Unibroue 2004 Trois Pistoles (Qubec) Tastes denser than it did in its youth, with more of a chocolate liqueur, spice-laden character than it originally possessed. Still quite heavy. Did it benefit from age? Well, it changed a bit. But is it better? I dont know. (1/09)
Unibroue 2004 La Fin du Monde (Qubec) Unlike the Trois Pistoles, this beer did not benefit from a few years aging. Lemony and completely swimming with lees, this has tarted up but has also lost the layered richness that defines it. (1/09)
Muga 2007 Rioja Rosado (Center-North) Seems gentler than it is; a fading salmon sunset with a surprising depth and weight to it, rich with old pinkish fruit, guava, and a bit of persimmon. Then theres apple skin, which adds a bit of tannic complexity, and a finely balanced acidity, and a mild oxidation, yet the wine remains well-knit and beautifully formed. A sophisticated ros. (1/09)
Bixio 2005 Prosecco (Veneto) Wretched. Acrid, nasty, volatile, bitter, and just plain no good. (1/09)
Unibroue 2004 La Fin du Monde (Qubec) Unlike the Trois Pistoles, this beer did not benefit from a few years aging. Lemony and completely swimming with lees, this has tarted up but has also lost the layered richness that defines it. (1/09)
Muga 2007 Rioja Rosado (Center-North) Seems gentler than it is; a fading salmon sunset with a surprising depth and weight to it, rich with old pinkish fruit, guava, and a bit of persimmon. Then theres apple skin, which adds a bit of tannic complexity, and a finely balanced acidity, and a mild oxidation, yet the wine remains well-knit and beautifully formed. A sophisticated ros. (1/09)
Bixio 2005 Prosecco (Veneto) Wretched. Acrid, nasty, volatile, bitter, and just plain no good. (1/09)