A purchase inspired by a recent bottle from the 2001 vintage. Exotic spices on the nose, but no szechuan or cinnamon or Asian spices; more Vosne-Romanee in character, and more subtle than the 2001; less viscosity, less oak possibly. Over two hours the palate opened up with more stems and unfiltered dense fruit, with citrus notes and subtle balsamic undertones. Yeah I know it sounds weird. 88 points.

Rousseau, Smousseau. As much as I try to struggle to like them – I love them big time – spades and spades – clean with minerals and purity and pastilles- feminine silky palate. It is young but not painful to drink. Will go another 5 – 10 years, but I love young pretty feminine Burgundy. If I had to begrudgingly score, I would go 93- 95 points. I love a range in a score.

Madame Bize-Leroy is popping over for lunch tomorrow; she was jabbering in French to me over the phone during the week and hopefully I have understood her correctly, so I went searching for something to share. During the process, I spotted a few bottles that needed clearing out. This one is from a very good vintage, and had incidentally thrown quite a crust. Unfortunately, it had quite a muted nose, with dullish red fruits and dry spices. The palate is pleasant enough, light to medium bodied palate, consistent with the nose, and with a dry acid finish. Drink now. Was probably around the $30 mark. 12.5% abv. Was hoping for more. 82 points.

Another 2004 Burgundy, and actually my initial impression was that this one wasn’t too bad. Or perhaps I just had low expectations. Some brownness in the colour. On the nose, it’s got green stalk, nettles, dirt and a touch of brown sugar, with stewed strawberries and cranberries. The palate is even, with a sugary sweetness through the palate that seemed bit unnatural, like a sweetness but without any fruit characters. Does that make sense? Finished clean with acid and stalk. Okay, it wasn’t the best. 83 points. Drink now. 13.5% abv.

• Rodet Corton Charlemagne 1989: someone murmured oxidised, but they always mention oxidised when any white burgundy emerges. Structured and linear – I guessed Meursault 2000 vintage. I don’t think this maker is around anymore.
• Chard Farm “River Run” Pinot Noir 20??: quick sip and spit – time to move on – not very complex
• Hudolet Noellat Romane St Vivant 2006: bright young fresh plenty of acid but complex sous bois and fruit
• Mugnier Clos de Marachele 2006: geez this is big – can’t believe at cellar door I thought this was a Chambolle. More Gevrey like today – ripe rich ballsy – is it Burgundy?
• Rousseau Clos St Jacques 2006: primary pastille jube like, wonder if the magnum made it look dramatically younger than the other 2006s
• Jean Michel Guillon Mazis Chambertin 2000: drink now open non complex 2000 but appealling

A few wines on the bench yesterday:

• Bouchard Meursault “Charmes” 2005: My first 2005. A very pale straw. Glossy lemons, fine acid, not overly ripe, a mineral spine and great length.
• Pewsey Vale Eden Valley Riesling 2011: lime sherbet, a bit of soap, punchy aromas, fine acid, good length, very nice with seafood
• Meerea Park XYZ Chardonnay 2009: solid, more peachy, but not too fruity
• Penfolds St Henri 2002: very young, more raspberries and acid, elemental
• Lake’s Folly Cabernets 2004: varnishy, medium-light bodied, okay I suppose

This isn’t really a tasting note, more of a tasting vibe. But as it happens we went out on Saturday night for a dinner and amongst a gaggle of tremendous wines, we had this one. And it was not a hard and tannic beast as I was expecting (which is normally a quality a wine from the Pommard would exhibit), but it was exotic, smelling of Middle Eastern spices, slowly morphing during the evening; really quite captivating. The palate possessed a lovely body and weight, stalky (which is something I didn’t originally like) and really quite impressive. I wish I had more, or could afford to buy more. Ballpark 92 points for me.

A transparent red in colour. An elegant nose, pink florals, minerals, undergrowth, cherry fruits, and a touch of nutmeg, dried herbs and creamy oak. All very subtle and nuanced. The palate showed red fruits and minerals, lovely structure and balance, lightly weighted, savoury, and with a dry finish. No harsh tannins; silky smooth. Now all reviews I have seen have this drinking now, and though it is very enjoyable at the moment, I think it would profit from a few years rest. For what it’s worth, of course. From Eurocentric Wine. RRP is $90. Drink 2013-2018+. 90 points.