TN: Trying to get back into the swing of things with a few recent bottles
Posted: Thu Sep 22, 2016 11:46 pm
For the last year or so I've been really lazy about recording notes of the bottles I've tried so here it goes:
- 2007 Château Branaire-Ducru - France, Bordeaux, Médoc, St. Julien (9/22/2016)
A very pleasant, early drinking claret. Nose is muted and the tannins have integrated very well. Some herb and red fruit along with a little smoke to round out. For the $31 paid it was a very nice value but for the current price of $50+ there are too many better choices. (87 pts.) - 2001 Karl Lawrence Cabernet Sauvignon - USA, California, Napa Valley (9/21/2016)
This is the longest aged bottle I've tried of KL and it is outstanding! Such a shame that they've gone by the wayside. Nose of black fruit and tar. Not at all alcoholic on the nose. Beautifully in balance with a black fruit on the palate but the tannins have mellowed out. Nice medium finish with just a hint of menthol which lingers on. Just a joy to drink at this point. A tremendous value given the current pricing for quality wines like this. I have to find more of this! (93 pts.) - 1999 Robert Mondavi Winery Fumé Blanc To-Kalon I Block - USA, California, Napa Valley (9/20/2016)
Shockingly good. For a 17 year old SB this was incredible. Others have described this better than I can but I will say it's a stretch to compare this old world SB. There is little acidity but the fruit is still amazingly present. (93 pts.) - 2005 Moët & Chandon Champagne Cuvée Dom Pérignon - France, Champagne (9/11/2016)
This was very nice but still very young. I'll hang onto my others for about another 7 to 10 years. (90 pts.) - 1989 Château Branaire (Duluc-Ducru) - France, Bordeaux, Médoc, St. Julien (9/11/2016)
No formal note taken but a little disappointing. Not bad but for the producer and vintage I was expecting more. Decanted for 2 hours. Initially strong bell pepper on the nose but quickly blew off. Some cigar and earthy notes on the palate. Rather thin and has not really developed much complexity. (87 pts.)