New Blogs
Posted on 01/06 23:07
Visit my new Blogs and websites :--
Photography at www.photoessence.com.au
Champagne Blog at www.champagne-de-vigneron.com/blog
Champagne Info at www.champagne-de-vigneron.com
Food related Blog at www.brunchalot.com
Photography at www.photoessence.com.au
Champagne Blog at www.champagne-de-vigneron.com/blog
Champagne Info at www.champagne-de-vigneron.com
Food related Blog at www.brunchalot.com
Wine Record No. 3, 6/March/2009
Posted on 06/03 10:03
Lunch at Ocha, 26/2/09.
Attending: David Andrew, Phill Meyer, Russell Collins, Ralph Gray, Paul Staindl, Sam Chafe.
1. NV Alfred Gratien Brut Champagne (PM): Light yellow, fine mousse. Fresh nose. Palate quite full, good weight and acidity, possibly a little short. Seemingly, could use a little time. Ranked 10th (51). High – 6th (PM); Low – 10th (RG);
2. NV Piper Heidseck Brut Champagne (SC): Light yellow. Fresh, young, ‘zingy’ nose. Palate with good fizz, a bit short but good aftertaste. Not bad, could use a little time, early drinking. Ranked 12th (67). Ranked 11th by all except DA who ranked it 12th;
3. 2007 Staindl Riesling (PS): Light yellow. Nose more Chardonnay than Riesling, despite Paul’s protestations. Palate young and austere, good acidity, needs time. If it develops like the ’04, we will have a top-quality facsimile of White Burgundy. Ranked 11th (56). High – 4th (RC); Low – 12th (PS, PM);
4. 2005 Dopff Riesling Grand Cru Schoenenbourg (RG): Pale yellow. Nose fine and citrusy. Palate rich with citrus flavours, very good aftertaste. Properly needs time, should mature well. Ranked 7th (41). High – 3rd (RC); Low – 9th (PM);
5. 1995 Hugel Riesling (PM): Some colour, medium-gold. Nose matured, showing a little maderisation. Palate rich and soft, good acidity and aftertaste, mature. Ranked 9th (46). High – 3rd (RG); Low – 12th (SC);
Attending: David Andrew, Phill Meyer, Russell Collins, Ralph Gray, Paul Staindl, Sam Chafe.
1. NV Alfred Gratien Brut Champagne (PM): Light yellow, fine mousse. Fresh nose. Palate quite full, good weight and acidity, possibly a little short. Seemingly, could use a little time. Ranked 10th (51). High – 6th (PM); Low – 10th (RG);
2. NV Piper Heidseck Brut Champagne (SC): Light yellow. Fresh, young, ‘zingy’ nose. Palate with good fizz, a bit short but good aftertaste. Not bad, could use a little time, early drinking. Ranked 12th (67). Ranked 11th by all except DA who ranked it 12th;
3. 2007 Staindl Riesling (PS): Light yellow. Nose more Chardonnay than Riesling, despite Paul’s protestations. Palate young and austere, good acidity, needs time. If it develops like the ’04, we will have a top-quality facsimile of White Burgundy. Ranked 11th (56). High – 4th (RC); Low – 12th (PS, PM);
4. 2005 Dopff Riesling Grand Cru Schoenenbourg (RG): Pale yellow. Nose fine and citrusy. Palate rich with citrus flavours, very good aftertaste. Properly needs time, should mature well. Ranked 7th (41). High – 3rd (RC); Low – 9th (PM);
5. 1995 Hugel Riesling (PM): Some colour, medium-gold. Nose matured, showing a little maderisation. Palate rich and soft, good acidity and aftertaste, mature. Ranked 9th (46). High – 3rd (RG); Low – 12th (SC);
Wine Record No. 2
Posted on 25/02 09:06
IAN ROBINSON
Fizz:
