Search found 2390 matches

by AlexR
Thu Jun 24, 2010 3:40 pm
Forum: Our Forum
Topic: Five Bordeaux wines for dnner
Replies: 13
Views: 1803

Re: Five Bordeaux wines for dnner

Stefan, In a nutshell, the main culprit in premoxed wines is soloton http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sotolon Glutathione (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glutathione) provides a natural defence mechanism against the premature ageing of white wines. Eight measures have proved useful in fighting premox 1- E...
by AlexR
Thu Jun 24, 2010 1:30 pm
Forum: Our Forum
Topic: Five Bordeaux wines for dnner
Replies: 13
Views: 1803

Re: Five Bordeaux wines for dnner

Sorry, there's a TYPO in there. I meant to write: 1985 Montrose.

Alex
by AlexR
Thu Jun 24, 2010 12:35 pm
Forum: Our Forum
Topic: Five Bordeaux wines for dnner
Replies: 13
Views: 1803

Five Bordeaux wines for dnner

Yesterday was my birthday: 2005 L'Esquisse de Château Nairac: the sort of Sauternes that is much loved in France. Not heavy, but fruit forward, primary and pure. Like more traditional Sauternes it will age well, but it is perhaps best at this stage IMHO. People offended at the thought of having Saut...
by AlexR
Tue Jun 22, 2010 6:59 am
Forum: Our Forum
Topic: Contrary to popular belief, Bordeaux is not overpriced
Replies: 14
Views: 1505

Contrary to popular belief, Bordeaux is not overpriced

This is NOT a troll. My post is in 2 parts. The first part has to do with the pricing of the 2009 great growths. This is a quote from an article by César Compadre in today's Sud-Ouest (the Bordeaux newspaper): "Certes la qualité du millésime 2009 est reconnue et le marché chinois tire la demand...
by AlexR
Tue Jun 22, 2010 5:48 am
Forum: Our Forum
Topic: Your Most Disappointing Chateau
Replies: 29
Views: 3800

Re: Your Most Disappointing Chateau

Subjective, knee-jerk answer (the kind I do best :-): La Gaffelière. Lord knows I've tried... The other de Malet Roquefort cru classé, Tertre Daugay, was downgraded in 2006 (then re-instated). This was widely perceived as a warning shot for La Gaffelière. The owners have since had a miracle worker (...
by AlexR
Mon Jun 21, 2010 12:05 pm
Forum: Our Forum
Topic: TN : 2007 Bonnefond Côte-Rôtie for Father Day
Replies: 3
Views: 247

Re: TN : 2007 Bonnefond Côte-Rôtie for Father Day

Thanks for sharing Nic, and I have also very much appreciated some of your other recent notes, even if I did not reply specifically.

I trust that Marie-Claude and Julien are dong well.

All the best,
Alex
by AlexR
Fri Jun 18, 2010 6:32 am
Forum: Our Forum
Topic: Boycott 2009 Bordeaux
Replies: 13
Views: 1130

Re: Boycott 2009 Bordeaux

I'm not buying either, but it is largely because of my age and my existing cellar. There is strong resistance to 2009 pricing... but not from all quarters. My friends in the trade tell me the great growths are selling like hotcakes. When stocks of the last "vintage of the century" with 5 y...
by AlexR
Sun Jun 13, 2010 7:33 pm
Forum: Our Forum
Topic: 2000 Château Citran, Haut Médoc
Replies: 2
Views: 333

Re: 2000 Château Citran, Haut Médoc

Hi Richard, >>>Hope we meet one day. Me too. I go to England on average once a year to see my wife's family in Bedfordshire. >>>That are property prices like in the Bordeaux villages? Am vaguely and probably vainly considering leaving UK. There has been a slump the past couple of years, and prices h...
by AlexR
Sun Jun 13, 2010 1:57 pm
Forum: Our Forum
Topic: 2000 Château Citran, Haut Médoc
Replies: 2
Views: 333

2000 Château Citran, Haut Médoc

I've not often had Citran (owned by the Merlaut family of Gruaud Larose, etc.) and decided to see if this wine was ready to go: (decanted 2 and a half hours before serving) Color: remarkably dark, so much so that you can hardly see through it. Showing only a little age on the rim. Nose: plum and a l...
by AlexR
Sun Jun 13, 2010 10:11 am
Forum: Our Forum
Topic: Poyferre 02 instead of football
Replies: 8
Views: 654

Re: Poyferre 02 instead of football

I would rather do just about anything than watch the World Cup...

