Sunday, 28 October 2012
TN : Terredora Fiano di Avellino 2011, Terredora, DOCG, ampagnia, Italy
This wine was imported by Prime Wine Sweden AB.
Colour : Pale watery yellow
Aroma : Apricots, oranges, mango, herbs
Taste : Apricots mangos, lemon, pears, herbs
Alcohol : 13%
Price : 99 SEK
Systembolaget Number : 2128
Mark : C+
Website : Terredora
Posted by ANDY CHEESE at 00:54 0 comments
Labels: Tasting Note
Thursday, 25 October 2012
TN : Montes Pinot Noir Limited Selection 2010, Vina Montes, Casablanca Valley, Chile
The grape yield was eight tons per hectare. This wine spent five months maturing in French oak. The wine went through one soft filtering. This wine was sealed with a screwcap.
This wine was imported by Hjo Grosshandel AB.
Colour : Strawberry/raspberry red
Aroma : Raspberry, strawberry, mint, milk chocolate
Taste : Spice, strawberry, raspberry, mint, milk chocolate, earthy finish
Alcohol : 14%
Price : 119 SEK
Systembolaget Number : 2179
Mark : C
Website : Vina Montes
Posted by ANDY CHEESE at 18:15 0 comments
Labels: Tasting Note
Tuesday, 23 October 2012
TN : Achaval Ferrer Malbec 2011, Achaval-Ferrer, Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina
This wine was imported byDivine AB.
Colour : Dark blackberry
Aroma : Blueberry, blackberry, liqourice, violets, mint
Taste : Blackberry, herbs, liqourice, mint, blueberry
Alcohol : 14.5%
Price : 169 SEK
Systembolaget Number : 94234
Mark : B
Website : Achaval-Ferrer
Posted by ANDY CHEESE at 17:12 0 comments
Labels: Tasting Note
Sunday, 21 October 2012
TN : Rua Pinot Noir 2011, Akarua Winery, Central Otago, New Zealand
Separate clones of Pinot Noir were harvested over a two week period from 2nd April 2011 till the 16th April 2011. The brix at harvest was 22-24. There was no whole bunch fermentation. The temperature during fermentation peaked at 31 degrees. The cap was punched down twice daily. The must underwent a six day post-fermentation. The grapes underwent a five day pre-fermnetation maceration. The wine spent ten months in 100% French oak barrique. 10% of the oak was new with the balance being older wood. The pH of the wine is 3.66 and the titratable acidity is 6.7 grammes per litre. This wine was sealed with a screwcap.
This wine was imported by Domaine Wines Sweden AB.
Colour : Red, blue hues
Aroma : Strawberry, raspberry, liqourice, herbs, spice
Taste : Strawberry, raspberry, liqourice, spice
Alcohol : 14%
Price : 159 SEK
Systembolaget Number : 6265
Mark : B-
Website : Akarua Winery
Posted by ANDY CHEESE at 18:09 0 comments
Labels: Tasting Note
Thursday, 18 October 2012
TN : Juliusspital Silvaner Kabinett Trocken 2011, Weingut Juliusspital, Franken, Germany
This wine was sealed with a screwcap and bottled in a traditional Franken bocksbeutel.
This wine was imported by Enjoy Wines and Spirits AB.
Colour : Pale lemon
Aroma : Pear, mandarin oranges, spice
Taste : Pear, mandarin oranges, pineapple, bitter herby finish
Alcohol : 13.5%
Price : 119 SEK
Systembolaget Number : 6708
Mark : C
Website : Weingut Juliusspital
Posted by ANDY CHEESE at 20:28 0 comments
Labels: Tasting Note
Wednesday, 17 October 2012
TN : Quintay Syrah 2011, Viña Quintay, Casablanca Valley, Chile
The winemaker was Vincente Johnson.
This wine was imported by Janake Wine Group AB.
Colour : Dark blackcurrant/red
Aroma : Spice, coffee, violets, blackberry, blackcurrant
Taste : Spice, lavender, blackberry, coffee, black pepper on finish
Alcohol : 14.5%
Price : 109 SEK
Systembolaget Number : 6241
Mark : B
Website : Viña Quintay
Posted by ANDY CHEESE at 21:12 0 comments
Labels: Tasting Note
Tuesday, 16 October 2012
TN : Mayu Sangiovese Carmenère Reserva 2010, Viña Mayu, Elqui Valley, Coquimbo, Chile
This wine is a blend of 60% Sangiovese and 40% Carmenère. All of the grapes were hand-harvested: the Sangovese during the second week of April and the Carmenerein the last week of April.The winemaker was Giorgio Flessati. This wine was sealed with a screwcap. This wine was imported by WineWorld AB.
