The Asian Winehunter

Think it's been a while since the winehunter has tasted so many mediocre wines in a row. So lets start with the best. Jacquesson. No.729 Champage. Nice aromas, nice mousse, great bubbles, great on the palate. We have a QPR winner here. The only thing that sets it apart from greatness is that it goes downhill rather quickly (~45min). 91+pts. 1997 M.Chapoutier Terra Vinya. Banyuls. Sweet red wine... hey its close to a sherry @ 17.5 alcohol. Some taste in this wine just doesn't sit right with me.. a bit like cough medicine. One-dimensional. 85pts. 2001 Ramey - Russian River Chardonnay Bright, citrus nose with some hints of flint/minerality in it - promising. In the mouth it become more californian. Fruity , buttery/oily/viscous, decent finish. It had all the elements but just can't seem to get the proportions right. Good raw materials - mediocre execution and conception. 89 points 2003 Champy Gevrey Chambertin "VV" Cooked, bubble gum nose I usually fine in Australia ...

Bunch of friends had dinner at Tribute the other night. The group was large enough as to get the "Library room" upstairs. The food was decent and competent, no complaints from the crowd which is usually quite picky. Very nice ambience. With that a few comments on the wines. Les Heritiers du Comte Lafon Macon Uchizy 2002 La Marenchess. Very nice upfront. minerality, acidity, softness bright. Lovely meal starter. 89-90 pts 2002 Clos de la Crochette. Much more brooding, more powerful serious wine. Needs time to unwind and has that tinge of bitterness I usually attribute to a white Chassagne-Monrachet. 90+pts 1993 Penfolds Bin 707 IMHO much better than '94. Full bodied, nose was... monolithic and no-surprises. In the mouth tannins were obvious, finish... can't even recall. 91pts 1996 Pichon Lalande Cork was soaked halfway up indicating not exactly a pristine bottle. Nose was compelling and that green pepper Puillac smell was evident. In the mouth body was lighter than the...

Simple notes this time. 1993 Pape Clement Blanc. Nose of honey, parafin and dried appricot? Dry with a somewhat bitter finish. 89-90pts 1997 Joseph Phelps Insignia. Nose slightly reticient, slightly alcoholic. In the mouth much better balance. Tannins smooth and very nice finish, hints of tobacco and mint aftertaste. Needs perhaps 2 hours of air in bottle or 1 hour decant? 95+pts.