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Displaying [1-25] of 1000
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1990 Chateau Lafite Rothschild
(France / Bordeaux / Pauillac)
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RATED: 12/15/1993 |
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| COMMENTS: |
Deep ruby color, scented with spice, mint, and berry. Concentrated heavily, complex, and ripe. A fruit bomb with huge cassis/currant flavors. A classic Lafite.
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1994 Lyeth
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Meritage - Reserve
(USA / California / Sonoma)
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RATED: 05/29/1998 |
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| COLOR: |
Purple.
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| AROMA: |
Dark Fruits. Licorice. Blackberry.
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| FLAVOR: |
Dark Fruits. Licorice. Blackberry.
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PROFILE: |
Crisp Acidity.
Balanced.
Voluminous
Body.
Light Moderate
Tannin.
Medium
Finish.
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| COMMENTS: |
A wonderfully complex wine for the price. Aromas and flavors of dark fruit, blackberry and licorice. Not much of a tannin structure at this point, so I don't suspect this will age any longer. Drink now.
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| SCORE: 89
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| BY: iheidt
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| PRICE: $25 |
| DRINK:
Now |
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1997 St Francis
Zinfandel
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Old Vines
(USA / California / Sonoma)
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RATED: 09/21/1998 |
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| COMMENTS: |
This is one of the best wines I have ever tasted. As expected, it is extremely concentrated and blew my doors off, but it has extraordinary integrity - the best I have ever tasted for a Zin. Some of the more recent vintages have been good - but this was the best. I hear 2002 is supposed to be close.
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| SCORE: 95
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| BY: dbw001
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| PRICE: $18 |
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1991 Robert Mondavi
Cabernet Sauvignon
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Reserve
(USA / California / Napa)
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RATED: 03/29/1999 |
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| COLOR: |
Brown Red.
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| AROMA: |
Plum. Black Currant. Mint.
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| FLAVOR: |
Chocolate. Black Currant. Bell Pepper.
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PROFILE: |
Crisp Acidity.
Balanced. Complex.
Rich Voluminous
Body.
Moderate
Tannin.
Long
Finish.
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| COMMENTS: |
A dense cabernet that is beginning to loosen with age. The wine displays rich aromas of mint, cassis and plum. In the mouth the wine develops beautifully, fully revealing layered chocolate, cassis and bell pepper. The tannins are now well integrated, providing a perfect balance to this wine from a stellar Napa vintage.
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| SCORE: 94
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| BY: iheidt
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| PRICE: $105 |
| DRINK:
Now |
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1955 Chateau Lafite Rothschild
(France / Bordeaux / Pauillac)
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RATED: 03/30/1999 |
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| COLOR: |
Brick Red.
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| AROMA: |
Tobacco. Plum. Blackberry. Mango.
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| FLAVOR: |
Blackberry. Earthy.
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PROFILE: |
Balanced.
Effervescent
Mouthfeel.
Full Bodied
Body.
Moderate
Tannin.
Long
Finish.
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| COMMENTS: |
50 years in a proper cellar is ideal for most Lafites. This bottle aged and developed a surprising complexity. The wine is centered on a trifected of blackburry, tobbacco, and minerals.
Score Breakdown: Base score: 50 Appearance/Color: 5/5 Aroma/Bouquet: 14/15 Taste/Finish: 19/20 Overall Quality/Longevity: 10/10
Total = 98/100
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1978 Jaboulet
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La Chapelle
(France / Rhone / Northern Rhone / Hermitage)
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RATED: 08/02/1999 |
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PROFILE: |
Complex. Balanced.
Medium
Body.
Moderate
Tannin.
Long
Finish.
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| 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.
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| SCORE: 99
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| BY: rchan
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| DRINK:
Now |
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1968 Beaulieu Vineyard (BV)
Cabernet Sauvignon
- Georges de Latour
(USA / California / Napa)
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RATED: 07/13/2000 |
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| AROMA: |
Savory. Nutty. Woody. Dark Fruits.
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| FLAVOR: |
Savory. Nutty. Woody. Dark Fruits.
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PROFILE: |
Complex. Balanced.
Smooth
Mouthfeel.
Medium
Body.
Light
Tannin.
Medium
Finish.
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| COMMENTS: |
Surprisingly youthful. While the color shows its age, the nose still burst with lots of fruity flavors given its age. Rich and complex taking on full tertiary aroma developed over the years. At one point, this wine tasted like a great Latour or Pichon Lalande. Just like any other older wine, this wine is quite fragile and the window of tasting lasted only an hour after it opened. After that, the wine starts to break down and the fruit gone. It has definately seen better days and I wished I had the opportunity to taste this wine when it was at its prime.
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| SCORE: 93
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| BY: rchan
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| DRINK:
Now |
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1994 Jaboulet
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La Chapelle
(France / Rhone / Northern Rhone / Hermitage)
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RATED: 10/02/2000 |
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PROFILE: |
Complex. Balanced.
Medium
Body.
