LeDomduVin: 3 is ideal amount of bottles when it comes to wines.

Jacques Selosse Initial Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Brut Champagne NV

I have opened several bottles of Selosse’s “Initial” over the years and have always been very pleased with this champagne. Initial is usually a blend of three successive vintages, aged on lees (both the first and second alcoholic fermentations) for at least six years before disgorgement. This justifies the price and the wait, don’t you think? And, if “Initial” were a person, it would be a “he,” as I find it more masculine than “V.O.” (which I would consider more feminine), and to describe him, I would say he is a smiling, pleasant, curvy, cheerful, relaxed, chic, and cosmopolitan gentleman.

Domaine Leflaive Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru "Les Pucelles" 2019

Here's another classic in my collection, as I have dubbed myself the “unofficial” ambassador of Domaine Leflaive, especially “Les Pucelles,” since my first taste in 1997. It’s a refined wine with prominent mineral notes and a touch of ripeness in its youthful fruit—ripe yet still fresh. [...]

Maison Joseph Drouhin Chambertin-Clos de Bèze Grand Cru 2020

I had not tasted this wine in this vintage before, and I must say, I was really impressed. The nose is beautiful, boasting fresh aromas of red cherries, ripe wild cherries, a little spice, mingling with floral, herbal, earthy, and mineral notes. The palate is very silky, extremely well-balanced, elegant and refined, very feminine (for my palate), very delicate yet complex, rich in a very subtle way, harmonious, with lots of cherries, from the attack to the lingering finish, presenting a light touch of earthiness in the end (touch herbaceous?) but not in a bad way. What a great wine! Kudos to Véronique Boss-Drouhin. My grandfather used to say that: “A wine often resembles its maker!” Well, here is a perfect example: refined, delicate, precise, and seductive.

Cheers! Santé!

Dom

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LeDomduVin: Limited Edition Wines - Jacques Selosse - Marc Colin - Laurent Ponsot

 

Limited Edition Wines

Jacques Selosse - Marc Colin - Laurent Ponsot

Jacques Selosse Exquise Champagne Sec (RP04) NV

Usually made with the same blend, “Exquise” is Selosse’s slightly sweeter version of “Initial.” While most Selosse wines are extra-brut, this cuvée is a rare exception: a rich, sweet-style Blanc de Blancs crafted from Chardonnay from Grand Cru vineyards, mainly Avize, Cramant, and Oger. The higher sugar dosage of 22-24 g/l provides a creamier texture and a subtly sweeter finish. 

On the nose, Jacques Selosse's "Exquise" offers delicate aromas of brioche, honey, apple, and pastry. The palate is very aromatic, fresh, rich, and juicy, yet balanced by high acidity and mineral notes, with ripe peach, pear, and toasted nuances. The elevated, sweet dosage is balanced by the house’s slightly oxidative style, creating a complex Champagne that’s recommended with desserts but also suitable as an aperitif (as was the case that day). Lovely!

Production ranges from 1,000 to 3,600 bottles per year, making this limited Champagne highly sought after.

Domaine Marc Colin et Fils Montrachet Grand Cru Burgundy 2017

Domaine Marc Colin was founded in the 1970s and expanded during the 1980s and 1990s by Marc and his wife, Michele. Their four children followed their example. Pierre-Yves took his part of the family vineyards to start his own wineries in the early 2000s, while Damien, Joseph, and Caroline now run the Domaine, managing around 12 hectares across 26 appellations. From their cellar in St. Aubin, Damien produces a superb selection of wines that are both pure and expressive. The work in the vineyards and cellar is kept as simple as possible, with careful attention to detail. 

Based on the excellent, high-quality vintage for white Burgundy, the 2017 Domaine Marc Colin et Fils Montrachet Grand Cru is a rare and highly sought-after wine that offers breathtaking elegance, intense minerality, and concentration, with notes of white peach, hazelnut, and honey. Although enjoyable now, it will benefit from a few more years in the cellar to reach peak maturity. Beautiful wine!

