Domaine Leroy Bourgogne Aligote 2011

Date of Tasting: 8 January 2016

Wine Type: White

Grape Varieties: 100% Aligote

Alcohol: 12.5%

Origin: Burgundy, France

Appellation: Bourgogne Aligote AOC

Expect to Pay: ~ EUR60

Web: http://www.domaine-leroy.com/
Chubby Appreciation: 93/100
Critics' Opinion: CT - 89/100

Appearance: Light yellow straw.

Aroma: Saline, lime curd, crushed rock, and orchard.

Palate: Rich and creamy. Lingering acidity. Dry with density. Citrus and spice notes. Not at all austere.

Such a unique personality and expression from the woman behind Domaine Leroy, Lalou Bize-Leroy, this with Bourgogne is. This is no ordinary flat Aligote. On the other hand, vibrant and fresh with complexity. Initially, it seemed to hold its nerve backward. Only after a few hours of opening, the true characters revealed. Such an enjoyable Aligote.

Francois Mikulski Meursalt 1er Cru les Charmes 2007

Date of Tasting: 30 October 2015

Wine Type: White

Grape Varieties: 100% Chardonnay

Alcohol: 13%

Origin: Burgundy, France

Appellation: Meursault 1er Cru Controlee

Expect to Pay: ~ EUR70

Web: http://www.domainemikulski.fr/
Chubby Appreciation: 92/100
Critics' Opinion: WA - 92/100, WS - 89/100, BH - 92/100, CT - 88/100

Appearance: Pale yellow straw.

Aroma: White fruits, zest, honey, elderflower, mild spices and mineral.

Palate: Rich enough but accessible. Ripe citrus an white fruits. Tangy acidity. Mineral notes. Dry.

Not so rich as expected but structure was there. Dry notes with mineral surely. Accessible now but would indeed be fascinating to age further. Definitely a fine Meursault but in my humble opinion, something was missing there: sexiness or charm perhaps?

Champagne Jacquesson Dizy Terres Rouges Extra Brut 2008

Date of Tasting: 16 September 2015

Wine Type: Sparkling Rose

Grape Varieties: 71% Pinot Meunier, 29% Pinot Noir

Alcohol: 12%

Origin: Dizy, France

Appellation: Champagne

Expect to Pay: ~ EUR90

Web: http://www.champagnejacquesson.com/
Chubby Appreciation: 91/100
Critics' Opinion: AG - 93/100, WE - 90/100, CT - 90/100

Appearance: Dark rose pink.

Aroma: Exotic dried rose. Red currant. Spices.

Palate: Certainly dry. Concentrate with rich ripe red fruits. Bright acidity. Fine effervescence. 

Very unusual rose Champagne. Very dry, yes, it is Extra Brut. I would say it was big on the structure rather than aromatic lingering rose. Would I say it was nice? Yes, it was enjoyable. But I did not find this one so appealing nor sexy. At least it was a good experience. Enjoy it now. Perhaps you may need food to go with this Champagne.

Clos du Caillou Chateauneuf-du-Pape Reserve 2006

Date of Tasting: 4 September 2015

Wine Type: Red

Grape Varieties: 60% Grenache, 20% Syrah, 20% Mourvedre

Alcohol: 14.5%

Origin: Rhone, France

Appellation: Chateauneuf-du-Pape AOC

Expect to Pay: ~ EUR90

Web: http://www.closducaillou.com/
Chubby Appreciation: 94/100
Critics' Opinion: WA - 95/100, WS - 95/100, ST - 94/100, JR - 18/20, CT - 94/100

Appearance: Ruby.

Aroma: Black fruits, spice aroma, earthy, and dark tea.

Palate: Plenty of length and depth. Rich but round. Rather full on the texture. Sweet berries and chocolate.

Powerful but delicious full bodied. Such an impressive big boy. Stunning now but it shall be interesting to see how it develops. Grab a piece or pieces of delicious steak to go along and it shall be wonderful.

