Happy New Year!!

Another year has gone by - time certainly flies.

Been getting lazy posting tasting notes so new year's resolution is to be more deligent. Here goes....

1998 Billecart Salmon Cuvee Nicholas
Brilliant Pinot Noir smell gushing out just on the pour. On the palate, it was Chardonnay dominating. Quite good but the Chardonnay and Pinot could be a bit more integrated which will take time. 92+ points.

2004 Michel Niellon Chassange Montrachet 1er Cru Clos St. Jean
On the nose, bright flecks of minerality and acidity. The palate could not follow through what was promised on the nose - bit diluted/thin on the core though it had nice acidity and a finish. 90 points.

2006 Domaine Leroy Aligote
Minerals, acidity on the nose and on the palate. Nervosity and a bit of sharpness on the mouth. Needs a little bit of air (30minutes)to balance out. Chablis-like. Had 2 bottles in as many months - the latest one was defective. Flat, no fruit or minerals and a bit oxidised. Previous bottle was much better. 89 points.

1966 Leroy Echezeaux
Primarily plums a touch of figs, earthiness and hint of minerality. Very nice indeed but palate doesn't quite deliver though initially it did for a short period of time ( I dived in while others wanted to wait - their lost) My suggestion - don't wait too long. This was not to say the wine died after that it didn't it had density, structure the finish could be longer but it didn't seem to have the fruitiness and viscosity as in the beginning... 94+ points

2005 Raveneau Valmur
Good balance of acidity, fruit and minerals. Long gentle finish. Needs more time in the bottle and was a bit reticient at first. Don't serve too cold or it will be tight as a clam. 93+ points possibly 95 later.

Oops left one out

2006 Comte Liger-Belaire - Vosne Romanee Clos du Chateau
Limpid and lively light ruby color. Amazing aromas and nose - high notes of red fruits with strong mineral overtones and a bit of earth. On the palate --- ugh.. disappointing - what a let down. Missing a bit of concentration and what was hinted on the nose didn't deliver -- accept tannins and a slight bitterness. I'd like to think this like a Pommard but there you hope the tannins drop to reveal something more balanced... Here I don't think there's anything left when the tannins drop... 87+ points.

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