Ian Fitzsimmons
Ian Fitzsimmons
Luneau-Papin 2002 Excelsior Clos des Noelles
Last had the Excelsior more than a year ago, when it tasted very tight. This bottle, by contrast, though still young, drank very nicely, with lemony-citric-sea breeze aromas, minerals, medium weight, and a silky texture. Integrated and balanced, with a patina. About $25 locally, 12% abv.
Pinon NV Brut Petillant (2007)
Not so great; a little bitter and unbalanced. Correct, I guess, for a Vouvray Petillant: decent bead and foam, okay fruit, but not impressive. So far, Ive had two bottles of this wine that tasted like this, and two that were delightful and much better. $18. (Leftovers the next day were better just too young now?)
Burgaud 1999 Cote Rotie
Dark red, no sign of age. Shut down and grouchy for a while. After several hours in a decanter, the wine lightened up to give aromas of cherry and a bit of oak, flavors follow the nose, with abundant furry tannins and ample acidity. Like W., this wine does not do nuance. Good with rack of lamb. $30 on release, 12.5% abv.
Last had the Excelsior more than a year ago, when it tasted very tight. This bottle, by contrast, though still young, drank very nicely, with lemony-citric-sea breeze aromas, minerals, medium weight, and a silky texture. Integrated and balanced, with a patina. About $25 locally, 12% abv.
Pinon NV Brut Petillant (2007)
Not so great; a little bitter and unbalanced. Correct, I guess, for a Vouvray Petillant: decent bead and foam, okay fruit, but not impressive. So far, Ive had two bottles of this wine that tasted like this, and two that were delightful and much better. $18. (Leftovers the next day were better just too young now?)
Burgaud 1999 Cote Rotie
Dark red, no sign of age. Shut down and grouchy for a while. After several hours in a decanter, the wine lightened up to give aromas of cherry and a bit of oak, flavors follow the nose, with abundant furry tannins and ample acidity. Like W., this wine does not do nuance. Good with rack of lamb. $30 on release, 12.5% abv.