Domaine Huet Vouvray Moelleux Clos du Bourg Premiere Trie 2006

Date of Tasting: 19 August 2015

Wine Type: Sweet White

Grape Varieties: 100% Chenin Blanc

Alcohol: 12.5%

Origin: Vouvray, France

Appellation: Vouvray AOC

Expect to Pay: ~ EUR40

Web: http://www.domainehuet.com/
Chubby Appreciation: 95/100
Critics' Opinion: WA - 93/100, WE - 95/100, CT - 91/100

Appearance: Golden yellow.

Aroma: Fresh exotic ripe fruits, mango, pineapple, pear. Blossom and honeysuckle. Toasty.

Palate: Creme brulee perhaps as ones may say. Spices like ginger. Rich on the palate. Sweet but fresh and bright with vibrant acidity. Long on the finish.

It boomed with marvelous expression. Everything so far during the meal was wiped out of mind at the very first sip of this luscious beauty. When I was thinking about just a small to go along with dessert, this moelleux completely changed my mind: this whole bottle must be done among us. The beauty came power and class. Yes, the deep mouth-feel and the structure were there but freshness balanced out well. Did not feel that heavy despite 12.5% alcohol at all. In fact, a small plate of foie gras will be nice, otherwise, aperitif will do just fine. Sadly, it was the only bottle I had. Wish I could grab much more back to stock up. It should be at its drinking window now. Just grab them if you like sweet wine.

Champagne Bollinger La Grand Annee 2004

Date of Tasting: 24 July 2015

Wine Type: Sparkling White

Grape Varieties: Pinot Noir 70%, Chardonnay 30%

Alcohol: 12%

Origin: Ay, France

Appellation: Champagne

Expect to Pay: ~ EUR70

Web: http://www.champagne-bollinger.com/
Chubby Appreciation: 93/100
Critics' Opinion: WA - 93/100, AG - 95/100, WS - 94/100, WE - 96/100, ST - 94/100, JR - 18.5/20, CT - 93/100

Appearance: Yellow straw.

Aroma: Toasty nose. Yeasty too. Fruity as well.

Palate: Nice cut of acidity and honey citrus. Orange peel. Hazelnut. Fine mousse. Powerful but yet it was refreshing. Minerally and elegant.

Fine bottle of Champagne to be savoured now. However, there are all means to support development over the decade. It is the matter of strong gut in keeping your hands off to see how it matures in the near future. Had it along with Chinese food and they played along with each other nicely though, especially those not so strong dishes like fish maw soup. If having as aperitif, remind yourself to keep hands off before you don't get a chance to drink other wine.

Jean-Paul et Benoit Droin Chablis Premier Cru Montee de Tonnerre 2013

Date of Tasting: 10 May 2015

Wine Type: White

Grape Varieties: 100% Chardonnay

Alcohol: 13.5%

Origin: Burgundy, France

Appellation: Chablis 1er Cru AOC

Expect to Pay: ~ EUR30

Web: http://www.jeanpaul-droin.fr/
Chubby Appreciation: 92/100
Critics' Opinion: WA - 94/100, AG - 94/100, ST - 93/100, BH - 93/100, DC - 93/100, CT - 91/100

Appearance: Yellow straw.

Aroma: Classic lemony apple nose. Some white fruits and a bit of floral aroma.

Palate: Medium bodied on the texture. Full of minerality. Crisp and juicy. Abundant of citrus notes and smokiness. 

There are joys within this bottle of Chablis. I believe with or without food is perfectly fine. Not exactly easy drinking kind. I would say extrovert. Wonderful now actually but with its intense structure and acidity it should live its life for many years. Let's see how it develops in a few years.

Domaine Jean Tardy et Fils Vosne-Romanee Vigneux 2012

Date of Tasting: 9 June 2015

Wine Type: Red

Grape Varieties: 100% Pinot Noir

Alcohol: 13%

Origin: Burgundy, France

Appellation: Vosne-Romanee AOC

Expect to Pay: ~ EUR60

Web: http://domainejeantardy.canalblog.com/
Chubby Appreciation: 89/100
Critics' Opinion: WA - 93/100, JR - 16/20, BH - 91/100, CT - 89/100

Appearance: Bright ruby.

Aroma: Mild floral aroma. A bit of cherry and spices.

Palate: Medium-bodied structure. Fine and smooth on the touch. Ripe pinot fruits. A bit of oak. 

