100 Wines to try
before you die.
★ The Top Ten
What's the
best wine you've ever tasted? The world's top experts give their
answers... Penfolds, Bin
60A Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon Kalimna Shiraz
1962
Made by Grange pioneer Max Schubert, this wine laid the ground for the
revolution in Australian winemaking that followed. A blend of one-third
Coonawarra Cabernet and two-thirds Barossa Shiraz which Aussie guru James
Halliday describes as 'the finest Australian wine ever made - a glorious wine
with potent cedar, blackcurrant and espresso aromas and a finely woven tapestry
of innumerable flavours.' Andre Tchelistcheff, founding father of California
wine, once instructed a room of Napa vignerons to 'stand in the presence of this
wine'. La Tache,
Domaine de la Romanee-Conti 1978
1978
La Tache is noted by Robert Parker as: 'among the greatest red burgundies I have
ever tasted', while Huon Hooke says it is, 'all about fragrance, finesse and
balance'. Romanée-Conti's
exclusively-owned monopolie vineyard, the 6ha La Tache, is the domaine's
largest. Yet it produces just 1880 cases a year. While the productions are
miniscule - and, at 20-25hl/ha, massively concentrated - the prices are huge.
Rarely anything but spectacular and fascinating, says Burgundy expert Anthony
Hanson. Hermitage, Cuvee Cathelin, Domaine Jean-Louis Chave
1990
Chave's wines need time, both in bottle and in glass. This colossus is
only just starting to come to the boil now, opening up from earthy blackcurrants
to smoky, leathery meatiness which demands your full attention. Nick Adams was
'awestruck' by the intensity, richness, balance and expression of terroir.
'After a couple of hours it was sublime: it has all the ingredients for another
20-30 years,' he says. 'Not only the greatest Hermitage I have ever tasted, but
possibly the greatest red.' Chateau d'Yquem, 1er Cru Superieur Sauternes
1921
David Peppercorn MW describes Yquem 1921 as 'one of the miracles of the
last century; it hardly seems to have changed for the last 30 years'. The 1921
harvest took 39 days to pick and was the last vintage that Yquem owner Le Comte
de Lur-Saluces sold in cask. The wine is the stuff of legends, described by
Michael Broadbent as 'a colossus' and 'the most staggeringly rich Yquem of all
time'. On this basis it edges out the 1983 Chateau d'Yquem, made when growing
conditions and a large harvest ensured of Sauternes' great
years. Romanee-Conti, Domaine de la Romanee-Conti
1959
Big, fat and ripe, Richebourg lasts. That said, Burgundy guru Clive
Coates MW reckons the 'marvellous' 1959 is reaching its zentith, so if you've
got any bottles lying around, you might want to reach - gently - for the
corkscrew. 1959 was on of the great Burgundy vintages of the 20th century and
marked 'the end of an era' according to Michael Broadbent. 'Superb Pinot Noir
perfume, deep, deep fruit and rich maturity, full and powerful,' is John
Radford's verdict. ?000 Montrachet, Domaine de la Romanee-Conti
1978
At last a white wine. And a Chardonnay at that. 'Le Montrachet is
Chardonnay at its most perfect - the slowest to mature, the longest lived,' says
Clive Coates MW. It embodies everything on can hope for from white Burgundy.