This Montrachet is made from a 0.06 ha parcel of 75+-year-old vines on the Chassagne side. Only 275 liters were produced—which is roughly the equivalent of less than 2 Burgundy barrels, or about 366 bottles—and it was aged in 50% new wood. 

Laurent Ponsot Griotte Chambertin Grand Cru An Zero Burgundy 2015

Laurent Ponsot was born into a winegrowing family in Morey-St.-Denis in the 1950s. He grew up working alongside his father, Jean-Marie Ponsot, at the family’s Domaine Ponsot, among barrels, vats, and vines. For a while in his 20s, Laurent lived in Paris and built a successful travel agency there. In 1981, Laurent returned to Domaine Ponsot, where he became the fourth generation of his family to serve as winemaker. After 36 years, Laurent left the family Domaine in February 2017 to pursue a new wine venture. He is joined in this new effort, simply called Laurent Ponsot, by his son Clément. Above all, Laurent Ponsot remains a vine grower and continues to farm a core set of Burgundian appellations.

The 2015 vintage was his first to produce this wine, which is why the “An Zero”, meaning “Year Zero”, appears on the labels of his 2015 vintage wines, signifying the inaugural release of his new negociant business, Laurent Ponsot SAS, after he left the family estate, Domaine Ponsot. While 2015 was the initial release ("An Zero"), Ponsot considers 2016 to be the first "bona fide" vintage for his new project, with wines named after trees (reds) or flowers (whites), for example, the “An Zero” cuvee has been renamed as “Cuvee du Saule”. Laurent Ponsot focuses on high-quality, sustainably farmed Burgundy wines with zero new oak, low sulphur, and innovative, "connected" packaging designed to ensure authenticity and temperature control.

Laurent Ponsot Griotte Chambertin “An Zero” 2015 is a beautifully crafted wine, boasting a spicy, elegant, and fresh nose with aromas of ripe red and dark cherries, cassis, plum, violet, and subtle earthy notes. The palate is medium-bodied, with flavors of dark cherries and blueberries. It is well-structured and of good length, with supple tannins and balanced acidity, though a somewhat austere heartiness persists on the finish. Some may describe it as refined elegance, but I would have preferred a bit more substance and minerality to enhance it. Overall, this is a very good wine, though a bit dry and austere for my taste; it might benefit from a few more years of aging. 

Only a few barrels are produced, making this wine's availability very scarce.

Cheers! Santé!

Dom

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LeDomduVin: Champagne Charlier Père et Fils Carte Noire Brut NV

Charlier et Fils "Carte Noire" 

Champagne Brut NV

Tasted it for the first time recently, thanks to Monica and Jean from "Cuvée Champagne" (@cuvee_champagne). 

I really enjoyed this champagne, especially for the price (average at HKD 410, roughly 45 euros). It offers great value for money. 

A blend of 60% Pinot Meunier, with Pinot Noir and Chardonnay making up 20% each. 

The nose features delicate aromas of yellow fruit and stone fruits, complemented by spicy and brioche notes. 

The palate is medium-bodied, fresh, crisp, easygoing, harmonious, and well-balanced between fruit and acidity. It is also well-rounded, with a toasty character from aging for at least 8 months in large oak barrels (known as "Foudres de chêne"). The finish is gentle and pleasing. Nicely done! 

 

Technical points: the reserve wines used in the blend are stored in barrels for 2 to 3 years. After oak aging, the bottles are kept in the cellar for nearly 3 years, roughly twice the legal requirement, before disgorgement. 

I didn't know what to expect and was pleasantly surprised. This champagne is a "quaffer". 

Thank you, Monica and Jean, for bringing this champagne to the office. It's a nice discovery. 

Cheers! Santé!

Dom

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LeDomduVin: Dinner at Chouchou Restaurant - Hong Kong

DINNER AT CHOUCHOU RESTAURANT - HONG KONG

Very nice dinner at the pre-opening night of Chouchou restaurant (@chouchou.hkg), a new modern French restaurant in the J Residence building in Wan Chai, Hong Kong. 

In very good company with Daan (@daanbeirnaert1), enjoying the succulent food from Chef extraordinaire Cedric Tsia (@cedric.tsia) and great service from his team, led by Remi Brunet (@remibrnt) and Clement Jacquel (@clement.hongkong) (all above in the picture above).  