Glad you enjoyed the 02 LP Richard.

Alex R.
by AlexR
Sun Jun 13, 2010 10:09 am
Forum: Our Forum
Topic: Carbonnieux 2005 Rouge
Replies: 6
Views: 536

Re: Carbonnieux 2005 Rouge

I think this wine is a benchmark for red Carbonnieux. The last time I had it was at the estate when CdP Harry came to visit. It was showing extremely well. I have one bottle in my cellar. For years, white Carbonnieux overshadowed the red. I think that careful attention to the latter is changing the ...
by AlexR
Sun Jun 13, 2010 10:07 am
Forum: Our Forum
Topic: TN: 1996 Château Léoville Barton (France, Bordeaux, Médoc, St. Julien)
Replies: 18
Views: 1612

Re: TN: 1996 Château Léoville Barton (France, Bordeaux, Médoc, St. Julien)

Ah, LB was superior to LP for many years.

But, perhaps the tide has turned.

Michel Rolland was consultant for a brief while, but he was not kept on.

In recent vintages (take the 2009), I find the two to be pretty much on a par.

For older vintages, I definitely prefer LB.

Best regards,
Alex R.
by AlexR
Sun Jun 06, 2010 8:03 pm
Forum: Our Forum
Topic: "For 2009 futures, we expect to do more than 50% in Asia"
Replies: 6
Views: 2360

Re: "For 2009 futures, we expect to do more than 50% in Asia"

Napoleon said "Quand la Chine s'éveillera, le monde tremblera"... Truer words were never spoken! The journalist who wrote the Agence France Press dispatch is a friend. Like so much to do with a study of Bordeaux, it is very hard to get hold of reliable statistics. For instance, a lot of wi...
by AlexR
Sat Jun 05, 2010 6:46 am
Forum: Our Forum
Topic: A super Graves to kick off the weekend
Replies: 6
Views: 491

Re: A super Graves to kick off the weekend

A new classification of the Graves (because, paradoxically, although all the great growths are in the Pessac-léognan appellation they are still called "crus classés de *Graves*) has been talked about for years. There is little doubt that La Louvière would be promoted if this ever saw the light ...
by AlexR
Fri Jun 04, 2010 5:08 am
Forum: Our Forum
Topic: TN: St Pierre & Ducru
Replies: 6
Views: 576

Re: TN: St Pierre & Ducru

Chris,

Did you taste the 09 Saint-Pierre?
I thought it was really good: chunky, rich, upfront Cabernet. This is definitely a wine to follow as it's much less expensive than the other great growths of St. Julien.

Alex
by AlexR
Fri Jun 04, 2010 5:06 am
Forum: Our Forum
Topic: Duhart Milon 2009 is $80 at PC!
Replies: 2
Views: 225

Re: Duhart Milon 2009 is $80 at PC!

Hi, Yeah, the writing is on the wall. I would need to be much younger and to have much more disposable income to go in for the 2009s. What's most cruel is the bad name such increases give to "Bordeaux" - when the producers of modest Bordeaux (reminder: great growths = less than 5% of produ...
by AlexR
Thu Jun 03, 2010 8:15 pm
Forum: Our Forum
Topic: Labegorce Zede 1989
Replies: 7
Views: 642

Re: Labegorce Zede 1989

You've also tasted a piece of history because Labégorce-Zédé was bought by Labégorce, and the former will cease to exist.

All the best,
Alex
by AlexR
Wed Jun 02, 2010 12:15 pm
Forum: Our Forum
Topic: (St?) Julien is born
Replies: 16
Views: 1451

Re: (St?) Julien is born

What a fright that must have been for all of you!

Congratulations on the birth of your son!!!

All the best to you and Marie-Claude.

Alex
by AlexR
Sat May 29, 2010 7:24 am
Forum: Our Forum
Topic: Should I stop buying wine? And kick the habit?
Replies: 7
Views: 824

Re: Should I stop buying wine? And kick the habit?

Hi Michael, This is a question of some concern to me too... more so than many of you because - I'm in my late 50s. - neither of my two children are interested in fine wine - not surprisingly, most of my wine is Bordeaux - and fine Bordeaux, as we all know, can take 20 or 30 years to come around! Man...
by AlexR
Thu May 27, 2010 5:35 am
Forum: Our Forum
Topic: DC Chapter and Guests!
Replies: 10
Views: 1027

Re: DC Chapter and Guests!

