Notes from my May lunch tasting.
2013 Esporao blanco – Semillon plus tree local varietals from Portugal result in a pleasant white with a toasty lemony nose and clean acidic finish.
2009 Ch. Montelena Chardonnay – buttery peach nose, soft in the mouth with flavours of buttery nutty fruit, good terminal acidity. Good showing.
1973 R. López de Heredia Rioja Crianza 5º Año Viña Bosconia – very light garnet colour now with a lovely spicy tomato and herbal nose after a slight initial mustiness blew away, and a long elegant finish. Would love to pour this blind at a Burgundy tasting!
1988 Ch, Certan de May – good colour, a slightly ripe nose of earthy mushroom and black currant, with flavours of truffled black cherry (sounds odd but is delicious). Smooth finish with good length. At or slightly past peak so drink up.
1995 Ch. Beaucastel CnduP – good colour, though certainly lightening a bit over the last decade, with slight amber hints at the rim, classic dark fruit and spice with only a hint of brett and a little wood note, soft tannin and a smooth long finish. Time to get into this one, it has probably plateaued but there is no rush.
1980 Gould Campbell Port (1/2 bottle) – medium bricky colour, excellent balance, not too hot, some nice caramel and plum or dark cherry on palate and medium length.