1996 Hugel Muscat

1996 Hugel Muscat Tradition Hugel - strong smell of mold.  Definitely corked.  Bought from Remy for HKD 135.

1985 Nairac

1985 Nairac - opened in my apartment.  A poor one for lack of botrytis.  Not very sweet, but pineapple flavors were present.  Bought from Watson's for HKD 188.

Lynch-Bages vertical

I attended a vertical tastings of Château Lynch-Bages at HOFEX '99, hosted by Sylvie Cazes.  HKD 100 for 7 vintages!

1993 Lynch-Bages - the youngest of the lot.  Smooth tannins.  Good potential.

1990 Lynch-Bages - A very good year, with very smooth tannins, velvety.  Wonderful nose.  Can't wait to drink some from the case I bought earlier.

1989 Lynch-Bages - I prefer this over the 1990.  Not as velvety as the 1990, this is more acidic as more of the tannins have been shed.  Nice, long finish.  There was very little poured into my glass!

1988 Lynch-Bages - nose is a bit oaky.  Tannins are firm.  Not as good as the 1989 or 1990.

1986 Lynch-Bages - lots of fruit in this one.  Tannins have been shed.  Makes for a good vintage.  Very enjoyable.

1985 Lynch-Bages - a really good effort, very veggy, mossy on the nose.  Taste of minerals.  Loss of tannins makes for a crisp wine.  Smooth and slightly acidic.  Definitely need to own a few bottles of this.

1982 Lynch-Bages - obviously the best of the lot.  Very, very sweet nose with loads of fruit, and minerals.  Incredibly smooth on the palate.  Shed tannins almost completely.  Nice, long finish.  It's simply an awesome wine!

A little tipsy after the tasting...and before lunch!

1996 d'Arenberg Riesling the Noble

1996 d'Arenberg Riesling the Noble - drunk while watching a movie with a friend at my place.  Bought from Watson's for HKD 113.

Another 1990 Gruaud-Larose

1990 Gruaud-Larose - this bottle wasn't stored properly by the wine merchant so it tasted off.  Too oaky.  Big disappointment.  Bought from Garnet Wines for USD 70.

1990 Gruaud-Larose

1990 Gruaud-Larose - bought off the list at Four Seasons restaurant in NYC.  Superb wine.  Just maturing.  With time and opening up, the best bottle I'd tasted so far.  Blew my friends away also.  Flavors were complimentary to the bison steak I had at dinner.

1995 Wolf Blass Cabernet Sauvignon President's Selection

1995 Wolf Blass Cabernet Sauvignon President's Selection - drank with a friend over dinner at Toscana.  Needs time to open.

1996 d'Arenberg Riesling the Noble

1996 d'Arenberg Riesling the Noble - opened at a friend's house.  Everyone enjoyed it.  Bought from Watson's for HKD 113.