La Fleur de Bouard 2000

Date: 20 January 2007

My past experience of wine from the region Lalande de Pomerol was very much less than satisfying. Compared to the neighbouring Pomerol, the merlot from this region is usually weak and astringent. La Fleur de Bouard is supposedly the top wine from Chateau La Fleur St. Georges. The 2000 vintage has complex aromas of spice, truffle and flowers with a well balanced palate full of rich berry flavours. Tannins were smooth and silky. The best Lalande de Pomerol I have tasted so far.

Rating: good

Certan Marzelle 2002

Date: 20 January 2007

Another beautifully constructed wine from Certan Marzelle. The 2002 vintage is similar in character to the 2001 (see previous review 1 JAN 07), but probably even more powerful, richer and more opulent. It should be even more impressive with a few more years in the cellar.

Rating: excellent

Les Pagodes de Cos 2002

Date: 20 January 2007
Venue: LKF Hotel

This was the last of the three wines tasted on the night and was completely outgunned by the other two. Very weak aroma - basically I didn't detect anything on the nose. A slightly toasty, tannic palate with a mild blackcurrant flavour. This should have been a fine second wine of Cos d'Estournel but was overpowered by the first two wines.

Rating: average

Les Varonniers Crozes-Hermitage 1995

Date: 11 January 2007
Venue: Le Marrons, CWB

Another wine from Michel Chapoutier(see previous post Nov 06 De L'Oree Ermitage). Neighbour to the celebrated vineyards of Hermitage this Crozes Hermitage ‘Cuvee Prestige' is produced from a vineyard of 2.5 hectares which is planted exclusively with old Syrah vines. Neither fined nor filtered, there were lots of sediment in this 1995 bottle. We did not decant the wine and let it aired in-situ. Bouquet was initially overly musky but the chocolate, berries and truffles came through after 15 to 20 minutes. A tinge of smokiness was present through to the last drop. Tannin was a little rough and overpowering early on but became silky and smooth as the evening went on. There was abundant fruit on the palate with a long and elegant finish. This wine should improve with further cellaring.

Rating: excellent

Chateau des Charmes Riesling Icewine 2001

Date: 6 January 2007

The wine was served straight from the wine fridge where it was stored at 14 degrees celcius. The relatively high serving temperature made the wine a little too sweet and syrupy. There was dried apricot, mineral and floral aromas. Palate was rich, round and elegant with good acidity. Flavours of marmalade, pear and apricot with a long fruity finish. It would have rated better if it was chilled more before serving.

Rating: good

Certan Marzelle 2001

Date: 1 January 2007

Robert Parker's comment: "Certan-Marzelle, Christian Moueix's garage operation, is a 1,000 case, 100% Merlot produced from a plot of vines carved out of the original vineyard, Certan-Giraud. The old vine production is made separately, and sold under the name Hosanna. The 2001 Certan-Marzelle is performing even better out of bottle than it did from cask. It exhibits a Le Pin-like exotic opulence and headiness in its succulent, upfront, formidable display of plum, black cherry liqueur, truffle, toffee, mocha, chocolate, and espresso characteristics. This low acid, plump, fleshy, fat effort will not make old bones, but for drinking over the next decade, it is about as sexy a wine as readers are likely to find. Drink 2004-2014"

I usually find RP's highly ranked wine too aromatic, but Certan-Marzelle 2001 was one of the best French wine I have tried in the past 12 months.

Rating: excellent

Hospices de Beaune Meursault Genevrieres 1998

Date: 23 December 2006
Venue: Tribute, Elgin Street, Soho

Refreshing aromas of hazelnut, apple and lemon. Buttery palate with flavours of pears, flowers, and a touch of oak. Excellent balance with a long, powerful, youthful finish.

Rating: good

Chambertin Clos de Beze 1999

Date: 23 December 2006
Venue: Tribute, Elgin Street, Soho

Complex, delicate, fresh aromas of cherry, bitter chocolate with menthol and flowery notes. Smooth on entry, with firm acids and mineral notes. A long finish with refined tannins.

Rating: good

Vieux Chateau Certan 1986

Date: 15 December 2006
Venue: Ingredients, Wanchai

Dark ruby with dusty rim, I last tasted this wine 6 months ago and as expected, not much has changed since. Bouquet of plum, cherries and truffles. Smooth palate, nicely structured with soft tannins.

Rating: good

Richebourg Hudelot Noellat 1996

Date: 15 December 2006
Venue: Ingredients, Wanchai

Medium ruby red in colour with nose of berries, chocolate and touch of leather. Crisp palate with good balance of tannin. Smooth, long finish.

Rating: good