. But it's good to know that my passive cellar (more like a closet) seems to be working fine over the medium term (10 years).- 2008 Boekenhoutskloof Sémillon - South Africa, Coastal Region, Franschhoek Valley (2017-03-24)
Hazy notes from last night. I put this in the 'drink now' box, as I thought I might have waited too long on this wine, but it was still a vibrant, full of life bottle (once I managed to get the stubborn cork out). It is well described in previous notes, with a lovely oily texture, great balance, well integrated secondary flavours of rotten stonefruits, slight butterscotch and lanolin. Great intensity overall too, a really impressive wine right now. Quite old world in style. Maybe nearing peak now? But it doesn't seem in any danger of significant decline anytime soon. (A-/A) - 2007 Trapiche Malbec Single Vineyard Viña Adolfo Ahumada Villa Bastias - Argentina, Mendoza, Valle de Uco, Tupungato (2017-03-23)
This held up pretty well. Not really that complex or distinctive, but a well balanced mix of black and blue fruits and some well integrated oak notes. Very concentrated, ripe and with a plush texture - I see that I had the same impressions 5 years ago as well. In a modern style, a good but not great wine in my view. (B+) - 2009 Château de la Roulerie Coteaux du Layon - France, Loire Valley, Anjou-Saumur, Coteaux du Layon (2017-03-19)
I wondered if this wine was getting long in the tooth, but I don't think that is a problem. It is evolving nicely, still very sweet but not at all cloying: lovely golden colour, medium-full bodied, honey, tropical fruits and a long finish are my hazy recollections from last night. Certainly very ready now but doesn't seem to be in any immediate danger of decline. Good QPR. (A-) - 2004 Lane Tanner Pinot Noir Bien Nacido Vineyard - USA, California, Central Coast, Santa Maria Valley (2017-03-16)
Why would you put a plastic cork on a single vineyard pinot? This one never had a chance - completely shot and spoiled. - 2014 Mud House Wines Pinot Noir Estate Claim 431 - New Zealand, South Island, Otago, Central Otago (2017-03-16)
Deep ruby in colour, nose of earthy cherries and a pine note. Medium bodied and nicely balanced on the palate with little evident oak getting in the way of the fresh berries and crunchy acidity. There's some tannins too lurking in the background. Young but tasty now, probably better in 2-3 years. (B+) - 2008 Albert Mann Riesling Schlossberg - France, Alsace, Alsace Grand Cru (2017-03-11)
Light golden/straw coloured.The nose screams dry riesling, with mainly minerals (slate) and lemons. There's more going on on the medium-bodied palate, with a jolt of acidity playing off the lemon, apricot, lime and apple flavours.The fruit picks up as it warms up, and it develops a bit more body and a longer finish. Lovely Alsace riesling drinking very well now, but it should last several years yet if you wish. (A-) - 2003 Domaine de Ferrand Châteauneuf-du-Pape - France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Châteauneuf-du-Pape (2017-03-08)
I think this is my last 2003 CDP. Just like my last bottle of this wine, it really doesn't reflect the all too common negative attributes of the vintage. There's no over-ripe, stewed fruit or alcohol heat here at all: but there is lovely colour that does have some browning now, and a lovely, fresh nose of pure cherry goodness, garrigue, soy and a herbal note. These are reflected in the medium-bodied palate which still retains great freshness and healthy but ripe tannins. Not all that complex right now, but very tasty and a triumph for this hot vintage. Maybe the fruit is starting to fade now? (A-) - 2011 Domaine de la Taille aux Loups Montlouis-sur-Loire Sec Les Dix Arpents - France, Loire Valley, Touraine, Montlouis-sur-Loire (2017-02-13)
This was drinking well again, with classic funky chenin notes and a medium bodied, expressive palate, but once again there was a grassy note that was a little off-putting for me. Good, but not a great chenin. (B/B+) - 2006 Loimer Riesling Seeberg - Austria, Niederösterreich, Kamptal (2017-02-13)
Started out with some reduction, but this blew off to reveal a very nice Riesling, with classic citrus and peach notes on a medium-bodied palate. Nice, well integrated now, but this didn't quite match my expectations, as it didn't have the intensity I was hoping for. I would drink up. (B+) - 2005 Château de Chamirey Mercurey - France, Burgundy, Côte Chalonnaise, Mercurey (2017-02-09)
Light to medium ruby in colour, with a nice but light nose of cherry, strawberry and forest floor. Deeper on the medium bodied palate, with a lovely texture and purity echoing cherries, earthy notes and brown sugar. Very classy, elegant wine, drinking well now but will last a few years yet too. (A-)
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