Colour : Red/blueberry
Aroma : Very fruity, spice, mint, plums, vanilla, oak, tobacco
Taste : Spice, cherries, tobacco, mint, plums
Alcohol : 14.5%
Price : 89 SEK
Systembolaget Number : 90556
Mark : B-
Website : Viña Mayu
Posted by ANDY CHEESE at 21:04 0 comments
Labels: Tasting Note
TN : Porcupine Ridge Merlot 20120, Boekenhoutskloof, Wine of Origin Coastal Region, Western Cape, South Africa
The pH of this wine is 3.73, TA is 5.3 grammes per litre, and Residual Sugar is 2.1 grammes per litre. his wine was sealed with a screwcap.
This wine was imported by Prime Wine Sweden AB.
Colour : Red
Aroma : Spice, plum, blackberry, tobacco
Taste : Spice, tobacco, plums, blackcurrant, raspberry
Alcohol : 14.5%
Price : 99 SEK
Systembolaget Number : 22921
Mark : C
Website : Boekenhoutskloof
Posted by ANDY CHEESE at 17:17 0 comments
Labels: Tasting Note
Monday, 15 October 2012
TN : Cameleon Cabernet Sauvignon Selection 2011, Domaine Jean Bousquet, Tupungato Valley, Argentina
This wine was made with organically grown grapes. The wine is a blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Malbec.. This wine was sealed with a screwcap.
This wine was imported by Vinia Sweden AB.
Colour : Blackcurrant/red
Aroma : Blackcurrant, blueberry, herbs, liqourice
Taste : Coffee, blackcurrant, oak, blueberry, herbs, liqourice, dry finish
Alcohol : 14.5%
Price : 79 SEK
Systembolaget Number : 6518
Mark : C
Website : Domaine Jean Bousquet
Posted by ANDY CHEESE at 18:02 1 comments
Labels: Tasting Note
Sunday, 14 October 2012
TN : Rosé Secco Biokult Sparkling Rose, Biokult, Austria
This wine has 17 grammes per litre of sugar.
This wine was imported by Wahlbergs Drycker AB.
Colour : Strawberry, copper
Aroma : Raspberry, strawberry, earthy
Taste : Fizzy, raspberry, strawberry, lemon, earthy
Alcohol : 11%
Price : 89 SEK
Systembolaget Number : 92267
Mark : C
Website : Biokult
Posted by ANDY CHEESE at 22:24 0 comments
TN : Quintay Pinot Noir 2009, Vina Quintay, Aconcagua, Casablanca, Chile
All the grapes for this wine were hand-harvested. The wine spent one and a half years in French oak. The winemaker was Vincente Johnson. This wine was sealed with a screwcap.
This wine was imported by Janake Wine Group AB.
Colour : Red, pink hues
Aroma : Spice, oaky, strawberry, raspberry, coca cola
Taste : Spice, fruity, vanilla, strawberry, raspberry, oaky, coca cola
Alcohol : 14%
Price : 125 SEK
Systembolaget Number : 92145
Mark : C+
Website : Vina Quintay
Posted by ANDY CHEESE at 22:17 0 comments
Labels: Tasting Note
TN : Willi Schaefer Graacher Domprobst Riesling Kabinett 2010, Willi Schaefer, Mosel, Germany
This wine was imported by Origo Wine Import.
Colour : Very pale lemon
Aroma : Lime, honey, mineral, pear
Taste : Lemon, lime, honey, green apples, mineral, off-dry, stone fruits on finish
Alcohol : 7.5%
Price : 169 SEK
Systembolaget Number : 99011
Mark : B
Posted by ANDY CHEESE at 21:49 0 comments
Labels: Tasting Note
TN : Cloudy Bay Pelorus Blanc de Blancs, Cloudy Bay, New Zealand
This wine was named after "Pelorus Jack", a dolphin who according to Maori legend was sent by the ocean god Tangaroa to watch over the Kupe, a renowned Polynesian explorer. This wine is 100% Chardonnay.
This wine is imported by Moët Hennessy Sverige AB.
Colour : Pale yellow
Aroma : Oranges, green apples, rich tea biscuits
Taste : Rich tea biscuits, oranges, green apples, white chocolate, lemon
Alcohol : 12.5%
Price : 119 SEK
Systembolaget Number : 7894
Mark : C
Website : Cloudy Bay
Posted by ANDY CHEESE at 17:57 0 comments
Labels: Tasting Note
TN : Prinz Von Hessen Riesling Kabinett Trocken 2010, Rheingau, Germany
This wine was imported by Ward Wines AB.
