / Bordeaux / Pauillac)
|
RATED: 10/26/2004 |
|
|
|
| COMMENTS: |
Well, it has been written and spoken and dreamt about. Yes, no doubt it is one of the best bordeaux I have ever had. Full, complex yet balance and well structured. The range of complexity is mind blogging, the richness and concentration surpassed some of the fullest bodied Aussie Shiraz and California Cab. Extra long finish that is both classic and divine.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1997 Alvaro Palacios
- L'Ermita
(Spain / Catalunya / Priorat)
|
RATED: 08/13/2004 |
|
|
|
| COLOR: |
Red Purple.
|
| AROMA: |
Licorice. Bacon. Leather. Black Currant. Plum. Smoky. Oak. Vanilla.
|
|
PROFILE: |
Complex. Balanced.
Viscous Smooth
Mouthfeel.
Voluminous Rich
Body.
Moderate
Tannin.
Long
Finish.
|
|
|
| COMMENTS: |
Highly anticipated. Critics had voted it to be the best wine in Spain of 1997. Well, it surely didn't disappoint. Deep dark inky color, a sign of super concentration. The nose exploded with multi-dimensional character and the outburst of flavors is surreal. It is so seductive with plum, smoky oak, pain grille, blackcurrant, bacon, leather, raspberry, blackberry, tropical fruit, vanilla, licorice... this list goes on forever. How can a wine possess such complexity? Are you sure it is only grapes and oak? To my surprise, this wine is not at all heavy. It is as smooth as silk with flavors dancing on the palate elegantly that seems to last forever. Every sip is a whole new world. One can feel the warmth of the sun, the soil and the vineyard where the grapes ripens. It is a wine that goes deep down to one's soul. It is a piece of art that reminded us why we love wine in the first place. It is the kind of wine that every wine lover yearns for.
|
|
| SCORE: 99
|
| BY: rchan
|
| PRICE: $225 |
| DRINK:
In 5-10 years |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1978 Jaboulet
-
La Chapelle
(France / Rhone / Northern Rhone / Hermitage)
|
RATED: 08/02/1999 |
|
|
|
|
PROFILE: |
Complex. Balanced.
Medium
Body.
Moderate
Tannin.
Long
Finish.
|
|
|
| COMMENTS: |
I have a particular sentimental connection to La Chappelle as it is my epiphany to the world of fine wine. This wine is the reason why I fell in love with La Chappelle. The complex finish seems to last forever that keeps changing and bringing back hints of different flavors earlier on and that cycle just keep building on every sip. It is so profound. One of those very few wines that touches your soul.
Had 2 bottles in two different setting. The other bottle while was very good but was no where comparable to this one. I guess bottle variation/storage in older wine is almost as important as a good vintage.
|
|
| SCORE: 99
|
| BY: rchan
|
| DRINK:
Now |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1998 d'Arenberg
Shiraz
-
The Dead Arm
(Australia / South Australia / McLaren Vale)
|
RATED: 06/13/2004 |
|
|
|
| AROMA: |
Black Currant. Chocolate. Blackberry. Toast. Oak.
|
| FLAVOR: |
Spice. Black Currant. Chocolate. Blackberry. Toast. Oak.
|
|
PROFILE: |
Complex. Balanced.
Viscous
Mouthfeel.
Extracted Voluminous
Body.
Moderate
Tannin.
Long
Finish.
|
|
|
| COMMENTS: |
Super intense, spicy, explosive with layers and layers of flavors. Very masculine. Excellent mouth feel of mocha, bitter sweet chocolate, blackberry, blackcurrant, and toasted oak. A very forward wine. Ka-baam! Like it wants to knock you out in one shot. Nice attack. Then, the magic happens. The wine becomes more and more elegant with every sip. The textures changes from chewy to creamy. The acidity slowly peep out and cuts through the well endow flavors and define its structure. The finish gains in complexity as the wine slowly opens up. Each flavor becomes more harmonious with each other rather than fighting for dominance. Still a bit coarse at this young age. Great potential we see here. Tasted more than a dozen times since release and never failed to impress. It is a steal compare to the Grange.
