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Tasting Notes

These notes are based on the Wine and Spirit Education Trust's Systematic Approach to Tasting.

Cremant de Bourgagne Blanc de Blanc Brut
Appearance: pale lemon
Nose: medium intensity, youthful, with mild yeast nose
Palate: dry, with medium acidity, a medium-light body, mild fruitiness - flavours of green apples - low alcohol and a forgettable length
Conclusions: an average contribution, ready to drink, probably good for parties where nobody cares two hoots about the quality of the bubbly.
NV Le Mesnil Blanc de Blanc Grand Cru.
Appearance: clear lemon
Nose: clean and youthful, a pronounced nose with honey-treacle scents
Palate: dry, with a stingisng acidity, fruit character more disappointing than its nose suggests, with a medium length
Conclusions: acceptable, but a little oldish

1995 Barbaresco
Appearance: deep garnet
Nose: medium intensity, signs of maturing, with a woody-vegetal scent and mild spices
Palate: dry, with medium acidity and biting tannin; however, overall body is light and the flavours correspond with the nose. Good length.
Conclusions: above average, a viable alternative to Rhone reds.

1998 Valpolicella Classico
Appearance: pronounced crimson core
Nose: medium-pronounced, young nose of black pepper
Palate: Dry, with balanced acidity and tannin, a medium body with hints of cherry fruit and mild spices, and a fairly good length.
Conclusions: above average and could age for a year or two.