Already 2011 and I’m still talking about Christmas Wines. But of course there are valid reasons for this delay: 1) Those are busy days spent in the kitchen and with friends 2) the number of bottles indulged in that time are “above average” . So here are a few more wines from the Christmas holidays.
2009 Hubacker GG, Weingut Keller – This Riesling from a great terroir and vintage is still a baby. Of course I knew that before I uncorked it, but sometimes curiosity wins. Acidity is still to the fore right now but a long decant somewhat helps. Still, the wine feels tight at first, like a thin steel bullet with lots of minerality. But fruit comes up more with each sip: Peach and later some wild herbs are a nice composition. Incredible how slim and at the same time compact and flavour-loaded this wine appears. Lots of substance, nice presence on the palate and oh what a great length. Empties itself on its own but will be an even greater wine in 2-3 years time! ++
1986 Château Larose-Trintaudon , Haut-Médoc – Great aged bottle. This wine had no age – balanced and with susbtance, still somewhat tannic – with gravel touch, some berries. Overall a nice presence on the palate. Shows that from good vintages you can find charming wines from “no-name” estates in Bordeaux. Also 1986 is the first vintage harvested under the new proprietor, AGF-Allianz insurance company, not such a “no-name” in the end. +
back label of Château Larose-Trintaudon
2002 Château Lafaurie-Peyraguey, Sauternes 1er Cru – Did a great job on a Foie Gras with Onion Marmelade and Pomegrenate – Light bee’s wax, perfect acidity, fruit and length. Sorry not much more details, it was all about the food pairing here, for oiling the palate! As for the history of this GCC from the Sauternais. It has been classified 2nd of the 1ers Grands Crus in 1855 and is owned since 1984 by the industrial group Suez. This vintage has been rated **** by Decanter magazine.
Foie Gras with Mâche, Pomegrenate and Onion Confit
1989 Château Chasse-Spleen, Moulis-en-Médoc -Elegant and vivid dark Colour. Beautiful Multi-layered nose with floral elements, dark fruit, leather, earth, pencil lead and tar. Same picture nearly on the palate. A mouth filling and juicy Bordeaux even though tannins were maybe drying out a bit. Very nice length. So fulfilling when an aged wine shows multi-layered complexity. A wine that’s worth a quest even though it trades at proud 60 Euro. I think a snapped it for about 45 on Ebay a few years back. 91 points and ++!
Coming up: Wines of New Year’s eve.
