'61 Pio Cesare Barolo was dead. Oh well. '98 Penfolds 389 was still too oaky and probably too young. '02 Ostertag Riesling Fronholz has a marvelous creamed mineral nose but is fading on the palate. '97 Clos Rougeard Les Poyeux needs more time. Cauhape's '04 Symphonie Novembre and '05 Ballet Octobre were good reminders that the Manseng siblings are varieties that can turn out Sauternes-challenging wines. '83 Meerlust Cab Sauv from magnum tasted muddy and old but was nonetheless enjoyable in that idiom. Latest Krug MV not a patch on last year's releases; hold off until they work through their stock. '02 S. Esmonin Gevrey-Chambertin starting to drink well but hold - lithe fruit, good structure, positive portents for the future. Similarly '00 Tyrell's Vat 1 Semillon - tight now, will be better later.
And Mumm's Cordon Rouge. Dear oh dear.
And Mumm's Cordon Rouge. Dear oh dear.