(at Mariotte, Hong Kong; July 2009)
Tasting at lower range, I have tasted so many yuck-yucks within and without the company these days, and here are some of the better ones- the roses amongst thorns.
Altoro Blanc 2006, DO Navarra, Spain
The first bottle was corked. The second one is lovely.
Medium gold-very clear-oozing dry, ripe stone and yellow fruit like peach, apricot and pineapple with flickering green fruit. On palate, refreshing citrus fruit with mineral touch of short-medium length. Blend of modernity and traditionalism. Best value. Drink up though.
Palacio de Villachio Classico 2006, DO Navarra, Spain
Deep ruby with narrow pink rim. Lively red fruit, with cherries, berries, plums and prunes, hinting also licorice and some minerality and plummy finish of medium strength. Good value.
Chateau Tertre de Courban 2005, AC Bordeaux Superior
Deep ruby with tght rim. Lots of fruit for the standard. Could keep for a year or 2. Ripe redcurrants, cherries and plums followed by dry lychee fruit on nose, with quite lurking conconutiness. On palate, simple red fruit and refreshing acidity and ample tannins. Easy to drink and intense for the style. A very good AC.
Eclos de la Croix 2002, VDP Rousillon, France
Deep ruby with medium rim-a fully matured wine with wide spectrum of nose from ripe blackcurrant fruit, herbs, licorice, sweet spice, old leather, cedar to coffee. Very ripe-raisiny, and almost Amaronic. Ample and fine tannins with ripe black fruits and licorice finish, which is long. Almost full-bodied. A super VDP. A surprise.
Chateau Marsac Seguieanu 2000, CB Margaux.
Medium ruby with fully developed nose-dried red fruit, flowers, spice, leather, wood-hinting host of prunes and sweet spice. Lightish and elegant finish with some minerality.
