Château Haut Breton Larigaudiere Margaux 2000

Clear, medium intensity ruby with a hint of purple and a slight garnet rim. Clean, medium intensity nose of black fruits, pepper, and tasteful woodiness: oak and earthy cedar. Dry, medium acidity and low to medium tannins; medium body. In the mouth black cherry dominates, with a smokiness and hints of Merlot red fruits in the background. Not as complex as I would have hoped, but very nicely balanced. A medium-plus finish through which a pleasant spiciness surfaces. 12.5% alcohol. Overall very good; definitely recommended.

I splurged on this one; it’s New Year’s Eve. This is the most expensive bottle I’ve ever bought: $76 at Kitsilano Wine Cellar. I had to try a Margaux after watching James Cluer’s video on Château Margaux. I’m not disappointed: though I can imagine better, the quality here is evident.

Château Haut Breton Larigaudiere Margaux 2000

Chateau Lynch-Moussas 2006 Pauillac

Clear, medium ruby with a garnet rim. Clean, medium nose of oak and cedar, peppers—both spice and vegetal—and black currant. Dry, medium acidity, and medium to pronounced tannins; light to medium body. More black cherry than currants in the mouth, with vanilla and perhaps white pepper; a hint of sweetness and oak, nicely balanced. Medium length. Overall good. 13% alcohol. $45 at Kitsilano Wine Cellar. See Château Lynch-Moussas.

Chateau Lynch-Moussas 2006 Pauillac

Wynns Coonawarra Estate 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon

Clear, deep ruby with a slight garnet rim. Clean, medium intensity nose of earth, mint and oak. Dry, medium acidity with medium to high tannins; medium body. Nicely balanced black fruits, oak and cedar, and an underlying appealing earthiness. Medium length, with a high 14.5% alcohol, which doesn’t come through with as much heat as expected. This being one of the first Cabernets I’ve tasted seriously, I’m still feeling my way, but while not outstanding it is definitely an appealing wine and recommended. Not sure of the price as it was a gift from my father; he bought it at Kitsilano Wine Cellar. See Wynns Coonawara Estate.

Wynns Coonawarra Estate 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon

Kim Crawford 2011 Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc

Clear, very pale appearance with a slight bit of green. Clean, intense nose of pineapple and lemon, green pepper, and dry grass. Dry, high acidity, and a light-plus body. Intense lemon and just general citrus, balanced by hints of ripe tropical fruits. Good long finish with the citrus dominating; crisp, sharp. 13% alcohol. I enjoyed the 2010; this is also recommended. An enjoyable drink with good complexity. $26.50 at Crosstown.

Kim Crawford 2011 Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc