OP's Diary Wines tasted by OP:
Extra. Aug 11, 2006: Vinehill Italy Special. Håkan Olsson

Whites:
1. 2005 Vernaccia di San Gimignano. Fattoria San Donato. 4 EUR
Pale yellow. Young fruity nose, almonds, raisins, apples. Light, crisp taste, medium fruit, slightly spicy. Nice. (12p)

2. 2005 Vernaccia di San Gimignano Hydra. il Palagione. 6.40 EUR
Pale yellow. a bit shy, but OK nose. Light taste, crisp, some fruit, short finish. (11p)

3. 2005 Vernaccia di San Gimignano Riserva. Fattoria San Donato. 7 EUR
Yellow. Nice bouquiet, almonds, fruit and a toch of oak. Medium full, crisp taste, good fruit and a nice aftertaste, but hardly worth the extra Euros. (12p)

Reds:
4. 2004 Belguardo Bronzone. Morellino di Scansano. Mazzei 126 SEK
5. 1999 Montescudaio. Malemachie. Poggio Gagliardo. 8 EUR.
6. 1999 Chianti Classico Riserva. Fattoria La Torre. 8 EUR.
7. 2003 Pulena IGT. Poggio Gagliardo. 14 EUR.
8. 1997 Aprelis IGT. Podere San Luigi. 16 EUR.

2004
Nov 27, 2004: 1985 Ch Batailley.
Lovely, lots of cassis, well structured, no signs of ageing and much better than the '88 tasted two weeks ago on a "Ansvar" event. My last bottle, unfortunately.

Nov 13, 2004:
1988 Gevrey Chambertin Premiére Cru "Combe aux Moines". Ph. Leclerc.
Dark red. Good, fruity, spicy nose wich developed well, some oak. Fullish, rich taste, well balanced with spicy fruit, some oak, acidity and tannins. Long aftertaste. Ph. Leclerc's wines are controversial, but they have an excellent ageing potential, at least in some years.

27 aug, 2004: Wines from Tuscany presented by Vinehill.

1. 2001 Scarilius. La Pierotta, Massa Maritima. (75 SEK)
Dark red. Young, fruity, spicy nose. Medium full. tannic and high acidity, some fruit but tough. (12p)

2. 2003 Nero. Morellino di Scansano. DOC. Acquaviva. (65 SEK)
Medium ruby-red. Medium nose, a bit jammy and spicey fruit. Medium full, some tannins and acidity. (12p)

3. 2000 Rolenzo. IGT Toscana. Voltrona. (92 SEK)
Dark red. A bit closed but opened up, leather and red berries. Medium full, nice fruit, tannic and high acidity but balanced. Oaky aftertaste. (14p)

4. 1998 Malemaccie. Poggio Gagliard. Montescudaio. (75 SEK)
Dark red. Interesting bouquet with raisins and oak. Fullish, soft tannins, good acidity and pleasant fruit (15p)

5. 1999 Bracaleta. Morellino di Svansano. DOC. Acquaviva. (120 SEK)
Dark medium red. Fine, developed bouquet, quite complex. Fullish, mature taste, well balanced. (14p)

6. 1999 Morellino di Scansano. DOC. Val delle Rose. 123 SEK
Dark red. Fine, bouquet, oak, developed well. Full, well balanced mature taste, good aftertaste. Similar to Barcaleta but richer. (15p)

7. 2002 Unum. IGT. Bibbiano. (70 SEK)
Dar medium red. Young fruity, spicy nose. Full, lots aof young fruit, cassis, oak, slightly jammy taste, but a long aftertaste. Interesting and could benefit from ageing. (15p+)

8. 1999 Gobbo. IGT. Poggio Gagliardo. Montescudaio. (138 SEK) Very dark red. Youngish fruity bouquet, cassis, tobacco and toasted oak. Full, well structured taste, intense fruit and a long aftertaste. Very good. (16p+)

June 5, 2004. Dinner with the Eriksson, Olsson and Persson families (at HO's):
1986 Margaux
Dark red. Fine, intense bouquet with fruit and oak. Full, rich taste, tannic but well balanced. Long aftertaste (18p)

1986 Mouton Rothschild
Very dark red, quite youthful. Fine bouquet which developed, cassis, oak. Full, rich taste, superb balance. Slightly richer and broader taste than the Margaux. Should develop further into a perfect wine. (19p)

1981 Ch d'Yquem
Golden. Rich bouquet, apricots, peaches and botytis. Full, sweet, lovely balance, still quite youthful. (17p)

Feb 2, 2004: Nineteen new wines with Munskänkarna in Lund

Whites:
1. 2002 Sancerre. Le Pirrier . Domaine Thomas. 159 SEK
Light yellow. Typical Sauvignon Blanc - nettles, goose-berries and mineral. Medium full, crisp, fruity, precise taste. Well balanced, nice aftertaste. Good. 15p

2. 2003 Grosset Polish Hill Riesling. 249 SEK
Pale yellow. Young, undeveloped nose. Quite light, young fruity taste, crisp, apples, quite nice, but a bit neutral and far to expensive (14p)

3. 1998 Würzburger Stein Riesling Spätlese. Burgerspital. 129 SEK
medium yellow. Nice, well developed Riesling flavours. Medium full, crisp, fruity taste, not bonedry, but not sweetish. (14p)

4. 1990 Lorcher Bodenthal-Steinberg Riesling Auslese. Graf von Kanitz. 126 SEK
Light greenish yellow. Lots of ripe, honeyed fruit and petroleum. Semi-sweet, crisp, medium full, honey and a pleasant aftertaste. Mature, but still vigorous (15p).

Reds:
5. 2002 Finca Resalso. Emilio Moro. Ribera del Duero. 99 SEK
Dark purple-red, Thick young fruity nose withdark berries and oak. Full, chunky, young fruity, inky taste, high acidity, slightly bitter finish. Might develop (13p)

6. 2001 Pèppoli Chianti Classico. Antinori 129 SEK
Dark, blueish-tinged red. Nice, spicy fruity nose, leather and some oak. Full, crisp taste, spicy cherries and chocolate, nice aftertaste. (15p)

7. 2000 Mamre Brook Shiraz. Barossa. Saltram. 109 SEK.
Dark red. Chunky, spicy fruit but odd-flavored. Oxidized or slightly corked? Not rated.

8. 2000 Yalumba Shiraz Viognier. 199 SEK
Dark red. Open, very fruity nose, spices, cassis and oak. Full, very fruity taste, creamy, oaky aftertaste (15p)

9. 2001 Ch Bouscassé. Madiran. A. Brumont. 119 SEK
Deep red. Pleasant, youthful fruity nose, black currants, and some oak. Good, chocolaty, fruity taste, very tannic. (14p)

10. 2001 Ch Montus. Madiran. A. Brumont. 149 SEK
Dark red. Fine, interesting fruity flavors and oak. Very tannic, very full, very fruity taste and oak. Needs time but may develop into something very special in 10 years time. (16p)

11. 2001 Neetlingshof Cabenet Sauvignon. Stellenbosch. 95 SEK
Dark red. Very strightforward, black-curranty nose and some oak. Medium full, spicy fruit, quite tannic. (14p)

12. 2000 Kanonkop Paul Sauer. Stellenbosch. 219 SEK
Dark red. Massive young fruity nose, cassis, coffee, toasted oak. Full, lots of soft tannins, well structured and a long aftertaste. Should develop furher. Probably the best Paul Sauer I've tasted yet. (17p)

13. El Albar Excelencia. J&F Lurton. Toro, Spain. 239 SEK
Dark medium-red. Aromatic, spicy, fruity flavors, plums and oak. Full, rich soft tannins, fruity tast and pleasant oak. Smoth , well-made wine, maybe a bit too flattering (16p)

14. 2000 Ch Mazeyres. Pomerol. 294 SEK
Dark red. Interesting nose with plummy fruit, stable-yard and toasted oak. Full, rich taste, smooth tannins and a good aftertaste. Good, but will develop. (16p)

15. 2001 Domaine des Sénécheaux. Châteauneuf-du-Pape. 180 SEK
Very young, fruity, juicy, spicy nose. Medium-full, sweet, ripe fruit, some tannins, but fishishes a bit short with lots of alcohol. A bit disappointing (13p)

16. 2001 Clos du Calvaire. Dom du Père Pape. Châteauneuf-du-Pape. 199 SEK
Dark red. Young, plummy nose with spices. Medium full, sweet fruit, hiag acidity, unbalanced, quite short with too much alcohol. (12p)

17. 1999 Ch Pradeaux. Bandol. 212 SEK
Dark red. Intersting personal bouquet with leather, plums and a touch of kumarin. Quite tannic, fullish, spicy fruit with red and black berries. Needs cellaring. (16p)

18. 2001 Columella. The Sadie Family. 364 SEK
Very dark red. Loads of young, spicy, meaty fruit, burned rubber and toasted oak. Full, rich taste, plenty of fruit and very precise acidity and tannins. Great potential and would easily match any great wine from the Northern Rhône (18p)

19. 1998 Peter Lehman Stonewell Shiraz. Barossa Valley. 379 SEK
Very dark red. Very up-front fruity nose, dark berries, mint and oak. Very full, portish taste, plums, oak, black currants, chocolate, long aftertaste. (17p)

Comments: There were no less than 85 new wines released this month, so this was obviously only a small but excellent selection. The two Châteauneufs were a bit disappointing though. Maybe the chase for superripe, fruity wines has gone to far in some places.