Colour : Pale lemon
Aroma : Pear, white grapes, mandarin oranges
Taste : Pear, green apples, white grapes, mandarin oranges, dry, sharp finish with minerals
Alcohol : 12.5%
Price : 159 SEK (Bag-in-Box 1.5 Litres)
Systembolaget Number : 6480)
Mark : C
Website : Weingut Prinz Von Hessen
Posted by ANDY CHEESE at 15:44 0 comments
Labels: Tasting Note
TN : Falkenstein Vinschgau Riesling 2009, Falkenstein, Trentino-Alto Adige, Italy
This wine was imported by Hoff Vinhandel AB.
Colour : Watery straw
Aroma : Lemon, peach, mineral
Taste : Fruity, peach, apricot, dry, long finish
Alcohol : 13%
Price : 179 SEK
Systembolaget Number : 99508
Mark : B
Posted by ANDY CHEESE at 15:22 0 comments
Labels: Tasting Note
TN : Outer Limits Zapallar Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2011, Montes, Aconcagua Valley, Chile
The grape yield was seven tonnes per hectare This wine has not seen any oak during its lifetime.
This wine was sealed with a screwcap.
This wine was imported by Hjo Grosshandel AB.
Colour : Pale watery yellow
Aroma : Passion fruit, blackcurrant leaf, orange, leafy
Taste : Zingy passion fruit and grapefruit, nettles, long earthy finish
Alcohol : 13.5%
Price : 159 SEK
Systembolaget Number : 95176
Mark : C+
Website : Montes Wines
Posted by ANDY CHEESE at 13:47 0 comments
Labels: Tasting Note
TN : Kallstadt Dornfelder Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon Trocken 2009, Winzergenossenschaft Kallstadt eG , Pfalz, Germany
This wine is a blend of 70% Dornfelder, 17% Merlot and 13% Cabernet Sauvignon. This wine is sealed with a screwcap.
This wine was imported by WSB The Beverage Company AB.
Colour : Red, blue hues
Aroma : Blackcurrant, blueberry, herbs, white pepper
Taste : Blackcurrant, blueberry, herbs, white pepper
Alcohol : 13.5%
Price : 84 SEK
Systembolaget Number : 90184
Mark : B-
Website : Winzergenossenschaft Kallstadt eG
Posted by ANDY CHEESE at 13:38 0 comments
Labels: Tasting Note
Friday, 12 October 2012
TN : Gimblett Road Syrah 2010, C J Pask Winery, Hawkes Bay, New Zealand
The winemaker was Kate Radburnd. The wine was aged for 12 months in French oak. This wine was sealed with a screwcap. This wine was imported by Sigva AB.
Colour : Dark red, blue hues
Aroma : Herbs, liqourice, blackberry, blueberry
Taste : Blackberry, blueberry, herbs, liqourice, white pepper, spicy finish
Alcohol : 12.5%
Price : 129 SEK
Systembolaget Number : 6270
Mark : C+
Website : C J Pask Winery
Posted by ANDY CHEESE at 18:03 0 comments
Labels: Tasting Note
Tuesday, 9 October 2012
TN : Tegernseerhof Loibenberg Riesling Smaragd 2011, Tegernseerhof , Wachau, Niederösterreich, Austria
This wine was sealed with a screwcap.
This wine was imported by Amka Vinimport AB.
Colour : Very pale yellow
Aroma : Honey, peach, mineral, dried herbs, pineapple, lemon
Taste : Honey, peaches, lemon, pineapple, green apples
Alcohol : 13.5%
Price : 139 SEK
Systembolaget Number : 4345
Mark : B-
Website : Weingut Tegernseerhof
Posted by ANDY CHEESE at 21:02 0 comments
TN : Loosen Bros. Riesling Kabinett Old Vines 2011, Dr Loosen, Mosel, Germany
This wine was sealed with a screwcap.
This wine was imported by Vinunic AB.
Colour : Pale lemon
Aroma : Lemon, lime, honey, pear
Taste : Off-dry, honey, lemon, lime, pear, mineral and earthy finish
Alcohol : 8%
Price : 99 SEK
Systembolaget Number : 5369
Mark : C+
Website : Dr Loosen
Posted by ANDY CHEESE at 20:56 0 comments
Labels: Tasting Note
TN : Catena Alta Chardonnay 2010, Bodega Catena Zapata, Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina
80% of the grapes for this wine came from the Adriana vineyard and 20% from the Domingo vineyard. This wine was imported by Vinunic AB.
