CHALLENGE: BORDEAUX VS CALIFORNIA
September 22 2022
When it comes to fine reds that offer richness and elegance, for the past few centuries, Bordeaux stood alone at the top! But since the famous 1976 Paris blind tasting of California reds versus Crus Classés from Bordeaux, the surprising results have modified many experts and afficionado’s opinion. Since, lots has changed, the evolution of the Bordeaux style paired with the amazing results from hard working and determined California producers annouces a fierce competition. Come compare the quality level and aging potential of reputed California reds vs Crus Classés of Bordeaux in 4 high quality vintages.
1994 Château Lynch Bages, Pauillac
1994 Dominus, Napa Valley, Moueix
1996 Château Calon-Ségur, St-Estèphe
1996 Meritage, Napa Valley, Pahlmeyer
2003 Château Lascombes, Margaux
2003 Cabernet Sauvignon, Knight’s Valley, Beringer
2006 Château Sociando-Mallet, Haut-Médoc
2006 Cabernet Reserve, Napa Valley, Philip Togni
RED BOURGOGNE 2019
October 6 2022
Like many regions in France, Burgundy has been pampered by Mother Nature in the last few years. A trio of successful vintages (2018-19 and 20) will seduce the fan of great red Burgundies. I truly believe the 2019 vintage will stand out as the most complete and balanced of this quality trio. Amazing reds with charming ripe berry flavours, velvety tannins and excellent aging potential. These lovely 2019s should appeal to the fan of high quality Burgundies that display perfectly ripe flavours while remaining fresh, elegant and seductive. A selection of upscale producers should help us verify the aging potential of this great Burgundy vintage. Come and experience youthful, elegant and perfectly balanced Pinot from Burgundy.
Santenay 1er Cru Clos de Tavannes, Domaine de la Pousse d’Or
Nuits Saint-Georges 1er Cru Aux Thorey, David Duband
Nuits Saint-Georges 1er Cru Clos des Porrets Saint-Georges, Henri Gouges
Beaune 1er Cru Clos des Mouches, Domaine Chanson
Marsannay Les Longerois, Domaine Jean Fourrier
Volnay 1er Cru Santenots, Domaine Rémi Jobard
Beaune 1er Cru Les Cras, Joseph Drouhin
Vin mystère-Mystery wine
PAUILLAC CHALLENGE: CH GRAND-PUY-LACOSTE VS CH CLERC-MILON
October 20 2022
The Pauillac appellation produces elegantly structured wines. With eighteen (18) Crus Classés (Classification de 1855 du Haut-Médoc), which includes three (3) Premier Crus Classés, Pauillac is amongst the best quality communes of Bordeaux. Both Grand Puy Lacoste and Clerc Milon are consistently amongst the top wines of this reputed commune. Both Chateaux produce full bodied reds with good structure and great aging potential. Come assess the character and quality level, while discovering the differences of these outstanding Pauillac Châteaux from four high quality vintages.
CHATEAU GRAND-PUY-LACOSTE
1990
2000
2003
2005
CHATEAU CLERC-MILON
1989
2000
2004
2005
BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2016
November 3 2022
Tasted during my last trip, the 2016’s really stood out when compared to previous vintages (13-14-15). Following the excellent 2015, the 16 vintage is also ripe but fresher and better balanced. These charming reds display fresh acidity, perfectly ripe fruit and tannins, while remaining typically elegant. The 2016 Brunelli confirm Montalcino as one of the best high quality terroirs, not only in Italy, but worldwide ! Well balanced with good extract and excellent aging potential make this outstanding vintage a must for your cellar. Full flavoured, elegant terroir wines that display fruit maturity and freshness. Come discover a selection of fine producers while assessing the quality level and staying power of this reputed Tuscan red.
Tenuta Fanti
Pieve Santa Restituta, Gaja
Canalicchio di Sopra
Luce, Frescobaldi
Prime Donne, Donatella Cinelli Colombini
Pian delle Vigne, Antinori
Casanova di Neri
Vin Mystère-Mystery Wine
2019 WHITE BURGUNDY
November 17 2022
The French magazine La Revue du Vin de France is adamant, the 2019 vintage will go down as one of the best in the last 50+ years : «2019 was miraculously saved, what an intense vintage ! Richer than usual, the wines, both red and white, have depth and great balance». Of course Mother Nature is responsible for this spectacular vintage where quality is generalized from Chablis (north) to the Mâconnais (south). The level of quality is impressive : whites that show superb richness, fresh acidity, great balance and amazing aging potential. The wines chosen for this tasting should confirm the high quality level and aging potential of this outstanding Burgundy vintage.
Meursault 1er Cru Le Poruzot Dessus, Domaine Rémi Jobard
Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru Les Referts, Domaine Marc Morey
Chablis Grand Cru Vaudésir, Joseph Drouhin
Mercurey 1er Cru Les Veleys, François Raquillet
Nuits Saint-Georges «La Gerbotte», Domaine de l’Arlot
Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru Les Clavoillons, Alain Chavy
Meursault 1er Cru Blagny, Thierry & Pascale Matrot
Vin Mystère-Mystery Wine
SINGLE MALT SCOTCH WHISKY 12 YEARS WORKSHOP
December 1 2022
The Single Malt Scotch Whisky industry is returning to its roots by reintroducing the classic 12 years category! For over fifteen years, the 12 year old category had almost completely vanished. It is mentioned in many publications that 12 years is the popular standard amongst Scotch Whisky Single Malt distillers. It is refreshing to see this age category back on the shelves, giving us the opportunity to compare various districts/terroirs that are at a perfect stage in their evolution . Come and (re)discover the characteristics of 6 different Malt Whiskies at their peak while expressing their classic aromas and flavours.
Tobermory 12 years Isle of Mull
Highland Park 12 years Isle of Orkney
Kilkerran 12 years, Campbeltown
Coal Ila 12 years, Isle of Islay
Cragganmore 12 years, Speyside
Lum Reek 12 years Blended Malt Scotch Whisky, Macnair’s
CHÂTEAU BRANAIRE DUCRU VERTICAL TASTING
December 15 2022
This excellent château from the commune of St-Julien is reputed for its consistency. Branaire Ducru is the first Chateau (1991) to benefit from a state-of-the-art cellar where everything is operated by gravity. The blend is obviously dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon (70%). In a full-bodied yet elegant style, the Château regularly attains perfect ripeness. This charming and underrated estate offers great value. Excellent vintages should confirm the high level of quality and the great staying power of this consistent Château from St-Julien.
2016
2014
2012
2009
2004
2001
2000
1995