WTN: Barbaresco, Morgon, Loire

Weekend drinking consisted of:

• 2003 Produttori del Barbaresco Barbaresco - Italy, Piedmont, Langhe, Barbaresco (2/24/2008)
  It's not bad, actually. Unlike some other regions, this doesn't smell or taste freakish despite the year - just very ripe. Classic style: no Barrique, red toned fruit, bright, very open aromatically with the stereotypical tar and roses despite being very young. Very sweet for a Nebbiolo, but well structured and refreshing though not terribly acidic. I am actually quite warming up to this and am honestly enjoying it! One of the few European 2003s that I can say that about.
• 2005 Bouchard Père et Fils Morgon - France, Burgundy, Beaujolais, Morgon (2/23/2008)
  Raspberried, meaty and dark toned in fruit for a Beaujolais, but with an attractive wet earth/cigar note. It is perhaps a touch sweeter/riper than I remembered, but with good structure. Moderate finish. Very enjoyable. (Oddly enough, it reminds me more of a N. Rhône Syrah than a Burgundy.)
• N.V. Domaine du Landreau Crémant de Loire - France, Loire Valley, Crémant de Loire (2/23/2008)
  Very light pink. Leafy, mineral, herbal, red berried. Elegant mousse. Very moreish, attractively high in acidity, juicy fruit. It seems to have a rather high dosage, but is very refreshing. Very nice at 13€!

Posted from CellarTracker

Otto, do you see any cellar-potential for the Morgon!??

A reassuring note on the Produttori wine, as when I tasted this in October 2006 (at the Barbaresco festival) it was distinctly unpleasant (as were a few from that year). Maybe it's settled down, maybe a different batch?

Otto, do you see any cellar-potential for the Morgon!??

Yes. I would very much like to taste in a few years time.

Ian, this didn't taste raw or mouth-puckering as your old note indicated. I guess it has calmed down. Or even more likely, I was just feeling more forgiving than usual and hence was able to enjoy a scary-vintage wine.

-O

Otto, do you see any cellar-potential for the Morgon!??

Yes. I would very much like to taste in a few years time.

Ian, this didn't taste raw or mouth-puckering as your old note indicated. I guess it has calmed down. Or even more likely, I was just feeling more forgiving than usual and hence was able to enjoy a scary-vintage wine.

-O

Some Morgon ages very well. A few years ago I had a 20ish year old Morgon (I forget the producer but 1978 I think) which was still very good. Not at all Beaujolais any longer and quite old pinot in character.