|
|
| SCORE: 98
+
|
| BY: rchan
|
| DRINK:
In 3-5 years |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1994 Harlan
-
Estate
(USA / California / Napa)
|
RATED: 10/13/2003 |
|
|
|
| AROMA: |
Coffee. Smoky. Tobacco. Toast. Hazelnut. Oak. Vanilla. Red Fruits. Dark Fruits.
|
| FLAVOR: |
Coffee. Smoky. Tobacco. Toast. Hazelnut. Oak. Vanilla. Red Fruits. Dark Fruits.
|
|
PROFILE: |
Complex. Balanced.
Viscous Smooth
Mouthfeel.
Rich
Body.
Moderate
Tannin.
Long
Finish.
|
|
|
| COMMENTS: |
Tasted in a magnum with Bill Harlan at a restaurant in Napa. Rarely do I find california wine that can rival a great bordeaux in terms of complexity, elegance and length. The wine seems to bring together the best of both world. Unfortunately, it is still too young to determine what it can be when it is fully matured. I wished I can afford one.
|
|
| SCORE: 98
+
|
| BY: rchan
|
| DRINK:
In 5-10 years |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1989 E. Guigal
-
La Mouline
(France / Rhone / Northern Rhone / Cote-Rotie)
|
RATED: 03/03/2005 |
|
|
|
| COMMENTS: |
Tasted at Au Tour Gascone in Paris. Massive and powerful. The wine has great power and complexity. Extraordinary in its structure but surprisingly well balance given all the elements so jam packed in the bottle. After decenting for about an hour, the wine has turned into an almost burgundian aromatics. Layers and layers of flavor unfolding at every sip.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1982 Krug
- Clos du Mesnil
(France / Champagne)
|
RATED: 10/26/2004 |
|
|
|
| COMMENTS: |
Very ripe and thick. Superb concentration, it gripped on the palate with the intensity of a sautern, except that the fine bubble and the acidity balance the full-bodied champagne extraordinary well. Packed with both high tone and earthy elements. Very complex and fine.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1985 Domaine Ruinart
- Rose
(France / Champagne)
|
RATED: 10/26/2004 |
|
|
|
| COMMENTS: |
One of my best Rose experience. The nose reminded me of a great aged chambertin. It felt like you are drinking a mixture of chambertin and montrachet. Although the finish was not quite as long as expected, it is extremely complex and full-bodied.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1996 Denis Mortet
- Chambertin
(France / Burgundy / Cote de Nuits / Gevrey-Chambertin)
|
RATED: 08/16/2004 |
|
|
|
| COLOR: |
Tile Red.
|
| AROMA: |
Rose Petals. Truffles. Violets. Game. Plum. Raspberry. Red Fruits.
|
| FLAVOR: |
Truffles. Coffee. Fig. Raisin. Raspberry. Red Fruits. Mineral.
|
|
PROFILE: |
Crisp Acidity.
Complex. Balanced.
Astringent Smooth
Mouthfeel.
Rich
Body.
Moderate
Tannin.
Long
Finish.
|
|
|
| COMMENTS: |
Such purity of fruit! Dense but not a bit heavy with a great structure that showed potential for improvement. Acidity was quite high which is typical of this vintage giving it the ingredient for aging. It started to develop the typical well aged burgundy nose but it should continue to develop more complexity. It might start to go into that awkward stage of development and closed down for some time. I anticipate it to be fully developed by 2006 and on.
|
|
| SCORE: 97
+
|
| BY: rchan
|
| PRICE: $180 |
| DRINK:
In 3-5 years |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1982 Chateau Lafite Rothschild
(France / Bordeaux / Pauillac)
|
RATED: 03/03/2005 |
|
|
|
| COMMENTS: |
reconditioned at the Chateau in 1994. Very velvety and smooth and caressing like a velvet. Much thicker body then the typical lafite. Rose pedal like aromas with some earthy tones but restrain and classy. Complexity is not its strength but it is all about elegence. Very very well balance with a good finish.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1994 Chapoutier
-
Le Pavillon
(France / Rhone / Northern Rhone / Hermitage)
|
RATED: 10/02/2004 |
|
|
|
|
PROFILE: |
Complex. Balanced.