Chouchou officially opened on January 26th, but Daan received an invitation to the pre-opening night on January 23rd. He invited me to come along. It was a delightful experience from start to finish. 

Pesto Butter and Sourdough Bread

Amongst the many dishes on the menu, we chose: 

1. Crab rolls (simple but very nice)

2. Croque Monsieur (highly recommended)

3. Œufs Mayonnaise (a classic not to be missed)

4. Feuilleté aux Champignons (really nice)

5. Tournedos Rossini (perfectly cooked, a delight) 

6. Chocolate Tart (very elegant taste)

Accompanied by a wine from China that was really good. After all, why not? We are in Hong Kong. 

2018 Puchang Vineyard Beichun, Puchang Red, Xinjiang, China

2018 Puchang Vineyard Beichun, Puchang Red, Xinjiang, China

A cocktail for Daan and a Maury (@mas_amiel) for me with the dessert. 

 

Mas Amiel Maury Vintage 2023

Languedoc-Roussillon, France (@mas_amiel)

served by Anna, Chouchou's Sommelier 

We had the pleasure of bumping into Victor Petiot (@victorpetiot - Director of Caprice & Wine at Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts) who generously offered us a few glasses of Nicolas Rossignol Bourgogne 2015 in magnum (@domaine.nicolas_rossignol). Excellent choice. 

Domaine Nicolas Rossignol Bourgogne Pinot Noir 2015 (Magnum)

Left to right: Ledomduvin (me, Dominique Noel), Victor Petiot, and Daan Beirnaert

It was a very pleasurable experience, great company, food, wine, and service. Definitely a night to remember. Great space too, good vibes and good music. What else to ask for? 

Thank you for inviting me to come along, Daan Beirnaert

Thank you to Daan for the invitation. Thank you to Cedric and his chefs for the excellent food. Thank you to Remi, Clément, and their team for the excellent service. And thank you to Victor for his generosity and friendliness.

We will definitely be back. 

From left to right: Clement Jacquel, Remi Brunet, Victor Petiot, Cedric Tsia, 

me (Dominique Noël), and my colleague and friend Daan Beirnaert

Cheers! Santé! And again, thank you all for this lovely evening. 

Dom 

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LeDomduVin: Elegance & Minerality

Elegance & Minerality

Opened recently for a private dinner, I love these wines for their elegance and minerality.  

2016 Pierre Peters Cuvée Spéciale 'Les Chétillons' Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Champagne Brut

It was my first time trying this cuvee in the 2016 vintage, and it was delightful. This 100% Chardonnay was disgorged in 2023, with a gentle dosage of 4 g/L. The result is beautifully crafted champagne, pure and mineral, offering delightful, fresh notes of chalky minerality, citrus fruits, and lemon. The palate is sharp, focused, and smooth, with lively acidity. The finish is quite long, with a lovely mineral expression. In fact, it drinks more like a wine rather than a champagne. A refined and enjoyable experience. Kudos to #rodolphepeters!

2020 Domaine Fontaine-Gagnard Bâtard-Montrachet Grand Cru Burgundy

I know this bottle well, as I have opened quite a few bottles of this wine lately. Beyond its pale-yellow hue, the nose was light, fresh, and refined, with notable minerality, yellow stone fruits, and zesty citrus notes. Initially slightly restrained, the palate gradually opened, showcasing a fresh, dry, mineral texture with good density, abundant lemon flavors, sharp acidity, and subtle buttery, toasted oak nuances. Although somewhat light for a Batard-Montrachet compared with some of its peers, it was very pleasant, more mineral, fresh, elegant, and subtle than rich or powerful, without shading its complexity. Nicely done!

2020 Domaine Pierre Girardin Echezeaux Grand Cru Burgundy

Son of Vincent Girardin, Pierre Girardin, a 13th-generation winemaker, established his own Domaine in 2017 and quickly became one of the rising stars of the Côte de Nuits, focusing on sustainable viticulture and capturing precise terroir expression in his wines. That’s exactly what this Echezeaux 2020 is all about: a stylish wine with aromas of dark cherry, blackberry, violet, and spice, along with earthy notes, a velvety texture, and refined tannins. The wine is elegant and finely structured rather than purely powerful, with high cellaring potential. It is surely too young to be opened now, but for a Sommelier, it is important to taste wine at various stages of its life to be able to follow its evolution and convey the right message to his or her customers. Lovely!