Good village Vosne-Romanee but rather pricey. Both bouquet and palate taste do not seem to reveal its potential much at the moment. Perhaps a couple of years more of sleeping shall awake its form up. Expect to see more of complexity, minerality, and aroma from this one. 

Patrick Piuze Chablis 1er Cru Butteaux 2013

Date of Tasting: 16 May 2015

Wine Type: White

Grape Varieties: 100% Chardonnay

Alcohol: 13.5%

Origin: Burgundy, France

Appellation: Chablis 1er Cru AOC

Expect to Pay: ~ EUR40

Web: http://www.patrickpiuze.com/
Chubby Appreciation: 92/100
Critics' Opinion: AG - 92/100, WE - 94/100, ST - 93/100, BH - 92/100, CT - 94/100

Appearance: Soft yellow.

Aroma: Stony and lime perfume. White floral bouquet.

Palate: Vibrant and chalky with tanginess. Pear and citrus notes. Quite intense on the body and structure. Classic minerality. 

Pretty nice Chablis, this is. It is beautiful at its youth and should prolong its life nicely. Impressive energy lies within. I love the part that it shows both energy and sleekness. Rather value for money. I would not mind taking it as table wine in compliment. Cheers!!!

Domaine de la Grange des Peres 2005

Date of Tasting: 30 April 2015

Wine Type: Red

Grape Varieties: ~ 40% Syrah, 40% Mourvedre, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon

Alcohol: 15%

Origin: Languedoc-Roussillon, France

Appellation: IGP Pays de l'Herault

Expect to Pay: ~ EUR120

Web: n.a.
Chubby Appreciation: 93/100
Critics' Opinion: RP - 95/100, CT - 93/100

Appearance: Elegant ruby

Aroma: Wild forest, dark plum red berries, and spices

Palate: Sweet ripe fruit coupling with dark chocolate and tobacco. Herbs, pepper, and minerality then followed. Medium-full for the structure but came in silkily fine touch. 

It possesses power but yet exhibit fine elegant. I experienced this bottle first time a few years back and this was my last bottle, sadly (T_T). It is such a fine red blend from a fine producer from Languedoc-Roussillon. I wish I could have many more bottles in stock. If you are lucky to find ones, do not hesitate to pack them back.

Domaine Leflaive Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru Les Pucelles 2004

Date of Tasting: 4 May 2015

Wine Type: White

Grape Varieties: 100% Chardonnay

Alcohol: 13.5%

Origin: Burgundy, France

Appellation: Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru AOC

Expect to Pay: ~ EUR200

Web: http://www.leflaive.fr/
Chubby Appreciation: 93/100
Critics' Opinion: ST - 92/100, DC - 18/20, BH - 93/100, CT - 93/100

Appearance: Yellow straw.

Aroma: Reduced nose of white flower, stony fruits, nutty mineral, herbs, honey and lime.

Palate: Clean and pure with beautiful complexity and vibrancy. Soft citrus flavour and tropical fruits. Yet it also possesses feminine power and structure. Lovely acidity minerality.

Excellent white Burgundy with class. This premier cru by Anne Claude produced in biodynamic way. Upon popping up, it was still mute. But after almost an hour, beautiful perfume started showing up and revealing its class. Love the aroma of white flower and stony mineral there. This is superior and should age pretty nicely. 

Chateau Rauzan Despagne Le Grand Vin Rouge 2010

Date of Tasting: 11 March 2015

Wine Type: Red

Grape Varieties: 82% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Cabernet Franc

Alcohol: 13.5%

Origin: Bordeaux, France

Appellation: Bordeaux

Expect to Pay: ~ EUR30

Web: http://despagne.fr/
Chubby Appreciation: 90/100
Professional Rating: WE - 90/100, JS - 90/100

Appearance: Deep garnet

Aroma: Cherry, black currant, vanilla, and toasty spicy aroma

Palate: Deep and big with dry but supple tannins. Structured character. Black fruits note. Grippy and decent finish of complexity.

A pretty nice bordeaux of merlot base at decent price, it is. The charm of this Rauzan Despagne is fruity notes that play along with big and dry structure. Lovely integration between power and fruit. Nice table wine for drinking now. It should be gorgeous with lamb and beef steaks.

