Uncorked: Under this heading we collect various wines that we have tasted, and liked, recently. It can be wines that we have had during dinner at home, at wine tastings, press lunches, visits to vineyards, or other occasions.
We describe the wines just with a few short sentences, tasting notes that we hope will give you a short but accurate impression of what we thought of the wine, without delving into finer points tasting notes. No points!
Some inspiration for more wine discoveries! As well as a perspective on what to expect from older wines.
This month:
Several wines proving how well certain wines age. Sometimes when you least expect it. If you have a wine cellar you are in for many great surprises. Also a couple of very good and interesting white wines from Hungary, a superstar from Beaujolais and the magnificent but unknown grape of Sagrantino in Umbria.
Want more inspiration? Read more about what we have tasted, often unusual and always interesting in all Uncorked back issues. Click the link to read more!
White wines
Château La Louvière Blanc 1987, Pessac-Léognan
Beautifully mature character. Still quite fresh with a hint of a pleasant oxidized tone. (The very first year the Pessac-Leognan appellation existed.)
Ronan by Clinet 2013, Bordeaux Blanc
More and more Bordeaux chateaus in traditional red wine appellations are making a small quantity of white wine. Recently we tasted the white from Château Clinet in Pomerol. A pleasant wine with some body, a hint of wax possibly coming from the Sémillon grape. Refreshing and tasty.
Huba Szeremley Badasconyi Kéknyelű 2006, Balaton, Hungary
Very good white wine from the district of Badacsony on Lake Balaton in Hungary. The grape is Kéknyelű. Good acidity, quite rich, aromas of citrus and some beeswax and dry honey. Not unlike a Chenin Blanc or a really dry Riesling.
Laposa, Nagy-Somloi Juhfark, Balaton, Hungary
Delicious white wine with refreshing citrus flavours and high acidity. Full bodied. The grape is Juhfark. Laposa is a very ambitious producers at Lake Balaton.
Rosé
La Rose No 7, Domaine J. Laurens, Crémant de Limoux,
Even those who are not overly fond of pink bubbles (like me) have to admit that this is very good wine. Wonderfully creamy taste with a touch of red berries. But very dry, the way I like it. Approx. 10 euro.
Red wines
Morgon 2012, Jean Foillard, Villié Morgon, Beaujolais
A very good and typical Beaujolais of the more full bodied kind. It has a fine structure and good acidity and of course the generous fruit that a Beaujolais should have. Jean Foillard is among the top producers in Beaujolais today. (About 14 euros)
Château Lynch Moussas 1991, Pauillac, Bordeaux
Good and still quite young and lively. Typical Bordeaux style (Cabernet Sauvignon), with dark fruit and structure. Purchased in 1993 for 39.95 FFR. Incredible bargain for this chateau that was classified fifth cru in 1855.
Cornas 1990, Domaine Robert Michel
Very good, with tight fruit and a clear Syrah style. Feels like a youthful wine still. Purchased for 70 FFR 1993. (With only 12.5% alcohol. Not much seen today in the Rhone Valley.)
Faustino I Rioja Gran Reserva 1968
You can trust a Rioja Gran Reserva to feel young after almost 50 years! Vibrant and fruity and incredibly well preserved. The wine cost 75 Danish crowns when it was bought many years ago.
Chateau Grand Puy Lacoste Pauillac 1976
Another youthful senior. Magnificent wine with complexity and vitality. Lovely acidity and fine fruit aromas.
Château Lamartine 2011, Cahors
A typical Cahors with good fruit, dark berries, crisp tannins. Full bodied and rich.
Château Tahbilk, Cabernet Sauvignon 1988, Victoria, Australia
I tasted this 1988 blind and my guess was 2010. Good structure, fresh fruit, cedar wood, very much Cabernet Sauvignon in character. Delicious.
Château de la Cour Le Joyau 2010, Saint Emilion Grand Cru
100 % Merlot. A powerful, dark wine with good tannins. Young in style with good structure and a lot of fruit.
Carapace Montefalco Sagrantino 2008, Tenuta Castelbuono (Tenute Lunelli), Umbrien
The powerful and tannic Sagrantino grape is here tamed to some extent and shows a rather soft, drink friendly style with a good fruit.
Want more inspiration? Read more about what we have tasted, often unusual and always interesting in all Uncorked back issues. Click the link to read more!