1999 Gosset – Yeasty, bready. Starting to show development but still good acid.
A bracket of 2004 Vincent Girardin Premier Cru whites from Puligny-Montrachet (with rankings):
2004 Puligny-Montrachet “Le Cailleret” – Fat, ripe, toasty, forward, “thick”. (5)
2004 Puligny-Montrachet “Les Folatières” – Similar to Cailleret, but touch more acid. (4)
2004 Puligny-Montrachet “Les Combettes” – Clean, flower petals on the nose, some minerality. (3)
2004 Puligny-Montrachet “Le Champ Gain” – Lightest colour of these. Palate a little dull with slight taint on the finish. (6)
2004 Puligny-Montrachet “Les Pucelles” – Light oak on the nose. Lovely nutty flavour with long clean finish. Excellent acid structure. (1)
2004 Puligny-Montrachet “Les Referts” _ Similar to the Pucelles, but a touch richer and less structure. (2)
Other whites:
2005 Chevalier-Montrachet (Philippe Colin) – Big, old-fashioned, almost rustic. Quite alcoholic.
2006 Puligny-Montrachet “Les Perrières” (Etienne Sauzet) – Beautiful wine. White flowers on the nose, fine mouth-filling flavours of pear and melon, very long finish.
2006 Bienvenues-Batard-Montrachet (Louis Carillon) – Rounder peach flavours compared to the Perrieres, but also very fine, very long.
Fizz:
1999 Gosset – Yeasty, bready. Starting to show development but still good acid.
A bracket of 2004 Vincent Girardin Premier Cru whites from Puligny-Montrachet (with rankings):
2004 Puligny-Montrachet “Le Cailleret” – Fat, ripe, toasty, forward, “thick”. (5)
2004 Puligny-Montrachet “Les Folatières” – Similar to Cailleret, but touch more acid. (4)
2004 Puligny-Montrachet “Les Combettes” – Clean, flower petals on the nose, some minerality. (3)
2004 Puligny-Montrachet “Le Champ Gain” – Lightest colour of these. Palate a little dull with slight taint on the finish. (6)
2004 Puligny-Montrachet “Les Pucelles” – Light oak on the nose. Lovely nutty flavour with long clean finish. Excellent acid structure. (1)
2004 Puligny-Montrachet “Les Referts” _ Similar to the Pucelles, but a touch richer and less structure. (2)
Other whites:
2005 Chevalier-Montrachet (Philippe Colin) – Big, old-fashioned, almost rustic. Quite alcoholic.
2006 Puligny-Montrachet “Les Perrières” (Etienne Sauzet) – Beautiful wine. White flowers on the nose, fine mouth-filling flavours of pear and melon, very long finish.
2006 Bienvenues-Batard-Montrachet (Louis Carillon) – Rounder peach flavours compared to the Perrieres, but also very fine, very long.
Wine Record No. 1
Posted on 18/02 09:18
From Ian Robinson.
The following wines were consumed over a lunch for 11 people, including Frederic Mugnier.
NV Billecart Blanc de Blancs – Fresh, lightly floral, tangy. Good aperitif wine to precede a meal.
2002 Meursault “En la Barre” (Francois Jobard)
2004 Meursault “En la Barre” (Francois Jobard)
2006 Meursault “En la Barre” (Francois Jobard)
I found all of these quite ripe, full-flavoured wines, not necessarily for long keeping. Having said that, the ‘02 had the most acid and the longest finish. This is Jobard's Villages wine. The '96 which I have is just coming around - SC.
2004 Nuits-St-Georges “Clos de la Marechale” (J-F Mugnier)
2005 Nuits-St-Georges “Clos de la Marechale” (J-F Mugnier)
2006 Nuits-St-Georges “Clos de la Marechale” (J-F Mugnier)
A mixed bag. The ’04 was a bit vegetal, the ’05 big and round, the ’06 quite clean but lacking power.
2001 Musigny (J-F Mugnier)
2002 Musigny (J-F Mugnier)
2003 Musigny (J-F Mugnier)
2004 Musigny (J-F Mugnier)
2005 Musigny (J-F Mugnier)
2006 Musigny (J-F Mugnier)
The following wines were consumed over a lunch for 11 people, including Frederic Mugnier.
NV Billecart Blanc de Blancs – Fresh, lightly floral, tangy. Good aperitif wine to precede a meal.
2002 Meursault “En la Barre” (Francois Jobard)
2004 Meursault “En la Barre” (Francois Jobard)
2006 Meursault “En la Barre” (Francois Jobard)
I found all of these quite ripe, full-flavoured wines, not necessarily for long keeping. Having said that, the ‘02 had the most acid and the longest finish. This is Jobard's Villages wine. The '96 which I have is just coming around - SC.
