TN: Miscellaneous August notes

Clos des Papes Chteauneuf-du-Pape 2006
Another half bottle thanks to Remo. Every bottle seems fractionally more closed than the last now, but the sweet Kirsch fruit and some roasted Provenal herbs still make an appearance with an hours airing. Nice acids for a 2006, nicely firm tannin. The 15.2% alcohol seemed well-integrated this time, nicely balanced and fairly long finish, too. Rating: 92+/93(+?)

Domaine du Vieux Tlgraphe Chteauneuf-du-Pape La Crau 2007
Tasted in passing at the importers. A blend of 65% Grenache, 15% each of Mourvdre and Syrah etc. Full ruby-black colour. Quite complex, distinctly Port-like fruit with freshly cracked black, grey and green pepper. Less animal fur and ink than the 1998, which was more powerful but less accessible at the same stage of its development. Medium-plus body, sound alcohol. Not too tannic, sufficiently fresh for a 2007 (others are livelier). Quite long on the finish. Must admit I had expected more, planning to retaste this soon. But probably the best Vieux Tlgraphe since 1998, the 2007 has more grip, and is more complex and precise than the 2005. Rating: 91+?

Greetings from Switzerland, David.
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J'ai gch vingt ans de mes plus belles annes au billard. Si c'tait refaire, je recommencerais. Roger Conti
 
originally posted by Karen Goetz:
...Vieux 'graphe 2004?
Hello David,

Notes on '07 quite interesting. Have you had the opportunity to taste 2004 at that Domaine? Curious.

Twice at the importer's, not at the domaine, last time two years ago. It's quite good, not outstanding, a bit deceptive like many 2004s in the sense that it's a bit evolved (the Vieux Tlgraphe more so than most, though) - it's unusual in that it drank well early, but that doesn't mean it won't keep at least mid-term. The second time round it seemed to have come together acceptably well (there was a contrast of rubbery-gamy fruit and a herbacous-tough streak early on). In general, at least as far as the better wines are concerned, 2004 is the perfect gastronomic vintage in CdP, wines that have always been easy to interpret and enjoy.

Greetings from Switzerland, David.
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J'ai gch vingt ans de mes plus belles annes au billard. Si c'tait refaire, je recommencerais. Roger Conti
 
...since I am a gastro-gnome. I always enjoy your ruminations.... I'll post a note on my own '04 once opened.

Going to Bulgaria and Hungary briefly in Sept/Oct for wine adventures. Too little time, too much appetite!
 
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