While a blogger's humble opinion is just that, being in the heart of the industry we hear many things on the grapevine. A while back we heard that a prominent Marlborough winery had applied and receive a permit to dispose of millions of litres of 2009 Sauv Blanc into the ocean. We won't name the winery but 2009 was a vintage of extreme proportions in Marlborough. We see in store that many wineries are re-positioning themselves in a lower (sometimes substantially lower) price bracket in a bid to make way for the 2010 vintage which is also shaping up as a big one. Maybe it's time to rip up vines and consolidate. There is only so much Sauvignon Blanc that we can drink!
Bordeaux 2005
Thursday, March 11, 2010
I have read over and over the significance of the 2005 vintage in Bordeaux and took the plunge to not only stock some 2005's but after Melbourne's storm of the century, the family got together and tried a wine nestled in the middle of both Chateau Lafleur and Chateau Gazin) Pomerol and a 3rd Growth from St. Julien, Chateau Lagrange. Wine can be an expensive addiction especially when tackling old world wine which is why I don't drink too many of them too often.
Chateau Lafleur-Gazin 2005 (Pomerol)
It's typical blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc yielded a restrained and still tight wine even with about 8 hours exposed to air. Upon opening, a gorgeous nose of ripe plums, violets, blackberry and chocolate and stylish and fruity palate of plums pepper and a warm, ripe dark fruit finish. Tannins not as prevalent as in Chateau Lagrange.
Chateau Lagrange 2005 (St. Julien)
This was the standout on the night. A universal thumbs up from the entire crew. Spicy blackcurrants, whiffs of tobacco and cedar emanated from the Bordeaux Riedel glassware. It's poised and structure while not in the same class as the 1st growths were still direct, fine and precise. Keep in mind that its price over delivers and is probably more affordable too. It still needs plenty of time to blossom but such a wine drinks well now and oh...Sunday roast would be right on the money.
Austrian?? Yes Please
I have been one of those oenophiles who thought that the import wine world revolved predominantly around the glorious old world wines of France and Italy. I decided to branch out and have now fallen in love with German and to a greater extent, Austrian wines. I wasn't around (in the wine world that is) when the anti-freeze scandal threatened to kill the Austrian wine industry but what I see now are wines that I personally think could rival those memorable French Chablis, Montrachet's and Meursualt.
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