Montrachet is split between Puligny- and Chassagne, with DRC owning vines in
Chassagne. Its 1978 is a 'fabulous, textbook white Burgundy with gunflint, crisp
Chardonnay notes, and enormous perfume which lasts in the empty glass for
hours,' says John Radford. Vouvray Moelleux, Le Haut Lieu, Huet
1947
As well as being a seminal year in Bordeaux, 1947 is generally credited
as the Loire's best post-war vintage. It is 'an extraordinary vintage', says Jim
Budd. 'Now in its early middle age, the 1947 is wonderfully complex and is
likely to still be drinkable in 2104.' John Livingstone-Learmonth credits its
'cornucopia of scents, flavours and memories,' as responsible for setting him
off on the wine trail. 'It has wonderful artistic presence,' he says. Expect to
be able to cut through foie gras with ease and a dash of honey, apricot and
vanilla. Chateau Pichon-Longueville Comtesse de Lalande, Grand
Cru Classe Pauillac 1982
1982 Pichon Lalande is an unusual style, with an over-ripe, exotic
quality which David Peppercorn finds 'irresistable'. It was the first case of
'serious' wine Andrew Jefford ever bought, using £250 which his great-aunt left
him. 'It cost about £90 in 1984,' he says. 'Needless to say, it was an extremely
lucky hit.' Although calssified as a Pauillac, one third of the Pichon vineyard
is actually in Saint-Julien. Ownership of the estate was decided in 1978 by
family members drawing lots after a bitter feud. Chateau Mouton Rothschild, 1er Cru Classe Pauillac
1945
'Without doubt the greatest claret of the 20th century,' says Michael Broadbent. 'Intense, concentrated, indescribable, with years of life left.' Serena Sutcliffe MW agrees: 'the most complete claret ever made.' As well as the end of the war, 1945 saw frosts, drought and excessive heat in Bordeaux. The resulting wine is the very symbol of triumph over adversity. Young artist Philippe Julian designed the 'V' for victory label, which captured the celebratory mood of the time, and became an icon. Chateau Latour, 1er Cru Classe Pauillac
1961
For Bordeaux purists, Latour's austere expression of Cabernet remains the
benchmark, with the Pauillac first growth among the most consistent of chateaux.
A 100-point Parker wine, the 1961 is 'almost beyond words' according to Chris
Munro of Christie's. 'It's a pure, port-like, majestic wine with hints of mint,
cedar and great concentration of fruit.' Jasper Morris of Berry Bros describes
it as 'glorious and near its peak, though it may still be nearing its peak in 20
years time'. ☆ Bordeaux
Chateau Margaux, 1er Cru Classe Margaux 1990 'The 1990 vintage in Bordeaux won me over early on,' recalls Norm Roby.
The 1990 Margaux edges out the 1985 for its 'sublimely feminine velvety,
fragrant and seductive tone'. Chateau la Mission Haut-Brion, Pessac-Leognan 1982 Few wines from this, the frist modern vintage, combine the charm of the
year with such concentration. 'Complex tobacco and oriental spices, many-layered
textures and huge depth,' says David Peppercorn MW. Chateau Lynch-Bages, Grand Cru Classe Pauillac 1961 Along with 1945 and 1982, 1961 ranks as one of the best years for 20th
century Bordeaux. Fifth-growth Lynch-Bages is a relative bargain, making around
£2000 a case at auction, and pips 1961 Chateau
Figeac. Chateau Leoville Barton, Grand Cru Classe Saint-Julien 1986 One of the more affordable Bordeaux wines on the
list. Chateau Climens, 1er Cru Classe Barsac 1949 Considered by many to be the most consistent and reliable
Sauternes-Barsac chateau, its 1949 is 'still superb', says Michael
Broadbent. Chateau Haut-Brion, 1er Cru Classe Graves, Pessac-Leognan 1959 'There is no wine that can deliver the complexity, depth and balance from
its aromatics to the flavours on the palate better than a great Haut-Brion, and
the 1959 has everything going for it,' says Nikos Antonakeas.
