Matter of Taste is the signature event of Robert Parker. It used to be at the Dolder with a big crowd. This year they raised the prices and there were much less participants. Not sure that was a smart move. Anyway, I attended for half day and joined the winemakers sinner, which was a good opportunity to chatch up with Monica Larner, William Kelly and many winemakers. Below are the highlights of the wines that I have tasted.
Tasting Notes
Whites / Champagne
2011 Louis Jadot Chevalier-Montrachet Les Demoiselles, 97 points
Excellent showing, wonderful nose of lemon cud, touch of flint, butter. Racy palate with good volume. My white WOTN.
2015 Laurent-Perrier Champagne Brut Millésimé, 95 points
In a new bottle shape, like the Rose one. This 2015 showed extremely well. Succulent with lots of brioche and yeast, fresh citrus fruit. A real Charmer.
1998 Philipponnat Clos des Goisses, Extra Brut L.V. (Long Vieilleissment), 95 points
From MAG. Right upon opening very fresh, more like a 2008 than a 1998. Nose of green apples, pear, some herbs. With time in the glass the full spectrum on a mature Champagne started to emerge. Wonderful
Reds
2000 Chateau Troanoy, 98 points
From MAG. True to form, everybody at the table loved this deeply complex Bordeaux, generous fruit but stays fresh and elegant on the palate. My red WOTN.
2019 Domaine Saint Préfert Châteauneuf-du-Pape Vieilles Vignes Clairette Blanche, 96 points
From MAG. During a MOT walkabout tasting, so no detailed notes. A stunning showing. Highly aromatic with citrus, white flowers, fresh and zesty. This could stand up in a white Burg line up.
2010 Domaine Duroché Charmes-Chambertin Charmes-Chambertin, 96 points
Very popular at the dinner. Much more open than last time with sublime elegance and balance. Nose of red cherries, sweet spices. Very popular at the table.
2016 Château La Fleur-Pétrus Pomerol, 96+ points
Wonderful wine here, a big step ahead of the Belair-Monange. Complex nose of dark fruit and forest floor, silky tannins. Grand!
1985 Château Mouton Rothschild, 95 points
This was gone in a jiffy, everybody wanted to taste this Mouton. Well balanced, forest floor, soft palate. Good but out-shined by the 2000 Trotanoy.
1988 Tenuta San Guido Sassicaia, 95 points
In very good shape, complex aromas of dark fruit, mushrooms, forest floor. Elegant mouth feel.
2019 Château Cos d’Estournel, 95 points
Extremely primary aromas, red and dark fruit, great mouth feel, silky, balanced, fresh, mid weight. Young but on a great track.
2019 Il Marroneto Brunello di Montalcino Madonna delle Grazie, 95 points
Always among the best in Brunello. Wonderful showing, I liked both the deep aromas and the polished palate here, not your typical, rough Sangiovese.
2012 Paul Jaboulet Aîné Hermitage La Chapelle, 95 points
During Matter of Taste dinner, no detailed tasting notes. From MAG, consistent to my last encounter with this. Youthful still, dark fruit, underbrush, with good density and aromatics. Well balanced.
Author: Christian Raubach, WSET III, FWS, WSG Champagne Master
March 2024