Jan 5, 2004:
1982 Ch La Lagune. Haut-Médoc.
Brick red. Fine bouquet, well developed, cedary, tobacco. Velvety taste with a firm grip, good balance, still fruity, well integrated oak and a long aftertaste. Will not improve

2003
Nov 30, 2003. 1997 Gevrey Chambertin Premiére Cru "Combe aux Moines". Ph. Leclerc.
Dark red. Fine bouquet with fruit and oak. Full, rich taste, high acidity with a slight bitterness. Good with food, long aftertaste. Two bottles opened, one bottle corked.

Nov 3, 2003: New wines at Systembolaget tasted with Munskänkarna in Lund

White:
1. 2002 Georg Breuer Riesling Sauvage. Rheingau. 99 SEK
Pale yellow. Young , fruity nose, apples, minerals. Medium full, crisp, pure fruity taste. (13p)

2. 2001 Georg Breuer Berg Schlossberg. Riesling. Rheingau. 295 SEK
Pale yellow. deep, pure flowery nose, minerals, petroleum,. Fullish, fruity tste, crisp, balancing acidity, good aftertaste and will develop. Good, but a bit expensive. (16p)

3. 2002 Ch Labatut-Bouchard. Bordeaux. 85 SEK
pale yellow. A bit closed, but opened up. Fruit, wet wool- Medium full, fruit-drops, crisp. (12p)

4. 1999 Trimbach Riesling Cuvée Frédéric Emile. 286 SEK
Pale yellow. Quite intense, parmude nose with petroleum and citrus. Medium full, crisp taste, a bit closed. Good, but a bit disappointing (15p)

Red:
5. 2000 Yalumba Barossa Shiraz. 100 SEK
Dark red. Very fruity, mint, herbs and toasted oak in the nose. Full, rich fruity taste, good acidity and plenty of oak (14p)

6. 2001 Vasse Feliz Shiraz. Margaret River. 199 SEK
Deep dark red. Massive, young fruity nose, dark berries, mint, vanilla and oak. Full, rich taste, lots of dark berries, fleshy, full bodied. Nice aftertaste. (16p)

7. 2001 Cecchi Chianti Classico. 99 SEK
Dark medium-red. Fine, fruity nose with stableyard and leather. Medium full, balanced taste with good acidity, moderate tannins softened by some sweet oak. (14p)

8. 2000 Carmen Petite Sirah. Chile. 129 SEK
Corked

9. 2000 Domini Veneti. Vigneti di Torbe Ripasso. Valpollicella Classico Superiore. 139 SEK
Dark red. Ripe berries, cherries and red currant, Full, nice taste, plums and some oak. High, but balanced acidity. (15p)

10. 2001 Dom. Grande Veneur. Alain Jaume. Châteauneuf-du-Pape. 157 SEK
Dark red. Young, rich, spicy, fruity nore, dark berries and some burned rubber on the nose. Full, spicy fruity taste, very full-bodied (15%!). Good aftertaste and has potential. (16p)

11. 2001 Les Terasses. Alvaro Palacios. Priorat. 195 SEK
Dark red. Tight nose, cassis and oak. Closed, full fruity taste, high acidity. Unready, might improve. (14p)

12. 1998 Miguel Merino Reserva. Rioja. 199 SEK
Medium red. Classic rioja, oak, vanilla, dill-seed, black-berries. Medium full, tasty, well balanced but perhaps a bit unexciting. (14p)

13. 2000 Côte Rôtie Brune et Blond. 379 SEK
Dark red. A bit closed, but spices, black berries, rubber and a touch of oak. Full, rich taste, plenty of fruit and well balanced tannins and acidity. Very good, but too expensive IMO. (16p)

14. 1998 Zanna. Montepuciano d'Abruzzo. Dino Illuminati. 128 SEK
Dark red. Plenty of fruit on the nose, plums and cherries, slightly burned. Full, rich fruity taste, a bit unpolished, still young. (14p)

15. 2001 Glen Carlou Grand Classique. Cabernet S/Merlot. Paarl. South Africa. 139 SEK
Dark red. Thich, rich fruit on the nose, cassis and oak. Full, good fruity taste and an oaky aftertaste (15p)

16. 1985 Banyuls Select Vieux. l'Etoile. 302 SEK
Orange tinged. Raisins, plums and figs on the nose. Full, sweet taste with various dried fruits. (16p)

17. 2000 Silval Vintage Port. Noval. 269 SEK.
Very dark red. Very fruity, rich a bit spirity. Full, sweet taste, raisins and soft tannins. Needs time (16p)

Comments: The tasting was not blind. My scores were quite close to the "official" scores of Munskänkarna's tasting group.
Nov 1, 2003:
2001 Dom. La Bastide. Syrah. VdP d'Hauterives.
Dark red. Open, very fruity nose. Fullish, fruity taste, well balanced.
1999 St Joseph. Dom Remizieres.
Dark red, almost opaque. Lots of sediment. Very good bouquet, aromatic fruit and oak. Full taste, rich, complex, quite tannic and a long aftertaste. Good now, but will develop. Great potential

Oct 6, 2003: New wines at Systembolaget tasted with Munskänkarna in Lund

1. 2001 Chasselas Vielle Vignes. Cuvée Caroline. Schoffit. Alsace. 128 SEK
Light yellow. Fine, concentrated fruity nose. Medium full, crisp, ripe fruit, peaches. Pleasant aftertaste. (14p)

2. 1982 Wehlener Sonnenuhr. Riesling Auslese. Dr Loosen. 169 SEK.
Medium yellow. Intense bouquet, petroleum and ripe apples. Semi-dry, crisp taste, fruit, honeysuckle. Good if you like a mature Riesling (15p)

3. 2001 Solstice Syrah. VdP d'Oc. Domaines du Soleil. 85 SEK
Dark red. Very typical, dark berries spicy, meaty young nose with a touch of oak. Full, quite tannic, slightly bitter taste with acidity and young fruit. (13p)

4. 2002 Beaumont Shiraz. Western Cape. South Africa. 125 SEK
Dark red. Young, fruity nose, ester, oak, dark berries. Fruity, oaky taste, blackberries, quite tannic. (14p)

5. 2001 Crozes Hermitage. Alain Graillot. 162 SEK
Dark red. Very good on the nose with fruit, spices, olives and meat. Fullish, good acidity, good aftertaste but perhaps lacking a little flesh and body. But well balanced. Not any of Graillot´s best effort but clearly better than the 1996 tasted a couple of weeks ago.(15p+)

6. 1998 Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Moillard-Grivot. 188 SEK
Medium red. Medium bouquet, spicy, leather, mature. Medium full, good acidity, mature taste, quite tasty but not big (14p)

7. 2000 Castello di Fonterutoli. Chianti Classico. 299 SEK
Dark red. Rich, very powerful nose, cherries, plums and toasted oak. Full, tannic taste, lots of fruit: cassis, cherries. Long aftertaste. Developed well in the glass, hard to spit! Very good but needs time. (17p+)

8. 1999 Barolo Piccolo Vigne. Armando Parusso. 359 SEK
Dark medium red. A bit closed but developed pleasant aromas of plums, violets, oak and a whif of volatile acidity. Full, very tannic taste with leather and plums. Good aftertaste, needs time (16p)

9. 2001 Ridge Lytton Springs. 269 SEK
Dark red. Interesting nose, very fruity, . Full, fruity, quite tannic with acidity and soft fruit, dark berries. Well made, but not really exciting. (16p)

10. 2001 Ridge Geyserville. 269 SEK
Dark red. esters on the nose, fruity, lots of dark berries. Full, quite tannic, full bodied, ripe fruit, oak and some volatile acidity. Also well made, but not really exciting. (16p)

11. 2002 Graham Beck Merlot. Western Cape. South Africa. 89 SEK
Dark red. Young, fruity aromas, oak. Medium full, plums, quite tannic, well balanced. Lots of wine for the money. (14p)
Sept 27, 2003 12+15 wines tasted in Denmark

Philipsson Wine
We (undersigned and Lars Jonsson) made a short stop att Philipssons. My notes are short. Prices are given in Danish crown per bottle if you buy by the case. Single bottles were 10-60% more expensive!

2001 Promessa Rosso Salento "Bag in box" 3 Liter 129,95
Good fruity stuff. Very good for the price

2002 Argento Malbec, Nicolas Catena 39,95
Warm, fruity wine. Good for the price

2001 A Mano, Mark Shannon 59,95
Good, fruit, warm, balanced, chunky taste, some oak.

2000 Guigal "Cuvée Philipson Wine" Côtes-du-Rhône 69,95
Interesting cuvée. Good. I would have liked to try the regular cuvee

2000 Barbaresco, Produttori del Barbaresco 79,95
Good, ripe fruit. Quite a long taste, pleasant fruit, good acidity, well balanced. Best buy.