'Ethereal.' Chateau Ausone, 1er Grand Cru Classe Saint-Emilion 1952 'Perfectly balanced claret,' says Monty Waldin, 'with unshowy, digestible
old-fashioned vine fruit from the greateast vineyard site in Bordeaux in the
most elegant vintage there in half a century.' Chateau Cheval-Blanc, 1er Grand Cru Classe Saint-Emilion 1947 Controversial. 1947 was very hot and
harvesting was tropical, but successful winemakers produced what Robert Parker
calls 'the richest, most opulent red Bordeaux of the 20th century'. The 1947
Cheval Blanc is a precursor of today's Right Bank blockbusters and, as such,
outdoes the 1982. Clos l'Eglise, Pomerol 1998 After a long undistinguished period, some great wines are emerging from
this Pomerol chateau. The 1999 has 'elegant plum and cedar aromas mixed with
dark chocolate, and superb finesse,' says top sommelier Ronan
Sayburn. Chateau Latour, 1er Cru Classe Pauillac 1949 Of all the great Bordeaux names, it was Latour which received the most
nominations. The epitome of consistency, its wines are renowned for their
forbidding tannins in youth, which give way to rich, velvety masculinity as they
age. The 1949 'flirts with perfection', says Parker, on the back of 'a rare
opulence, a voluptuous texture and a succulent finish'. (Also highly rated:
Chateau Latour 1959 and 1990.) Chateau Petrus, Pomerol 1998 Perhaps the most individual wine in the world, we could have chosen
umpteen vintages of Petrus (1982, 1989, 1990) but we plumped for the embryonic
miracle of fascination that is the 1998. 'Enormous, exotic depth of flavours
that never goes away,' says Serena Sutcliffe MW. 'May I die drinking
it.' Chateau Haut-Brion Blanc, Pessac-Leognan 1996 The only white Bordeaux on the list, but alas demand is so high, and
supply so low, that it's nigh-on impossible to get hold of a
bottle. Chateau Lafite Rothschild, 1er Cru Classe Pauillac 1959 Sarah Kemp 'will never forget the first taste of this wine - sweet,
glorious claret dancing round my palate, elegance vinified. As good as it gets.'
☆
Burgundy
Musigny, Vieilles Vignes, Comte Georges de Vogue 1993 A sublime example of silky, powerful, intense grand cru Burgundy,' says
Nick Adams MW. 'It is just emerging from its shell and expressing its terroir
and sheer class.'
Meursault 1er Cru, Genevrieres, Domaine Leroy 1981 Its
Montrachet may be the pièce
de resistance at Lafon, but the Meursault is its
standard-bearer. Musigny, Joseph Drouhin
1978 Nick Adams MW remembers enjoying a jeroboam from the domaine's own
cellars four years ago. 'Beautifully mature and expressive, this was a true
expression of the silky gaminess which ultra-fine, old Burgundy can produce,' he
says. 'Every aspect of the wine was in total
harmony.' Romanee-Conti, Domaine de la Romanee-Conti
1921 If the 1966 was an indulgent choice, the 1921 is the stuff of dreams.
Along with the 1945, 1978, 1985... 'A mind-blowing, extraordinary taste of
bewitching spices - heady concentration and opulence on a solid base,' says
Serena Sutcliffe. 'Unequalled - I can taste it
now.' Montrachet, Domaine Ramonet
1993 Ramonet is an artisan domaine, with a reputation for doing things by
instinct, so sometimes bottles can be of uneven quality. When they're good,
though, they're seriously good, as with the 1993 Montrachet. 'The nose is smoky,
minerally and very complex,' says sommelier Ronan Sayburn. 'The palate remains
very elegant and fine with an amazing rush of nuts, caramel and citrus fruit on
the finish.' Bonnes-Mares, Domaine Georges Roumier
1996 'If these are desert islands wines, this is for the days when Friday
catches a wild pig,' says Giles MacDonogh of this Cote de Nuits
gem. La Tache, Domaine de la Romanee-Conti
1966 Len Evans concendes that Steven Spurrier's beloved 1990 La Tache 'may one
day be better', but maintains that for drinking now, it's difficult to beat the
1966. 'Just exquisite - incredible nose, length and strength, power with harmony
and finesse.' The 1972 and 1978 were also mooted. Romanee-Conti, Domaine de la Romanee-Conti
1966 If the Domaine de la Romanée-Conti appellation is the central pearl of
the Cote de Nuits necklace, the Romanée-Conti vinyeard makes up the diamond
encrusting. The 1966 is a wine of 'pure strawberry fruit and aromas... poetry in
a bottle', says Ch'ng Poh Tiong. 'The most unforgettable wine I've ever had.'
