I thought that I should get the rest of these out of the way before starting on the Christmas holiday period bottles. You already met the dreadful Penfolds and the delightful David Moreau, so:
The 2018 whites theme continues – over Christmas too 😉
2018 Céline & Frederic Gueguen, Chablis 1er Vosgros
Here the nose invites with such an obvious expression of salinity – super! Bright and energetic in the mouth with a slightly direct intensity and tons of purity. That was a super wine and on that was far too quickly drunk. Excellent stuff!
Rebuy – Yes
2018 Julien Brocard, Chablis Boissonneuse
A rounder nose so less intense than the Gueguen. In the mouth less muscled but I sense a wine that’s becoming more taught than was once the case – I’m liking this more and more with a bit of cellar time. I would probably still say Chablis, blind tasted so that’s a good thing. Very much enjoyed.
Rebuy – Maybe
1997 Bouchard Père et Fils, Le Corton
A cork that was stained for much of its length with wine but coming out in one piece.
Hmm, now that’s a rather attractive and involving nose of faintly spiced, complex red fruit – that’s very lovely! Open, indeed almost panoramic flavour – the merest suggestion of structure – certainly not with any ‘Corton-austerity.’ Balanced and drinking beautifully right now – for at least 5 years now, the higher 1997s have been drinking beautifully. A subtly long finish too. Lovely!
Rebuy – Yes
2008 des Croix, Beaune 1er Grèves
DC was one of my last visits in December to taste 21s. I mentioned that I was thinking of making a start on my 2008s of his – I’ve some bottles and magnums – to which he, almost apologetically said ‘Okay, but the 2008s were not my finest hour.’ Well, let’s see – but the cork did break into 2 on extraction…
Medium colour. The nose is fine – indeed nicely inviting – so no problem from the cork. In the mouth, this is rather good – quite easy drinking for Grèves – but there’s a bit more cushioning fat than is often the case (currently) with 2008s. We both enjoyed this over 2 nights – so no problem here – very good wine.
Rebuy – Maybe