A warm glow after reading this thread...

Alex R.
by AlexR
Sat May 22, 2010 6:59 am
Forum: Our Forum
Topic: Lafite 1995 impressions
Replies: 4
Views: 280

Re: Lafite 1995 impressions

Thanks Ian, I'm sure you've read that NY Times article saying that Bordeaux has become "irrelevant". Not that I believe that for a moment, I still have to admit that when a 15 year-old wine that costs a fortune is still way too young, its gives pause for thought... As for Lafite, I've been...
by AlexR
Thu May 20, 2010 5:48 am
Forum: Our Forum
Topic: Some TN and why Bordeaux is THE best wine
Replies: 5
Views: 587

Re: Some TN and why Bordeaux is THE best wine

Nic, Thanks for sharing your notes. I have served Dominus on a couple of occasions in Bordeaux. 1994 vintage both times. In a series of wines served blind, including some "name" Bordeaux wines, this was found to be the best! In both instances, no one at table (8 of us each time) guessed th...
by AlexR
Wed May 19, 2010 7:10 pm
Forum: Our Forum
Topic: TNs: Bordeaux “Left Bank Only” Vintage 1990 Horizontal
Replies: 10
Views: 905

Re: TNs: Bordeaux “Left Bank Only” Vintage 1990 Horizontal

Excellent notes Ramon.
Thanks for sharing,
Alex
by AlexR
Wed May 19, 2010 1:20 pm
Forum: Our Forum
Topic: Asimov: Bordeaux...is now largely irrelevant
Replies: 14
Views: 1467

Re: Asimov: Bordeaux...is now largely irrelevant

Robert,

Right on!!!

Yes, and a couple of those wines you named are favorites of mine.

"Second best" in Bordeaux can be a tiny fraction of what the "grands vins" cost - and represent very good quality.

All the best,
Alex R.
by AlexR
Wed May 19, 2010 5:51 am
Forum: Our Forum
Topic: Asimov: Bordeaux...is now largely irrelevant
Replies: 14
Views: 1467

Re: Asimov: Bordeaux...is now largely irrelevant

Interesting. Both articles were written by the same person, but the latter one, in the Diners Journal, is much less provocative and one-sided. A few comments here :-). For a start, Asimov is talking about Bordeaux in the US, and many of his comments do not really apply to other markets. I also find ...
by AlexR
Mon May 17, 2010 7:30 am
Forum: Our Forum
Topic: Uncontroversial: 2000-2009 the greatest decade of Bdx
Replies: 21
Views: 3844

Re: Uncontroversial: 2000-2009 the greatest decade of Bdx

Gosh, and look at Sauternes!

They have one especially well!

Pretty s***** spring weather. I think Bordeaux may no longer be on a roll.

Alex
by AlexR
Fri May 14, 2010 5:49 am
Forum: Our Forum
Topic: 1996 Delas Freres Cote Rotie
Replies: 6
Views: 491

Re: 1996 Delas Freres Cote Rotie

Alch,

Great to see you back on the forum!

You write:
"Down to my last 200 or so Really Good Wines"
A very sobering comment...
What I wish you is a very long life, and that you will find the need to buy many more!!!

Best regards,
Alex R.
by AlexR
Mon May 10, 2010 6:34 am
Forum: Our Forum
Topic: quick question: the 1998 of 2000 Latour a Pomerol?
Replies: 12
Views: 709

Re: quick question: the 1998 of 2000 Latour a Pomerol?

Hi Nic,

Your Chateau Laffite-Carcasset should be OK to drink in the very near future.

It is a "vin de terroir" with a slightly rustic side in my experience.
Some vintages are a touch herbaceous. I'll be interested to read your notes.

All the best,
Alex
by AlexR
Sun May 09, 2010 3:10 pm
Forum: Our Forum
Topic: quick question: the 1998 of 2000 Latour a Pomerol?
Replies: 12
Views: 709

Re: quick question: the 1998 of 2000 Latour a Pomerol?

I had two bottles of this wine and the first one I opened was rather disappointing: rather tired and a bit rubbery.

If given a choice between the 2, I'd go for the 2000 - but then again, my experiece is apparently not universal :-).

All the best,
Alex
by AlexR
Sun May 09, 2010 7:02 am
Forum: Our Forum
Topic: New super Bordeaux selection in Paris (in French)
Replies: 6
Views: 527

Re: New super Bordeaux selection in Paris (in French)

David, you've HAD the '61 Margaux at the château poured from magnums by waiters with white gloves.

