From 75cl, brittle cork broke during extraction. Decanted off powdery sediment 1 hour. Interesting to compare this with a recently consumed Jaboulet Hermitage Chapelle 1998, which was mature, but would have been good for years to come, whereas this McLaren 1999 is still pleasant, but needs drinking up this year. Plush blackberry fruit, glycerine and generous sweetness; good acidic balance; best at about 17C, the hotter it got, the less focused it became. Good value at the 35€ auction price paid. 89-90P
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From 75cl, DIAM5(!) closure, the best wine I have ever encountered with such a short drink-by date printed on the "cork". Bright ruby, hint of orange at the rim. Gorgeous scent of spicy morello cherry, victoria plum, redcurrant and strawberry. Medium-bodied entry, more of the aforementioned fruit descriptors, plush tannic framework; juicy acidic gain on the mid-palate; vibrant, long, resonant finish. Somewhere between an exceptional Sangiovese, an exceptional Nebbiolo, and an exceptional Syrah, but with only 13% alc(!) At 24 EUR/75cl this is my bargain of the year so far, and a clear 92P.
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2/19/2021 3:00:00 AM - I also love the left bank of Bordeaux, especially St. Julien as its less expensive than Pauillac.
Since you like whites, do you enjoy White Bordeaux?
8/29/2020 3:12:00 PM - Are you just focusing on Bouzy when you head to Champagne? In addition to André Clouet, we also like Paul Clouet (probably a tad more since it is not available in the U.S.). We have had Bara, but the visit comes off a tad corporate and we tend to try to find smaller producers. In Bouzy we also like Herbert Beaufort, really rich, corsé wines. Have a great trip! Certainly jealous! (Oh, and I think I inched ahead of you on TNs ;-)
12/1/2014 2:02:00 PM - "Spanish bodybuilders"? Steroid alarm? Well, a bunch of wines, especially from 2000-2005, which were over-extracted, over-(French)-oaked, sometimes brutally tannic, muddy-textured and over-sweet. Let's think: Valtosca Rioja 2001, Dalmau 2000, and a bunch of fat Priorats, even from super producers like Clos Mogador. And several more recent vintages of ghastly Pinot Noir from Capcanes.
12/1/2014 11:14:00 AM - are you a poet?
I recognized myself in most of the things you wrote! ^^
P.S. which wines do you consider as spanish bodybuilders?
hope never dies: so there's something about a pinot noir!?
9/21/2014 8:54:00 AM - Hi again and so nice comment
About Ardanza and 904 it us what you said...better if a low score when there's something unfamiliar. Anyway that outstanding vintage talks by itself.
I also agree with your words...when you are here in Spain food and wine are cheaper than they're at retail shops in the rest of Europe.
You're welcome anytime!
Cheers!
11/17/2013 2:42:00 PM - A little late, but I still wanted to drop by and leave a thank you for the help and the extensive explanations concerning the faulty "Schwarzer Schiefer" bottles. I indeed bought them at Silkes Weinkeller and my bottles were suffering from the same problem as you described. I returned them all successfully and am hoping now that the new 2011 Vintage I received instead is just as good as the 2010 was supposed to be. Again thanks a lot for the help, it's very much appreciated!
9/18/2013 9:10:00 PM - thanks for the replies; I'd hoped that wasn't the case. I've tried to click 'I am a fan' twice, but it appears there are software limitations :D
1999 Classic McLaren Shiraz La Testa
5/25/2024 - honest bob wrote: 89 Points
From 75cl, brittle cork broke during extraction. Decanted off powdery sediment 1 hour. Interesting to compare this with a recently consumed Jaboulet Hermitage Chapelle 1998, which was mature, but would have been good for years to come, whereas this McLaren 1999 is still pleasant, but needs drinking up this year. Plush blackberry fruit, glycerine and generous sweetness; good acidic balance; best at about 17C, the hotter it got, the less focused it became. Good value at the 35€ auction price paid. 89-90P
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2017 Diamantis Winery Xinomavro Magoutes Vineyard
5/24/2024 - honest bob wrote: 92 Points
From 75cl, DIAM5(!) closure, the best wine I have ever encountered with such a short drink-by date printed on the "cork". Bright ruby, hint of orange at the rim. Gorgeous scent of spicy morello cherry, victoria plum, redcurrant and strawberry. Medium-bodied entry, more of the aforementioned fruit descriptors, plush tannic framework; juicy acidic gain on the mid-palate; vibrant, long, resonant finish. Somewhere between an exceptional Sangiovese, an exceptional Nebbiolo, and an exceptional Syrah, but with only 13% alc(!) At 24 EUR/75cl this is my bargain of the year so far, and a clear 92P.
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2015 d'Arenberg The Laughing Magpie Shiraz-Viognier
5/20/2024 - honest bob wrote: 89 Points
From 75cl screwcap, decanted 1 hour. Starting to soften, but still in excellent condition. 89P
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