by MattThr » Tue Apr 14, 2009 7:10 am
In these recession hit times I've taken to only opening the good stuff when we have guests. That's partly why I'm posting far fewer WTN's than I used to. But over Easter we had guests, one of whom is a self-confessed Francophile, so I broke out some Bordeaux.
Château du Breuil 2003 Haut-Medoc
The initial smell and taste of this wine was very typical Bordeaux blackcurrant-and-bramble-wood but after it'd got some air it developed some rather curious and unexpected extra flavours. A rather strong note of violet, for instance, as well as a definite sweetness in the form of some chocolate and honeycomb. It was marginally over-tannic and would probably have benefited from being paired with a meal, but was certainly an interesting wine to drink and discuss. 4/5
As an aside, I realised after we'd drunk the bottle that I've had some lovely Calvados from a Chateau of the same name. I have no idea if it's actually the same place or not!
Chateau Orisse du Casse 2001 Saint Emilion Grand Cru
This is very much as you'd expect from the region but clearly lovingly made and with great skill. Blackcurrant fruit is tightly integrated with some well-balanced oak flavours, a little sweet spice being particularly evident. That classic platform is ably supported by a little smoke, a little coffee and, unfortunately, a gamey aftertaste, something I never like to find in a wine. It's well balanced but lacks a little depth and richness. 4/5
Last edited by MattThr on Tue Apr 14, 2009 3:01 pm, edited 1 time in total.