Category Archives: Tasting Notes

Pirie “South” Tasmania Chardonnay 2008

Grape 100% Chardonnay Rating & Awards The Penguin Good Australian Wine Guide 2009 91 Tasting Notes The colour of dry grass with green highlights, the nose is a delicate balance of hay, minerals, butter and stone-fruit. The palate initially appears soft and rounded, giving way to a surprisingly warm and generous finish. – by Offical… Read More »

Chateau Mouton-Rothschild 1999

AOC – PaulliacGrand Cru Classes – 1emeRatings Robert Parker 93Wine Spectator 91Tasting Notes The beautiful 1999 Mouton Rothschild may be a modern day clone of their 1962 or 1985. Its saturated ruby/purple color is followed by sumptuous aromas of cedar wood, creme de cassis, wood smoke, coffee, and dried herbs. The wine is forward, lush,… Read More »

Chateau Haut-Brion 1995

Ratings By Robert Parker 96 Tasting Notes It is fun to go back and forth between the 1995 and 1996, two superb vintages for Haut-Brion. The 1995 seems to have sweeter tannin and a bit more fat and seamlessness when compared to the more structured and muscular 1996. Certainly 1995 was a vintage that the… Read More »

Chateau Ducru-Beaucaillou 2003

Ratings By Robert Parker 96 Tasting Notes One of the most compelling Ducru Beaucaillou??s made in the last quarter century is the 2003 (which is also the first vintage to be packaged in an impressive heavy glass bottle with a special long cork). A blend of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Merlot, it is a… Read More »

Chateau Cos d’Estournel 1997

Ratings By Robert Parker (87) Tasting Notes Forty percent of the harvest made it into this flattering, delicious wine with abundant charm and herb-tinged, blackberry and cherry fruit. A dark ruby color is accompanied by a medium-bodied, appealing St.-Estephe. A blend of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon and 45% Merlot, it should drink well for 7-8 years.(Wine… Read More »

Chateau Lascombes 2005

Ratings By Robert Parker 95 Tasting Notes A gorgeous example of Lascombes, the 2005, a blend of 52% Cabernet Sauvignon, 45% Merlot, and the rest Petit Verdot, continues the remarkable turn-around in quality that began five years ago. A stunningly opulent wine with a dense purple color, the 2005 possesses a beautiful perfume of spring… Read More »

Chateau Rauzan-Segla 2004

Ratings By Robert Parker 89 Tasting Notes Rauzan-Segla??s finesse-styled 2004 offers raspberry, cherry, forest floor, and dried herb-like characteristics in its deep ruby/purple-hued, medium-bodied personality. With excellent purity, freshness, and precision, it is not a blockbuster claret, but rather a stylish, elegant, accessible effort with sweet tannin. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2022.(Wine Advocate #171 Jun 2007) By… Read More »

Chateau Langoa-Barton 1998

Ratings By Robert Parker 89 Tasting Notes A dense ruby/purple color as well as a muscular, ageworthy personality are found in this no BS sort of wine. It possesses loads of body, impressive concentration, and firm tannin in the finish. However, it is a wine for those who are able to defer their gratification as… Read More »

Chateau Boyd-Cantenac 2006

Ratings By Robert Parker 89 Tasting Notes If it were not for some prominent tannins in the finish, this wine would merit an outstanding score. If the tannins sweeten, it will merit a higher rating. Its deep ruby/purple color is accompanied by sweet black cherry, scorched earth, and camphor notes, a sweet, rich mid-palate, medium… Read More »

Chateau Calon-Segur 2000

Ratings By Robert Parker 91+ Tasting Notes Back when my bottle reports came out in 2003, I urged extreme patience for this wine, which is a blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, and 10% Cabernet Franc. I projected a maturity curve of 2012-2040, but based on this tasting, I would say the wine needs… Read More »