1999 Barolo Marcenasco, Renato Ratti 129,95
Good, maturing, open bouquet. Nice taste, well balanced.

2001 Catena Cabernet Sauvignon, Agrelo Vineyards, Mendoza 129,95
Warm, ripe fruit, cassis. Very sweet-fruity taste.

1994 Burmester Vintage 149,95
Good fruit, perhaps a bit spirity

1998 Brunello di Montalcino, Tenuta di Argiano 199,95
Developing bouquet, red and black fruit, leather. Youngish, promising taste, tannins and acidity, needs a couple of years.

2000 Sarget de Gruaud Larose, Saint-Julien 199,95
Medium full taste, fruit and oak, well developed.

2000 Château Meyney, Cru Bourgeois, Saint-Estèphe 199,95
A bit restrained nose, fruit and some oak. Chunky, undelevoped fruity taste, toasted oak. I am a but uncertain about its developement, but might turn into a very good wine.

2000 Hermitage Rouge, Guigal 349,95
Very good, rich, complex, spicy taste. Long aftertaste. Lovely

Erik Sørensen's annual tasting in Denmark:

2000 Ch. Macquin Saint Georges . Saint Georges -St.Émilion . 67 DKK.
Tough, undeveloped wine. Hard to rate, but might develop (12?p)

2000 Ch. Sergant "sélection", Lalande de Pomerol. 119 DKK.
Good fruit, fullish, well balanced. (15p)

1999 Ch. Baret, Pessac Leognan, Cru de Graves . 99 DKK
Medium full, quite developed, pleasant fruit and some oak. (14p)

2001 Ch. La Tour Carnet. Haut-Médoc. 169 DKK
Fine nose with fruit and toasted oak. Fullish, good fruity taste, well balanced and a good aftertaste (16p) I now regret that we didn't buy any.

2001 Ch. La Bastide Syrah Corbières. 49 DKK
Good spicy nose, typical Syrah. Good fruity taste, good balance. Best buy, so I got me a case. (14p)

2001 Clos Fantine, Faugères "La Liquière"66 DKK
Interesting spicy nose, Full, good fruit and well structured. Interesting so we did split a case (15p)

2000 Domaine Mourchon. Séguret. Côtes du Rhône Villages. 66 DKK
Fine nose, lots of "garrigue"-spice. Tough, tannic taste, lots of fruit but a bit unbalanced. Might develop, but I am a bit uncertain. (13p)

2000 Gigondas Romane Machotte, Amadieu. 89 DKK
Good, fruity nose. Well balanced long taste, fine structure, fruit and some complexity. We bought a case. (15p)

2001 Villa Trasqua , Chianti Classico 79 DKK
Typical chianti, good acidity, rounded aftertaste. Good. (14p)

2001 Togliano Volpe Pasini Merlot. Friuli 79 DKK
Very fruity, young wine. Cassis, good acidity, promising (15p)

2001 Tenuta Don Nicola Zinfandel Old Vine
Hot (15%), fruity, but not as good as the 2000 so actually a bit disappointing. (14p)

1996 Torrelongares Gran Reserva. Cariñena. Spain. 65 DKK
Soft, mature, a bit uninspiring to me (12p)

2001 Valdivieso Cabernet Sauvignon. Chile. 46 DKK.
Full, fruity, black currants, high acidity. (11p)

2000 Valdivieso Merlot "Single Vineyard" Reserva. Chile
Lots of ripe fruit, sweet cassis, good balance, oak (14p)

2001 Tatachilla Keystone, Grenache Shiraz, McLaren Vale. Australia. 66 DKK
Good, chunky fruit, red and black berries (14p)

Sept 3, 2003: Eleven new wines at Systembolaget tasted with Munskänkarna in Lund

White wines
1. 1999 Chablis 1er Cru Montmain. Collet. 165 SEK
Pale golden. Nice, fruity nose with minerals. Medium full, crisp, pure fruty taste, apples and nuts, nice after taste. Pleasant, but hardly exciting. Should go well with seafood. (15p)

2. 2001 Boekenhoutskloef Semillon. South Africa. 190 SEK.
Pale golden. Oaky nose with tropical fruit, butter, cocos. Medium full, oaky taste, some fruit, oaky aftetaste. Interesting, but a bit oaky to my taste. (14p)

3. 2000 Patz & Hall Napa Valley Chardonnay. 229 SEK
Golden yellow. Very powerful bouquet with lots of toasted oak and tropical fruit. Full, crisp taste, toasted oak, and a reasonable aftertaste. (15p)

4. 2000 Patz & Hall Woolsey Road Chardonnay. Russian River. 265 SEK
Golden yellow. Fine fruity nose, not dominated by oak. Full, crisp elegant taste, pleasant oakiness and quite a long aftertaste with fruit. Well balanced wine, better than the wine above (16p)

Red wines
5. 2001 Givry 1er Cru Clos de la Servoisine. Joblot. 211 SEK
Medium red. Young, fruity nose with raspberries, a bit burned and a touch of oak. Medium full, burned raspberry fruit, cherries, some tannins, oak and a distinct acidity. Elegant and should develop. (15p+?)

6. 2001 Visellio Primitivo. Tenute Rubino. Salento.
Dark red. Very fruity nose, Full, tannic, chunky and a bitter aftertaste. Unbalanced and not my glass of wine. (12p)

7. 2001 Fonterutoli. Chianti Classico. Marchesi Mazzei. 159 SEK.
Dark red. Big, young, very fruity nose. Full, fruity taste, dark berries, oak, tannic but balanced. Should be kept for a couple of years, but great promise. Best buy. (16p)

8. 1997 Brunello di Montalcino. Castiglion del Bosco. 189 SEK
Medium red. Good, mature bouquet, red berries, some oak, mushrooms and leather. Fullish, mature, soft, red berries, quite nice. Drink now. (15p)

9. 1999 Asinone Vino Nobile di Montepulciano. Poliziano. 299 SEK
Dark medium red. Fine aromatic nose, lots of fruit, nice touch of oak. Full, elegant long taste, well balanced acidity, soft tannins, long aftertaste. My favourite, combining power with finesse.(17p+)

10. 2000 Le Stanze. IGT. Poliziano. 360 SEK
Deep red. Dense, undeveloped, slightly burned cassis fruit, oak. Full, chewy fruit, cassis, undeveloped, full bodied, long aftertaste, but not really harmonious. Should develop though. More power than finesse. (16p)

11. 2000 Catena Alta Cabernet Sauvignon. Catena Zapata. 299 SEK
Dark red. Massive fruit on the nose, ripe black currants, slightly minty and some oak. Full, sweet fruit, very tasty, but maybe a short aftertaste (for the price).(16p)

Comments: The tasting was not blind.
Mar 23, 2003:
2000 Les Garrigues. Coteaux de Languedoc. Pierre Clavel. 6,80 EUR.
Dark red. Massive, young bouquet plenty of dark berries and spices (60% Syrah and 40% Grenache). Full-bodied, warm fruit but needs decanting. Very impressive. (16p)

1995 Dom Vieux Telegraphe. Chateauneuf -du-Pape (183 SEK in 1998).
Lovely bouquet, rich fruit, cassis, spices and som oak. Full, well developed taste, fine balance, long aftertaste. I'm happy to say that I have another bottle left (17p)

Jan 6, 2003:
1983 Côte Rôtie. Guigal. Dark red. Mature bouquet with oriental spices, pepper, olives and rubber. Nice, fresh taste with spices, some fruit and a touch of oak. Good acidity and soft tannins. Almost bit burgundian.
2002
Dec 31, 2002: Piper-Heidseck Brut.
Good elegant stuff, very tasty.

1997 Clos d'Ière. Côtes de Provence
Mainly Syrah from the the Domaine owned by the Swedish state. Dark red. Fine bouquet wit dark berries, cassis, spices and oak. Full, rich, well balanced, good now but will keep.

Dec 26, 2002:
1999 Crozes Hermitage. Cave de Tain l'Hermitage.
Dark red. Good, straightforward, spicy, fruity nose. Medium full, quite high acidity, medium aftertaste

2000 Crozes Hermitage. Cuvée Christophe. Dom. Remizières. Dark red. Fine, rich bouquet which opened up nicely: spices, burned rubber and some oak. Full, well balanced, and a good aftertaste. A more complete wine than above.

1985 Ch Grand Puy Ducasse. Pauillac.
Dark red. Fine, mature bouquet. Full, soft, velvety taste, mature, long aftertaste. Very good.

