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A few wines from Xmas

Posted: Sun Feb 06, 2005 5:06 pm
by Alan Rath
1998 Glaetzer "The Bishop Shiraz
Eucalyptus nose, medium body, medium fruit, some espresso, pretty high acid, moderate tannins, elegant, a bit reserved. 87/100

1997 Pierro Chardonnay
nose of sweet toast, toasty oily deep fruit, hints of buttersotch, nice acid balance, very intriguing pleasant toast but not buttery or oaky. Very nice, unique. 92/100

1998 Petaluma Coonawarra Red
70/30 Cab/Merlot
Dark but not opaque, nose of forest with a bit of mushroom; wow - rich dense fruit, still fairly tannic but starting to drink very well; bordeaux-like with some spice/pepper oak but well integrated; good finish but my wife picked up a bit of green bell pepper, which I noticed as well after a bit more air time. 91/100. This bottle came from Noel Young in Cambridge, and was significantly better than a U.S. bottle opened a couple of years ago.

2000 Wild Duck Creek Springflat Shiraz
Dark, dense, tarry, espresso, lively, moderate tannins. 92/100

2003 Gimmeldinger Mandelgarten Riesling Kabinett
Amazing aromatics, touch of sulfer/petrol, opens with zingy acidity but fades through finish; great fruit density and complexity, peach/apricot/apple/plum. One of the best 2003's I've had at any pradikat. 92/100

1998 Michel Dervin Brut Champagne
From K&L website: "60% Pinot Noir, 40% Meunier with no malolactic fermentation"
Med/coarse bubbles, pungent nose to start, beautiful dark fruits, blackberry, black cherry, stone/mineral finish. Excellent for my tastes. 93/100

1996 Pol Roger Extra Cuvee de Reserve Champagne
Toast. Lots of toast. Creamy, elegant, light, well-made, boring. 87/100

Regards,
Alan