Do you really, really need to experience this again???? ;-))))))))))))


All the best,
Alex R.
by AlexR
Sun May 09, 2010 6:58 am
Forum: Our Forum
Topic: B'day wines: 83 Latour, 83 LMHB, 82 Bon Pasteur, 90 Yquem
Replies: 15
Views: 2165

Re: B'day wines: 83 Latour, 83 LMHB, 82 Bon Pasteur, 90 Yquem

Thanks for sharing your excellent (as always) notes.

It was certainly a wonderful evening - what wines!

All the best,
Alex R.
by AlexR
Sat May 08, 2010 9:08 am
Forum: Our Forum
Topic: New super Bordeaux selection in Paris (in French)
Replies: 6
Views: 527

New super Bordeaux selection in Paris (in French)

I'll be sure to go there next time I'm in the City of Light!

http://www.sudouest.fr/2010/05/08/la-bo ... 43-788.php

All the best,
Alex R.
by AlexR
Wed May 05, 2010 7:00 am
Forum: Our Forum
Topic: TNs: Pomerols (or just like Pomerol) and a White Burgundy
Replies: 5
Views: 393

Re: TNs: Pomerols (or just like Pomerol) and a White Burgundy

Looks like a wonderful line-up!

La Fleur is now sold at astronomical prices.

I visited there for the first time with Izak Litwar alias LaFleur last year. It is indeed a special wine.

All the best,
Alex R.
by AlexR
Tue May 04, 2010 6:47 pm
Forum: Our Forum
Topic: TN; 2006 Chateau Fougas; cuvee Prestige; Cotes de Bourg
Replies: 5
Views: 860

Re: TN; 2006 Chateau Fougas; cuvee Prestige; Cotes de Bourg

Jonathan, As everyone on this board knows, it warms the cockles of my little heart to see people find pleasure in affordable Bordeaux :-). I have visited this estate. The Maldoror cuvée is Parkerized, but the Cuvée Prestige (40% less expensive) is no slouch either, and arguably better in its youth. ...
by AlexR
Fri Apr 30, 2010 8:04 am
Forum: Our Forum
Topic: Parker's take on 2009 Bordeaux
Replies: 34
Views: 6842

Re: Parker's take on 2009 Bordeaux

Tom, You wrote: "I'd still wait until the wine was in a bottle to judge how far the wine lands from what's expected. I vaguely recall a vocal BWE opponent to judging any Bordeaux wine 6 months after the harvest...." At 5 months, the en primeur tastings were not far off that 6-month mark. B...
by AlexR
Thu Apr 29, 2010 10:23 pm
Forum: Our Forum
Topic: Parker's take on 2009 Bordeaux
Replies: 34
Views: 6842

Re: Parker's take on 2009 Bordeaux

Tom, Quality and terroir: Ultimately, you are right, quality trumps everything else. But, I would venture to say that the higher you move up the quality scale, the more disappointed you become when wines (European wines in any event) taste as though they could come from anywhere. I did say that the ...
by AlexR
Thu Apr 29, 2010 6:30 am
Forum: Our Forum
Topic: Parker's take on 2009 Bordeaux
Replies: 34
Views: 6842

Re: Parker's take on 2009 Bordeaux

Tom, I have tasted a certain number of the wines. Were I a better organized person, I'd have posted my notes, but life has been very busy lately, so I only posted on the 1st growths. After the briefest of looks, what strikes me most about the Parker notes is: - the rating for Cos d'Estournel, which ...
by AlexR
Mon Apr 26, 2010 7:30 am
Forum: Our Forum
Topic: 2000 Chasse-Spleen at $35???
Replies: 7
Views: 471

Re: 2000 Chasse-Spleen at $35???

Seems like a VERY good price to me.
If I saw it for the euro equivalent, I would surely buy some.

Alex R.
by AlexR
Fri Apr 23, 2010 3:31 pm
Forum: Our Forum
Topic: Clos Manou (Medoc)?
Replies: 1
Views: 142

Re: Clos Manou (Medoc)?

I came across this wine in the Centre Leclerc in Léognan. This supermarket is very well-known for their wine section and the manager warmly recommended Clos Manou. He says it has a loyal following and he sells out very quickly during the "Foires aux Vins" at Easter and in September. I boug...