Hoogeveen is a city in the Netherlands that is relatively disconnected from the supply chain of the world's greatest wines. Still, some interesting finds.
2003 Meerlust Rubicon - South Africa, Coastal Region, Stellenbosch (8/29/2008)
Couldn't take detailed notes, but wow, what a surprise. A mix of classic Bordeaux (cassis, leather) and "stingy" pinotage. Powerful fruit and a long lingering finish. (92 pts.)
1998 Château Saint-Pierre - France, Bordeaux, Médoc, St. Julien (8/29/2008)
No time for detailed notes. Ready to drink now, but a lot more time left, since the wine opened muted with "standard" Bordeaux flavors and only started to show its potential after being open for 2 hours at which time the cassis fruit was much more lively. This wine might have the pleasant surprise of a beautiful second life, as some critics gave it moderate scores on earlier tasting. (90 pts.)
2006 La Chablisienne Chablis Cuvée LC - France, Burgundy, Chablis (8/29/2008)
Wonderful fresh Chablis. Citrus, minerals, a drop of honey on a lively acidic background (88 pts.)
2007 Domaine P. de Marcilly Chablis - France, Burgundy, Chablis (8/20/2008)
Decent Chablis (citrus, minerals, with a hint of honey on the finish). Gets better after standing open for 1 hour in the bottle. Open in 1-2 years from now. (88 pts.)
2006 Bouchard Ainé et Fils Bourgogne Hautes-Côtes de Beaune Les Prieures - France, Burgundy, Bourgogne Hautes-Côtes de Beaune (8/18/2008)
Fresh Pinot Noir. Bright red. Peppery plumb/strawberry/rose, lively acidity and mouth coating tannins leading to a medium-long finish that adds some licquorice/earth. To be enjoyed with food. (89 pts.)
2005 Fattoria del Cerro Vino Nobile di Montepulciano - Italy, Tuscany, Montepulciano, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano (8/16/2008)
A nice surprise from the Albert Heijn supermarket chain in the Netherlands. Dark ruby red. Meaty nose. Plum cherry, very very muted oak, well-integrated/mouth coating tannins leading to a long lingering finish with Mediterranean spices. A 13% well-balanced and food-friendly wine. (89 pts.)
2007 Goedgevonden Cinsault - Merlot - South Africa, Western Cape (8/15/2008)
Chunky country-style wine with powerful upfront fruits (cherry/berry). Pleasant to drink now. (84 pts.)