Colour : Pale yellow
Aroma : Pineapple, butter, oak, sweetcorn, lemon polish
Taste : Oaky, creamy, pineapple, sweetcorn, buttered toast, stone fruits
Alcohol : 14%
Price : 195 SEK
Systembolaget Number : 99054
Mark : B-
Website : Bodega Catena Zapata
Posted by ANDY CHEESE at 18:11 1 comments
Labels: Tasting Note
Monday, 8 October 2012
TN : Château Cambon la Pelouse 2009, Cru Bourgeois, Haut-Medoc, Bordeaux, France
This wine is a blend of 54% Merlot, 42% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 4% Petit Verdot.
This wine was imported by Tryffelsvinet AB.
Colour : Dark red/blue hues
Aroma : Cedar, blackcurrant, plums, raspberry, tobacco
Taste : Cedar, oak, plums, herbs, blackcurrants, raspberry, drying tannic finish, put it away for two to three years for the cedar to tone down a bit
Alcohol : 14%
Price : 191 SEK
Systembolaget Number : 96055
Mark : C+
Website : Château Cambon la Pelouse
Posted by ANDY CHEESE at 17:17 0 comments
Labels: Tasting Note
Sunday, 7 October 2012
TN : Tamarí AR Malbec 2011, Bodega Tamarí, Cuyo, Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina
The grapes for this wine were hand-harvested on 27th April 2011. The wine spent one year in French oak. The winemaker was Sebastián Ruiz Flaño. This wine was imported by Mondo Wine Sweden AB.
Colour : Raspberry/blueberry
Aroma : Blueberry, blackcurrants, liqourice, herbs
Taste : Blueberry, raspberry, vanilla, blackcurrant, herby finish
Alcohol : 15%
Price : 119 SEK
Systembolaget Number : 6442
Mark : C
Website : Bodega Tamarí
Posted by ANDY CHEESE at 19:45 0 comments
Labels: Tasting Note
TN : Zuccardi Viognier 2012, Familia Zuccardi, Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina
This wine is sealed with a screwcap. The wine was imported by Philipson Soderberg AB.
Colour : Pale yellow
Aroma : Floral, honey, pear, apricots, peach
Taste : Roses, pear, apricot, flowers, green apples, honey, peaches
Alcohol : 13%
Price : 80 SEK
Systembolaget Number : 6059
Mark : B
Website : Familia Zuccardi
Posted by ANDY CHEESE at 19:37 0 comments
Labels: Tasting Note
Wednesday, 3 October 2012
TN : Clarendelle Rosé 2011, Clarence Dillon Wines, Bordeaux, France
This wine is a blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Merlot.
This wine was imported by Hjo Grosshandel AB.
Colour : Bright strawberry, rose
Aroma : Strawberry, herbs, redcurrants, lemon
Taste : Dry, redcurrants, herbs, strawberry, lemon, bitter cherry finish
Alcohol : 13%
Price : 119 SEK
Systembolaget Number : 95111
Mark : B-
Website : Clarence Dillon Wines
Posted by ANDY CHEESE at 09:52 30 comments
Labels: Tasting Note
Tuesday, 2 October 2012
TN : Moët & Chandon Rosé Impérial
Colour : Copper, pink
Aroma : Blood red oranges, red berries
Taste : Strawberry, creamy, oranges on finish
Alcohol : 12%
Price : 399 SEK
Systembolaget Number : 7598
Mark : B-
Website : Moët & Chandon
Posted by ANDY CHEESE at 19:19 1 comments
Labels: Tasting Note
TN : Serrata Belguardo 2010, IGT, Marchesi Mazei, Maremma, Tuscany, Italy
This wine is a blend of 80% Sangiovese och 20% Alicante Nero. The Total acidity is 5.4. The vineyards are located at an altitude between 70 and 130 metres with a south to south-west exposure. The vineyard soils are mainly sandstone and limestone. The age of the vines is 12 years. The vines are spur cordon trained. The number of vines is 6,600 per hectare. All of the grapes were handpicked fromSeptember 6th (Sangiovese) and from August 30th (Alicante). The must was fermented at a temperature between 28 and 30 degrees. The maceration lasted 14 to 16 days. The wine was aged for twelve 12 months in small oak barrels french and american 225 litre oak (30% new). The wine was bottled in February 2012 and released to the market in March 2012. 42,000 bottles were produced. The first vintage of this wine was in 2001.
This wine was imported by The WineAgency Sweden AB.
