Wine Tasting: Cloud Nine (25th Nov 1998)
Some of the best wines I had to hand - the tasting included Grange 1993 and Chateau
d'Yquem, although I didn't taste the latter due to out of condition samples.
1. 1990 Laurent-Perrier Grand Siecle
25th Nov 1998 GBP35 Champagne Sparkling White
Very pale with a fine, persistent mousse.
Delicate and elegant with citrus and biscuity/toasty notes on the nose and the palate. Light with good acidity.
Very good now but should develop well in the bottle.
2. 1996 Geoff Weaver Lenswood Chardonnay
25th Nov 1998 GBP11 Australia Table White
Bright, pale gold.
Fresh nose with toast, nuts and some oak.
Medium bodied with warm citrus fruit, loads of oak, soft acids.
Long and warm - very good.
3. 1996 Mestre Michelot Meursault 'Sous La Velle'
25th Nov 1998 GBP17 Burgundy Table White
Bright, pale gold.
Volatile nose with smoky oak and a hint of solvent - strange but not unpleasant.
Medium bodied and dry, with plenty of citrus fruit, minerals and a resiny, woody tang. Good fresh finish.
Strange - but lovely! Needs a strong cured ham.
4. 1995 Glen Carlou Grand Classique Reserve
25th Nov 1998 GBP9 South Africa Table Red
Opaque ruby/red at the core with gradual fading.
Tight on the nose but some berry fruit and meat aromas - a big wine.
Full bodied with lots of plum and oak, a slight leafiness and firm tannins. Good acidity and a long dry finish.
Very good value - really needs 2 to 3 years.
5. 1995 Cos d'Estournel Pagodes de Cos
25th Nov 1998 GBP28 Bordeaux Table Red
Deep purple, paling gradually.
Restrained nose of cassis, cedar and tobacco.
Medium bodied with quite juicy, plummy fruit, lots of oak, ripe tannins and a good dry finish.
Needs 3 to 4 years anyway.
6. 1996 PJA Hermitage Chapelle
25th Nov 1998 GBP29 Rhone Table Red
Opaque and black, almost to the deep purple rim.
Intense, inky, blackcurrant nose.
Full bodied with concentrated cassis and oak flavours. Quite dry with plenty of acidity and a long, long finish.
Very drinkable but a waste - give it at least 3 or 4 years.
7. 1993 Penfolds Grange
25th Nov 1998 GBP80 Australia Table Red
Opaque purple to purple/red at rim.
INTENSE nose of mulberries, blackcurrants and cream - Lurk!
Full bodied and thick with a lovely mouthcoating texture. Forest fruits and cedar, with submerged tannins and lively acidity.
Warm and long on the finish. Very young but ...
8. 1995 De Bortolli Noble One Semillon
25th Nov 1998 GBP23 Australia Dessert White
Deep ochre/gold. Viscous.
Fresh nose of mango and spiced baked apples, cream and oak - lovely!
Full bodied, sweet and rounded with rich mango, pineapple and honey flavours and fantastic, fresh acids.
Long and thick, but very fresh. Outstanding.