Only 7000 bottles were made. Charmes-Chambertin, Domaine Denis Bachelet
1988 This tiny estate produces softer wines than its Chambertin neighbours.
Its hallmarks, as exhibited in the 1988, are finesse, class and
perfume. La Tache, Domaine de la Romanee-Conti
1990 Steven Spurrier's favourite wine of all time. 'Still deep in colour, floral in aromas, velvety and enveloping on the palate,' he says. 'More than a work of art, it is a work of nature brought to life by the dedication of man - the purest expression possible of its soil.' Montrachet, Domaine Laflaive
1996 To many connoisseurs, Leflaive is Puligny-Montrachet. But if is for its
Le Montrachet that it makes our list. Clive Coates MW, Mr Cote d'Or himself,
simply says that it is a wine one should drink 'on bended knee with heartfelt
and humble thanks'. Chablis Grand Cru, les Clos, Domaine Dauvissat
1990 Rene and Vincent Dauvissat's wines have a reputation for ageing superbly.
In doing so, reckons Robert Parker, 'they exhibit a marriage of fruit and spicy
vanilla oak that is glorious to experience'. A toss-up between this and the
1996. Chablis Grand Cru, la Moutonne, Domaine Long-Depaquit
1990 This is everything that fine, mature Chablis should be. 'A wonderful
combination of mineral fruit and flinty acidity,' says Rosemary George MW.
'Beautifully balanced and mature, but still with potential for future
development.' Montrachet, Domaine Comtes Lafon
1966 Owned by Réné Lafon, there exists a mere third of a hectare in the Le
Montrachet 'climat' here, but it is enough to make a deeply intense, fat wine,
none more so than the 1966, a stunning Burgundy
vintage. Clos de Vougeot, Domaine Robert Arnoux
1929 Robert Arnoux owns a 0.4ha parcel of Clos de Vougeot's 50ha grand cru
vineyard and produced this legendary tipple 75 years ago. 'Vibrant cherry
colour, strawberries and raspberries still surviving on the palate - I could not
believe the wine was so old,' says top sommelier Ronan Sayburn.
☆
Alsace
Riesling Clos Ste-Hune, Trimbach 1975 It was a hard choice as to the greatest dry Riesling vintage of all time
(1990, 1983, 1979, 1976...) but there's no doubt as to the top producer -
Trimbach. The 1975 Clos Ste-Hune can still be found at specialist retailers and
occasionally in the auction room, but true connoisseurs will insist their
bottles came direct from Ribeauville.
Riesling Grand Cru Hengst, Vendange Tardive, Josmeyer 1995 'Not
at all sweet, but not fully fermented either, this is my Riesling of the moment
to drool over,' says Tom Stevenson. 'It's absolute perfection when partnered
with a tatin of cherry tomatoes served with crème
fraiche.
Tokay-Pinot Gris, Clos Jebsal, Domaine Zind-Humbrecht
1997 To many lovers of delicate, fruity white wines, Zind-Humbrecht is the
ultimate Alsace estate. the wines are powerful and rich, nowhere better
demonstrated than in this Pinot Gris. ☆
Champagne
Krug 1990 To
be honest, we could have included just about any Krug grande cuvée
with five or more years' bottle age. 'A vintage Krug is the standard by which
all other vintage Champagnes are tasted,' says Robert Juhlin. The recently
released 1990 is arguably its best ever. 'Big-bodied, creamy and delicious,'
says Norm Roby. Pol Roger Brut Vintage
1995 The Champagne house founded in 1849 is arguably the most consistent of
all. Winston Churchill's favourite, the top choice for Steven Spurrier is the
1995 - soft, elegant, yet ripe. Moet et Chandon Cuvee Dom Perignon
1988 Moet & Chandon's legendary luxury cuvée honouring the famous monk was
launched in 1936. The 1988 is 'as clear as the purest diamond', according to
wine writer Richard Juhlin. 'It has toast, coffee beans and orange fruit on the
nose, and clear, sharp fruit and nuts on the palate.' One for the cellar; it
will be even better in a decade. Billecart-Salmon, Cuvee Nicholas-Francois
1959 Serena Sutcliffe MW gave this wine a facetious 101 points at the great
Millennium Champagne tasting in Sweden. 'The ultimate
Bollinger Vieilles Vignes Francaises
1996 This 100% Pinot Noir Champagne is extremely rare and is 'simply the
greatest Champagne of the moment,' reckons Tom Stevenson. Made from 0.6ha of
ungrafted, pre-phylloxera vines. Philipponnat Clos
des Goisses 1982 Made from a 5.5ha vineyard acquired by founder Pierre Philipponat in
1935, the Clos des Goisses is the top wine of the house and one of the few
walled vineyards, or 'clos', in the region. Moet et Chandon Cuvee Dom Perignon
1990 If you can't wait for the 1988 to reach its peak, try a magnum of the
1990. According to Stevenson, the standard 75cl bottle of 1990 can show traces
of greenness, but in magnum, it has a 'fabulous purity of ripe fruit and an
immaculate mousse'. Charles Heidsieck Brut Reserve, Mis en Cave 1997
NV In 1857, Charles-Camille Heidsieck went to the United States. He became
so popular the Americans called him 'Champagne Charlie'. The rest is history.
