June 28, 2006. Simply Undeniable
STAY TUNED .......... (Click on picture to enlarge)
Posts
June 24, 2006. Favorite Burgundies - Domaine Fontaine-Gagnard (Chassagne Montrachet)
There is a domaine in Chassagne Montrachet which has really been on a roll in recent years (last 6-7). While the reds are fine it is the whites which deserve some attention. Prices are reasonable and relatively "good value" if this was possible in Burgundy. Fontaine-Gagnard was formed in 1985 after the breakup of the Gagnard-Delagrange properties. In size, it is approximately 20 acres. Traditional techniques and organic fertilizers are used. Partial new oak is applied up to and including Grand cru's such as the Criots Batard Monrachet. Not sure about the Batard or Le Monrachet but given the style it would probably exceptional to see 100% new oak ( this isn't Napa or Hunter Valley anyway). Richard Fontaine's portfolio consists of the following ( list of white wines). Chassagne Montrachet Chassagne Montrachet "Clos St.Jean" Chassagne Montrachet "Clos St.Jean - Clos de Murees" ( Monopole) Chassagne Montrachet "Bouriotte" Chassagne Montr...
June 17, 2006. More Burgundies Part 2.
Completely unrelated to wine but what the heck it was begging to be photographed! 1954-57. Mercedes Benz. 300SL Gullwing. Nuff said . 100 pts An now on to wine........ 1999 Ramonet Batard Montrachet Minerality & acidity with a little punch. However to this mouth, this bottle seemed to lack a little of the vibrancy, power and edge compared to previous bottles. Not showing its best here. 91pts. 1983 Chambolle Musigny - Henri Felettig Hints of dried figs and plums, tea colored, bricking occuring. Would say, it went very well with one of the hard cheeses. 87pts. 1983 Nuit Saint George - Clos De Forrets St. Georges / Cuvee Hors Ligne - Jules Belin More closed on the nose, spicy, anise seeds. In the mouth coarser tannins than the previous Chambolle but a better finish (to me). Didn't not go well with the cheese but surprisingly well with salami.86pts. 1999 Michel Magnien Morey St. Denis 1er Le Chaffots Not much on opening. Upon tasting in fact it seemed like it was about to go downh...
June 14, 2006. Some Recent Burgs
We try some more Burgundies to drown out those expensive '05 Bordeaux en primuer blues!! 1999 Marc Colin Chassagne Monrachet 1er Cru "Les Caillerets" Upon opening, strong burst of sweet oak from the bottle. After 15-20 minutes this seem to balance out and one could smell the acidity coming through. Some bottle age evident - not so primary, well balanced, fresh, good acidity, nice finish - perhaps not enough minerality. 90pts. 2002 Dominique Laurent Gevrey-Chambertin. 1er Cru Petite Chapelle Charming nose, but frankly very disappointed at the concentration on the palate. Almost as if it was diluted - bad bottle, high yields ?? Who knows - This is atypically pathetic showing for an '02 especially a 1er cru. Will blame it on a bad bottle. 87pts. 2002 Denis Mortet Gevrey Chambertin. Combe du Dessus Completely opposite from the Laurent. On the nose much more concentration and power. Red fruits, earthy, good acidity. On the palate multi-layered, fine tannins and just so mu...