Colour : Dark red/cherry colour
Aroma : Spice, cherries, herbs, oak
Taste : Cherries, oak, herbs and tobaco on finish
Alcohol : 13.5%
Price : 99 SEK
Systembolaget Number : 22955
Mark : C+
Website : Mazzei
Posted by ANDY CHEESE at 17:09 0 comments
Labels: Tasting Note
Monday, 1 October 2012
TN : Coyam 2009, Viñedos Emiliana, Los Robles Estate, Colchagua Valley, Chile
This wine is a blend of 41% syrah, 29% carmenère, 20% merlot, 7% cabernet sauvignon, 2% mourvèdre och 1% petit verdot. The wine was finished for 13 months in oak (80% in French oak barrels and 20% in American oak barrels). Coyam is the word for “Oak Forrest” used by the original inhabitants of Chile: The Mapuches. Ancient oaks surround the vineyard where Coyam is born.
This wine received 90 points from Wine Spectator, August 2011, and 90 points from Wine Advocate, March 2012.
Colour : Dark blackcurrant
Aroma : Blackcurrant, blackberry, coconut, herbs
Taste : Blackcurrant, blackberry, coconut, earthy and spice finish
Alcohol : 14.5%
Price : 179 SEK
Systembolaget Number : 95108
Mark : B-
Website : Viñedos Emiliana
Posted by ANDY CHEESE at 17:59 1 comments
Labels: Tasting Note
Saturday, 29 September 2012
TN : Waterfall Cabernet Sauvignon 2011, Domaine & Vineyards, Margaret River, Western Australia, Australia
Domaine & Vineyards began in 2009, as a collaboration between Rob Bowen, Stewart Sampson and David Rado. The company produces wine from areas Margaret River and Pemberton.
This wine was sealed with a screwcap. This wine was imported by Prime Wine Sweden AB.
Colour : Blackcurrant/red
Aroma : Oak, mint, blackcurrant, tobacco, liqourice, vanilla
Taste : Tobacco, blackcurrant, vanilla, plums, liqourice on finish
Alcohol : 14.5%
Price : 99 SEK
Systembolaget Number : 97058
Mark : B-
Posted by ANDY CHEESE at 17:30 1 comments
Labels: Tasting Note
Thursday, 27 September 2012
TN : Cono Sur Visión Chardonnay 2011, Cono Sur, Aconcagua, Casablanca Valley, Chile
The winemaker was Adolfo Hurtado.
This wine is sealed with a screwcap. This wine was imported by Spendrups Bryggeri AB.
Colour : Pale yellow, green hues
Aroma : Pineapple, mango, banana, lemon, custard
Taste : Pineapple, mango, butter, oak
Alcohol : 13.5%
Price : 90 SEK
Systembolaget Number : 6522
Mark : C+
Website : Vina Cono Sur
Posted by ANDY CHEESE at 17:34 0 comments
Wednesday, 26 September 2012
TN : Chateau Coucheroy 2009, Andre Lurton, Pessac Leognan, Bordeaux, France
This wine is 100% Sauvignon Blanc.
Colour : Pale yellow
Aroma : Oak, lemon polish, pears
Taste : Creamy texture, lemon, minerals, gooseberries
Alcohol : 13%
Price : 119 SEK
Systembolaget Number : 4136
Mark : C
Website : Andre Lurton
Posted by ANDY CHEESE at 17:36 0 comments
Labels: Tasting Note
Tuesday, 25 September 2012
TN : Oveja Negra Reserva Pinot Noir 2010, VIA Wines, Maule Valley, Chile
This wine was sealed with a screwcap.
This wine was imported by The WineAgency Sweden AB.
Colour : Red, blue hues
Aroma : Red berries, spice, milk chocolate
Taste : Strawberry, herbs, liqourice
Alcohol : 14%
Price : 89 SEK
Mark : C
Website : VIA Wines
Posted by ANDY CHEESE at 18:09 0 comments
Labels: Tasting Note
Sunday, 23 September 2012
TN : Rabl Vinum Optimum Grüner Veltliner Kamptal Reserve 2010, Weingut Rabl, Kamptal, Austria
This wine was sealed with a screwcap. This wine was imported by Johan Lidby Vinhandel.
Colour : Pale yellow/lemon
Aroma : Herbs, lemon, grapefruit, stone fruits
Taste : Lemon, white pepper, grapefruit, herbs
Alcohol : 13%
Price : 159 SEK
Systembolaget Number : 97031
Mark : B-
Website : Weingut Rabl
Posted by ANDY CHEESE at 18:17 0 comments
Labels: Tasting Note
Saturday, 22 September 2012
TN : Porcupine Ridge Syrah 2011, Boekenhoutskloof, Malmesbury, Swartland, South Africa
The John Platter South African Wine Guide 2012 chose Boekenhoutskloof as the winery of the year. Th egrapes were fermented in stainless steel with selected Rhone wine yeast strains. Two thirds of the wine was matured in French oak. The residual sugar is 2.98 grammes per litre, 5.46 grammes per litre total acidity, and pH of 3.76. This wine is sealed with a screwcap.
