Neudorf Moutere Chardonnay 1997

Golden sherry colour. Initially strong oxidation and clearly past it. Palate is still alive but the oxidised fruit dominates; opens in the glass and is clearly still old but has lovely sweet fruit and some toasty malo. Long finish of caramel and stone fruits. Moutere, Nelson, New Zealand 17/20 (considering its age) but 14/20 really … Continue reading →

Tirohana Grand Master Platinum Pinot Noir 2005

Medium deep bright red right to the edge. Chocolatey nose, quite elegant and complex; some sweet cherry and a touch of plum. Palate a touch thin after the nose; good character and pinot fruit with some lovely florals; smooth tannins. Lovely moreish finish. Not a big wine but very elegant and full of flavour. Martinborough, … Continue reading →

Pegasus Bay Pinot Noir 2006

Good medium red with just a hint of amber on the edge. Bright dark cherry fruit but obvious alcohol heat. Palate full, rich and balanced – better than the nose promised; good meaty and toasty notes; cherries and black fruits. Full long finish but the heat comes through again at the end. Waipara, New Zealand … Continue reading →

Ch Chasse-Spleen 2002

Very dark plum red. Big plums and blackcurrants. Tannin obvious; dark berries, especially blackcurrants; quite big and tannic still but opens in the glass. Finish quite tannic but some fruit sweetness in balance as well. May need more bottle age. A second bottle some weeks later had more elegance. Moulis, Bordeaux, France 17/20 [tasted 01-10-2011] http://www.chasse-spleen.com … Continue reading →