Category Archives: Tasting Notes

Penfolds Reserve BIN 00A Chardonnay 2000

Grape 100% Chardonnay Ratings James Halliday 96 Jeremy Oliver 94 Tasting Notes Each Vintage, select parcels of Chardonnay are set aside by Penfolds’ winemaker for special handling. These wines form the collection of Penfolds Reserve Bin white wine release, headed by this, the Reserve Bin Chardonnay, which is only released in exceptional years (previously 1994,… Read More »

Pelissero “Vanotu” Barbaresco DOCG 2005

DOCG – Barbaresco Grape: 100% Nebbiolo Rating & Awards Robert Parker 93 92 points by WINE ENTHUSIAST Tasting Notes: The 2005 Barbaresco Vanotu is the biggest and ripest of this trio of Barbarescos. An expansive, generous wine, it possesses remarkable density and richness in its dark fruit, mint and sweet toasted oak. The wine continues to… Read More »

Arlewood Margaret River “La Bratta” 2007

Grape 60% Merlot20% Cabernet Sauvignon20% Malbec Ratings Robert Parker 92James Halliday 92Tasting Notes Inspired by the village of La Bratta in Northern Italy where my mother was born, and where my grandfather was a winemaker, the 2007 La Bratta is a blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec from the great 2007 vintage in Margaret… Read More »

Pelissero “Le Nature” Freisa Langhe DOC 2008

DOC – LangheGrape 100% Freisa *local red grape from Piemonte *semi-sparkling red wine*Pelissero is a family-run estate located in Treiso, in the heart of Barbaresco.The first bottles of wine dated back to 1960 and were produced by Luigi Pelissero, whose work was followed by his son Giorgio after finishing his studies in Oenology.

Chateau Margaux 1999

Ratings By Robert Parker 94 Tasting Notes The sexy, dark plum/purple-colored 1999 Margaux is already revealing complex aromatics. This surprisingly charming and round offering is reminiscent of a vintage such as 1985. Although neither a blockbuster nor a heavyweight, it grows in the mouth revealing tremendous length as well as purity. Administrator Paul Pontallier prefers… Read More »

Chateau Gruaud-Larose 2007

Ratings By Robert Parker 86 Tasting Notes Herbaceous, meaty, sweaty saddle leather notes along with plum and black currant fruit are present in this mid-weight St.-Julien. There are also some raspy tannins in the finish. Drink it earlier rather than later because of the potential for it to dry out.(Wine Advocate # 188 Apr 2010)… Read More »

Chateau Montrose 2001

Ratings By Robert Parker 91 Tasting Notes Sweet notes of earth, compost, and thick, juicy black currant as well as cherry characteristics jump from the glass of this dense purple-colored 2001. Medium-bodied and rich, with moderately high tannin as well as surprising power and density, it is the most backward St.-Estephe of the vintage. A… Read More »

Chateau Rauzan-Gassies 1995

Ratings By Robert Parker (85-87) Tasting Notes After years of mostly mediocre performances, this property has begun to show signs of life with a very good 1995. The dark purple-colored 1995 is one of the finest wines made at Rauzan-Gassies in decades. It exhibits plenty of pure, ripe, blackcurrant fruit, and high quality toasty oak.… Read More »

Chateau Langoa-Barton 2003

Ratings By Robert Parker 90 Tasting Notes This is often looked at as the second wine of Leoville Barton, but it is actually a separate estate, producing wines that are slightly softer than the more formidably endowed and broodingly backward Leoville Bartons. The outstanding 2003, a softer version of the Leoville Barton, exhibits a deep… Read More »

Chateau Palmer 1997

Ratings By Robert Parker 87 Tasting Notes A seductive style of Palmer, the 1997 will have many admirers (assuming they can afford it). It boasts a dark ruby/plum/purple color in addition to a seductive bouquet of sweet berry fruit, and an elegant, medium-bodied, fruit-driven, easy-going, fleshy personality. While there is little weight and density, the… Read More »