This wine was imported by Prime Wine Sweden AB.
Colour : Dark red, blue hues
Aroma : Blackberry, raspberry, liqourice, burnt toast, white pepper
Taste : Burnt toast, smoky bacon, blackberry, liqourice, white pepper
Alcohol : 14.5%
Price : 99 SEK
Systembolaget Number : 22996
Website : Boekenhoutskloof
Posted by ANDY CHEESE at 17:01 0 comments
Labels: Tasting Note
Thursday, 20 September 2012
TN : Bodega Piedra Negra Pinot Gris 2012, Alta Coleccion, François Lurton, Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina
This wine is sealed with a screwcap.
Colour : Very pale watery-like straw
Aroma : White grapes, pear, apricot
Taste : White grapes, pears, apricots, slightly bitter finish
Alcohol : 12.5%
Price : 75 SEK
Systembolaget Number : 6193
Mark : C
Website : François Lurton
Posted by ANDY CHEESE at 17:06 0 comments
Labels: Tasting Note
TN : Chateau Olivier 2000, Grand Cru Classe de Graves, Pessac-Leognan, Bordeaux, France
This wine is a blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, and 10% Cabernet Franc.
In the case of Chateau Olivier, records indicate the presence of a building on the spot where the chateau now stands as long ago as the 12th Century, and by the mid-14th Century the property was occupied by the d'Olivey family, as evidenced by documents describing the marriage of Rostang d'Olivey to Elizabeth de la Lande, heiress to nearby Chateau de la Brède, in 1350. The property remained with the family for centuries, a long and successful tenure which even survived a sustained challenge from Bordeaux councillors who had taken over the neighbouring seigneurie in 1409. This must surely have been the longest running legal dispute in the late Medieval Ages, as the matter was not concluded until 1680, despite the intervention of at least one monarch. Perhaps unsurprisingly the dispute was settled in favour of the proprietors, although by this time the property had passed down the female line after the last Olivier due to inherit the estate chose to enter the priesthood instead. The Lasserre family thus took on the estate, and by marriage it then passed in 1663 to Pierre Penel, Baron de la Brède, by virtue of his marriage to Marie Lasserre.
With the ensuing years the estate changed hands numerous times, firstly passing to the daughter of Marie and Pierre, who married Jacques de Secondat, Baron de Montesquieu. They sold it to Bernard Joseph de Malet, a local parliamentarian, and there then followed a litany of landlords; Lestard, who did much to improve the chateau, making it less of a fortified castle and more of an elegant country house, then Legris, Souberrie-Dugarry, Sergent-Bardwich and Fousset, none of whom did so much as plant a vine, before finally passing to Count Charles-Joseph Maurice d'Etchegoyen in 1846. The new tenants refurbished the chateau yet again, carrying out extensive modifications, and added viticulture to the activities of the estate, which also included forestry and husbandry. The end result of the extensive renovations of Lestard and then D'Etchegoyen (what stands today is largely of the 18th and 19th Centuries) may not be to everyone's taste, nevertheless the chateau remains an impressive and perhaps attractive building, hidden in a clearing in the woods, and surrounded by a moat. After D'Etchegoyen, Olivier was sold to the Bousset-Salvat family, although they in turn yielded to Alexandre Watcher. Then by virtue of the marriage of Agnew Watcher to Jacques de Bethmann in the early 20th Century, the German De Bethmann family took control, and this is a responsibility they still hold today. The most recent incumbent is Jean-Jacques de Bethmann.
The Olivier estate amounts to 220 hectares the majority of which is forest, pasture and grazing land, with the vineyards amounting to 50 hectares in all. Under De Bethmann the vines were leased to the Eschenhauer firm, although this arrangement ceased in 1981, Eschenhauer eventually losing their exclusive distribution rights in 1987. Today the estate is managed by Laurent Lebrun, who holds sway over all the vines, which are planted on a complex composition of terroirs, including Gunzian gravel, clay and limestone, with areas of quartz, flint and other minerals. Chateau Olivier is just one of six chateau entitled to produce both red and white wines under the Graves classification of 1959, although under Eschenhauer the focus was most certainly on the white wines. Since then, however, plantings of red varieties have increased, and although relatively young in comparison to the established white vines they now constitute the greater part of the vineyard. There are now 38 hectares of red varieties, 45% Merlot, 45% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Cabernet Franc, with an average vine age of 25 years. What is more, with the clearing of trees and the establishment of new vineyards, on ancient plots identified from 18th Century maps, the area planted to red varieties is set to rise considerably.
