Roundup of this week's wine reviews (28 August 2013)

Tasting is the order of the week, as you can see from this long list of wines we went through. Very heavy on the Bordeaux, Burgundies and Champagnes/sparkling wines.


Veenwouden Classic 1999
South Africa
Main varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot
Ratings: 4.5 stars (out of 5); 93pts (out of 100)

Plush and complex cassis and tobacco notes on this elegant and poised beauty. Crafted with exquisite balance.


Château Pichon-Longueville Baron 2003
Pauillac, Bordeaux, France
Main varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot
Ratings: 4 stars

37.5ml showing perfect age/maturity for this wine. Perfumed and complex cedar, cassis and compote notes greet one's nose and follow through on the palate. Secondary nuances also ave blossomed. Balanced and persistent and holding very well for this vintage.


Château de Fieuzal
Pessac-Leognan, Bordeaux, France
Main varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot
Ratings: 4.5 stars; 94pts

Dark ruby garnet with a prominent brick rim. Immediately delivers serious wafts of tobacco and cigar box over cassis. Fresh, layered and complex. Immensely enjoyable. This bottle was bought at the cellar door so provenance is pristine.


Château Lagrange 2005
Saint-Julien, Bordeaux, France
Main varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot
Ratings: 4 stars; 91pts

Initially closed but quick to open up, displaying wonderful ripe and complex cassis, spice and cigar box notes. Tannins soften quickly. Looks like 2005 is coming of age!


Dom Perignon Champagne Brut 1998
Champagne, France
Main varietal: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier
Ratings: 4.5 stars; 93pts

Fresh and youthful for a 15-year old. Lovely complex and persistent citrus, white flower and biscuity notes.


Dom Perignon Champagne Cuvée 1995

Champagne, France
Main varietal: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier
Ratings: 4.5 stars; 93pts

Creamy biscuity notes over a zesty mineral bed. Great depth and balance.


Ca Del Bosco Terre di Franciacorta Cuvee Prestige Brut N.V.
Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Italy
Main varietal: Chardonnay, Pinot Bianco, Pinot Nero
Ratings: 4 stars; 92pts

Creamy biscuity notes with citrus and floral notes. Good power and focus.


Hospices de Beaune Pommard 1er Cru Cuvée Dames de la Charité 2005
Côte de Beaune, Burgundy, France
Main varietal: Pinot Noir
Ratings: 4 stars; 92pts

Seductive pinot cherry with enough savoury notes to keep it interesting.


Ponsot Chambolle-Musigny Cuvée des Cigales 2009
Côte de Nuits, Burgundy, France
Main varietal: Pinot Noir
Ratings: 4 stars; 91pts

Deep and layered pinot cherry and spice. Great complexity for an AC wine. Nice evolution and still many years to go. As usual, points never reveal the actual enjoyment factor of a good burgundy.


Ponsot Clos de la Roche Grand Cru Cuvée Vieilles Vignes 2000
Côte de Nuits, Burgundy, France
Main varietal: Pinot Noir
Ratings: 4.5 stars; 94pts

Deep pinot strawberry/cherry greet on first pour. Great depth and complexity without the farmyard notes. Will go for another 10 years.


Château Suduiraut 2003
Sauternes&Barsac, Bordeaux, France
Main varietal: Sémillon, Sauvignon Blanc
Ratings: 4.5 stars; 94pts

Amber/gold. Creme brûlée, lemon rind, stewed peach, caramel, butterscotch hint.


Happs Very Special Margaret River Old Muscat N.V.
Margaret River, Australia
Main varietal: Muscat
Ratings: 5 stars; 95pts

Layered preserved apricot, raisin, honey and fruitcake notes go on forever on this classic fortified wine. Wonderful acidity balances off this treat.


Jean Laurent Champagne Blanc de Blancs Brut N.V.
Champagne, France
Main varietal: Chardonnay
Ratings: 4 stars; 91pts

Persistent mouth. Fresh and citrusy with a classy and long, long finish.


Segura Viudas Cava Brut Reserva Heredad N.V.
Catalunya, Spain
Main varietal: Macabeo, Parellada
Ratings: 4 stars; 91pts

A pleasant musty cloak over citrus and (white) stone fruit. A perceived sweetness in flavour but reasonably dry finish.


Gigondas La Cave Le Brut du Foudre 2007
Southern Rhone, France
Main varietal: Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre
Ratings: 3.5 stars; 90pts

Deep complex cherry and plum notes with wafts of white pepper.