'The highest consistency, top-quality Champagne for everyday drinking,' says
Stevenson. Louis Roederer Cristal
1979 In 1876, Tsar Alexander II of Russia made a special order for an
ultra-rich Champagne, bottles in clear glass. Since then, Roederer has never had
a problem selling its Cristal, with today's prime customers tending to be US pop
icons. According to Michael Broadbent, the 1979 is 'perfectly mature' and
'superb in every way'. ☆
Loire
Anjou, Moulin Touchais 1959 Savennieres, Clos du Papillon, Domaine des Baumard 1996 'Wonderfully fragrant and aromatic nose, enormous complexity on the
palate,' says John Radford. 'Delicous, fresh and perfectly
balanced.' ☆
Rhone
Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Cuvee des Cadettes, Chateau la Nerthe 1998 A £60 bottle from the imposing Chateauneuf
estate. Condrieu, Coteau de Chery, Andre Perret 2001 The only wine to feature the rare, but increasingly popular Viognier
grape. Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Chateau Rayas 1989 Full of 'soft, velvety truffles, mushrooms and spice', says Ronan Sayburn
of this exemplary Chateauneuf-du-Pape. Cornas, Auguste Clape 1995 Hermitage, la Chapelle, Paul Jaboulet Aine 1983 Cote-Rotie, la Landonne, E Guigal 1983 Guigal ages its single-vineyard Cote-Roti for 42 months in new oak. But
it's worth the wait, says James Lawther. 'It's a truly noble wine, full of power
and vigour with a sumptuous bouquet that expresses the complexity of age and
still lively quality of the fruit.' Hermitage Blanc, Domaine Jean-Louis Chave 1978 When it comes to historic French estates, they don't come much better
than Chave, whose family has been in business since 1481. Although mainly red
producers, the family owns 5ha of white vines. This Rousanne-Marsanne blend,
known for its apple and quince flavours, gets more opulent with
time. Hermitage, la Sizeranne, M Chapoutier 1989 The power of this Hermitage is such, that years after he first tried it,
Norm Roby can vividly recall the 'darker than dark hue, with herbs, minerals,
and spices packed into an immense frame'. Cote-Rotie, la Mouline, E Guigal 1999 ☆ Regional France
Bandol, Moulin des Costes, Charriage, Domaine Bunan 1998 This
small coastal region in Provence produces arguably Provence's best wines.
Predominantly tannic, they are mainly made from Mourvèdre
and count Andrew Jefford as a big fan. Madiran, Prestige, Chateau Montus
1985 In the early 1980s, Madiran was barely known as a wine region. One man
changed that - Alain Brumont, of Bouscassé. 'In 1989 I met Brumont and was
impressed,' says Jim Budd. 'This wine was confirmation of this promise. Made
from 100% Tannat, it was full on the palate with lovely texture and great
length.' Montus' 2000 La Tyre was also nominated. ★
Italy
Sassicaia, Tenuta San Guido 1985 Only a few bottles of this magical wine are still in circulation. It is
hard to think of anything in Italy to beat it. 'Still in perfect form, this is
sheer unequivocal greatness,' reckons Richard
Baudains. Amarone della Valpolicella, Dal Forno Romano 1997 An amazing blockbuster. 'Super concentrated black fruits, liquorice,
powerful and muscular weight in the mouth,' says top sommelier Ronan Sayburn.