Philippe Pacalet Beaune 1er Cru Les Perrieres 2010

Date of Tasting: 20 January 2015

Wine Type: Red

Grape Varieties: 100% Pinot Noir

Alcohol: 13.5%

Origin: Burgundy, France

Appellation: AOC Beaune 1er Cru

Expect to Pay: ~ EUR80

Web: http://www.philippe-pacalet.com/
Chubby Appreciation: 93/100
Professional Rating: BH - 91/100

Appearance: Bright red

Aroma: Wonderful perfume of red berries, strawberry, and refined flower

Palate: Middle weight style spicy notes and mild red fruit. Fine and smooth with round finish. Nice balance.

Pop and pour, aromatic scent released immediately. So much attraction for someone like me. Nothing much needs to be said here really. Just enjoy the beautiful nose as well as the comparable palate touches. It is gorgeous now and perhaps even better in a few years.

Chateau Talbot 2005

Date of Tasting: 8 December 2014

Wine Type: Red

Grape Varieties: 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot

Alcohol: 13%

Origin: Bordeaux, France

Appellation: Saint Julien / Quatrieme Grand Cru

Expect to Pay: ~ EUR70

Web: http://www.chateau-talbot.com/
Chubby Appreciation: 93/100
Professional Rating: WA - 90/100, WS - 92/100, JS - 93/100, WE - 93/100, ST - 91/100, DC - 16.5/20, JR - 16.5/20, CT - 90/100

Appearance: nice deep purplish ruby

Aroma: nose of smoky oak / tobacco and violets

Palate: Medium-full with moderate integrated tannins. Fine texture. Ripe currants and herbs with a little touch of sweetness. Nice juicy finish.

A charming bottle at its readiness and peak. We popped and poured and it showed beautiful development through out. Not the kind of power but lean towards fresh and fine. Relatively forward. Sweet juice, fine texture, freshness, and attractive complexity integrate well to offer this classic and enjoyable bottle. Recommended Saint Julien for enjoying now.

Domaine Servin Chablis Premier Cru Vaucoupin 2012

Date of Tasting: 29 August 2014

Wine Type: White

Grape Varieties: 100% Chardonnay

Alcohol: 12.5%

Origin: Burgundy, France

Appellation: Chablis Premier Cru Controlee

Expect to Pay: ~ THB1,300

Web: http://www.domaine-servin.net/
Chubby Score: 90/100
Value for money: 7/10

Professional Rating: WA - 92/100, AG - 93/100, WS - 92/100, ST - 91/100, BH - 92/100

Appearance: bright yellow

Aroma: stony and chalky aroma with minimum fruit character

Palate: silkily fine texture. minerality and chalkiness dominant. freshness and lingering finish. pretty much dry with cleanse and crisp.

A unique style of its own, it possesses. Concentration and expression focus pretty much on minerality and chalkiness both nose and palate. This is a beautiful work. If you do not mainly look for fruit, you may well like this one. I suspect that it should perform wonderfully until the end of this decade.

Albert Boxler Pinot Gris Grand Cru Brand 2010

Date of Tasting: 11 August 2014

Wine Type: White

Grape Varieties: 100% Pinot Gris

Alcohol: 13.5%

Origin: Alsace, France

Appellation: Alsace Grand Cru Controlee

Expect to Pay: ~ THB1,800

Web: http://www.trimbach.fr/
Chubby Score: 92/100
Value for money: 7/10

Professional Rating: ST - 93/100, CT - 90/100

Appearance: shaded in golden yellow

Aroma: peach, pineapple, and melon

Palate: somewhat rich and thick structure with peachy/honey/citrus sweetness (off-dry). fine and balance acidity. ripe and smooth with long aftertaste. 

Round and vibrant Pinot Gris by Albert Boxler in powerful style it is. I did have this alongside Thai food and they went pretty nicely together. The mild sweetness balanced out spiciness of Thai food convincingly. The lovely part is the presence of texture/structure while fruity flavour is still held. Looking forward to come back during the next few years. Sante!!!!!

