03 Saturday Dec 2011
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Not one to take price as the arbiter, but when they use corks that are not solid, but made from the scraps of other corks- it’s a dead giveaway. Very basic Medoc, some decent fruit, a little nose, no tannins to speak of and a very watery taste. Even for the price, this one is a pass- not to waste the time or effort on. I can’t say I’m disappointed, I had no expectations, and no surprises. 1 star and an 80 point for this bad excuse for wine-making.
30 Wednesday Nov 2011
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Two bottles of fizz, chopped at the neck and poured. What a neat party trick , and easy to do. I use a big, heavy carving knife- the blunt side. The Champagne bottle has a seam running its length. Simply line the seam facing the sky, and run the back side of the saber along it- poof. The top will come off clean!
29 Tuesday Nov 2011
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To cap off Thanksgiving dinner, I dove deep into the cellar and came up with this absolute beauty. Rated a lowly 84 by a group of amateurs, I disagree- 4 stars and 90 points are more realistic. 2005 was an incredible year in Bordeaux, the appellation of Sauternes was no exception. Made predominantly from the Semillon grape that has been inflicted with Botrytis Cinerea, otherwise known as Noble Rot, the grapes get concentrated and the resulting wine is sweet, unctuous, and mouth-watering. I noticed definite Pineapple flavor, plus the more traditional apricot meets honey tones. The wine was golden in color, and appeared almost syrupy in the glass. Also known as “Stickies”, these wines are great with dessert but surprisingly, are the sommelier’s choice to pair with Foie Gras. Normally bottled in 375 ml, this particular one was the full blown 750, necessitating a party to warrant opening it. I can’t say how much I love sweet whites, and continually try to get my friends to give them a chance- most come around. I think and hope that I have at least one more left in the tomb for another glorious feast.
29 Tuesday Nov 2011
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The third wine for our feast was the one we actually drank with the Turkey. I previously reviewed this wine during the summer, read here for my opinion. This bottle was no different except we drank it after two big Bordeaux wines. Nonetheless, it held it’s own and was perfect with the bird. Yet again 92 points and 5 Stars!
29 Tuesday Nov 2011
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The second bottle of Thanksgiving 2011, this one continues to bring it. I bought 2 cases many years ago and have been opening them on a regular basis. Whilst not a blockbuster, it offers decent fruit, a good nose and the tannins are subdued, yet holding on. For a “Third Growth” one would expect more, but let’s not forget that the 1855 classification of Bordeaux is so totally outdated that it doesn’t mean much anymore. The average pro rating of 86 seems a little low, but I’m not complaining- giving it 3 stars for it’s taste, balance and enjoyment. Would I pay the current price? Not a chance, good thing I got it cheap in 2003.
25 Friday Nov 2011
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Opening the Thanksgiving party with a bang! I bought a case of this jewel in Paris many years ago and crack one on special occasions. I have noticed a steady maturity in this wine and the secondary business is happening. Slightly less powerful than I wanted, perhaps age has mellowed it out. The nose was as expected, with great dark fruit still prominent. On the palate, very balanced with tame tannins still holding it together but not obtrusive. The length was decent, not great. The powerhouse I had hoped for was not forthcoming, so a bit bummed about that, but still pleased overall. I just love Lynch Bages and always look forward to opening a bottle. I would give it 5 stars and would think it merits a 92 point pro rating. I imagine my remaining bottles will last until 2016 at least.
22 Tuesday Nov 2011
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Yet another good reason to cellar a wine. This 2001 Reserva is hitting the high notes. Always a Tempranillo fan, this one has the rich fruit, length and tannins that take me for a great ride. Not very complex, it is medium weight and still showing primary fruit, even at 10 years of age. Hopefully it will take on a second life and add some interesting depth and secondary flavors. Whatever direction it takes, it sure is smooth- worthy of seeking out. 5 stars and perhaps a 90 point rating?
Besides, what an awesome label!
21 Monday Nov 2011
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The label shows off some of the medals this wine has been awarded- well done and well deserved. I really enjoy this wine every time I get the chance to taste it. My uncle brought this one directly from his cousin, the winemaker. So, it’s kinda in the family.
A really well made wine, balanced with the right pieces in the right amount. Tannic yet approachable, with years ahead. Fruity, the kind that I like, and a long after taste. My immediate thoughts were ‘Bordeaux-like”, delicious, need some grilled meat tout suite and wowsa. This is not a $15 wine, but won’t break the bank if you can find it. In my opinion, very good QPR when you realize what you are getting. A 5 point wine in my books, and possibly a 91 rating from a pro….
20 Sunday Nov 2011
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Made from the Aglianico grape from the Vulture region, this has to be one of my favorite wines. If you have never heard of or tasted Aglianico, you must. Very tannic in youth with high acidity it has the backbone and stuffing to reward cellaring patience. This particular wine is from the 2001 vintage and is hitting it’s stride nicely. I have tasted it on several occasions in the past two years and it just keeps getting better. Black in color, full of fruit and smooth tannins- you’re gonna love it. If tasted blind, you would swear it is Italian, no doubt, but unlike the slightly more fruity Barolos, this one has something special. I would serve this with Lamb, or Pot Roast, something slightly more fatty as the Tannins really help meld the flavors. A definite 5 star plus wine that should be rated by the pro’s. If I were one, this would be a 93+ and a bargain at that- very high QPR (Quality Price Ratio). PS. I drank it after dinner, and did so because I wanted to taste the wine fully, without detracting with food. MMMMM, MMMMMM, GOOD!
19 Saturday Nov 2011
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Very decent bottle from the Cotes De Castillon region in Bordeaux. Well priced, it has some good fruit, nice tannins and a high QPR. I will definitely get this again. 4 Stars- probably an 86 rating, pleasing without the fuss and price-tag.
Yet another well made Bordeaux that doesn’t get caught up in jacking the price. Well done!
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