K&L Saturday Tasting: Wines from Argentina, Chile and S. Africa 2003/3/29

Year	Wine	Price	Rating
2002	Penalolen Sauvignon Blanc, Chile nice citrus, grapefruit, jammy - so - ws	11.99	****
2002	Mulderbosch Sauvignon Blanc, South Africa oaky, acidic, citrus, dull - so - ws	19.99	**
2001	Altos las Hormigas Malbec, Mendoza spicy plum, blueberry, med body - so - ws	9.99	***
2001	Alamos Bonarda, Mendoza Coffee, berry, med body, dust, good depth. Bonarda is a grape varietal. - so - ws	9.95	***
2000	Apaltagua Grial, Colchagua The nose resembles burgundy but is Carmenierre, berry, violet, acidic, full body, long finish - so - ws	26.99	****
2000	Casa Lapostolle Cuvee Alexandre Merlot, Colchagua watercress, tea leaf, raisin, spicy sweet plum, smoke, full body. - so - ws	18.95	****
2000	Neil Ellis Cabernet/Merlot, Stellenbosch blackcurrant, cherry, chocolate, simple, tar finish - so - ws	13.99	***
2001	Fairview Solitude Shiraz, Paarl very fragrant cinnamon, yellow arrow gum, floral, violet, full body - so - ws	29.99	****
2000	Caro Cabernet/Malbec, Mendoza spice, blackberry, blueberry, extracting, concentrated fruit, soft tea finish. Caro is joint venture of Lafite and Nicolas Catena - so - ws	34.99	****
1999	Los Vascos Le Dix Cabernet Sauvignon, Colchagua 10th Anniversary of the winery. Le Dix means the 10th. Green pepper, tobacco, soft, blackberry, simple but concentrated. Los Vascos is Lafite's establishment in Chile. This wine resembles Carruades de Lafite. Neither has ever impressed me. - so - ws	35.95	***

hotpot at Bigland's. Trying organic "marbled" beef. That was *****. 2003/3/27

Year	Wine	Price	Rating
2001	Dreyer Family Sonoma Chardonnay, Sonoma County Very good sweet oak and marvellous fruit for this price. Kinghim and I picked it up at Draeger's sort of randomly so to make up 12 bottles for their case-discount. - so - ws	10 - 11	****

Home 2003/3/21

Year	Wine	Price	Rating
2001	Cambria Katherine's Chardonnay, California A hint of grassy cardboard, med body, toasty oak, pineapple pear, nutty, bitter leafy finish - so - ws	11 - 13	*

Dominique, Patrick Lam Suen Kit, Kelly Poon Ka Lam visited from HK 2003/3/25

Year	Wine	Price	Rating
1999	V. Sattui Preston Vineyard Cabernet, Napa Valley Tony's gift. Cranberry, raspberry, cherry, blackberry. Somewhat lacking in mid to back palate. med body. Does evolve nicely over time. - so - ws	n/a	****
1998	Whitehall Lane Reserve Cabernet, Napa Valley Stanley's gift. Vintage isn't good but has a strong nose of blackberry and plum. Black fruit throughout. A bit of herbaceous flavor (quite typical of 98 vintage). Med to full body, toward the full side in the beginning, thinner and more herbaceous as time progresses. - so - ws	n/a	****

Oscar Night at Bigland's. 2003/3/23

Year	Wine	Price	Rating
1999	Joseph Phelps Monterey Syrah, Monterey n/a - so - ws	n/a	**
1999	Merryvale Cabernet, Napa Valley n/a - so - ws	n/a	***
1999	Chateau Souverain Cabernet, Alexander Valley n/a - so - ws	13.29	***
2000	Shafer Napa Cabernet, Napa Valley Amazingly vibrant and cheerful. Lots of cassis and black cherry. Robustly evolved in the palate. Med to full body towards the full side. Silky and dusty in texture. May be it's psychological, but a mild hint of Stags Leap floral hint. Soft fruit-bomb with great ready-to-drink tannins. - so - ws	42.99	*****
1996	Freemark Abbey Borche Cabernet, Napa Valley Originally priced at 55. Soft and musky. Chocolate and earth is the first impression, with blackberry background. - so - ws	29.99	****

2002 Xmas dinner. 2002/12/25

Year	Wine	Price	Rating
1995	Bollinger Grande Annee, Champagne 2002 Xmas dinner. Donated by Poon. - so - ws	69.00	*****
1997	Pine Ridge Stags Leap District Cabernet, Stags Leap District 2002 Xmas dinner. Donated by Stanley - so - ws	n/a	*****
2001	Lewis Napa Valley Chardonnay, Napa Valley 2002 Xmas dinner. Donated by KK - so - ws	n/a	*****
1998	Bricco del Uccellone Barbera d'Asti, Barbera d'Asti 2002 Xmas dinner. Donated by Bigland - so - ws	n/a	*****
1996	Lynch-Bages, Pauillac 2002 Xmas dinner. Donated by Pau - so - ws	n/a	****
1994	Mouton-Rothschild, Pauillac 2002 Xmas dinner. Donated by Raymond Lim - so - ws	n/a	*****
1995	Cinq Cepages, Sonoma County 2002 Xmas dinner. Donated by KK - so - ws	n/a	****
1996	Chateau Souverain Winemaker's Reserve Cabernet, Alexander Valley 2002 Xmas dinner. - so - ws	n/a	****
1999	Insignia, Napa Valley 2002 Xmas dinner. Stanley's gift to me. - so - ws	n/a	*****

