As one of my first posts on this forum, I thought a tasting note of something French would be a good way to start. I've had plenty of exposure to Aussie reds, but my experience with French and Italian has been limited (enhanced by the fact that I'm only 21).
Chateau Le Fleur Des Rouzes 2000 Pomerol
80% Merlot; 15% Cabernet Franc; 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. A deep, dark, ruby red in colour. A delicate yet enticing nose, initially with aromas of leather and aniseed, followed by damp forest, plum and black berry fruit. Gorgeous and complex aromas - I was content to smell for a half hour before taking my first taste. Leather and black fruit were predominant on the palate, before supple and surprisingly bold tannins (for a Merlot predominant blend) came into effect. Flavour lingered and lingered. Left a small portion in the bottle and tried again 24 hours later. Tannins had mellowed out and the wine would be ideal in five years. Would love to try the '98 at some stage.
Taylors St Andrews 1998 Cabernet Sauvignon
100% Cabernet Sauvignon (I would presume). 14.5% A/V. Matured in 50% American, 50% French Oak for 18 months. Crimson colour with brick red edges. On first pour, liquid clings to the glass like a magnet - surprisingly so for a wine with A/V that isn't too excessive at 14.5%. Nose is unique and unlike anything I can remember. Very earthy, but not in the typical sense. More a dry, rocky, sandy earth which then leads to a forest floor and leather aroma. I can pick up a sublte, nutty smell along with complimentary oak. Definitely one of my best cabernet sniffs ever. Very well made, with no hint of alcohol heat. Palate starts with rich, fruit flavours followed by a tobacco and leafy, savoury finish. Velvet tannins that are silky smooth and signal at least a five year shelf life for the wine. Great value.
I've been lucky enough to have two great reds on two consecutive nights. The Vasse Felix 2001 Cab Sauv I opened on Sunday night was corked and the Italian Montepulciano I had last week was just an average quaffer. I haven't tried any of the other St Andrews vintages. Any feedback?
TN: Chateau La Fleur Des Rouzes 2000 Pomerol
TN: Chateau La Fleur Des Rouzes 2000 Pomerol
Max
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Avant d’être bon, un vin doit être vrai
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Avant d’être bon, un vin doit être vrai
Welcome Max. I've found the St.Andrews wines to be of high quality although the oak on occasions can be bordering on a touch too much.
The 98 Shiraz and 98 Cabernet were both excellent wines, I actually preferred the Cabernet at release but conversely a good drinking friend of mine preferred the Shiraz, each to his own of course.
The 1999 was right there with the 1998 comfirming my opinion that the 1999 vintage was very good in Clare.
Haven't tried any vintages since then and not sure what has been released, somehow got under my radar.
The 98 Shiraz and 98 Cabernet were both excellent wines, I actually preferred the Cabernet at release but conversely a good drinking friend of mine preferred the Shiraz, each to his own of course.
The 1999 was right there with the 1998 comfirming my opinion that the 1999 vintage was very good in Clare.
Haven't tried any vintages since then and not sure what has been released, somehow got under my radar.
Cheers - Steve
If you can see through it, it's not worth drinking!
If you can see through it, it's not worth drinking!
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Nev the builder
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Guest
Nev the builder wrote:Pomerol that could be the word on the bottles I found under the house. Is that a common brand? The last two big letters are VS and then underneath that I can just make out a ROL but there might be a ME in front of them. Sorry, just a badly corroded bottle of booze.
Oh ha ha ha. Petrus..let me guess....can you see 1970 anywhere....probably next to the unopened box of 47 Cheval Blanc..next to the case of 45 Latour which is stacked next to the case of..
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Nev the builder