Brunello di Montalcino, Il Paradiso 1990 Barbaresco, Sori Tildin, Gaja 1982 Ornellaia, Tenuta dell'Ornellaia 1995 In a relatively short period of time, the Antinori family, joined
latterly by the Mondavis, have established a cult Bordeaux blend in a part of
Tuscany better known for Sangiovese. Such is the lure of the Ornellaia name
today that its wine has been the sunject of several fraud
scandals. Franciacorta, Cuvee Annamaria Clementi, Ca'Del Bosco 1990 'The
best ever vintage of Maurizio Zanella's Chardonnay-Pinot Bianco-Pinot Nero
cuvée,
this has everything that you could wish for in a classic sparkling wine:
complextity, texture, length, and bags of energy,' says Richard Baudains.
Alto Adige, Terlano Classico, Cantina Terlano
1979 'Bottles from the legendary reserves of this Alto Adige winery
periodically emerge to demonstrate their defiance of the ravages of time with
incredible arrays of aroma, freshness and vitality. Unforgettable,' proclaims
Richard Baudains.
Brunello di Montalcino, Riserva, Ciacci Piccolomini
d'Aragona 1990 'Ciacci may have lost its way in more recent years, but the 1990 Riserva
remains one of the few really 'great' Italian wines I've enjoyed,' says Michael
Palij MW. 'Divine - a dazzling combination of power and
complexity.' ★
Germany
Maximin Grunhauser Herrenberg Riesling Auslese, Mosel-Saar-Ruwer, von Schubert 1983 This estate was Andrew Jefford's first case buy of great German wine.
'Bought in 1985, it was all drunk by 1992 or so,' he says. 'But I still remember
its gossamer grace and dewdrop limpidity. It taught me that, even in wine, less
can mean more.' Wehlener Sonnenuhr Trockenbeerenauslese, Mosel-Saar-Ruwer, J J Prum 1976 This Mosel estate - described as 'superlative and legendary' by Hugh
Johnson was a popular choice, with votes coming in for the 1990 Prum TBA and
1988 Prum Riesling Auslese. Brauneberger Juffer-Sonnenuhr Riesling
Trockenbeerenauslese, Mosel-Saar-Ruwer, Fritz Haag
1976 Scharzhofberger Trockenbeerenauslese, Mosel-Saar-Ruwer, Egon Muller 1976 'Orange tawny; indescribably lovely bouquet and perfect balance of fruit,
lime honey and acidity.' So says Michael Broadbent. Niederhauser Hermannshohle Riesling Spatlese, Nahe, Hermann Donnhoff 2001 'The genius of the winemaker Helmut Donnhoff, is other-worldly,' says
Howard G Goldberg. 'His flavours bring tears to the eyes. Helmut Donnhoff is the
current owner of the estate. ★
Australia
Henschke Hill of Grace 1998 I don't know if I have ever tasted a better young Shiraz from Australia,'
says Nick Adams MW, 'While it is infanticide to drink it now, it is seductive.
It has remarkable primary fruit flavours and depth, but also a sense of orign
and terroir. It well develop for at least another 20
years. Seppelts, Riesling, Eden Valley 1982 Lindemans, Bin 1590, Hunter Valley 1959 One of the oldest wineries in Australia and known as a pioneer of new
style wines, the older bin wines reveal a much more classic tone, appreciated by
Len Evans among others. ★ North
America
Ridge Monte Bello, Santa Cruz Mountains 1991 Nick Adams MW rates this as one of the greatest and most accessible
Cabernet-Merlot blends he has ever tasted from the New World. 'There is a
silkiness and texture which is almost ethereal, and an intensity of fruit and
minerality which marks out all world-class wines,' he
says. Stag's Leap Wine Cellars Cask 23, Stags Leap 1985 When this wine first appeared, long before cult Cabernets, Helen Turley,
and ultra-ripe fruit bombs, it went off the charts. Unlike many of California's
great wines, it is now at its peak. Heitz Cellar Cabernet Sauvignon, Martha's Vineyard, Napa Valley 1974 'On my 50th birthday,' Howard G Goldberg recalls, 'Pat Cetta gave me this
Cabernet. King of the Schmoozers, Pat had a heart bigger than the Ritz. The
minty, autumnal red sent my dry-aged beef and hash brownies
heavenward.' ★
Spain
Ribera del Duero, Pingus, Dominio de Pingus 2000 This iconic estate in the Ribera del Duero is run by Danish winemaker
Peter Sisseck. Its flagship wine is 100% Tinto Fino aged in French oak for up to
20 months. Vega Sicilia, Unico 1964 Vega Sicilia's 'exclusive' reputation was formed in 1915, when it was
only obtainable if one was a friend of the family. The 1964 has enormous
complexity and deep, dark fruit. 'Still on the young side, but opening up
beautifully,' says John Radford, and thus trumping the 1970 Unico.