The planting density is relatively high at between 8000 and 10000 vines per hectare. Practices in the vineyard and winery are modern, with the vinification of the red overseen by Guy Guimberteau, a student of the illustrious Emile Peynaud. The fruit is sorted both at harvest, which is manual, and in the winery, before temperature-controlled fermentation, typically between 25 and 30 degrees for the red. The must is vinified in steel, with cold maceration before fermentation, and with some optional use of the press wine. The wine then sees a year in oak barrels, of which one third are new each vintage. The resulting grand vin has a production of about 6000 cases per year. There is also a second wine produced from aliquots not deemed suitable for the grand vin, La Seigneurie d'Olivier du Chateau Olivier.
Colour : Brown notes, cassis
Aroma : Blackcurrant, talcum powder, dried herbs, vanilla, plum
Taste : Dark fruits, violets, talcum powder like tannins on finish, plums, slight licqourice, slight wood on finish
Alcohol : 12.5%
Price : 349 SEK
Mark : B
Website : Chateau Olivier
Posted by ANDY CHEESE at 16:56 0 comments
Labels: Tasting Note
Sunday, 16 September 2012
TN : Snoqualmie Naked Chardonnay 2010, Snoqualmie Vineyards, Columbia Valley, Wasingont State, USA
This wine was made with organically grown grapes. This wine was imported by
Colour : Pale yellow
Aroma : Red apples, pears, butter, apricot
Taste : Red apple, apricor, butter, pears
Alcohol : 13%
Price : 99 SEK
Systembolget Number : 6413
Mark : C
Website : Snoqualmie Vineyards
Posted by ANDY CHEESE at 17:36 0 comments
Labels: Tasting Note
Saturday, 15 September 2012
TN : Tesch St Remigiusberg Riesling Trocken 2010, Weingut Tesch, Nahe, Germany
This wine was sealed with a screwcap. This wine was imported by Bornicon & Salming.
Colour : Pale lemon
Aroma : Pear, honey, minerals
Taste : Dry, zingy, acidic, clean, lemon and lime, honey, minerals on long finish
Alcohol : 12.5%
Price : 149 SEK
Systembolaget Number : 99009
Mark : C+
Website : Weingut Tesch
Posted by ANDY CHEESE at 11:39 2 comments
Labels: Tasting Note
Wednesday, 12 September 2012
TN : Boom Boom! Syrah 2010, Charles Smith Wines, Wasington State, U.S.A
This wine is a blend of 96% Syrah, 2.5% Grenache, and 1.5% Malbec.
This wine was sealed with a screwcap. This wine was imported by Klunk AB.
Colour : Dark red, blue hues
Aroma : Burnt toast, blackberry, blueberry, white pepper
Taste : Blackberry, blkueberry, plums, white pepper, burnt toast, spicy finish
Alcohol : 13.5%
Price : 129 SEK
Systembolaget Number : 6714
Mark : C+
Website : Charles Smith Wines
Posted by ANDY CHEESE at 17:34 2 comments
Labels: Tasting Note
Monday, 10 September 2012
TN : Chateau Haut-Chaigneau Cuvee Prestige 2009, Vignobles Chatonnet, Lalande de Pomerol, Bordeaux, France
This wine is a blend of 90% Merlot Noir and 10% Cabernet Franc.
Colour : Dark red
Aroma : Herbs, milk chocolate, plums, tobacco
Taste : Plums, blackcurrant, herbs, milk chocolate texture, tobacco
Alcohol : 14.5%
Price : 163 SEK
Systembolaget Number : 95131
Mark : C+
Website : Vignobles Chatonnet
Posted by ANDY CHEESE at 16:20 0 comments
Sunday, 9 September 2012
TN : Karl Erbes Ürziger Würzgarten Riesling Kabinett 2011, Weingut Karl Erbes, Mosel, Germany
Stefan Erbes and his father Karl manage this family-run business which was established in 1967. This wine was sealed with a screwcap.
This wine was imported by Granqvist Vinagentur.
Colour : Very pale watery straw
Aroma : Pears, honey, lime, honey
Taste : Oranges, lime, honey, sweet, long finish
Alcohol : 8%
Price : 120 SEK
Systembolaget Number : 96019
Mark : C+
Website : Weingut Karl Erbes
Posted by ANDY CHEESE at 19:29 0 comments
Labels: Tasting Note
TN : Kiss Zin Fire Zinfandel 2010, Rock 'n' Wines, California, USA
This wine was imported by Rewine AB.
