This time we have a mature Champagne, a very good Bordeaux and a sensational Barolo.
The champagnes of Gimonnet need maturity. The Pierre Gimonnet 1976 Cuis 1er Cru Fleuron Blanc de Blancs had very little perlage left, but also caramel, white nougat, flowers, yeast, a medium body, balance and a medium to long finish. The Champagne has only medium density, but is decidedly elegant. 18.8/20 points.
Small Bordeaux wineries also make delicious wines: The Château Armens 1998 St. Emilion Grand Cru Classe has cassis, red bell pepper, black fruit, lots of coconut and barrel sweetness, medium body, balance, structure, medium to long finish, still noticeable tannin and is a bit tart on the finish. The wine has perfect maturity now and should stay at this level for a few more years. 16.5/20 points.
This debut vintage may be the most elegant Barolo Sandrone has ever made. The Sandrone 2013 Barolo Vite Talin has a complex nose with flowers, moss, licorice, violets, underbrush, a full body, lots of fine tannin, long finish, balance, structure and power. The wine is very dense, elegant and still almost youthful, so it should definitely be decanted. 19.5/20 points.