★
Hungary
Tokaji Aszu 6 Puttonyos, Szt Tamas, Royal Tokaji Wine Company 1993 This first growth Tokaji from the wonderful 1993 vintage is a favourite
of Beverley Blanning MW. 'The incredibly rich, sweet palate combines smooth,
cool, mushroomy flavours and zesty, orange marmalade fruit,' she says. 'It is
full, with deliciously refreshing acidity and endless
length.' Tokaji Aszu Essencia, Crown Estates
1973 ★
Austria
Emmerich Knoll, Gruner Veltliner, Smaragd, Wachau 1995 ★ New
Zealand
Ata Rangi, Pinot Noir, Martinborough 1996 ★
Port/Fortified
Cossart Gordon, Bual 1914 'With a haunting perfume of caramel and crystallised violets, this is a
perfectly effortless harmony of gently sweet yet intensely-concentrated fruit,
taut defining acidity, absoute clarity of flavours, silky texture and, above
all, a seemingly inexhaustible persistence of scent,' says Michael Schuster.
'Utterly ravishing.' Graham 1945 1945 is an amazingly consistent and luscious vintage. 'Like heavenly
treacle and yet still full of red fruits,' says Serena Sutcliffe of this vintage
port. 'Unsurpassable.' Taylor 1948 'One of the finest ports ever made: still deep, intense; magnificently
evolved bouquet; sweet of course; exquisite and lingering,' writes Michael
Broadbent. Also highly rated: 1935 and 1927.
Fonseca 1927 Along with the other Fonseca standout vintage of 1977, this is such a
good vintage port, reckons Norm Roby, that it shouldn't be drunk with cheese or
a cigar. 'It's a wine to savour on its own.' Quinta do Noval Nacional 1931 H M Borges, Terrantez, Madeira 1862 'Rare grape, great vintage. Unquestionably the most magnificent of the
many old vintages I have tasted and, once opened, would remain drinkable for
days, even months,' says Michael Broadbent. Warm amber, over-whelming, lingering
bouquet, great concentration and
persistence.' Henriques & Henriques, Malmsey 1795 'Everything good old Madeira should be,' writes John Radford, 'with the
richness teased out by matuarity, an elegant perfume and a palate which seemed
to go on for ever. One of only two wines in my life which I have marked
20/20.' Emilio Lustau, Manuel Cuevas Jurado, Manzanilla Amontillada NV John
Radford's favourite sherry has 'delicous hazelnuts on the nose, delicate
butterscotch and a nutty, savoury palate. Completely
dry'. |
출처: 와인 마스터 원문보기 글쓴이: toujours
첫댓글 빈티지가...와웅 구할수나 있을려나요? 전 개인적으로 Riesling Clos Ste-Hune, Trimbach 1975 이게 갖구 싶다는...
뜻이 있는 곳에 길이 있다... 은숙 후배 오랫만이네
으악~~ ㅋㅋㅋ 탑텐은 정말 구할 수도 없는 물건들이네요.
죽기전엔 다 마실수있을까나요???ㅠㅠ아직 60년이남았다-.-
이런 ... 이걸 다 언제 마셔보나... 절대 반도 못마실거 같은 우울함이 먼저 ㅎㅎㅎ 어디 마셔본거 없나 자세히 봐야것네...^^
일단 패스요.^^