Cheers! Santé!

Dom

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LeDomduVin: An earthy and mineral combination!

An earthy and mineral combination!

Henri Giraud Aÿ Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs Champagne Brut 2013

I love Henri Giraud's champagnes, and this Blanc de Blancs 2013 was delightful. In the glass, it displayed a pale golden color with fine bubbles. Although slightly timid at first, the nose showed nutty and stone-fruit aromas, along with toasted, oaky, salty, and savory notes. The palate boasted ample richness and complexity, with excellent balance and freshness, featuring the same flavors as on the nose, enhanced by a lovely minerality from the attack through the long finish. Nicely done!

Philippe Colin Chevalier-Montrachet Grand Cru Burgundy 2019

Philippe Colin is a classic in my book. I have always loved his wines and cannot get enough of them, and this 2019 Chevalier-Montrachet was stunning! What struck me most about this wine was its minerality and sense of purity. I often describe minerality as fresh water flowing over a rock, like a waterfall or a gentle stream, and that’s precisely the image I had in mind when I tasted this wine. It combines freshness, minerality, purity, ripeness, and complexity exquisitely. It offers aromas of yellow fruits and citrus zest with buttery and mineral nuances. Focused, tense, and sharp, yet so suave, coating and gracious from beginning to the seamless, lingering finish. Gorgeous wine!

Domaine Trapet Latricieres-Chambertin Grand Cru Burgundy 2005

Formerly named Domaine Louis Trapet, the estate split in 1993, creating two separate entities: Domaine Rossignol-Trapet and the renamed Domaine Trapet Père et Fils, now run by Jean-Louis Trapet, son of Jean, and his wife. The domaine became known for pioneering biodynamic farming in the mid-1990s. This wine comes from a single parcel with some of the oldest vines on the property, planted in 1938. From an outstanding Burgundy vintage, this 2005 Latricieres-Chambertin shows ripeness, power, and richness, yet remains very elegant, offering black fruits and berries mingling with mineral, spicy, and earthy nuances. Despite its velvety texture, the tannins are present yet integrated, and the finish is earthy, a signature of most Trapet wines (in my opinion), meaning well-crafted, harmonious, and clean, yet always with that touch of terroir-driven earthiness. Lovely wine.

Château Lynch-Bages Pauillac Bordeaux 1990

I was really pleased to open this bottle because I had not tried the 1990 vintage in the past 5-6 years and did not know what to expect. It showed beautifully. I did not decant it, and it was fine that way. 1990 is a Bordeaux vintage I really like. I have been opening countless bottles of various Bordeaux from this vintage over the past 30 years, and most of them aged and evolved gracefully. Lynch Bages 1990 is definitely one of them.  

In the glass, it displayed a dark, intense color with a light brownish hue. The nose was fragrant with attractive secondary and tertiary aromas of black currants, cedarwood, mocha, and underbrush combined with earthy and spicy notes. The palate is rich and complex, quite ample and voluptuous, harmonious and fully integrated, with good structure and texture, leading to a seamless finish with this soil-oriented earthiness so characteristic of Lynch-Bages. Excellent wine! 

Some may argue it will last for years to come (which is likely true), but, in my opinion, it has reached its full potential and is now in a perfect window of drinkability. I do not believe that it will get better than it is now with a few more years in the bottle, but that's just me.      

Life is too short to drink bad wine!

Cheers! Santé!