Nov 26, 2002:
2002 Beaujolais Noveau. Dubeuf. 62 SEK.
Fresh, fruity wine, raspberries, strawberries. Very drinkable, of course hardly complex, but a Noveau never has intended to be that either. Charming would be a most appropriate decription

Nov 21, 2002:
Turley Cellars Zinfandels with Munskänkarna, Lund

1. 1999 Duarte Vineyard. Contra Costa
Dark red. Powerful, young, fruity nose with blackberries and oak. Very full, soft sweet fruit, good acidity and a long oaky aftertaste. (17p)

2. 1999 Hayne Vineyard. Napa.16,8%
Dark red, lots of pigment in the rim. A bit closed nose but opened up: young fruit, cassis and vanilla. Massive, chewy, creamy fruit, lots of acidity and soft tannins, good long aftertaste. (18p)

3. 1999 Moore Earthquake. Napa
Dark red, but the lightest rim of all. Corked, or oxidised?

4. 1999 Pringle Family Vineyard. Howell Mountain
Dark red. Medium bouquet, quite complex, vanilla, spices, cherries and strawberries. Full, very tannic, high acidity ,a bit metallic, minerally, not really harmonic, but lots of sweet fruit. May develop. (16p)

5. 1999 Dogtown Vineyard. Lodi
Very dark red. Sweet young fruity nose, spicy, chocolate, cherries. Full, well structured taste, chewy but the most elegant and drinkable wine at present (17p)

AND
6. 1999 Petit Sirah Hayne Vineyard
Opaque, black, the darkest wine I have ever seen! Massive, young fruit, cassis, burned rubber, plums. Powerful, tannic, compact, undeveloped and needs time (18p in due course)

Comments: An impressive tasting apart from the bad bottle. Parkers ratings were: 91, 96, 95, 96, 92 and 96 respectively! I guess that this was about as good a Zin can get.

Nov 8, 2002
1999 Dom. Grand Romane. Gigondas. C. Amadieu.
Dark red. At first a bit closed bouquet but opened up: Spices, herbs, liquorice, cherries, some oak. Full-bodied (14%), intense taste, tannic and high acidity, good aftertaste.

Oct 12, 2002
1996 Ch de Beaucastel, Châteauneuf-du-Pape
and
1997 Les Cailloux, Châteauneuf-du-Pape.
Both were indeed very good. Les Cailloux was the more open wine with plenty of sweet and spicy fruit. Very drinkable. Beaucastel had a more precise structure, lots of tannins and acidity, good, young fruit, some oak and a good aftertaste.
2000 Pinot Noir. Alsace. Charles Schleret.
In every aspect a much lighter wine. Nice Pinot aromas, pleasant balance, roséish kind of.

Oct 5, 2002
1995 Chablis P.C. Fourchaume. J.M. Brocard
Deep golden. Fin mature bouquet, apples, mineral. Medium full, crisp, mature interesting taste. Quite long aftertaste

May 4, 2002
1983 Leoville Poyferré. St Julien
Dark red. Lovely mature bouquet with everything you could ask for. Full, soft tannins, fine, well balanced long taste. Really good, 17p at least

April 19, 2002
1998 Allesverloren Tinta Barocca. Swartkrans. South Africa. 94 SEK
Dark red. Deep, rich fruity bouquet with dark berries and oak. Full, rich taste, well balanced acidity and tannins. Good aftertaste. Young, will keep, but good already now. (16p)

April 6, 2002:
1999 Ch La Roque "Cupa Numismae". Pic St Loup. Coteaux de Languedoc. 90 SEK at the winery in June 2001.
Dark red. Rich, young fruit on the nose, spices and oak. Full, chewy wine, masses of sweet fruit, pepper and leather, tannic but has closed down a bit since last summer. Needs some time to develop. A blend of 60% Syrah and 40% Mourvédre. (16p+ in due course)

Mar 31, 2002:
1988 Ch Batailley. Pauillac.
Mature by now. Dark red. Good bouquet, oak and some stable yard. Medium full, high acidity, quite good fruit and a reasonable aftertaste. (14p+)

Mar 24, 2002:
1995 Givry Premiere Cru "Clos de la Servoisine". Dom. Joblot
and
1995 Givry Premiere Cru"Clos du Celliers aux Moines". Dom. Joblot
Interesting comparison. Very similar in style. Nice bouquet, still fruity and tasty oak. Medium full, mouth watering, elegant wines, Clos de la Servoisine being slightly richer and longer. (15,5 and 16p)

2001
Dec 8, 2001:
1989 Gevrey Chambertin Premiere Cru Les Champeaux. Philippe Leclerc
and
1989 Gevrey Chambertin Premiere Cru Les Cazetiers. Philippe Leclerc
Quite similar in style and appearance: Dark red, maturing rim. Pleasant bouquet with oriental spices, ripe fruit and some oak. Fullish, full bodied, complex, rich taste, good structure with acidity and tannins. Both were indeed very good, but the les Champeaux seemed to have more sweet, soft fruit to balance the tannins. Long aftertaste (16-17 pts)

2000 Ch Guiot. Costieres de Nîmes. (20 FF at the winery)
Dark purple. Thick, very young, fruity nose. Full, chewy, shameless soft, sweet, fruity taste with spices and liquorice. Perhaps not terribly complex, but very likeable. Good balance, shorter aftertaste than the wines above but a super bargain for a tenth of the price. (14p)

Nov 9, 2001:
1993 Fixin 1 Cru "Les Hervelets". Dom. Pierre Gelin

Dark red (very dark for a burgundy!). Rich, powerful, complex bouquet with spices, dark berries and some oak. Full, very tasty ripe fruit, with soft tannins and acidity in order. Long aftertaste. Very good. A good Burgundy for a Bordeaux lover. (17p)
Sept 29, 2001:
Erik Sørensen's annual tasting in Denmark:

1. 2000 Zinfandel. Tenuta Don Nicolo. Leone de Castris. Puglia. 46 DKK.
Nice, young, juicy stuff. Soft tannins, quite good. (13p)

2. 1999 Chateau Montmarin Merlot. VdP Côtes de Thounge. Languedoc. 42 DKK
Soft, fullish, slightly spicy, sweet fruit with liquorice. (13p)

3. 1998 Chateau Tourteau-Chollet. Graves. 66 DKK
Medium full, soft, pleasant wine, a bit short aftertaste. (13p)

4. 1998 Chateau Sergant. Lalande de Pomerol 99 DKK
Fine, fruity bouquet. Medium full, spicy fruit and some aftertaste. Nice. (14p)

5. 1999 Blasson d'Issan. Margaux. (2nd of d'Issan) 139 DKK
Very elegant wine, soft tannins and acidity in balace, some oak. (15p)

6. 1999 Ch La Lagune. Haut-Medoc. 199 DKK
Fine bouquet with cassis and toasted oak. Fruity taste, cedar and everything in balance. Elegant. The best wine in the show. (16p)

7. 1999. Alta Vista Estate. Malbec Reserve. Mendoza. Argentina 99 DKK
Very rich, chewy, fruity taste with some oak. (14p)

8. 1999 Brolio Chianti Classico. 93 DKK
Elegant, stylish wine with crisp acidity, fruit and well integrated oak. (15p)

9. 1998 Funtespina Crianza. Ribera del Douero. 75 DKK
Rich, slightly burned fruit, plums. Tannic and plenty of nice oak. (15p)

10. 1999 Helenæ Syrah. Roussillon. 59 DKK
At present a bit closed on the nose. Soft, fruity taste, a bit short aftertaste. (12p)

11. 1999 Ch la Bastide. Cuvée l'Optimée. Corbieres. 65 DKK
Lots of sweet fruit, oak and a good grip, but a bit short aftertaste. (14p)

12. 1999 Domaine Grande Romane. Amadieu. Gigondas. 95 DKK
Fine spicy fruit and oak. Strong, tannic, well structured, fruity wine. Good. (16p)

13. 1999 Tatachilla Keystone. Grenache-Syrah. Mc Laren Vale, South Australia. 69 SEK
Very fruity wine. (14p)

14. 2000 Primitivo Old Vine Tenuta Don Nicolo. Leone de Castris. Puglia. 65 DKK
Masses of sweet, juicy fruit. Full bodied (15% alcohol) but well balanced. Fun wine. (15p)

As always a very interesting tasting. On previous occasions focus has usually been on Bordeaux, but in recent years there has been many other districts on show. My notes are rather shortish, and my scores should be read with some precautions.
July 15, 2001:
1992 Gevrey Chambertin Premier Cru "Combe aux Moines". Philippe Leclerc.
The colour was frightening brownish but the bouquet was superb. Still fresh, warm fruit and lot of oriental spices. Fullish, quite tannic taste, good acidity but a bit hollow and disjoint aftertaste. Worked well with food though.

1992 Hermitage "Les Trois Rivieres". Cave Coop Tain l'Hemitage
Dark red. Warm, spicy, fruity bouquet. Full, warm, tasty fruit and a good aftertaste.

May 5, 2001:
1999 Dom Rabiega Prestige. Côte de Provence. 79 SEK. A nice, young, fruity wine frome the Swedish owned domaine.
1999 Chevaliere Grande Reserve Merlot. VdP d'Oc. 89 SEK.A very rich, tasty, well made example of modern winemaking in the Languedoc. Highly recommended.
1999 Crozes Hermitage. Moillard-Grivot. 99 SEK Nice, young, achaetypical wine with plenty of spicy, meaty fruit. Good.