Moderate
Tannin.
Medium
Finish.
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| COMMENTS: |
It was very charming and drinkable last tasted in 2000. Wonder how it has evolved.
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| SCORE: 93
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| BY: rchan
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| DRINK:
In 3-5 years |
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1993 Chateau Latour
(France / Bordeaux / Pauillac)
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RATED: 10/27/2000 |
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| COMMENTS: |
Sweet and rich, this big Latour exhibit a bit of harshing that is typical of the vintage. Mid palate is quite dense and smooth. A bit young and grapy but the grip is nice and firm.
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1987 Domaine de la Romanee-Conti
- La Tache
(France / Burgundy / Cote de Nuits / Vosne-Romanee)
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RATED: 06/07/2001 |
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| AROMA: |
Rose Petals. Truffles. Game. Floral. Leather. Blackberry. Strawberry. Red Fruits. Dark Fruits.
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| FLAVOR: |
Barnyard. Truffles. Game. Bacon. Toffee. Blackberry. Tobacco. Strawberry. Toast. Hazelnut. Oak. Almonds. Vanilla. Red Fruits. Mineral. Dark Fruits.
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PROFILE: |
Complex. Balanced.
Smooth
Mouthfeel.
Medium
Body.
Light
Tannin.
Long
Finish.
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| 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"
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1996 Aldo Conterno
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Bussia Soprana
(Italy / Northwest / Piedmont / Barolo)
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RATED: 08/01/2001 |
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| COMMENTS: |
Garnet with black-brown core. Ascending wood nose. Medium body, bit austere, well balanced, some acidity here but not dominating. Nice finish. Excellent summer wine.
Score: 50 + 4 for optic + 13 for bouquet + 17 for taste + 8 for overall = total score of 92.
Tasting Piedmont 1996 20010817. Single blind. Decanted shortly before drinking. Riedel Syrah glass.
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1996 Altare
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Arborina
(Italy / Northwest / Piedmont / Barolo)
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RATED: 08/01/2001 |
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| COMMENTS: |
Clear ruby with black core. Ascending alcohol and hidden fruit in the nose. Plump body, massive tannins, hidden fruit. Mighty tannins in the finish.
Score: 50 + 5 for optic + 13 for bouquet + 18 for taste + 8 for overall = total score of 94.
Tasting Piedmont 1996 20010817. Single blind. Decanted shortly before drinking. Riedel Syrah glass.
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1996 Bartolo Mascarello
(Italy / Northwest / Piedmont / Barolo)
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RATED: 08/01/2001 |
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| COMMENTS: |
Garnet with black-brown note. Tar and liquorice in the nose. Medium body, slightly tartish. Finish tartish.
Score: 50 + 4 for optic + 12 for bouquet + 16 for taste + 6 for overall = total score of 88.
Tasting Piedmont 1996 20010817. Single blind. Decanted shortly before drinking. Riedel Syrah glass.
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1996 Gaja
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Sori Tildin
(Italy / Northwest / Piedmont / Barbaresco)
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RATED: 08/01/2001 |
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| COMMENTS: |
Dark garnet, black-brown note. Nose first bit soapy (coriander), develops over time to gingerbread. Medium body, some liquorice. Soapy finish.
Score: 50 + 4 for optic + 11(13) for bouquet + 16 for taste + 5(6) for overall = total score of 86(89).
Tasting Piedmont 1996 20010817. Single blind. Decanted shortly before drinking. Riedel Syrah glass.
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1991 Gravner
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Rosso
(Italy / Northeast / Veneto and Friuli Venezia / Grave del Fruili)
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RATED: 10/01/2001 |
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| COMMENTS: |
Brilliant garnet, adequate tears. Caramelized fruity nose, bit sweet. In taste a bit austere without remarkable features. Some oak in the finish. In total: Gravner's Rosso is not overwhelming compared to his white wines.
Score: 50 + 3 for optic + 13 for bouquet + 15 for taste + 5 for overall = total score of 86.
Not blind. Not decanted. Small ISO standard tasting glass.
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1994 Gravner
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Breg
(Italy / Northeast / Veneto and Friuli Venezia / Grave del Fruili)
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RATED: 12/01/2001 |
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| COMMENTS: |
Light gold, slightly dusty. Vanilla in the nose. For a white wine rather full bodied. Impressive wine.
Score: 50 + 4 for optic + 14 for bouquet + 18 for taste + 7 for overall = total score of 93.
Magnum. Not blind. Not decanted. Small ISO standard tasting glass.
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1991 Far Niente
Cabernet Sauvignon
(USA / California / Napa / Oakville)
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ALCOHOL: 13.5%
RATED: 12/08/2001 |
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| COMMENTS: |
A masterful wine that aged very well. The tannins had softened nicely, but the mouthful remained full bodied and well structured. I suspec this wine has peaked. If you are lucky enough to have a bottle, then please drink up!!