Philippe Pacalet Nuits Saint Georges 2009

Date of Tasting: 9 August 2014

Wine Type: Red

Grape Varieties: 100% Pinot Noir

Alcohol: 13%

Origin: Bourgogne, France

Appellation: Nuits-Saint-Georges Controlee

Expect to Pay: ~ THB3,000

Web: http://www.philippe-pacalet.com/
Chubby Score: 91/100
Value for money: 4/10

Professional Rating: AG - 89/100, BH - 90/100, CT - 90/100

Appearance: ruby in colour

Aroma: red fruit aroma like strawberry with detectable mild flowers floor of which rose petals standout, some cinnamon and smoky cigar on the background

Palate: somewhat creamy with chewy but silky tannins in medium body style. a little perky acidity. pureness of ripe strawberry and minerality. 

It needs time indeed. Let this baby sleeps a few more years before experiencing it, otherwise give it a couple of hours with air. The nose is pretty nice but difference from the highly aromatic Gevrey Chambertin 1er Cru La Perrieres 2009 which shows super nose but light body. If a more masculine type of pinot noir is your style, you may give this one a try. Do give it enough time to breath though.

Trimbach Riesling Cuvee Frederic Emile 2005

Date of Tasting: 27 June 2014

Wine Type: White

Grape Varieties: 100% Riesling

Alcohol: 13%

Origin: Alsace, France

Appellation: Alsace Controlee

Expect to Pay: ~ THB1,800

Web: http://www.trimbach.fr/
Chubby Score: 93/100
Value for money: 8/10

Professional Rating: WA - 93/100, WS - 90/100, ST - 94/100, JR - 17.5/20, CT - 91/100

Appearance: pale straw yellow

Aroma: peach, apricot, green apple, white flowers, powerful nose, and sea breeze

Palate: vibrant and energetic mouth feeling. stony clean and fresh with ripe acidity of citrus. juicy and zesty. medium on the body with long and dry finish.

Pretty nice riesling indeed which is enjoyable now and a decade to go. I had this with dry style riesling with mild Chinese food and it seemed to play its role well. At this price tag and the given satisfaction, I personally would not mind at all to stock up more. Fine personality indeed.

Domaine Pavelot Savigny les Beaune 1er Cru La Dominode 2011

Date of Tasting: 1 July 2014

Wine Type: Red

Grape Varieties: 100% Pinot Noir

Alcohol: 13%

Origin: Burgundy, France

Appellation: Savigny les Beaune 1er Cru

Expect to Pay: ~ THB2,000

Web: http://www.domainepavelot.com/
Chubby Score: 92/100
Value for money: 8/10

Professional Rating: WA - 93/100, BH - 94/100, ST - 91/100, CT - 92/100

Appearance: bright ruby

Aroma: sour cherry and cassis with strawberry and minimum wood

Palate: good structure with sour cherry and mineral. hint of spices. fruit flavour still limited. silky and fine tannins. round with power in style. balance oakiness.

A pretty nice bottle from Pavelot but I personally would wait for a while. Those harmonious fruits bouquets have yet to reveal. Still sleeping now. But the overall structure is balance and is ready to support at the right moment. Perhaps a revisit in a few years and should go well with rich flavour food. Out of 2007, 2010, and 2011, I prefer 2010 the most and followed by 2011 and 2007. Can't wait to see how it develops. Cheers when the time comes.

Paul Avril Clos des Papes Chateauneuf du Pape 2004

Date of Tasting: 2 May 2014

Wine Type: Red

Grape Varieties: 65% Grenache, 20% Mourvedre, 10% Syrah

Alcohol: 15.0%

Origin: Rhone, France

Appellation: Chateauneuf-du-Pape

Expect to Pay: ~ THB3,500

Web: http://www.clos-des-papes.fr/
Chubby Score: 94/100
Value for money: 6/10
Professional Rating: WA - 95/100, WS - 96/100, ST - 94/100, JR - 17.5/20, DC - 19.5/20, CT - 93/100

Appearance: ruby

Aroma: spicy, earth, mocha, and cherry

Palate: fresh sweet raspberries and cassis with liqueur like structure. bright, deep, and well structured with depth and length of long haul. somewhat chewy and bold but silky smooth with integrated tannins.

Needless to express much. This is a great bottle to be in possession. It is showing beautifully now and shall be excellent for another decade. This is a masculine one with sleek move. A lovely piece of steak to go along shall surely be a compliment. Cheers!!!!!!