April 13, 2001: 1998 Romane Machotte. Pierre Amadieu. Gigondas. Dark red. A bit closed at first. A bit tough, chewy, fruity wine with plenty of tannins and acidity. Opened up after an hour in the glass, displaying lots of nice fruit and a long aftertaste. Should be kept for another couple of years and desperatly needs decanting. Great promise. (15p+)

Apr 2, 2001: 1996 Crozes Hermitage. Alain Graillot.
Dark red. Big, meaty, spicy, still youngish, very promising bouquet. Very much Syrah. Medium full, quite fruity, tannic taste with high, green acidity which make a contrast to the smell. I wonder what will become of this? Not any of Graillot's best performances. (14p)

Feb 23-24, 2001: 1985 Ch Batailley, Pauillac and 1998 Cuvee Mythique, VdP d'Oc
During the 1980ies we drank a lot of Bordeaux. Prices were then reasonable, though the 85's were quite expensive at the time. We went to tastings in Denmark and got us some cases of Batailley at Jørgensens in Hellerup. Later Jørgensens merged with other companies, there are no tastings with them any more, and the prices of a decent Bordeaux are forbiddingly high. I still have a few Bordeaux left in my cellar, but but I have become reluctant to open them as it seems to be impossible to renew the stock. But this saturday evening I opened a Batailley. I almost went a bit nostalgic when I tasted it. Fine, mature bouquet, leather, some spices. Medium full, pleasant acidity, some tannins. Nice, and still very much alive, but drink now if you have any left.
But there are alternatives, like the Cuvée Mythique which cost only 60 SEK (in Denmark). Dark red. Very open, fruity bouquet with plenty of oak. Full, supple fruit, nice tannins and sweet oak. Good aftertaste. It is a great bargain and I found that Parker has rated it 88-91! Not a wine for purists and terroiristes I guess, but a good wine is always a good wine, no matter whether it comes from a specified wineyard or not.

Feb 22, 2001:
Chateauneuf-du-Pape with Munskänkarna at Grand Hôtel in Lund

1. 1998 Dom de Vieux Lazaret. 150 SEK.
Medium-dark red, slightly brickred rim. Very fruity, slightly spicy on the nose, some oak. Fullish, fullbodied, good acidity, nice fruit and a reasonable aftertaste. Well balanced. (15p)

2. 1998 Ch La Nerthe. 199 SEK.
Dark red, lots of pigments in the rim. Deep, concentrated, tight, fruity, sligtly burned smell. Full, full bodied, slightly bitter, but quite powerful taste. Not really in balance yet, but should improve. (15,5p)

3. 1997 Ch Beaucastel. 343 SEK.
Dark red. Very young, warm fruit on the nose, blueberries and some mushrooms. Full, soft fruit, high acidity, full bodied, some length but not yet in balance. (16p, maybe)

4. 1995 Dom du Pegau. c 300 SEK (in Denmark).
Dark red. Very open, still fruity, complex, intense bouquet, some oak. Full, fine fruit, ripe dark berries, lovely balance and a long aftertaste. Super. (17p at least)

5. 1990 Ch la Gardine. 300 SEK.
Dark red. Powerful, mushrooms, cheese, estery bouquet. Fullish, full bodied, tannic, fruit and mushrooms. Quite a nice aftertaste. (15p)

Extra. 1998 Clos de Caillou.
Very dark red. TIght, pure, slightly burned fruit on the nose. Full, chewy fruit, lots of extract, tannic, long aftertaste. Great promise. Very Parkerish. (17p)

Comments: Interesting tasting. There are many different styles of winemaking in Chateauneuf-du-Pape and one comment on this event was that there also is slight lack of identity. It would not be easy to pick out one in a blindtasting. One of the tasters admitted that he could have guessed Tuscany, and I see what he means. But the quality is no doubt high. The Vieux Lazaret performed very well and was already surprisingly drinkable. Close to a bargain. The Beaucastel was a bit disappointing, hopefully it will develop, but I will not buy any.
2000
Dec 9, 2000: 1997 Terreno Riserva. Chianti Classico. 125 SEKDark red. Lovely nose with dark berries and some oak. Full, rich taste, deliciuos acidity, firm tannins but lovely balance. Long aftertaste. Will keep for a long time, but already good to drink now.

Nov 25, 2000: 1989 Ch Haut Bages Liberal. Pauillac. Dark red. Fine, mature bouquet. Fullish, soft, well balanced taste and a good aftertaste. On its peak now, but will keep for a couple of more years. Better than Parkers 84pts implies!

Nov 4, 2000. 1998 Chevaliere Grande Reserve Merlot. VdP d'Oc. 89 SEK. Dark red. Big, open nose, plenty of rich spicy fruit and some oak. Full. plenty of seet, nice fruit. Long aftertaste. Lovely wine, and a super value. Go and get it before Parker finds out

Sept 30, 2000:
Erik Sørensen's annual tasting in Denmark:
As always a very pleasant event, but it is difficult to make notes and score the wines properly under these circumstances. Rating so young wines, sometimes just recently bottled, is also tricky.

1. 1998 Latour-de-France. Roussillon Village (39.75 DKK)
Dark ruby. Very young and fruity nose. Medium full, young fruity taste. (11p)

2. 1998 Ch Vray Canon. Canon Fronsac. (59 DKK)
Deep red. Young, fruity nose, spicy Merlot. Medium full, fruity, young taste. (12p)

3. 1988 Ch Maquin St Georges. St George St Emilion. ( 66 DKK)
Fine, fruity aromas on the nose. Medium full. (12p)

4. 1998 Ch Gallais-Bellevue. Medoc. (74 DKK)
Dark red. Fine, young, blackcurrant fruit and some oak on the nose. Fullish, fruity taste, some oak. (13p)

5. 1994 Ch Tourteau-Chollet. Graves. (64 DKK)
Medium red, maturing. Mature bouquet, pretty odd among the young wines. Soft, mature taste. Hard to rate. (13p)

6. 1997 Pavillon de Connetable. St Julien (2nd from Leoville Poyferré) (119 DKK)
Pleasant, young, fruity bouquet. Fullish, good fruit and some oak, but needs some time to come together. (13p)

7. 1998 Ch Baret. Pessac-Leognan (119 DKK)
Good, fruity nose. Rich taste with plenty of everything. Needs some time, should like to retaste this (14p+).

8. 1998 Moulin de la Lagune (2nd from La Lagune) (129 DKK)
Good fruit, rich taste. If this is the second wine then La Lagune must be excellent this year! (14p)

9. 1998 Phélan Ségur. St Estephe. (189 DKK)
Lovely, medium-weight wine, no blockbuster but well balanced. A couple of years in the cellar would be perfect (15p+)

10. 1998 Ch la Commanderie. Pomerol. (139 DKK)
Fine, very fruity nose spice, raisins. Fullish, good taste. (15p)

11. 1998 Chambret Figeac. St Emilion (72 DKK)
Good, young, open, fruity nose, some oak. Fullish, youthful fruity taste. Good value, I got some of this. (14p+)

12. 1998 Dom Romane Machotte. Gigondas. 79 DKK.
Young, open, warm nose, dried fruit. Fruity, spicy, prunes, full taste. Good and I also got some of this (14p+)

13. 1998 Pinot Noir. Palliser Estate. Martinborough. New Zealand. (125 DKK)
Intense, powerful, spicy fruit and oak on the nose. Full, elegant, lovely taste. Delicious so I got me some bottles! (16p?)

14. 1998 Cabernet Sauvignon. High Trellis. d´Arenberg. McLaren Vale. Australia. (89 DKK)
Warm, fruity, rich, oaky bouquet. Full, chewy fruit. Good (15p)

Comments: My general impression of the ´98 Bordeaux is that of a good medium-weight vintage where the Merlot-dominated wines made it particulary well. Prices has come down a bit and there are some nice wines at reasonable prices to be found.

Sept 3, 2000: 1996 Dom St Claire. Chablis. JM Brocard (139 SEK). Fine, minerally, fruity bouquet. Medium full, supple fruit, fresh taste. Good.

Aug 12, 2000: 1994 Château La Garde. Pessac-Leognan (149 SEK)
Dark red. Rich, open bouquet with black-currants and toasted oak. Full, fine, fruity taste, quite tannic but well balanced. Long aftertaste. Good now, but should improve further during the next few years (15p)

May 5-6:
1995 Crozes Hermitage "Petit Ruche". Chapoutier. 95 SEK in 1997 (118 SEK for the '98) Classic Syrah, Not so much oak, plenty of peppery, leathery flavours. Better than I remember it.
1998 Graham Beck Shiraz. South Africa. 99 SEK Warm, oaky with plenty of fruit.
1998 Bellingham Shiraz. South Africa. 89 SEK More classic than GB, full, warm spicy fruit, less oak.