2004 Nuits-St-Georges “Clos de la Marechale” (J-F Mugnier)
2005 Nuits-St-Georges “Clos de la Marechale” (J-F Mugnier)
2006 Nuits-St-Georges “Clos de la Marechale” (J-F Mugnier)
A mixed bag. The ’04 was a bit vegetal, the ’05 big and round, the ’06 quite clean but lacking power.
2001 Musigny (J-F Mugnier)
2002 Musigny (J-F Mugnier)
2003 Musigny (J-F Mugnier)
2004 Musigny (J-F Mugnier)
2005 Musigny (J-F Mugnier)
2006 Musigny (J-F Mugnier)
Saignee Rose tasting at Champagne Laherte.
Posted on 29/03 16:10
Thursday March 6th at Laherte Gite in Chavot.
1. Jacquesson Extra Brut 2002 Terres Rouge.
Good cherry pink color, smoke and spice aromas leading onto a similar palate with just a hint of tannins. Very balanced and great with food.
2. Laherte Les Beaudiers 2004 Pinot Meunier.
Lovely spice and finesse here. Oak is gentle but obvious. Rich and luxurious - quite a standout wine.
3.Vouette et Sorbee.
Smoke and weight in a more richer over ripe style. Has some hardness and tannins and definitely needs food. Interesting but a little too ripe for me.
1. Jacquesson Extra Brut 2002 Terres Rouge.
Good cherry pink color, smoke and spice aromas leading onto a similar palate with just a hint of tannins. Very balanced and great with food.
2. Laherte Les Beaudiers 2004 Pinot Meunier.
Lovely spice and finesse here. Oak is gentle but obvious. Rich and luxurious - quite a standout wine.
3.Vouette et Sorbee.
Smoke and weight in a more richer over ripe style. Has some hardness and tannins and definitely needs food. Interesting but a little too ripe for me.
Champagne Dinner - The Vine - Brisbane
Posted on 13/08 16:37
A great range of Champagnes with like minded Champagne aficionados. This gave many the opportunity to taste some new growers and some rare cuvees.
Jacques Lassaigne - Cuvee 'Le Cotet' Blanc de Blancs
Emmanuel Laissagne is an up and coming star of Montgueux - just near Troyes. Wonderfull minerality and finesse here. Very pale with a pin-point persistant mousse. Even though an Extra Brut - there is massive intensity and richness. Quite superb and a unanimous favourite. This particular cuvee is mainly all 2002.
David Leclapart Cuvee L'Amateur Blanc de Blancs
A very refined style. Quite aloof and restrained. Tiny mousse with a gentle foam. Lovely minerals with a hint of smoke and earth. Very classy but a few found this a little too elegant. Vineyards are all biodynamic. David used to work for Leclrec-Briant before venturing on his own.
Jacques Lassaigne - Cuvee 'Le Cotet' Blanc de Blancs
Emmanuel Laissagne is an up and coming star of Montgueux - just near Troyes. Wonderfull minerality and finesse here. Very pale with a pin-point persistant mousse. Even though an Extra Brut - there is massive intensity and richness. Quite superb and a unanimous favourite. This particular cuvee is mainly all 2002.
David Leclapart Cuvee L'Amateur Blanc de Blancs
A very refined style. Quite aloof and restrained. Tiny mousse with a gentle foam. Lovely minerals with a hint of smoke and earth. Very classy but a few found this a little too elegant. Vineyards are all biodynamic. David used to work for Leclrec-Briant before venturing on his own.
Clos des Lambrays - rare old vintages - 1918,1919,1937,1946,1966,1971
Posted on 03/03 14:30
The mouth cleanser was a rich and intense Champagne of amazing quality - Raymond Boulard Petraea 1997-2003. This is a solera from vintages 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002 and 2003. Subtle oak yet great finesse.
Next came two Puligny Montrachets from Clos des Lambrays. 2004 Caillerets and 2004 Folatieres. Both wines showed great acid and intensity - with the Caillerets just revealing a little more minerality and finesse. Both wines are classic old style Puligny Montrachet but alas they are only made in tiny quantities - a few barrels of each - so are impossible to procure in the general market place.