Dom

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LeDomduVin: Casual Night

Casual Night

Champagne Pascal Agrapart "Minéral" Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Extra Brut 2017

"Minéral" is probably my favorite cuvee from Pascal Agrapart. It is friendly and so satisfying. It is a highly regarded, terroir-driven Chardonnay Champagne from Grand Cru vineyards in Avize, renowned for its purity and complexity. Crafted from old-vine fruit, barrel-fermented, and aged on lees for extended periods, it is a perfect representation of the essence of the Côte des Blancs. The 2017 vintage was excellent. On the nose and palate, it displayed fresh, zesty citrus and chalky notes, with intense minerality and saline depth. The palate is lively and vibrant, with great structure and balance, leading to a long finish. Loved it!

Domaine de la Vougeraie Vougeot Premier Cru "Le Clos Blanc de Vougeot" Monopole 2021

It had been a while since I tasted "Le Clos Blanc de Vougeot" Monopole from Domaine de la Vougeraie. Made from biodynamic farming, whole-cluster pressing, fermentation in stainless-steel tanks and oak barrels, and aged 16-20 months in oak (around 20-23% new), it is a rare Chardonnay (around 13,000 bottles), from a historic 3-hectare monopole vineyard in the middle of the Vougeot vineyards, planted predominantly with Pinot Noir. This 2021 vintage was very fragrant on the nose, boasting aromas of pear, peach, citrus, and beeswax, with buttery and smoky minerality. Rich, complex, and finely structured, the palate offered more buttery and mineral flavors, vibrant acidity, and a lingering finish. Really nice!

Château Léoville-Las-Cases Saint-Julien Bordeaux 2006

Coming after the 2009 vintage that I recently tasted (see my previous post), which was rich and opulent, and in its ideal drinking window, the 2006 vintage was lighter, fresher, yet slightly closed and tighter. A blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, complemented by Merlot and Cab Franc, it is a structured, elegant, classic Bordeaux, offering aromas of blackcurrant, cassis, blackberry, blueberry, graphite, cedar, spice, and earthy notes. The palate is quite dense and juicy, if somewhat subdued, with good acidity and present yet integrated tannins, but firmer than the 2009. I like it, but I much preferred the 2009

Life is too short to drink bad wine!

Cheers! Santé!

Dom

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LeDomduVin: Champagne Jacquesson Dizy Corne Bautray Premier Cru Blanc de Blancs 2012

Champagne Jacquesson Dizy Corne Bautray Premier Cru Blanc de Blancs 2012

Crafted from a single 1-ha vineyard in the “lieu-dit” of “Corne Bautray” within the commune of Dizy (Vallée de la Marne), planted exclusively with old Chardonnay vines (planted in 1960) and ranked as “Premier Cru,” Dizy Corne Bautray 2012 is an exceptional Extra-Brut Blanc de Blancs Champagne.

An appealing nose with scents of hazelnuts, apricots, peach pits, walnuts, lemons, and pie crust. Crisp and tangy flavors complemented by a smooth, expansive mousse. Fresh, well-balanced, and structured. Finishes with saline notes, long-lasting and mineral.

Cheers! Santé! 

Dom

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LeDomduVin: Ideal drinking window

Ideal drinking window

Recently opened and served for a private dinner, these wines were stunning, showing their full potential and in the ideal window for drinking. 

Most wines have opening and closing periods, and it can be difficult to predict their ideal drinking windows. 

All wine professionals usually speculate about when it could happen, but this is just a lucky guess, an estimate without really knowing when it will be for sure. 

But when you've been waiting for the right time to come, and right at opening, you realize the wine is fully open, displaying all its complexity and potential, having reached its ideal drinking window. It is an incredibly satisfying reward for your taste buds. 

Jacquesson Dizy Corne Bautray Extra-Brut Champagne 2009

Jacquesson has been one of my favorite champagne houses for the past 3 decades. It is also sentimental, as "Jacques" is my son's name, which gives me a good excuse to open a bottle now and then. The champagnes of Jacquesson have been the subject of many posts on my blog, and it is always a pleasure to pop the cork of these beautifully crafted champagnes.   

Crafted from a single 1-ha vineyard in the “lieu-dit” of “Corne Bautray” within the commune of Dizy (Vallée de la Marne), planted exclusively with old Chardonnay vines (planted in 1960) and ranked as “Premier Cru,” Dizy Corne Bautray 2009 is an exceptional Extra-Brut Blanc de Blancs Champagne.