Feb-April 2000:
1998 Graham Beck Shiraz. Robertson. South Africa. 99 SEK.Dark red. Big, young, rich and fruity nose with creamy oak. Full, juicy fruity taste, spicy with oak. Well balanced and a long aftertaste. Tasted on several occasions (15p)

1995 Ametystos. Lazaridis. Drama. Greece. Rich, young fruity nose. Fullish, fruity taste, cherries. Some tannins and good acidity. Well made, modern wine. (15p)

1998 Barbera d'Asti. Ca' Bianca. Dark red, Fine, fruity nose, cherries, spicy and some oak. Medium full, refreshing acidity, rich, fruity taste. Very enjoyable. Costs 89 SEK in Sweden, but only 62 in Denmark (Netto Supermarket) which makes it a terrific bargain. Tasted on several occasions. (15p).

1997 Periquita. JM Fonseca. Portugal. 62 SEK Our current house wine. Much better than the '96 which only was "good". Rich, full, fruity taste and good value . Costs only 36 SEK in Denmark (Netto again!). (13p)

1998 Ch Lestrille. AC Bordeaux. 78 SEK.Very young, quite fruity smell. Medium full, well balanced, young taste. Quite good, straightforward Bordeaux, but should improve with some age, say 2 to 3 years. (12p)

Jan 15: 1995 Ch Plantey. Cru Bourgeois. Pauillac. Bordeaux. Dark red. Still young, fruity bouquet with cassis. Fullish, well balanced fruity taste, quite long. Bought for about 60 DKK at Netto in Denmark in 1997. Super value!

Jan 5: 1997 Beringer Zinfandel. Dark red. Warm, very fruity smell. Full, rich, chunky sweet fruit. Young, but very drinkable. Well balanced and a long aftertaste.

Jan 2: 1982 Ch Batailley. Pauillac. Bordeaux Dark red. Fine, well developed bouquet with cassis, toasted oak. Fullish, rich taste, maturing. Still good fruit, balancing acidity and a good aftertaste. Better than the Branaire!

1999
Dec 31: 1982 Ch Branaire. St Julien. Bordeaux. Dark brick-red colour. Big, mature bouquet with leather, oak and dried fruit. Fullish, soft tannins, good acidity, and a long pleasant aftertaste. Worked well with venison. Fully mature now and needs to be drunk soon.

Nov 27:
Pongracz Brut. South Africa Good sparkling wine with rich, creamy flavours of yeast and bread. About as good as champagne for half that price.
1989 Ch La Lagune. Haut-Médoc. Lovely, open, rich bouquet, still fruity and fine toasted oak. Fullish, lovely balanced taste, cassis and oak, still vigorus. Good to drink now but will keep. (17p)
1982 Ch La Lagune. Haut-Médoc. Fine, mature bouquet which opened out well in the glass. Full, rich, complex taste which broadened in the mouth. Soft tannins. Long aftertaste. Perfect to drink now, but will keep.(17p)

Nov 26: 1990 Rüdesheimer Berg Rottland. Staatweingut Eltville.
Fine, mature bouquet with honey, ripe fruit and petrol. Medium full, crisp fruity taste, good. Worked well with grilled salmon.(15p)

Nov 20: 1990 Crozes Hermitage. Graillot.
Lovely, spicy bouquet, olives, laurel. Full, rich, creamy taste, good acidity and a good aftertaste. Much better than the 1996.(17p).

Oct 16: 1988 Ch Batailly. Pauillac.
Good, maturing bouquet, still fruity and some oak. Fullish, soft tannins and slightly "green" acidity. (15p)

Oct 15: 1996 Riesling Brand. François Baur. 70 DKK=84 SEK.
Fine, rich typical Riesling petrol nose. Medium full, rich taste and plenty of extract. Very good for the price. (14p)

Oct 2: Ch l'Abbaye de St Fermé, Bordeaux sup. 79 SEK.
Nice wine, Quite full, good fruit and balance. (13p)

Sept 11: 1992 Periquita Classico. 112 SEK.
Dark red. A bit closed, tight bouquet. Spicy fruit and some oak. Full, quite tannic taste. Good fruit but undeveloped. Should be decanted a couple of hours before drinking (14p)

Aug 20: 1995 Cotes de Nuits Villages. Jean Philippe Marchand. 80 DKK. (=95 SEK)
Dark medium red. Quite big, fruity bouquet with cherries, raspberries and some oak. Medium full, sweet fruit, fine acidity and soft tannins, good aftertaste. 15p and excellent value. Good stuff from a grower previously unknown to me.

Summer of 1999.
We have enjoyed a warm summer this year. This meens many nice BBQ evenings, but these are perhaps not the best occasions to drink complex and subtle wines. Among the best was 1996 Les Cailloux Chateauneuf du Pape. which is a rich, spicy, fruity wine. Already good to drink, but should develop further, 15-16p. Another young wine is 1998 Vitiano (Falesco) from Umbria, Italy. (78 SEK). Very drinkable already now, but should keep well. Serious stuff from the famed Cottarella's, also responible for the Montiano, see below!(14-15p).

June 7: New wines from Systembolaget with Munskänkarna Lund

White
1. 1997 Chablis Dom Chevallier. 107 SEK
Medium yellow. Fine, minerally nose, flowery with some tropical fruit. Medium full, crisp, fruity taste, citrus and mineral, well balanced, but did not taste so well when it warmed up. (14p)

2. 1998 Hamilton Russel. Sauvignon Blanc. South Africa .99 SEK
Medium yellow. Rich, fruity nose with nettles. Crisp, fruity with mineral (13p)

3. 1996 Tokay Pinot Gris. P, Black. Alsace. 115 SEK.
Medium yellow. Medium bouquet, sofr round, riupe frut. Soft, medium full, buttery taste(13p)

4. 1997 Michel Lynch Sauvignon Blanc. Bordeaux. 79 SEK
medium yellow with a slight pinkish tinge. Medium bouquet, aples, bon-bons-esterery. Soft, supple, fruitiness, short finish (11p)

5. 1997 Würzburger Innere Leiste Riesling Spätlese Trocken. St Hofkeller. Franken. 199 SEK
Medium yellow. Rich, boquet with honey, perfume, honeysuckles. Full, crisp, flowery, rich balanced taste. Long aftertaste (15p)

Red
6. 1998 Leo Buring Shiraz Cabernet. SE Australia. 59 SEK.
Medium red. Rich, young fruity nose, raspberries and strawberries. Soft, quite full, fruity taste. Warm, spicy. flattering wine (12p)

7. 1996 Laveguilla Tinto. Ribera del Duero. 95 SEK.
Dark red. Undeveloped, closed fruit with blackcurrants and some oak, slightly unclean. Rather soft taste, some oak, and high acidity. (13p)

8. 1997 Merlot. C.J. Pask Winery. Hawkes Bay. New Zealand. 129 SEK. Dark red. Fine, quite big bouquet with blackcurrants and oak well integrated. Lovely! Medium full, pure, fruity taste. Good aftertaste. (15p). The taste was perhaps not as rich as the bouquet promised but good enough, and by far the best red kiwiwine I ever have tasted!

9. 1996 Montiano. Falesco. Latium. Italy. 189 SEK.
Dark red, almost opaque. At first a bit closed on the nose. Some butterscotch and oak, but opened up lovely. Firm, very tannic and high acidity, rich fruity taste with a nice dose of oak. Elegance and power. Long aftertaste. Keep it for 5 years at least (17p).

May 22: 1996 Crozes Hermitage. Graillot. 130 SEK
Dark red. Big, rich, fruity, spicy nose. Quite full, rich, fruity taste, some tannins and high acidity. Good aftertaste. (14p) People were running wild for this wine in Sweden when it was released last September. Few bottles remained in the stores 5 minutes after opening time. Was it worth the stampede? Frankly, I am slightly disappointed because of the tart acidity, but it has a good potential to keep and may improve.

May 8, 1994 Côtes de Rhône Blanc. Guigal. 71 SEK
Lovely honeyed fruit. Crisp, medium full, mineral and fruit, well balanced taste. My last bottle. A bargain for that price, my last bottle.

April 10: 1996 Condado de Haza. Ribera del Duero. 114 SEK.
 Dark red. Rich, warm fruit on the nose, some oak. Fullish, fruity dark berries, oak, well structured, pleasant aftertaste. Could be kept for a couple of years. 15p+.

April 6: New wines from Systembolaget with Munskänkarna Lund
(Unfortunately my nose was still suffering from a stubborn cold)

1. Los Vascos Chardonnay. Chile. 79 SEK
Pale yellow. Young, fruity bouquet. Mediumfull, sweetish, straightforward fruity taste, a bit flabby. 11p

2. 1997 Chasselas Vielles Vignes. Schoffit. Alsace. 108 SEK. Medium yellow, greenish tinged. Rich, powerfull, very fruity nose, perfume and incense. Fullish, oily, fruity, spicy taste. Like cross between a Pinot Gris and a Gewürztraminer. Interesting and good. 14p.

3. Ch Fieuzal. Pessac-Leognan. 363 SEK
Medium yellow. Very oaky, rich nose. Medium full, crisp fruit and plenty of oak. Too oaky? Ridiculous price. 15p

4. 1996 Pavillon Blanc de Ch Margaux. 404 SEK
Oxidised!!!!!!

