)From early in the week:
Chateau Puynormond, Montagne-St.-Emilion 2009
Lovely nose. Raspberry, blackberry, cassis, roses, cedar, and spice. Ripe delicious fruit, but still very much Bordeaux, and hard not to like. 5 to 7 years ahead. 90-10 Merlot-Cab Franc. *** [9/26/11]
And these at our dinner that weekend:
Chateau Lacombe, Bordeaux-Haut-Benauge 2000
Medium garnet. Lovely, earthy nose. Black raspberry, tart cherry, guava, roses, and stoney earthiness. Some firm tannis still present. Harmonious. Very much a 2000. 5 more years. *** [10/1/11]
Chateau Les Farcies du Pech, Pecharmont 2003
Dark ruby. Gorgeous nose. Blackberry, black cherry, cassis, tobacco, roasted herbs, cocoa powder, and mineral. Ripe, warm fruit. Very much a 2003, but with better balance. Pecharmant is often called the Pomerol of Bergerac, and this gorgeous wine is indeed exactly like a Pomerol. 5 to 10 years ahead. **** [10/1/11]
Christian Moueix, St.-Emilion 2005
Medium-dark ruby. Excellent, lovely nose of fleshy red fruit which proclaims 2005, with some St.-Emilion earthiness. On the palate, fleshy red fruit, juicy black fruit, creamy vanilla, earth, and spice. Frim and tart, very 2005. Can it go another 10 years? *** [10/1/11]
Chateau Puynormond, Vieilles Vignes, St.-Emilion 2009
Nearly opaque ruby. Excellent nose of raspberry, roses, tobacco, and chocolate. Similar notes on the palate, with ripe juicy fruit, but very tight. Full bodied, a bit astringent and acidic at this stage, but with hige potential. Very impressive, and an awesome value for under $25. Needs time, but should last for 10 - 20 years. **** [10/1/11]
Chateau de Pena, Muscat de Rivesaltes NV
Light golden yellow. Very good nose of apricot and flowers. On the palate, orange rind, apricot, grape skin, flowers, nectar, almond, and hints of herbs. Full bodied, quite sweet, with perfectly integrated alcohol (15.5%), and great balance. Best dessert wine value I've ever encountered, at just $17 for a full bottle. *** [10/1/11]