Ivan the Fiver’s 2009 Sine Qua Non This is Not an Exit Syrah was a knockout wine. From the explosive nose of blackberry jam, black raspberries, plums, licorice, roasted esperesso beans and floral notes to the chewy, succulently textured palate, this was decadence in a glass. Inky and deeply concentrated, sweet fruit-driven, powerfully structured yet startlingly balanced. The This is Not an Exit Syrah is another testament to Manfred Krankl’s genius at producing concentrated and powerful yet balanced wines.
The 2007 Arnaud Ente Meursault has been one consistent white Burgundy; this is probably the 5th bottle we have opened from this lot in a week and every single time, the wine is an epitome of precision and elegance. An intense flinty minerality was the first whiff I got as I put my nose to the glass. I swirled and subtle notes of sweet citrus, pear, white peach and white blossoms were evident. In the mouth, the wine was medium-bodied but displayed this sexy richness in the mid-palate that was reined in by a backbone of smoky, flinty minerality. Persistent length was marked by a citrusy acidity. As the wine sat in the glass, hazelnut undertones started coming through adding a layer of complexity and richness to this youthful wine.
The 2011 Comte Lafon Meursault Clos de la Barre, tasted next to the 2007 Arnaud Ente Meursault, showed a more luscious, ripe peach component along with citrus notes. Broader and more generous on the palate with subtler minerality. This was drinking great but I thought this was lacking on the finish.
The day’s line-up also included:
1998 Domaine Leflaive Chevalier Montrachet
2010 Georges Vernay Condrieu Coteau de Vernon
2001 Diamond Creek Red Rock Terrace Cabernet Sauvignon
2007 Colgin Cariad
1982 Leoville Barton
1999 Monbousquet
1995 Chateau Clinet
NV Krug Grande Cuvee
1999 Robert Groffier Chambolle-Musigny 1er Cru Les Sentiers
1993 Hudelot Noellat Romanee-St-Vivant
1997 Hudelot Noellat Richebourg