Enjoyable for its depth and supple texture. It’s breeding still pokes through what seems like excessive aging in new, hi-char barrels.
Enjoyable for its depth and supple texture. It’s breeding still pokes through what seems like excessive aging in new, hi-char barrels.
Sep 5th, 2021
Ovaltine, petrol, bing cherry and blood orange. Palate of cranberry, rhubarb, oolong tea. Thinning middle palate and bitter acidity. Best with extended air.
Ovaltine, petrol, bing cherry and blood orange. Palate of cranberry, rhubarb, oolong tea. Thinning middle palate and bitter acidity. Best with extended air.
Jan 8th, 2021
So...of course, if I’m drinking Maison Ilan, there is a story behind it. AFAIK, this was the last vintage that was released and I was fortunate(?) since many never received their allocation. My first of two bottles of “Aux Charmes Haut”. This was double-capsuled (no doubt by accident) which I found amusing. The cork was perfect and one of those super premium long sort of corks. The appearance in the glass was dark garnet bordering violet and a bit cloudy. From an enjoyment perspective, Day 1 was an utter waste. Too young. The bouquet was really intriguing with loads of dark and red fruits and spice but on the palate, this was completely coiled. All structure. I pushed the cork back in and waited for another day. On Day 4, I revisited, and it was in a much better spot. Ripe plums, dark cherries, bruised strawberries, forest floor, mushrooms...in that order. Still, it came across rather rustic, in a somewhat charming sort of way...but I never really fell head over heals for it either. No shortage of structure even on Day 4 gives me the feeling that the 2013 has a lot of life ahead. My last bottle will sit in the back of the cellar for some day long in the future and then I can once again recall the tales of this flash in the pan producer and what might have been. I would hold if anyone is still hanging on to these.
So...of course, if I’m drinking Maison Ilan, there is a story behind it. AFAIK, this was the last vintage that was released and I was fortunate(?) since many never received their allocation. My first of two bottles of “Aux Charmes Haut”. This was double-capsuled (no doubt by accident) which I found amusing. The cork was perfect and one of those super premium long sort of corks. The appearance in the glass was dark garnet bordering violet and a bit cloudy. From an enjoyment perspective, Day 1 was an utter waste. Too young. The bouquet was really intriguing with loads of dark and red fruits and spice but on the palate, this was completely coiled. All structure. I pushed the cork back in and waited for another day. On Day 4, I revisited, and it was in a much better spot. Ripe plums, dark cherries, bruised strawberries, forest floor, mushrooms...in that order. Still, it came across rather rustic, in a somewhat charming sort of way...but I never really fell head over heals for it either. No shortage of structure even on Day 4 gives me the feeling that the 2013 has a lot of life ahead. My last bottle will sit in the back of the cellar for some day long in the future and then I can once again recall the tales of this flash in the pan producer and what might have been. I would hold if anyone is still hanging on to these.
Feb 27th, 2020
Of course too young, but I had to try it. Really promising. Lovely fruit not heavy. Nice touch of stems
Of course too young, but I had to try it. Really promising. Lovely fruit not heavy. Nice touch of stems
Feb 22nd, 2015
The fruit is there, what was done to it pains me. All I tasted was stewed fruit and coffee grinds.
The fruit is there, what was done to it pains me. All I tasted was stewed fruit and coffee grinds.
Dec 1st, 2016
The pro rating on this doesn't add up...I thought this was a really great young burgundy....drinking very well already. Classic Chambertin, lots of fruit, concentrated supple, great finish.
The pro rating on this doesn't add up...I thought this was a really great young burgundy....drinking very well already. Classic Chambertin, lots of fruit, concentrated supple, great finish.
Jun 20th, 2015
Gevrey-Chambertin, Côte de Nuits, Burgundy, France