Viscous
Mouthfeel.
Rich
Body.
Moderate
Tannin.
Long
Finish.
|
|
|
| COMMENTS: |
It appears to posses a duel personality. The bouquet and aroma was like a constant switching back and forth with two different profile. One being like a light-hearted floral and elegant lady and the other
like a demure captain with pure nose of cassis and other black fruits intertwined with profound richness, great complexity, and full body.
Very interesting wine that keeps your curiosity going.
|
|
| SCORE: 96
+
|
| BY: rchan
|
| DRINK:
In 5-10 years |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1990 Jaboulet
-
La Chapelle
(France / Rhone / Northern Rhone / Hermitage)
|
RATED: 10/02/2004 |
|
|
|
|
PROFILE: |
Complex. Balanced.
Viscous
Mouthfeel.
Rich
Body.
Moderate
Tannin.
Long
Finish.
|
|
|
| COMMENTS: |
It reminded my of the glorious 1978. I am curious how the 1978 compare to the 1990 when they are at about the same age.
Definitley the 1990 is a great wine with pretty much everything you look for, complexity, balance and charm. It is still a bit young to assess the wine and I am not very good at it. I would love to be able to taste it again when it gains more mature complexity.
|
|
| SCORE: 96
+
|
| BY: rchan
|
| DRINK:
In 5-10 years |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1976 Diamond Creek
Cabernet Sauvignon
- Volcanic Hill
(USA / California / Napa / Diamond Mountain)
|
RATED: 12/10/2004 |
|
|
|
| COMMENTS: |
Diamond Creek VH vertical tasting. Will update with compiled notes from the group.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1997 Elyse
Cabernet Sauvignon
- Morisoli
(USA / California / Napa)
|
RATED: 12/10/2004 |
|
|
|
| COMMENTS: |
Elyse morisoli cab vertical tasting. Will update with compiled notes.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1985 Rayas
-
Reserve
(France / Rhone / Southern Rhone / Chateauneuf du Pape)
|
RATED: 05/24/2005 |
|
|
|
| COMMENTS: |
Combining power and grace, this well aged Chateau Rayas showed really well its potential with ample fruits and tertiary aroma of truffles, game and tobacco. Excellent round finish, this wine is at its peak I believe.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1985 Philipponnat
- Clos Des Goisses
(France / Champagne)
|
RATED: 09/13/2004 |
|
|
|
| COLOR: |
Straw Yellow.
|
| AROMA: |
Floral. Melon. Cream. Yeast. Lemon. Toast. Citrus. Apple. Mineral. Light Fruits.
|
| FLAVOR: |
Floral. Melon. Cream. Yeast. Lemon. Toast. Citrus. Apple. Mineral. Light Fruits.
|
|
PROFILE: |
Crisp Acidity.
Complex. Balanced.
Smooth
Mouthfeel.
Medium
Body.
Light
Tannin.
Medium
Finish.
|
|
|
| COMMENTS: |
Made from 100% Pinot Noir, this south facing Clos is one of the 3 Clos in champagne. This champagne tasted like a Chassagne Montrachet with very fine bubbles. Unlike other champagne, the Clos des Goisses has more weight and higher viscousity, yet it still maintain the elegance and subtlety of a great champagne. It was a great match with the salmon tartare we had.
|
|
| SCORE: 96
|
| BY: rchan
|
| DRINK:
Now |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1979 Jaboulet
-
La Chapelle
(France / Rhone / Northern Rhone / Hermitage)
|
RATED: 10/02/2003 |
|
|
|
| AROMA: |
Truffles. Earthy. Jam. Coffee. Fig. Raisin. Black Currant. Raspberry. Vanilla. Nutty. Dark Fruits.
|
| FLAVOR: |
Pepper. Truffles. Jam. Coffee. Prune. Caramel. Toffee. Black Currant. Chocolate. Raspberry. Tobacco. Oak. Nutty. Dark Fruits.
|
|
PROFILE: |
Complex. Balanced.
