Tasting Notes
Ratings are up to 5 bees - with points going to 20.
I personally think the 100 point scale is too big and numbers below 60 are almost never used for wine ratings (other it is a flaw and faulty wine).
Addition: one bee = 1-4 pts, two bees = 5-9 pts, 3 bees = 10-13 pts, 4 bees = 14-17 pts, 5 bees = 18-20 pts
Cuvée Royale Brut NV Crémant de Limoux, Languedoc, South of France, Sparkling Wine
A blend from 70% Chardonnay, 20% Chenin and 10% Pinot Noir grapes. Pale yellow colour, medium sized consistant bubbles. Hints of buiscuit, yeast as well as refreshing pear, green apples appear on the nose. A dry (brut) and fullbodied Crémant which shows a fresh tangy acidity and pear, apple flavours come along with citrus fruits. On the palate the buiscuity notes are in the background, providing the body. Mouthfeel of bubbles is good, a little on the stronger side. Nevertheless, I have enjoyed this sparkling wine many times, but this time the bubbles were a little dull. Overall, the wine offers a lot for the small price and is really a good idea to drink at any occasions. Consume the Crémant within 1-2 years after purchase. 13/20 pts (tasted Nov 2010)
Cuvée 732 Jacquesson Champagne Brut
A light yellow sparkler with a refreshing, frothy mousse. Fresh but ripe pears, juicy tangerins, a floral and honey layer on the nose. Medium body follows the nose, expressing also Fuji apples, a gentle acidity balanced by hints of patisserie notes. A great finish with mineral and little buiscuity.
A blend from different vintages with very low dosage and mainly made from Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier (rest Pinot Noir), Jacquesson once more has shown how to produce a really great example of a refreshing, minerally and concentrated non-vintage Champagne. Can benefit from cellar ageing. 17/20 pts (tasted June 2010)
Forster Ungeheuer 2004 Dr Deinhard/Pfalz, Germany - usually a great wine
A shame I know how good this wine can be but tasting it in Jan 2010 was definitely to late!
Colour darkened over time to pale gold. Little aroma on the nose: honey, barely floral and little sherry notes, dry palate showed med body, slightly oily and interestingly more sweetness (still dry) than expected, little flavours from the nose to be found. Overall dull wine, cannot even match with food.
Never age a Forster Ungeheuer that long – try it 1-2 years after the vintage!! Delicious. As too old only 3/20 pts (tasted Jan 2010)
Available at www.thewinebarn.co.uk - no price given
Classic Spätburgunder 2007 Nelles (1479)/ Ahr,Germany
Light granat/ruby colour in the glas. Lots of red cherry and rasberries on the nose, giving fresh impression, light body, good integrated acidity to sweet fruit, soft mouthfeel and medium length. A round wine with good fruit which can develop slightly longer. But not a wine for ageing there´s lack of complexity and substance.
Excellent everyday wine from a well-known estates. 13/20 pts (tasted Nov 2009)
Available at www.thewineryuk.com
Spätburgunder S 2006 Weingut Meyer-Näkel/Ahr,Germany
Drink now and in coming year – excellent development, a real pleasure to enjoy.
Garnet-ruby colour, wonderful light cherrynote, descreet tertiär aromas on the nose, dry, tastes very smooth and round, medium body balanced with delicate cherry, pleasurable acidity, silky finish. Age shows lovely meaty notes.
Outstanding example of German pinot noir! 20/20 pts. (tasted Nov ´09)
(Meyer-Näkel has won with one of his pinot noir the internaional wine trophy at the Decanter World Wine Awards)
Available at www.thewinebarn.co.uk
