Old Rioja charity dinner (AL & MD) 21/09/2018 (TNB)
As one might expect, one or two bottles had not survived well. No note for a Vina Albina 1942 that unfortunately I thought was just too far gone.- Champagne blancs-de-blancs 2011 (A. Margaine)
Quite weighty and vinous in style. Excellent fizz - may even improve with a little longer in bottle. Not a grower I knew before.
- Chassagne Montrachet 1er cru Les Chaumes 2015 (Caroline Morey)
In the suave, soft, rounded (all in a good way) style of Chassagne. Lovely.
- Corton Charlemagne 2011 (Pierre Yves Colin-Morey)
Great depth and complexity, very fine and long.
- Rioja Vina Albina Reserva 1956
Completely fresh, delicate, lacy old wine. A tremendous pleasure.
- Rioja Monte Real Reserva 1950
A little too maderised for my taste: others enjoyed it more.
- Rioja Berberana Gran Reserva 1950
This has that slighly "germolene" nose so common in old Rioja. Very enjoyable if a little less fine than the best wines at this dinner.
- Rioja Imperial Gran Reserva 1955 (Cune)
Another lovely, fresh old wine in tip-top condition. Good length and complexity.
- Rioja Imperial Gran Reserva 1946 (Cune)
This one a way down the maderisation route, but still alive and pleasantly drinkable.
- Rioja Vina Real Reserva Especial 1951 (Cune)
This is supposed to be the "Burgundy" to the Imperial's "Claret". This bottle showing its age a bit but still a lovely rounded fruit quality. Just about
- Rioja Vina Real Reserva Especial 1949 (Cune)
The real thing: in brilliant condition, great elegance and length. almost more!
- Chateau Suduiraut 1983
Beautiful gold with a green rim. Quite gentle mature Sauternes.
- Chateau Suduiraut 1988
Similar as you might expect, but this is livelier with better fruit. Delicious.
- Fonseca 1963
Great, as one might hope. A touch of chocolate round a core of fantastically appealing fruit.
Tasting notes added to Fine Wine Diary 30/09/2018 Return to top
Misc 09/09/2018 (TNB)
- Chateau Montrose 1978
A bit edgy at 40 years old from a very mixed vintage. This just oozes class though: classic Claret. No point in keeping. Bare
- St Aubin 1er cru Sous Roche Dumay 2013 (Bernard Moreau)
Very stylish, mineral, Chablis-like in some ways. Delicious. I guess St Aubin is the current refuge from price hikes in the classic villages. Bare
- Condrieu Les Eguets Recoltes Tardive 1993 (Cuilleron)
Probably best drunk a while ago, but it hid away in the cellar, out of sight. It's aged quite nicely,lost a bit of sweetness (I guess) and makes a pleasant drink. From a half. At least
- Wehlener Sonnenuhr Auslese 2002 (J-J Prum)
Still has the characteristic CO2 prickle, but in other ways this is quite evolved given the maker. Is it the vintage or an odd bottle. That said, it is still a tremendous, classic Mosel. Top
Tasting notes added to Fine Wine Diary 09/09/2018 Return to top