TN: Chateau La Fleur Des Rouzes 2000 Pomerol
Posted: Tue Jan 04, 2005 11:24 pm
As one of my first posts on this forum, I thought a tasting note of something French would be a good way to start. I've had plenty of exposure to Aussie reds, but my experience with French and Italian has been limited (enhanced by the fact that I'm only 21).
Chateau Le Fleur Des Rouzes 2000 Pomerol
80% Merlot; 15% Cabernet Franc; 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. A deep, dark, ruby red in colour. A delicate yet enticing nose, initially with aromas of leather and aniseed, followed by damp forest, plum and black berry fruit. Gorgeous and complex aromas - I was content to smell for a half hour before taking my first taste. Leather and black fruit were predominant on the palate, before supple and surprisingly bold tannins (for a Merlot predominant blend) came into effect. Flavour lingered and lingered. Left a small portion in the bottle and tried again 24 hours later. Tannins had mellowed out and the wine would be ideal in five years. Would love to try the '98 at some stage.
Taylors St Andrews 1998 Cabernet Sauvignon
100% Cabernet Sauvignon (I would presume). 14.5% A/V. Matured in 50% American, 50% French Oak for 18 months. Crimson colour with brick red edges. On first pour, liquid clings to the glass like a magnet - surprisingly so for a wine with A/V that isn't too excessive at 14.5%. Nose is unique and unlike anything I can remember. Very earthy, but not in the typical sense. More a dry, rocky, sandy earth which then leads to a forest floor and leather aroma. I can pick up a sublte, nutty smell along with complimentary oak. Definitely one of my best cabernet sniffs ever. Very well made, with no hint of alcohol heat. Palate starts with rich, fruit flavours followed by a tobacco and leafy, savoury finish. Velvet tannins that are silky smooth and signal at least a five year shelf life for the wine. Great value.
I've been lucky enough to have two great reds on two consecutive nights. The Vasse Felix 2001 Cab Sauv I opened on Sunday night was corked and the Italian Montepulciano I had last week was just an average quaffer. I haven't tried any of the other St Andrews vintages. Any feedback?
Chateau Le Fleur Des Rouzes 2000 Pomerol
80% Merlot; 15% Cabernet Franc; 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. A deep, dark, ruby red in colour. A delicate yet enticing nose, initially with aromas of leather and aniseed, followed by damp forest, plum and black berry fruit. Gorgeous and complex aromas - I was content to smell for a half hour before taking my first taste. Leather and black fruit were predominant on the palate, before supple and surprisingly bold tannins (for a Merlot predominant blend) came into effect. Flavour lingered and lingered. Left a small portion in the bottle and tried again 24 hours later. Tannins had mellowed out and the wine would be ideal in five years. Would love to try the '98 at some stage.
Taylors St Andrews 1998 Cabernet Sauvignon
100% Cabernet Sauvignon (I would presume). 14.5% A/V. Matured in 50% American, 50% French Oak for 18 months. Crimson colour with brick red edges. On first pour, liquid clings to the glass like a magnet - surprisingly so for a wine with A/V that isn't too excessive at 14.5%. Nose is unique and unlike anything I can remember. Very earthy, but not in the typical sense. More a dry, rocky, sandy earth which then leads to a forest floor and leather aroma. I can pick up a sublte, nutty smell along with complimentary oak. Definitely one of my best cabernet sniffs ever. Very well made, with no hint of alcohol heat. Palate starts with rich, fruit flavours followed by a tobacco and leafy, savoury finish. Velvet tannins that are silky smooth and signal at least a five year shelf life for the wine. Great value.
I've been lucky enough to have two great reds on two consecutive nights. The Vasse Felix 2001 Cab Sauv I opened on Sunday night was corked and the Italian Montepulciano I had last week was just an average quaffer. I haven't tried any of the other St Andrews vintages. Any feedback?
