Notes from the International Wine and Food Society Manila Branch Board Meeting.
Billecart Salmon Blanc de Blancs 1998 - Fragrant. Rich, full-bodied and slightly honeyed with a touch of mint. Quite fresh and a bit steely. Still young and could probably improve with a bit more age but quite excellent at this point.
Mystery Wine #1 - Jojo just couldn't resist having a couple of wines tasted blind. A bit oaky on initial taste. Mushroom. Quite dry, tannic. A little tight. Good length. Perhaps a Bordeaux blend but I don't think this is Old World. I guessed Chile. Sassicaia 2003.
Chateau Pichon Lalande 1988 - Impressively dark. Sweet, slightly meaty nose. Soft, rich and plummy. Classic pencil shavings. Good length and very flavorful. At peak now. Excellent.
Mystery Wine #2 - Very sweet, soft tannins. Juicy. Seems to have a bit of age. California? Santa Rita Casa Real 1998.
Arachon Evolution TFxT 2007 - From Burgenland, Austria. Very juicy, fruity. Soft and ripe. A bit of smoke. Simple but nice. Good picnic wine. Pinot Noir, Merlot, Zweigelt, Blaufrankisch, Cabernet Sauvignon.
Bahans Haut Brion 1995 - Lightish color. Good fragrance. Rather acidic and very soft tannins. Hard to get past the acidity. Past best.
Pavillon Rouge du Chateau Margaux 1995 - Good nose, firm. Could probably age just a bit more but doesn't seem to be too interesting.
Anselmann Ortega Trockenbeerenauslese 2005 - From the Pfalz. Red/gold. Curiously, not much on the nose. Very rich. Orange marmalade, burnt sugar, some tea notes as well. Very smooth, excellent balance, impressive length. Just about perfect now.