2004 and 2002 Red Burgundy
Posted on 07/01 14:22
In Adelaide at Tea Chow restaurant.
2002 Bourgogne Rouge Robert Arnoux.
Medium cherry red colour, delicate spicy smoky nose. Has some nice richness and earthiness. Elegant and cool. Maybe a little short and weak and this has probably seen better days. Good for what it is. 13/20
2002 Bourgogne Rouge Domaine D'Angerville.
Colour is a little lighter than the Arnoux but the nose reveals more perfume and red fruits. Good length and nice acid. A delicate Pinot Noir. Good. 14/20
2002 Bourgogne Rouge Robert Arnoux.
Medium cherry red colour, delicate spicy smoky nose. Has some nice richness and earthiness. Elegant and cool. Maybe a little short and weak and this has probably seen better days. Good for what it is. 13/20
2002 Bourgogne Rouge Domaine D'Angerville.
Colour is a little lighter than the Arnoux but the nose reveals more perfume and red fruits. Good length and nice acid. A delicate Pinot Noir. Good. 14/20
Mixed wines with friends
Posted on 19/12 08:14
BBQ at home with friends and restaurant.
Champagne Dehours - Cuvee Confidentielle
45% Pinot Meunier and 55% Chardonnay. This is made at a lower pressure - so is a cremant style. Nose has red fruits and earth overtones. Very subtle and elegant. Palate continues the nose. Has nice creaminess and richness with hints of brioche. Maybe a little bit too rich and over generous - appears to be a little heavy. Dosage is apparently 8g/litre - maybe too high for this style of cuvee. Fair to good.
Champagne Bruno Michelle Cuvee de la Terre
This is 100% Chardonnay full malo with some small barrique maturation.Lovely spice and citrus on the nose and palate. Mousse is ultra-fine and persistant. Palate is long and unctuous - penetrating acid. Great purity and finesse. Stunning.
45% Pinot Meunier and 55% Chardonnay. This is made at a lower pressure - so is a cremant style. Nose has red fruits and earth overtones. Very subtle and elegant. Palate continues the nose. Has nice creaminess and richness with hints of brioche. Maybe a little bit too rich and over generous - appears to be a little heavy. Dosage is apparently 8g/litre - maybe too high for this style of cuvee. Fair to good.
This is 100% Chardonnay full malo with some small barrique maturation.Lovely spice and citrus on the nose and palate. Mousse is ultra-fine and persistant. Palate is long and unctuous - penetrating acid. Great purity and finesse. Stunning.
2005 Clos Pierre Reserve Pinot, 2005 Chatto Pinot
Posted on 26/11 09:02
After reading so much hype about these Pinots, I thought maybe it was time to discover for myself.
2005 Clos Pierre Reserve Pinot Noir Yarra Valley.
Colour is pale cherry red. Nose is light with hints of barnyard characters. Palate is light but lacking any real intensity or weight. There is some earthy red fruit flavour on the mid palate but the finish is quite short. Lacks texture and richness and appears to be very light on any real varietal character. Pleasant but no more. I can see what the wine maker is trying to achieve but the overall effect is a little weak and light.
2005 Chatto Pinot Noir - Tasmania.
The colour is a dark red purple. The nose has heaps of violets and blackberries - very extracted indeed. The palate also is very hard and green on the finish. Very extracted in style - but it does not have the texture, elegance, weight and fruit intensity that I expect in a top Pinot. The level of extraction appears to obliterate any nuances or subtleties. Angular and awkward. Pleasant but no more.
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Colour is pale cherry red. Nose is light with hints of barnyard characters. Palate is light but lacking any real intensity or weight. There is some earthy red fruit flavour on the mid palate but the finish is quite short. Lacks texture and richness and appears to be very light on any real varietal character. Pleasant but no more. I can see what the wine maker is trying to achieve but the overall effect is a little weak and light.
2005 Chatto Pinot Noir - Tasmania.
The colour is a dark red purple. The nose has heaps of violets and blackberries - very extracted indeed. The palate also is very hard and green on the finish. Very extracted in style - but it does not have the texture, elegance, weight and fruit intensity that I expect in a top Pinot. The level of extraction appears to obliterate any nuances or subtleties. Angular and awkward. Pleasant but no more.
