Beaucastel Blanc..... Malconsorts..... Beaucastel Rouge.....

CdP - Ch. de Beaucastel, Roussanne "VV"		1994	Perrin

2/99. Acquired in auction Sep-97 for $85 (imported for $105 net).
My first ever taste of this very rare white wine made solely of "Vieilles Vignes" Roussanne grapes. According to the label, only 500 cases were produced in 1994.
COLOR: Deep yellow with amber, even reddish, tones... Looks fat and viscous.
NOSE: Not much fruit is apparent, but complex combination of aromas that are closer to red (B) than to any white wine I know. Minerals and oak are prominent as well as subtle nuances of flowers and fat butter.
TASTE: Mouthfilling if there ever was one. On the palate this wine is also different from any other white I've ever tasted. Even the taste is closer to red wine than to white. Multi-flavored with sweetish (cherry?) finish. Lacking a bit in refreshing acidity, but very tasty and very special.
LENGTH: Very very long aftertaste that leaves the taste buds with both sweetish and minerally sensation.
TEXTURE & BALANCE: Full bodied fat and heavy. An extremely chewy, full-textured wine with many subtle qualities. Over oaked and under acidified for good balance. But this wine was so special that it gave immense pleasure nevertheless.
OVERALL: Superb!! A unique wine with unique qualities. I intend to open my second bottle in 4-5 years.
MARK: 18/20.aaaaaaaaBUY MORE? Yes.

Vosne-Romanee 'Les Malconsorts'		1990	Thomas-Moillard

2/99. Acquired from London May-95 for $44 (imported for $55 net).
This vineyard (especially the part that belongs to Thomas-Moillard) borders the fabled La Tache. I wouldn't go as far as to claim they are equal, but Moillard's Malconsorts has always been among my favorite 1er Cru. Many times a better wine than many a Grand Cru...
COLOR: Medium-dark (B) color. Only very slight clearing around the rim.
NOSE: Wonderful deep and complex aromas. Rich semi-mature sweetish fruit, earthy tones. Measured wood bouquet supports a very elegant 'Bourgogne Nose'.
TASTE: Fantastic concentration on the palate. Smooth fruity taste with silky feel. Soft tannins, fine winyness and good acidity add backbone to the delicate taste. Went marvelously with the tasty pork soup.
LENGTH: Pretty long aftertaste that amplifies the initial flavors.
TEXTURE & BALANCE: Medium body with lovely structure that supports the concentrated fruit flavors. Beautiful balance between the elements make this a perfect - if not too complex - wine to enjoy.
OVERALL: Superb-plus!! A wholesome wine that is close to its peak now.
MARK: 18.5/20.aaaaaaaaBUY MORE? Yes.

CdP - Ch. de Beaucastel		1989	Perrin

2/99. Acquired at auction Aug-97 for $86 (imported for $106 net).
What can I say about this wonderful wine that I haven't said already in the past? I have had six bottles of this nectar during the last three years. The combination of power, complexity and tastiness this '89 Beaucastel possesses is simply amazing!
COLOR: Very dark red. Almost no clearing around the rim.
NOSE: What a myriad of enticing aromas! From flowers to black forest-fruit to oriental spices and more. No doubt that each of the thirteen participating grape varietals is contributing its own dimension.
TASTE: A huge wine on the palate. Both demanding and giving. Plethora of flavors, complex and multi-layered. Full, concentrated and above all - extremely tasty. Was a perfect match to the mildly spicy meat loaf.
LENGTH: Only medium length there. Perhaps it is long, only the intensity of the aftertaste is nowhere near that of the mouth-filling sips.
TEXTURE & BALANCE: A huge wine in all respects. Great concentration, unbelievable intensity of multiple flavors, medium-soft tannins, fitting acidity and endless stuffings.
OVERALL: Extraordinary!!! This phenomena of wine will keep giving pleasure for many years to come.
MARK: 19/20.aaaaaaaaBUY MORE? Yes.

Reach Me? yak@yakshaya.com

Copyright 1996-2003.
Jacob "Yak" Shaya.