It started out a little too oaky, but quickly calmed down into a red toned, exotically spicy nose that rather reminded me of some of the '80's Cheval-Blancs! The palate is a bit hard and well structured (both good things IMO for a young Bordeaux), but long and refreshing. Quite impressive - I might have to buy a bottle or two to lay down.
2004 Château Rauzan-Gassies Margaux
A rather rustic nose with a touch of dung, but also that typically Margaux-like strawberry/ripe red berry aromas. The palate is the most forward and fleshy of the trio here, but it still has good structure which keeps the whole refreshing. Long and savoury. I really enjoyed this wine, though the property has the reputation of being disappointing (just goes to show about my bad tastes in wine
). It may not be 2. Cru Classé quality, but neither is it priced like that. Considering that Finnish pricing is outrageous, I find this to be relatively an excellent value over here.
1996 Quinta do Portal Moscatel Reserva
It smells very floral and true to Muscat, yet has the orange-like notes of wood aged Colheita! I find the scent very engaging. It is sweet yet more refreshingly acidic than vintage ports are - rather the structure reminds me of older Colheita Ports in its citrussiness. Long aftertaste that is more savoury than simply sugary. I really like this stuff!¨
Haand Bryggeriet Dark Force Norway; 8,5%abv; 55EBU; 4,42€/½l
"A different and unique Imperial stout brewed in the style of a wheat beer using wheat malt and wheat yeast," says the back label.
It smells roasted and sweetly malty, like savoury caramel. It tastes sweetish and roasted with a fair dose of hops to keep it fresh. Unfortunately the alcohol is a little evident on the nose and palate, though otherwise it is a very nice stout.
But wheat? I don't drink much wheat beer, so perhaps I don't know what to look for, but this doesn't seem very wheaty to me. What are the signs I should be looking for?
-Otto-