I had the good fortune to be invited to last week's Board meeting of the International Wine and Food Society Manila Branch. It was bit chaotic with all the bottles going back and forth and the restaurant's stemware was less than ideal but we made do. Here are short notes on some of the wines I was able to try.
Schramsberg Blanc de Blancs. I think this was a non-vintage but I could be wrong. Fresh. Medium-bodied. A little candy character comes through. Pleasant bubbly.
Hugel Gentil 2007 - Not sure what's in this. Probably a mix of grapes. Very pale. Good fragrance. Probably Pinot Gris and some Gewurztraminer. Gentle, dry, crisp, with a hint of smoke. A good enough starter.
Domaine de la Soumade Rasteau Cuvee Prestige 2002 - Dark, grapey, tannic. Very impressive, especially given the vintage. Still a bit closed. A little more aging is in order.
Domaine Drouhin Echezeaux Grand Cru 2008 - Baking spices (cinnamon and nutmeg). Sweet strawberry. Some Rhone-like dried herb character. Some smoke on the nose. Caramel. Very tart finish. Quite complex. This should turn out very good when mature.
Chateau Pavie Macquin 2000 - Firm, closed. Tough wine now. Keep away for 5 years at least.
Chateau Sociando Mallet 2000 - Lovely nose. Ripe. Tannic. Impressive showing but needs more time.