Leeuwin Estate Art Series Chardonnay 1996

And for the grand finale to xmas, opened the Art Series Chardonnay. Incredible bouquet of pear, hazelnut, biscuit and butterscotch. These notes follow but didn't dominate on the palate, which is weighty and creamy. The Oak is integrated seamlessly in this chardonnay, and without doubt I can say this was the best Australian chardonnay to date I have ever tasted. Superb.
50+4+14+18+8 = 94/100

Clos le Vigneau Vouvray 2002

Another wine from our christmas case, this Vouvray had quite a forward bouquet of green apples, musk and confectionary. On the palate was a steely acidity and a touch of cedar over fairly intense fruit. A classic example of old fashioned Vouvray.
50+4+13+17+7 = 91/100

Domaine Pinson Premier Cru Chablis Montmain 2000

Dinner with friends, and I took this Chablis from the Montmain vineyards. Wonderful bouquet of lemon, confectionary and grilled nuts. The palate was superb with flinty notes and a lovely mineral backbone. A really lovely and sofisticated wine.
50+4+14+17+8 = 93/100

Moulin Touchais 1977

For dessert we opened this chenin blanc from AOC Coteaux Du Layon. Big explosive pear and floral bouquet on this. Notes of honey and apple followed. A tight acidy on the palate, going towards a semi-dry sherry. A very strong yet sofisticated wine. Fantastic - legendary.
50+4+14+18+8 = 94/100

Domaine Corsin Pouilly Fuisse 2001

Another bottle during lunch. This wine was soft and buttery, with a nice mineral backbone. Quite rich and intense fruit, and good oak integration. A very nice chardonnay.
50+4+13+17+7 = 91/100

Albert Mann Riesling 1999

Then to christmas lunch, and with our lovely pork roast we had this riesling from Alsace. Quite an austere riesling, with a nice balace between petrol and floral notes on the nose. Opened to spice and smoke, lemon and grapefruit flavours as well. Superb balance and texture.
50+4+13+17+8 = 92/100

Montaudon Gold Label Brut Champagne 1997

Christmas day and started with Tasmanian oysters and Champagne. Very nice bread and honey notes on the bouquet, which opened to hazelnut and candied citrus. Beading could have and should have been a bit finer and persistant. Overall quite nice.
50+4+13+16+7 = 90/100

Josmeyer Les Folastries Gewurztraminer 2002

Another wine for xmas eve, this wine was very rich and pungent on the bouquet, and palate. Quite spicey and fruity with lychees, honey, and soft oak. A bit overly fruity for me, and would have preferred something a bit more dry like a Trimbach. Not bad though.
50+4+13+16+6 = 89/100

Joseph Drouhin Chablis 2002

For christmas eve, started off with this chablis which was quite minerally, with pear and musk notes on the bouquet with a medium length. Nicely balanced and integrated. Quite lovely.
50+4+13+16+7 = 90/100

Cabernet d'Anjou

Dinner last night with Phil, and had a Cabernet d'Anjou - Réserve des Vignerons 2004. Beautiful pale pink colour. Big strawberry notes on the bouquet, as well as the palate, with bread/biscuit flavours, rather like a Rose Champagne. Very smooth and soft and went quite well with the bbq pork we had. Made from 100% Cabernet Franc. This one would please the lady(ies), and work very well as an aperitif at xmas lunch, with some asparagus, creme fraiche or more strawberries.