Colour : Red, blackberry hues
Aroma : Mint, herbs, blackberry, liqourice
Taste : Thin texture, raspberry and blackberry, jam, vanilla, liqourice and herbs on finish
Alcohol : 13%
Price : 99 SEK
Systembolaget Number : 6575
Mark : C
Website : Rock 'n' Wines
Posted by ANDY CHEESE at 10:27 0 comments
Saturday, 8 September 2012
TN :Malbec 2010, Bodega Mendel, Mendoza, Argentina
The grapes for this wine came from Lujan de Coyo at 1000 metres. The vineyard was planted in 1928. 5,500 cases of this wine were produced. The wine was aged for 12 months in French barriques. The winemaker was Roberto del la Mtta. This wine was imported by Prime Wine Sweden AB.
Colour : Dark blueberry/red
Aroma : Blackberry, blueberry, mint, milk chocolate, violets
Taste : Blackberry, blueberry, mint, milk chocolate, violets, savoury notes
Alcohol : 14,5%
Price : 149 SEK
Systembolaget Number : 97014
Mark : B-
Website : Bodega Mendel
Posted by ANDY CHEESE at 17:55 1 comments
Thursday, 6 September 2012
TN : Villa Maria Hawkes Bay Chardonnay Reserve 2010, Villa Maria Estate, Hawke's Bay, New Zealand
The vinyard from where the grapes for this wine were harvested are located on the warm easterly plateau of the Maraekakaho. The fruit from the Waikahu site is grown on the sandy loam over red stained gravels. This area consists of some of New Zealand’s oldest soils dating back thousands of years. The Matthews Family, who are the attentive vignerons of this prestigious vineyard ensure the fruit is of an exceptional quality. This vineyard is planted with a selection of Chardonnay clones, namely clone 95, 15 and Mendoza.This wine was sealed with a screwcap.
This wine was imported by Fondberg.
Colour : Pale lemon, green hues
Aroma : Butter, mango, oranges, pineapple
Taste : Oak, butter, mango, oranges, creamy texture
Alcohol : 13.5%
Price : 149 SEK
Systembolaget Number : 97046
Mark : B
Website : Villa Maria Estate
Posted by ANDY CHEESE at 17:37 0 comments
Labels: Tasting Note
Tuesday, 4 September 2012
TN : Villa Maria Gimblett Gravels Syrah Reserve 2007, Villa Maria, Hawkes Bay, New Zealand
Villa Maria was founded in 1961 by its current owner and Managing Director Sir George Fistonich. This wine was sealed with a screwcap. This wine was imported by Fondberg.
Colour : Dark red, blue hues
Aroma : Spice, blueberry, herbs
Taste : Blueberry, plums, spice, herbs, white pepper
Alcohol : 14%
Price : 199 SEK
Systembolaget Number : 97041
Mark : B-
Website : Villa Maria
Posted by ANDY CHEESE at 17:59 0 comments
Labels: Tasting Note
TN ; Trinity Hill The Gimblett 2009, Gimblett Gravels, Trinity Hill, Hawkes Bay, New Zealand
This wine is a blend of 38% merlot, 37% cabernet sauvignon, 15% cabernet franc, 8% petit verdot och 2% malbec. This wine won a gold medal at the New Zealand International Wine Show.
This wine was imported by Carovin AB.
Colour : Dark red/plum
Aroma : Blackcurrant, mint, herbs, milk chocolate
Taste : Blackcurrant, plum, mint, liqourice
Alcohol : 14%
Price : 199 SEK
Systembolaget Number : 98141
Mark : B
Website : Trinity Hill
Posted by ANDY CHEESE at 17:00 0 comments
Labels: Tasting Note
Monday, 3 September 2012
TN : Blaufraenkisch Ried Hochberg 2008, Weingut Hans Igler, Mittelburgenland, Austria
This single-vineyard Blaufränkisch is sourced from the sunny southwest-facing slopes of the Hochberg vineyard. This wine was sealed with a screwcap.
This wine was imported by A Wendler Försäljnings AB.
Colour : Dark red
Aroma : Raspberry, strawberry, white pepper, liqourice, spice
Taste : Plums, strawberry, licource, spice, white pepper
Alcohol : 13%
Price : 159 SEK
Systembolaget Number : 96015
Mark : B
Website : Weingut Hans Igler
Posted by ANDY CHEESE at 17:45 0 comments
Labels: Tasting Note