Score breakdown: Color: 5/5, Aroma: 13/15, Taste: 16/20, Quality: 9/10
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1997 Spring Mountain
Cabernet Sauvignon
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Reserve
(USA / California / Napa / Spring Mountain District)
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RATED: 02/27/2002 |
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| COLOR: |
Red Purple.
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| AROMA: |
Classic Cal Cab.
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PROFILE: |
Balanced.
Rich
Body.
Moderate
Tannin.
Long
Finish.
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| COMMENTS: |
A simple man's review: smooth and delicious to the end. A fine glass that makes you want to buy more. I think it should be a must-have bottle to provide perspective for all Cal Cabs. Would give as a gift to a future father-in-law.
Cheers!
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| SCORE: 95
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| BY: sbfireman
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| PRICE: $80 |
| DRINK:
Now |
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1998 Chapoutier
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Barbe Rac
(France / Rhone / Southern Rhone / Chateauneuf du Pape)
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RATED: 03/01/2002 |
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| COMMENTS: |
(single blind): Brilliant garnet, fat tears. Nose after spices and Cointreau, hint of Bazooka. In taste rather green, lots of tannins. Finish Cointreau again, alcoholic. Score: 50 + 3 for optic + 14 for bouquet + 16 for taste + 7 for overall = total score of 90.
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1998 Domaine Pegau
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Da Capo
(France / Rhone / Southern Rhone / Chateauneuf du Pape)
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RATED: 03/01/2002 |
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| COMMENTS: |
Ruby, brilliant, medium tears. Immediately after pouring red berries in the nose, changing to dark fruit over time. Medium body, bit thin in the middle, heavy tannins. Tannins dominate the finish. Looks for me like an austere Barolo. Is improving in the glass over time.
Score: 50 + 3 for optic + 12+ for bouquet + 16+ for taste + 8 for overall = total score of 89+.
Southern Rhone tasting 20020315. Single blind. Not decanted. Riedel Syrah glass. Random sequence out of ten wines.
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1998 Domaine de la Mordoree
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La Reine des Bois
(France / Rhone / Southern Rhone / Chateauneuf du Pape)
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RATED: 03/01/2002 |
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| COMMENTS: |
Brilliant purple, translucent, tints slightly the glass. Very beautiful nose with dark berries. Full body, very well balanced, velvety tannins. Very long finish. Classic CdP of a great vintage.
Score: 50 + 5 for optic + 14 for bouquet + 18 for taste + 9 for overall = total score of 96.
Southern Rhone tasting 20020315. Single blind. Not decanted. Riedel Syrah glass. Random sequence out of ten wines.
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1990 Les Cailloux
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Cuvee Centenaire
(France / Rhone / Southern Rhone / Chateauneuf du Pape)
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RATED: 03/01/2002 |
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| COMMENTS: |
Brilliant ruby, fat tears. Decent nose with a touch of citrus fruits. Plump body, in taste nearly round. Beautiful and long finish, silky mouthfeeling.
Score: 50 + 4 for optic + 14 for bouquet + 18 for taste + 8 for overall = total score of 94.
Southern Rhone tasting 20020315. Single blind. Not decanted. Riedel Syrah glass. Random sequence out of ten wines.
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1998 Domaine Santa Duc
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Prestige des Hautes Garrigues
(France / Rhone / Southern Rhone / Gigondas)
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RATED: 03/01/2002 |
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| COMMENTS: |
Dark garnet, bright, dense tears. Very alcoholic nose, vanilla. Plump body, bit sweet, cinnamon? Sweet aftertaste. Outstanding wine - yes, but not to my taste.
Score: 50 + 3 for optic + 13 for bouquet + 18 for taste + 8 for overall = total score of 92.
Southern Rhone tasting 20020315. Single blind. Not decanted. Riedel Syrah glass. Random sequence out of ten wines.
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1998 Chateau La Nerthe
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Cuvee Cadettes
(France / Rhone / Southern Rhone / Chateauneuf du Pape)
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RATED: 03/01/2002 |
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| COMMENTS: |
Brilliant ruby, fat tears. Mocca and Kirsch in the nose. Plump glossy body, touch of Kirsch liquor. Long slightly sweet finish, tannins in the end.
Score: 50 + 4 for optic + 13 for bouquet + 18 for taste + 8 for overall = total score of 93.
Southern Rhone tasting 20020315. Single blind. Not decanted. Riedel Syrah glass. Random sequence out of ten wines.
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1998 Rayas
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Reservee
(France / Rhone / Southern Rhone / Chateauneuf du Pape)
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RATED: 03/01/2002 |
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| COMMENTS: |
Brilliant garnet, very dense tears. Nose after Kirsch liquor. Plump body, well balanced, Kirsch liquor again. Long finish, tannins in the end. Textbook Rayas.
Score: 50 + 4 for optic + 14 for bouquet + 18 for taste + 8 for overall = total score of 94.
Southern Rhone tasting 20020315. Single blind. Not decanted. Riedel Syrah glass. Random sequence out of ten wines.
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Displaying [1-25] of 1000
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