5. 1982 Pavillon Blanc de Ch Margaux.( from the cellars of Grand Hotel)
Medium yellow. Fruity, soft bouquet with a nice touch of oak. Mediumfull, elegant, well balanced. Lovely now. 15p

6. 1998 Somerton Shiraz-Grenache -Mouvèdre. SE Australia (59 SEK)
Medium red. Young, juicy, slightly spicy fruit with some vanilla. Medium full, BBQ-wine. 11p.

7. 1997 La Petite Ruche. Crozes Hermitage. Chapoutier 99 SEK.
Medium red. A bit closed, but revealed some typical meaty, spicy fruit. Fullish, good acidity, aromatic, fruity taste. Very typical. 13p.

8. 1996 Dom Thalabert. Crozes Hermitage. Jaboulet. 169 SEK
Dark red. Knit, undeveloped fruity nose. Full, tannic, undeveloped, chewy fruit. Lacks some midtaste. 13p

9. 1996 Bousquet des Papes. Châteauneuf-du-Papes 169 SEK.
Medium red. Young, undeveloped spciy fruit on the nose. Full, high acidity, rich spicy fruity taste with some oak. 15p.

10. 1996 Ravenswood Sonoma County Zinfandel 179 SEK.
Medium red. A bit vegetal on the nose, but plenty of fruit and oak. Full, soft, well structured with some residual sugar. 15p

Feb-March:
Mar 27: 1995 Côtes de Nuits-Village. Dom D. Rion. 104 SEK (Down from 130).
Medium red. Rich PN bouquet with typical beetroot fruit, and toasted oak. Medium full, good acidity and some tannins. Fruit and a nice, oaky aftertaste. Hard to beat that price.

There are some nice Bordeaux wines to be found: 1995 and 1996 Ch Lestrille, 1995 Ch Graulet which cost 76 SEK.
1997 Lindemans Bin 45 and Penfolds Rawsons Retreat were both corked.
1997 Bourgogne Rouge. F. Martenot. is a surprisingly nice burgundy which only costs 40 DKK att Netto supermarket in Denmark. Good pasta wine
1995 Weinert Cabernet Sauvignon is rich and chewy if not a terribly complex wine. Excellent value for 97 SEK and a serious alternative to Bordeaux.
Jan 16:
1983 Ch d'Angludet.
Dark red. Very fine, mature bouquet. Full, soft tannins, mellow fruit. Quite a long aftertaste. (16p).
My last bottle of a wine that has given me a lot of pleasure over the years. This is what mature claret is all about.

1998
Dec 31:
1985 Dom de la Vieux Telegraphe. Chateauneuf-du-Pape (80 SEK in 1987)
Dark red-brickred rim. Fine, mature bouquet, still some fruit. Full, rich, well balanced. (15p).

Dec 12:
1995 Dom. de Vieux Lazaret. Chateauneuf-du-Pape
Dark red. Rich, fruity smell with dark berries. Tough, robust taste, full, fruity. Should keep well and develop further (14p)

Nov 14: 1988 Gevrey Chambertin Premier Cru "Les Cazetieres". Phillippe Leclerc. (c 180 SEK at Leclerc's in July 1991)
Dark red. Big, maturing bouquet, still plenty of ripe fruit, black currant, raspberries and some oak. Full, aromatic, fruity, quite tannic, and good acidity. Perfect with roast duck. Really good, and could develop further and one bottle left. (18p)
Some claim that P.L's wine tend to be overoaked. This may be true in some vintages, but in this wine the oak was in perfect balance and well integrated. Patience is needed and will be well rewarded for his wines.

1990 Schloss Vollrads Spätlese Rosasilber Trocken. (90 SEK)
Fine golden yellow. Good, ripe, fruity bouquet with lots of petroly Riesling character. Medium full, high acidity, rich fruity taste, quite long aftertaste. The high acidity matches food very well, but may be to much if the wine is drunk by its own. (15p)

Nov 8:
1995 Dom de la Ponsarde. (87 SEK in Denmark)
Dark red. Fine young, rich spicy fruit and leather on the nose. Full, sweet fruit, still young and a nice aftetaste. Producer is unknown to me, but a pleasant surprise. Wish I had some more bottles of this (15p)

Oct 18:
1996 Ch Lestrille. AC Bordeaux (73 SEK) Dark red. Nice, very fruity, young nose. Medium full, well balanced and a reasonable aftertaste. Perhaps not as good as the '95, but it is still young, and should develop further.

Oct 17:
1995 Pesquera Tinto. Ribera del Duero (149 SEK)
Dark red. Deep, fruity, immature on the nose, dark berries and some oak. Very full, balancing acidity, and plenty of soft, ripe tannins. Long rich aftertaste. It is hard to find a better wine with this pricetag! (17p)

Oct 16:
1997 Filet vom Grüner Veltliner. Wachau, Austria (63 SEK) Not as good as the vintage '95 of this wine. Not bad, but lacks that rich grapey fruit that made the the older wine so delicious.

Sept 26:
Annual tasting at Erik Sørensen's, Denmark
The annual tastings at Sørensen's are always pleasant events. However, the place gets crowded, and it is difficult to make proper notes and ratings. My ratings may be a bit haphazard. But I did spit, at least during the first round! It was a nice selection of wines, best buys among the Bordeaux were Ch Morin and Ch Ferran, while the La-Tour-du-Pin-Figeac was easily the best in show. Prices for good Bordeaux get higher and higher, and the Swedish currency is weak (1 SEK=0,80 DKK).

1. 1995 Ch La Blanche Merlot, Côtes de Duras (39,75 DKK)
Dark red. Young, fruity, spicy nose, some oak. Medium full, supple fruit. (12p).

2. 1996 Ch Haut Durandet. Bordeaux Superieur (45 DKK)
Dark red. Very young, fruity nose. Fullish, ripe fruit, nice body, some aftertaste. (12p)

3. 1993 Sello Real Cabernet Sauv. Reserva. Penedes. (56 DKK)
Dark red. Big oaky, fruity bouquet. Full, loaded with fruit, high acidity. Long oaky aftertaste. Hard to judge, may have been overoaked. (13p?)

4. 1996 Ch Ferran, Pessac-Leognan, Bordeaux (79 DKK)
Dark red. Medium nose, young undeveloped. medium full, high acidity, nice supple fruit, well balanced, elegant, but a bit short aftertaste (14p+).

5. 1996 Fourcas Hosten. Listrac, Bordeaux (99 DKK)
Dark red. Medium nose, young, fruity, some oak, a bit closed. Medium full, tight, may develop. (14p)

6. 1996 Ch Morin, St Estephe, Bordeaux, (119 SEK)
Dark red. Medium bouquet, fruit, violets, some oak. Medium full, some oak, fine balance. Very pleasant. (15p)

7a. 1996 Mayne d'Olivier, Côtes de Castilllon, Bordeaux
Medium red. Light fruity nose, violets. Medium full, high acidity. (13p)

7b. d'Arenberg Footbolt Old Vine Shiraz, Mc Laren Vale, Australia. (69 DKK)
Very dark red. Quite big bouquet, oak, soft fruit. Full, high acidity, oak, meaty, spicy taste. (14p)

8. 1996 Fombrauge, St Emilion GC. (89 DKK)
Dark red. Medium nose, dark berries. Medium full, quite tannic, a bit low fruit. (14p?)

9. 1996 Ch La-Tour-du-Pin-Figeac-Moueix, St Emilion GC Classé (169 SEK)
Dark red. Fine fruity, deep bouquet with ripe berries. Medium full, fruit, oak, lovely balance. (16p)

10. 1996 Crozes Hermitage, Michel Courtial (63 DKK)
Dark red. medium, meaty, spicy nose. Medium full, lots of fruit, high acidity, quite tannic. (14p)

11. 1996 Palliser Estate Pinot Noir, New Zealand (119 DKK)
Medium red. Quite a big, typical pinot noir nose. Medium full, intense attack of sweet fruit, lovely acidity. and a long aftertaste. Difficult to rate among tough and tannic Cabernets and Syrahs. (15p?)

Sept 17:
1996 Ch l'Eglise de Saget. AC Bordeaux (70 SEK)
Dark red. Young, fruity quite rich nose. Firm, rather tannic, young, fruity taste. Clearly a wine with more Cabernet than Lestrille, perhaps not as charming but good enough. Could develop further, give it 2 years. Close to a bargain(13p)!

