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Lot # <strong>Wine</strong> Year M D Comment<br />
Cellar Offering 158<br />
3049 - 3056<br />
ALSACE 2003 VINTAGE<br />
Being at the northern extremity of European winemaking, Alsace was cooler through the summer than more southerly vineyards. Even so,<br />
the temperatures were constantly high, leading to an inevitable loss of acidity, but a higher than average extract level. All of the 2003s are<br />
now ready; they are concentrated and fat. The smaller (less expensive) wines tend to be a touch dull as they are wanting more acidity, but<br />
the great grand Cru wines (Lots 3054 to 3056) are superb. Ready to drink, but quite happy to be laid down for even greater aging.<br />
3066 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva, Cornellana 2003 8 10 It takes a visit to the Valley where the Cornellana vineyards<br />
are planted to appreciate the perfection of the site and its<br />
sandy/gravely soil. A perfect environment to produce a wine<br />
with outstanding qualities… Ready now.<br />
3067 Carmenère Reserva, Cornellana 2004 8 10 That lovely Carmenère again. What did we do before<br />
John Sambrook took a shine to the grape and practically<br />
single-handedly introduced it to Canada? Every example<br />
we taste is delicious, starting life as a tough customer, but<br />
softening, swelling, and eventually, caressing the palate.<br />
3068 Cabernet Sauvignon/ 2004 10 10 Fine bright colours, showing only small touches of fading<br />
Syrah Reserva, Cornellana towards garnet, the precursors of ageing. It is now entirely<br />
ready to drink.<br />
3069 Merlot/Cabernet Gran Reserva, 2004 9 9 The winemaker has made a true classic South American<br />
Cornellana wine with noble flavour and weight. Entirely ready this year.<br />
3070 Merlot Gran Reserva, Cornellana 2004 8 10 It comes as a small surprise that such rich wines as this<br />
develop delicious and well balanced harmony. A top class<br />
example of the Chilean way with wine.<br />
3075 Cabernet Sauvignon/ 2003 9 9 Well developed. Clean and pure fruit. Drink now.<br />
Merlot Reserva, Casa Nueva<br />
3087 Merlot Reserva, Villard Estate 2003 10 10 Thierry Villard’s wines are beautifully made, with complex, fine<br />
aromas and always good balance. This has lovely pungency<br />
and well ripened fruit.<br />
Cellar Offering 159<br />
3121 Ruppertsberger Hofstuck 2004 8 9 Now entirely mature. <strong>Wine</strong>s such as this lovely Gewürz,<br />
Gewürztraminer Kabinett from the Pfalz Germany’s most southerly major production<br />
area, have rather more body and opulence than those from<br />
further north. This one is a ripe basket of warm, earthy<br />
smelling tropical fruit.<br />
3124 Brauneberger Juffer Riesling Spätlese 2003 9 10 This wine comes from a vineyard donated to the German<br />
Red Cross, whose technical winemaking team have produced<br />
wines of the greatest quality over many years. Even though<br />
the sugars are quite nicely integrated with the lean fruit, it is<br />
still in perfect condition, but should now be enjoyed.<br />
3125 Bernkasteler Badstube Riesling Auslese 2003 9 10 One of the best wines of the vintage from the Mosel. The<br />
vineyard is legendary, having consistently produced the finest<br />
wines over more than two centuries. Fresh, still dynamic, well<br />
balanced.<br />
3126 Ruppertsberger Weissburgunder 2001 8 9 Notably expensive, but deservedly so. This is a stunning<br />
Beerenauslese example of a great dessert wine – perhaps better used as<br />
a contemplative “sipping” wine served well chilled in a small<br />
pouring into a large glass.<br />
<strong>Wine</strong> <strong>Review</strong> <strong>2010</strong><br />
7
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