Medium
Body.
Moderate
Tannin.
Long
Finish.
|
|
|
| COMMENTS: |
I drank it at its prime last year. Had it with laughing stock pork at Chez Panisse. Both the food and the wine complement each other very well. The wine could only warrant a lesser score should it be drunk alone. Well, but that is the only bottle I had.
|
|
| SCORE: 96
|
| BY: rchan
|
| DRINK:
Now |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1982 Chateau Mouton Rothschild
(France / Bordeaux / Pauillac)
|
RATED: 10/02/2004 |
|
|
|
| COMMENTS: |
First tasting 1994
Last tasting 2004
This wine has never failed to impress. So profound, so sophisticated, it has a classical Bordeaux ideal structure wrapped around with many layers of anticipated flavors. While it might not be exotic or flamboyant, it is a benchmark of what a great Pauillac would be.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1989 Krug
- Clos du Mesnil
(France / Champagne)
|
RATED: 10/26/2004 |
|
|
|
| COMMENTS: |
Truffle and montrachet like nose with extremely fine and volumnous bubbles. Complex but clean finish balanced by lively acidity, this Krug exhibits an elegant and charming personality.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1985 Krug
- Clos du Mesnil
(France / Champagne)
|
RATED: 10/26/2004 |
|
|
|
| COMMENTS: |
Great mature aromatics but appeared to be a bit tired as the bubbles were not quite as lively as the 1982. Not sure why...but it can be appreciated more like a very well balanced still wine. Either way, it is a very enjoyable wine, classic and elegant, especially it is a treat from a very generous friend.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1994 Chateau Latour
(France / Bordeaux / Pauillac)
|
RATED: 10/27/2004 |
|
|
|
| COMMENTS: |
I am a big fan of the 1994 bordeaux. They are good bargain and the quality is definitely understated by the press (which is a good thing for our consumer.) This classic Latour exhibits an intense textbook nose of pauillac with cassis, pain grille and ceder scents that build in the glass. It is a multi-layered and high power Latour having a precise structure and fleshy glycerin that is drinking very well now. It will certainly improved with age.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1989 Chateau Leoville Las Cases
(France / Bordeaux / St-Julien)
|
RATED: 12/10/2004 |
|
|
|
| COLOR: |
Brick Red.
|
| AROMA: |
Dark Fruits. Nutty. Mineral. Violets. Earthy. Truffles. Rose Petals.
|
| FLAVOR: |
Dark Fruits. Nutty. Mineral. Violets. Earthy. Truffles. Rose Petals.
|
|
PROFILE: |
Balanced. Complex.
Smooth
Mouthfeel.
Medium
Body.
Light
Tannin.
Long
Finish.
|
|
|
| COMMENTS: |
Beautiful brick red color with no apparent clearing towards the rim. An amazing un-restrained nose of multi layers of sweet black fruit with delicate perfumed aromas of forest fruit and earthy elements. Very concentrated and focus yet never losing its elegance. The wine is well balanced by good acidity and silky tannins add structure to this piece of beauty. With 15 years of aging shreding all possible hard corners, this bordeaux is totally delicious and a great pleasure to drink now.
|
|
| SCORE: 96
|
| BY: rchan
|
| DRINK:
Now |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1990 Krug
(France / Champagne)
|
RATED: 10/26/2004 |
|
|
|
|
PROFILE: |
Crisp Acidity.
Complex.
Lean
Body.
Medium
Finish.
|
|
|
| COMMENTS: |
Very young and closed at the moment. Great structure and balance.
Tasted at 1990 Krug Launch party.
|
|
| SCORE: 95
+
|
| BY: rchan
|
| DRINK:
In 5-10 years |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
