88+ points
Saint-Julien, Bordeaux. 13%
I had this at a restaurant recently where I thought it a rather textbook left-bank classed growth. Quite dense and with currant flavours.
Now under less distracting conditions I notice the dry ultraripe tannic finish that reminds me of 2003. I’d expect more acid, more verve and more fruit in such a young Bordeaux.
Time will tell. But today this seems like a 2005 but with less fruit.
91 points
Margaux, Bordeaux. 12.5%
Quite a substantial wine for Rauzan-Segla with plenty of oak but dry neutral oak. Slight peanuty aromas plus savoury meaty almost character.
The palate is more closed, the tannin has subsided, the fruit has lost its freshness but this is still a young mature wine, if you get what I mean.
Reminds me somewhat of Ch Smith Haut-Lafite.
Will give considerable pleasure, through this is definitely not an hedonistic wine, from 2015-25.
85 points
Pauillac, Bordeaux. 13%
Quite a surprise, not entirely pleasant. Yes this is good wine, but not what I expected. I have a high opinion of this chateau after their stellar effort in 2002.
Now 2002 was good in particular areas of Bordeaux like Pauillac but still tending to be lean, the anti-thesis of say 2003. And I hoped that their 2006 would be closer to this lean classic model. But this wine has dry super-ripe tannins of 2003. The lack of water (until the end of the vintage) shows. There are some ultra-ripe towards dead grapes in this wine. Disappointing.
89+ points
Oporto, Portugal. 20%
Freshness combined with considerable depth of ripeness. Brambly and plummy. A lovely after dinner glass today, but has years ahead of it to develop secondary character.
88 points
Entre-Deux-Mers, Bordeaux. 12%
Surprisingly complex for its youth and price. 50% Sauvignon Blanc is balanced and complemented by Semillon and 10% Muscadelle. Doesn’t gush with fruitiness like a Kiwi Sauvignon.
From Andre Lurton. Screwcap.
86 points
Much praised by critics yet it really is a modern winemaker’s wine – sweet and sour – pruney ripe fruit held in check by acid and pristine winemaking.
89+ points
Vouvray, Loire, France. 12%
I’m not sure where I purchased this, I think it was for a modest price. I had no great expectations and on opening it seemed to be a mildly sweet, only mildly acidic wine without great concentration. Over the next two nights (under winesaver) it improved with the minerality becoming more pronounced. Lovely Chenin Blanc, sufficient acidity and just a perfect slight touch of residual sweetness. Good stuff, drink now and until 2014.
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