Sept 5, Sept 12:
1995 Ch Lestrille. AC Bordeaux (73 SEK)
Dark red. Fine, fruity nose, nice hint of oak, prunes-raisins. Quite full, rich, creamy, fruity taste. Balanced acidity and tannins. Clearly a Merlot wine. Pleasant aftertaste. Really good and at least as good as the wine below. The price makes it a bargain, which there few in Bordeaux these days. (14p+)

Sept 4:
1995 Ch des Anneraux Lalande-de-Pomerol (119 SEK)
Dark red - not really deep. Nice bouquet with prunes, smoky oak and stableyard. Medium full, refreshing acidity, quite tannic. Pleasant fruit, very typical Merlot. (14p)

Aug 28:
1995 Givry Premiere Cru "Clos de la Servoisine". Dom. Joblot (118 SEK, down from 148 in Aug 1997)
Dark red. Medium bouquet which developed. Pinot fruit and cherries with some smoky oak. Full, quite tannic and good acidity. Fine, fruity taste with a good touch of class and fairly long finish. Hold well in the glass and will no doubt develop further. No hurry to drink now. Joblot is one of Parker's favourite wine makers, and it is easy to understand why. The appellation is modest, yet this is a classy wine. The price was good, the 1996 now costs 158 SEK, which is still reasonable if it as good as this(15p+)See also the notes about its sibling tasted in 1997

Aug 8:
1994 Château La Garde. Pessac-Leognan (149 SEK)
Dark red. Fine bouquet with black-currants, tobacco, coffee and oak. Fullish, fine balanced taste, soft tannins and a reasonably long aftertaste. Very good now, could perhaps improve further but why wait? (15p+)

Aug 7:
1996 Bourgogne Rouge. F. Martenot. (43 SEK at Netto Supermarket, Denmark).
Light-medium red. Fine fruity, slightly burned, typical Pinot Noir. Medium full, slightly sweet, good fruit and refreshing acidity. Surprisingly good for this moderate price. Of course not a great wine but as near a bargain one can get! Excellent with roast chicken. (13p)

July 30:
1996 Stellenzicht Shiraz-Grenache. South Africa (96 SEK)
Dark youngish red. Fine very fruity, spicy nose with some oak. Full, round young peppery fruit, firm, moderate tannins. Long aftertaste. Should improve with some age. (15p+)

10 July:
1988 Chateau de Rayne Vigneau. Sauternes. (91 SEK in half-bottle in 1992)
Golden yellow. Fine developed bouquet, apricots, peaches, honey. Full, sweet, balanced acidity and a good aftertaste (16p).

June 27:
1994 Cotes du Rhone Blanc. Guigal. Fine soft fruity bouquet. Maturing, fruity taste. Well balanced. Good. Quite a long aftertaste. (14p)

June 20.
1990 Pesquera Reserva. Ribera del Duero. (169 SEK in 1994)
dark red. Fine fruity maturing bouquet which develops in the glass, oak and some stableyard. Full, round fruity taste, fine tannins and acidity, long aftertaste.(17p?)

Spring-early summer: Our current housewines are 1995 Periquita (59 SEK) and Filet vom Grüner Veltliner-see below! Both gives excellent value for the money

March 28
1990 Ch des Laurets. Montagne-St Emilion (95 SEK)
Dark red, red rim. Quite developed, fruity bouquet, prunes and raisins - Merlot dominated. Fullish, velvety taste, nice balance, reasonably long aftertaste. Probably one of the last Swedish-bottled petit chateaux, which once were the pride of the Swedish state monopoly. For many people (incl ¨Ansvar¨) they served as an introduction to the world of wines. We miss them!(13p)

March 27
1995 Filet vom Grüner Veltliner. Freie Weingärtner Wachau. Austria. (62 SEK)Very fruity nose. Medium full, crisp, rich, grapy, spicy taste. Well balanced and reasonably long aftertaste. Excellent value. (13p)

March 22
1992 Tokaji 5 putt. Disznokö (89 SEK) Golden amber. Fine bouquet, lots of fruit, apricots, botrytis. Full, sweet and yet crisp and refreshing. Lovely. A perfect example of how a Tokaij should be, so far away from the pasteurised communist stuff. (16p) Nice price, down from 168 SEK!

March 21
1996 Bourgogne Rouge, Laboure-Roi (75 SEK)Medium red. Medium nose, slightly burned fruit. Light to medium full on the palate. Fruit, and nice acids. Not exactly "peacock-tailed" but wellmade and quite nice, especially in relation to the price. Could develop with some age. (12p+)

March 20
1995 Ch Graulet Premiere Côtes de Blaye (75 SEK)Dark red-purple. Young, very fruity nose. Quite full, young acids, plenty of spicy fruit: cinnamon, cloves. (13p+)

March 14
1986 Clos du Marquis, St JulienDark red. Fine, mature bouquet. Blueberries, leather, some oak. Full, impeccably balanced. Long aftertaste. Lovely and perfect now (16p). Only one bottle left now, wish I had some more.

Jan 24
1992 Mercurey "La Framboisiere". Faiveley.Medium red. Medium bouquet, some typical PN-fruit, quite good. Light taste, some fruit, but not enough to match a roast duck. A bit diluted, slightly bitter aftertaste. Not bad, but a bit disappointing. (12p)

Jan 5
1985 Ch Grand Puy Ducasse. Pauillac. Dark red, maturing rim. Well developed, blackcurranty bouquet, with oak. Medium full, well balanced, some tannins. Nice aftertaste. Perfect to drink now (16p),
1993 Clos d'Iére Cuvée 1. Dom Rabiega. Provence. (100% Syrah). Dark red, blueish rim. Big warm fruity, spicy nose. Full. Chewy. Nice balance. Long aftertaste. Should be cellared for 5-10 years. (16p+)

Jan 2
1995 Pinot Noir. Fetzer "Barrel Select". Medium red. Fine bouquet with fruit and oak. Medium full, oak and fruit, elegant. Long aftertaste. A good Burgundy copy (15p).

1997
Dec 31, 1997.
Piper-Heidsieck Brut. Nice champagne.
1983 Côte Rôtie (Brun et Blond) Guigal. Lovely, complex bouquet. Still plenty of fruit, well integrated oak. Full, chewy fruit, velvety aftertaste. Perfect balance. (17p+)

Dec 22, 1997.
Bourgogne Rouge (Chevalieres de Tastevin). Paul Bouchard. Dark red. Nice Pinot-bouquet. Quite fullish. Surprisingly long aftertaste for a wine of this modest appelation. At the Restaurant "Lübecker Hansa"in Lübeck.

Aug 30, 1997.
1986 Ch Suduiraut. Golden colour. Very pleasant bouquet with botrytis. Medium sweet, nice balance, but perhaps lacking that extra on the palate (14p).

Aug 29, 1997.
1995 Givry 1er Cru "Clos du Celliers des Moines". Joblot (118 SEK) Fine dark red colour. Good fruity bouquet, raspberries, cherries, toasted oak. Youthful, fruity, quite tannic and good acids. Needs cellaring. Good value, price down from 148 SEK (15p).

Some wines tasted in the summer of 1997.
On this long and warm summer we have consumed several bottles of 1987 Riesling Kabinett Terassen Thal from Freie Weingärtner of Wachau, Austria. Was on sale for 69 SEK and excellent value. A full, complete, refreshing riesling with lots of character. A much better buy than most Alsatians.
1988 Matura Riesling Spätlese from Moselland (51 SEK). Powerful acidity and needs some snacks with it, but lots of fruit and medium sweet, quite a long aftertaste.

1990 Cornas. Chapoutier. Big smoky, meaty, spicy bouquet. Full and softening tannins. Excellent. (15p)

April 19, 1997. 1995 Côtes de Nuits-Village. Dom D. Rion. 130 SEK. Medium red. Nice, fruity, very typical bouquet, some oak. Medium full, fresh, some tannins. There are never bargains in Burgundy, but you can't get a better wine at this price (14p)

Fine burgundies with "Munskänkarna" at Grand Hôtel in Lund, April 4, 1997

1. 1990 Clos de Tart, Mommesin (551 SEK)
Medium red. Fine oaky, raisiny bouquet, develops in glass, flattering. Full, fine acids, fruit and oak, maturing (15p)

2. 1985 Chambolle Musigny 1.Cru "Les Amoureuses", Jadot. (580 SEK)
Dark red. Fin fruity maturing bouquet, beet-root, chocholate and marzipan. Full, dense, fruity, fine acids, some oak and tannins, quit long but not expanding. (16p)

3. 1990 Latriciéres Chambertin, Ponsot (800 SEK)
Dark red. Fin, oaky, undeveloped bouquet with prunes. Full, fine acids, long mouth-filling, aromatic aftertaste. (17p)

4. 1993 Nuits-Saint-Georges "Clos des Argillières" D. Rion (338 SEK)
Dark red. Big, aromatic, oaky, burned fruit. Very full, lots of fruit and extract, Long aftertaste. (17p)

Extra. 1993 Échézeaux DRC (747 SEK)
Dark red. Tight, fruity bouquet. Full, complex, powerful, needs cellaring. Not unlike Rion's but with more of everything. Very, very good.(18p)

Comments: Great burgundies are always something extra, and this was a nice selection. Clos de Tart was clearly the most commercial styled wine. Rion's was very attractive already, while Ponsot's will propably develope more. And then the Échézeaux..The aftertaste lasted for more than an hour. It was also possible to taste the 1978 Richebourg (DRC) at 200 SEK/glass. The bouquet was fantastic, but I dit not taste it. There was also 1990 Chambertin-Clos de Beze (Jadot) and 1989 Clos la Roche (Dujac) but I did not taste these either.