Last Monday was the Annual General Meeting of the Manila Branch of the International Wine and Food Society. After business, the Society hosted dinner for all the attendees with several members generously opening bottles.
Chateau Lanessan 2004 - Haut Medoc. Dark, earth, meaty. Very dry and rich. Soft tannins. Quite approachable. Firm acid on the finish giving structure. Slightly hot, but that's a minor quibble for a very good wine.
Chateau Siran 1999 - From magnum. Very youthful-looking. Beautiful mint-leaf nose. Youthful, tannic, elegant wine with an acid lift in the finish. Very good and might still have room for improvement.
Chateau Pontet Canet 1994 - Classic Bordeaux pencil-shavings perfume. Lots of spice. Still a little tannic. Has still some room to improve but quite excellent now.
Almaviva 1999 - Fruit syrup. Ripe sweet fruit. Quite soft. A little smoky. Bordeaux-like nose. Excellent.
Chateau Talbot 1996 - Promising chocolate on the nose but unfortunately the fruit has faded. This wine needed drinking 5 years ago.