The 2009 Jacquesson Dizy Corne Bautray Extra-Brut is a gentle, round, and delicate Champagne that is also rich and complex. The nose offers discreet yet expressive aromas of wild, fresh almonds and yellow stone fruit, mingling with toasted brioche and mineral notes. The palate is warm, round, generous, and ample, incredibly balanced (even if some of you would want a little more acidity), focused, with a gentle texture and refined structure. The finish is long and immediately calls for another glass (like all the wines tasted that day). Gorgeous Champagne!   

NB: The recently tasted 2012 vintage was fresher, zestier, and sharper than this 2009 vintage. And yet, 2009 is so complex, yet elegant and aristocratic in its own way; it is too difficult and maybe unfair to compare them, as both offer a tremendous experience for the palate.     

Domaine Jean-Claude Ramonet Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru "Boudriotte" Burgundy 2018

Located in Chassagne-Montrachet, Domaine Jean-Claude Ramonet is one of the leading producers of Burgundy and probably the most famous in Chassagne-Montrachet.  

Today, third-generation winemaker Jean-Claude Ramonet leads the domaine, while his brother Noël manages the family vines. The next generation is now engaged in the business: Jean-Claude's daughters, Anne-France and Clarisse, assist in the cellar and office, whereas Noël's sons, Michael and Pierre, work with him in the vineyards and develop their own winemaking ventures.

Ramonet cultivates vines across a prestigious 17-hectare mosaic, showcasing appellation levels from Bourgogne to Grand Cru. Premier Crus like Les Ruchottes and Clos de la Boudriotte, along with Chardonnay and Pinot Noir that historically defined the domaine, receive similar recognition as their top-tier counterparts. Other distinguished vineyards include Bâtard-Montrachet, Bienvenues-Bâtard-Montrachet, Cailleret, and Chaumées. In the traditional Burgundian style, Ramonet also produces small quantities of Aligoté and Gamay.

The house is celebrated for its pure, complex, and age-worthy white wines, produced from low-yielding, old vines, especially those in the renowned Grand Cru vineyards, with Montrachet as its flagship.

Domaine Ramonet's iconic status, high quality, and limited production (around 100,000 bottles annually) make its wines among the most sought-after Burgundies among international collectors.

Domaine Jean-Claude Ramonet Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru Boudriotte 2018 was also very nice. The nose displayed floral and mineral aromas, combined with yellow-fruit and buttery, oaky nuances. The palate was almost like drinking a soft, buttery juice, but in a good way. It was soft, creamy, silky, coating, concentrated, and harmonious, with great minerality and zestiness, leading to an even more coating finish, with lots of buttery flavors all the way through. What a lovely wine!     

Château Léoville-Las-Cases Saint-Julien Bordeaux 2009

When discussing wines that go through opening and closing periods, Chateau Leoville-Las-Cases, considered a rather classic Bordeaux style (rather than a modern one), is definitely a great example.  

Having tasted this wine countless times over the past 34 years, En primeur, at the barrel, and in all the bottles I opened in my long career, I can tell you that it is a rather capricious wine that goes through up-and-down phases. 

I was a little skeptical at first, having not tried the 2009 in a long time, about whether it would be open or closed. And yet it was so perfect and opened, it inspired the title of this post, as I truly believe it is now in one of these ideal drinking windows, as it showed fantastically well.   

Dense and opaque, with an attractive color in the glass. The nose is expressive and charming, ripe yet fresh, with dark berries, cassis, tobacco, and mocha aromas, along with spicy, earthy, and oaky notes. The palate is gorgeously harmonious and integrated, rich and complex yet round and suave, nearly flawless, offering similar flavors as on the nose but with more depth, excellent texture and structure enhanced by great freshness (surprising for a 2009 vintage), no angularities, no edges, from the attack to the long, lingering, seamless finish. Stunning wine! So fresh, complex, sophisticated, and youthful! To be enjoyed now before it closes down again for a period of time.    

NB: The guests and I compared this Leoville-Las-Cases 2009 with the following wine, Mouton-Rothschild 2009, and we all found that LLC was showing so much better than its First Growth counterpart.  

