Nicolas Mestre
Nicolas Mestre
Larmandier-Bernier (2006) Blanc de Blancs 1er Cru Non-Dose "Terre de Vertus" (New label): Poured half the bottle between four glasses and decanted the rest. I think I might like this more than the 2005 edition (it somehow seems "smoother" - not harsh at all). Very pure. Delicious. I preferred the decanted version with its slight prickle of CO2 and pure vinous qualities. I would drink it much more frequently if I had money enough.
Belliviere 2006 CDL "Rouge Gorge" (Pineau d'Aunis): I hadn't tried this for at least a year and was surprised by how much weightier it is now. Very rich. Seemed like it could be in excess of the stated 13.5% alcohol. Lovely stuff though.
Domaine de l'Aigueliere 1998 Montpeyroux (can't recall if this was the "Cote Rousse" or "Cote Dore" bottling): Very savory character and still alive. A sense that this would have been the kind of wine I would have passed on upon release because of the presence of oak. Not much on the fruit. Sorta of smelled like onions after a couple of hours in the glass.
Domaine de l'Hortus 1995 Pic Saint Loup "Grande Cuve": This was pretty silent for the first half hour it was opened. The fruit popped out unexpectedly during a heated game of wii bowling. Plush and sorta "modern" texture. I couldn't really get into it, but others present loved it.
Belliviere 2006 CDL "Rouge Gorge" (Pineau d'Aunis): I hadn't tried this for at least a year and was surprised by how much weightier it is now. Very rich. Seemed like it could be in excess of the stated 13.5% alcohol. Lovely stuff though.
Domaine de l'Aigueliere 1998 Montpeyroux (can't recall if this was the "Cote Rousse" or "Cote Dore" bottling): Very savory character and still alive. A sense that this would have been the kind of wine I would have passed on upon release because of the presence of oak. Not much on the fruit. Sorta of smelled like onions after a couple of hours in the glass.
Domaine de l'Hortus 1995 Pic Saint Loup "Grande Cuve": This was pretty silent for the first half hour it was opened. The fruit popped out unexpectedly during a heated game of wii bowling. Plush and sorta "modern" texture. I couldn't really get into it, but others present loved it.