Chateau Mouton-Rothschild Pauillac Bordeaux 2009

This bottle was brought by one of the guests. And it was also very good, but coming after such an incredible Leoville-Las-Cases 2009, it seemed to lack freshness, substance, and integration. And as both reds were from the same vintage, we thought it would be a great experience to compare them. Let me explain.  

Although Mouton-Rothschild 2009 is also rich, complex, and concentrated, and seductive in its own style, it tasted less friendly and showed less harmony and integration, with more roughness and earthiness than Leoville-Las-Cases 2009. And more particularly, it definitely lacked the freshness and fruitiness that the Saint-Julien offered. 

Mouton showed more of the characteristics of the hot 2009 vintage, riper and darker fruits, opulence, and a more full-bodied palate, yet less fresh and less sexy than the LLC 2009. Opaque color in the glass, too. On the nose, it revealed aromas of plum and cassis, licorice, coffee, and chocolate, with some earthy, oaky, and smoky nuances. The palate is also rich and complex, but, as mentioned earlier, less harmonious, less fruity, less integrated, and definitely less fresh and less together than LLC. 

Does that make it a bad wine? No, absolutely not. Mouton 2009 is also a gorgeous wine in its own way, with the potential to age for years to come. And yet, compared to LCC, it didn't offer the freshness, purity of fruit, or seamless integration. Maybe Mouton 2009 is not yet in its ideal drinking window.  

To conclude: Maybe we shouldn't have compared them; maybe we should have tasted and enjoyed each wine for what it is and how it is. Yet, being from the same vintage, with one a first growth and the other a second growth, it was too tempting not to do so, and by doing so, it was also too tempting not to revive the eternal debate (often discussed here on my blog) about how some second and third growths often outrank some first growths, showing how obsolete and in need of a total revision the 1855 classification really is.       

That's all, folks, for today, but stay tuned for more posts to come! 

Cheers! Santé! 

Dom 

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LeDomduVin: Château Pontet-Canet Pauillac 2006

Château Pontet-Canet Pauillac 2006

Pontet-Canet is one of my favorite Pauillac wines. I have been buying this wine for 34 years and have never been disappointed. I visited the chateau numerous times in the 2000s, and it was always a pleasure to taste their wines during the En Primeur campaigns. 

It is a classic in my book and surely one of the best values in the Haut-Médoc and Pauillac appellations. 

Why? Because it is a Fifth Growth that tastes like and can easily compete with the Third and Second growths (even First), in terms of quality and consistency, and comes at a fifth of the price of a First growth. 

Moreover, Chateau Pontet-Canet is a powerful, pure, and terroir-driven wine crafted using biodynamic viticulture (horse-drawn plowing and minimal intervention) and innovative winemaking (concrete amphorae and partial destemming). So, what's not to like? 

Opened recently, the 2006 Pontet-Canet was a delight! Extremely dense and dark in the glass (as always). The nose offered beautiful aromas of red and dark berries mingling with floral and earthy notes, tertiary hints, and oaky nuances. The palate is rich, complex, generous, and voluptuous, with a velvety texture enhanced by enough freshness to keep it balanced, round, earthy, and present yet integrated tannins make up for a great structure. The finish is long, chewy, and earthy. What a lovely wine! 

Even if I did not do that that day, it would probably have benefited from being decanted about 45 minutes before serving. Despite its age, it remains youthful, so you can wait a few more years for it to reach its full potential. 

Kudos to the Tesseron Family! 

Cheers! Santé! 

Dom

@ledomduvin #ledomduvin #wine @chateau_pontetcanet #pontetcanet #pauillac #bordeaux #wine #vin #vino #wein #tasting #tastingnotes #sommelier #sommelierlife #sommlife #ilovemyjob #lovewine 

Unless stated otherwise, all rights reserved ©LeDomduVin 2026, on all the contents above including, but not limited to, photos, pictures, drawings, illustrations, collages, visuals, logos, maps, memes, posts, texts, writings, quotes, notes, tasting notes, descriptions, wine descriptions, definitions, recipes, graphs, tables, lyrics and even music and video (when and where applicable).