2001 Xmas dinner. 2001/12/25

Year	Wine	Price	Rating
1990	Dom Perignon, Champagne 2001 Xmas dinner. Donated by Pau. - so - ws	n/a	*****
2000	Kalinda Special Reserve Chardonnay, Napa Valley 2001 Xmas dinner. - so - ws	29.99	*****
1997	Spring Mountain Miravalle-LaPerla-Chevalier, Napa Valley 2001 Xmas dinner. Donated by Stanley - so - ws	n/a	*****
1997	Lewis Reserve Cabernet, Napa Valley 2001 Xmas dinner. Donated by KK - so - ws	n/a	*****
1998	Cask 23, Stags Leap District 2001 Xmas dinner. Donated by Bigland - so - ws	120	*****

Napa trip with Stanley and Wendy. Stopped at opus one, silver oak, caymus, rutherford grill, duckhorn, rombauer 2003/3/12

Year	Wine	Price	Rating
1996	Caymus Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley creamy texture, very concentrated, oaky, lemon, grapefruit, malolactic fermentation, musky hint - so - ws	n/a	***
2000	Caymus Zinfandel, California From Monty Rosso Vineyard in Sonoma (Louis M. Martini), blackberry, mixed spice (nutmeg), american oak, mild tannin, good long finish - so - ws	n/a	****
2000	Caymus Cabernet, Napa Valley dusty, cherry, raspberry, vanilla oak, violet, very pleasant but simple - so - ws	n/a	****
1995	Opus One, Napa Valley A first layer of leather and french oak, second layer of currant, spice and pencil shavings. Long, long, long finish. Quite earthy. - so - ws	150.00	*****
2001	Duckhorn Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley lemon, candy, concentrated, a bit strawy, grassy, creamy - so - ws	n/a	***
2000	Duckhorn Merlot, Napa Valley Blackcherry, blackberry, jammy, full body, licorice, anise, a bit of leathery hint. A slight burning sensation that will certainly be tamed with aging. Good french oak. - so - ws	45.00	*****
1999	Duckhorn Patzimazo Vineyard Cabernet, St. Helena Blackberry, red cherry, blueberry, a bit bleach-like smell, astringent, vanilla, chocolate. Tannin a bit too coarse. Way too expensive. - so - ws	90.00	****
2001	Rombauer Chardonnay, Carneros apple, citrus, very concentrated, crisp, honey, long finish, med body. - so - ws	n/a	****
2000	Rombauer Merlot, Napa Valley blackcherry, spicy, cloves, french oak, med body. Tangy, long slightly bitter finish - so - ws	n/a	***
1999	Rombauer Cabernet, Napa Valley very dark fruit, med body, tannic, black plum, blackberry, oak - so - ws	n/a	****

Post HOVA Barrel Tasting at my home, with KK, Lim, Pau, Vicky, Hand, Yun, Ben, Rosalia. HOVA was going down hill, with food ration admission tickets handed out in Kunde, Stone Creek and even St. Jean and St. Francis (the latter not checked tho). Give me a break. 2003/3/15

Year	Wine	Price	Rating
2000	Chateau Bel Orme "Tronquoy de Lalande", Haut-Medoc aroma: anise, earth; flavor: meat, mint, coffee; thin body, long tannic finish, not pleasant - so - ws	18.99	**
1994	Pichon Baron, Pauillac bell pepper, cigar box, green tea aroma, med-full body, a bit salty mouthfeel, hint of cedar and licorice and a curranty finish. - so - ws	39.99	****
1998	Chimney Rock Stags Leap District Cabernet, Stags Leap District good sld spice aroma (tarragon?), toasty, chocolate, vanilla, still grapy youthful in flavor, yet a hint of mature raisin at the edge. - so - ws	35.99	****
1999	Rustenberg John X Merriman Red Table Wine, Stellenbosch an elegant tobacco, earth aroma, ripe tangy blackcherry, chocolate, astringent/dusty tannins, med body, long finish turning slightly bitter - so - ws	n/a	****

Bigland wedding wine selection, one-day before HOVA barrel tasting, bigland drank much sky-9 penalty wines. 2003/3/14

Year	Wine	Price	Rating
2001	Maritma (Four dead heads), Toscana This is the 2001 vintage of the infamous "four dead heads" wine, which bigland brought to the very first man-man-has-wine-drink (and ended up last). Simple berry, cranberry, pleasant after airing. A lot better than the one in the tournament, which showed toilet bowl smell. - so - ws	5.99	**
2001	McManis Cabernet, California juicy, grassy, mineral, plummy, quite concentrated. Raymond hated it, I and KK enjoyed it. - so - ws	8.99	***
1999	Honig Cabernet, Napa Valley tannic, good structure, vanilla oak, chalky tannin. - so - ws	26.99	****
2000	Mount Eden Santa Cruz Estate Cabernet, Santa Cruz Mountain violet, coffee, toast, mineral, med body, more red than the 1999 vintage, closer to the 98. - so - ws	27.99	***
2000	Cecile Chassagne, Cotes du Rhone Very enjoyable the instance the bottle is opened. Slightly less than medium body. Good herbal bouquet and rhone style flavor. Turning flat rather quickly - so - ws	6.99	***
2000	Hawk Crest Cabernet, California Toasty berry, tea leaves, med body, coarse tannins. Definitely worth the price. This wine is made by Stag's Leap Wine Cellars with grapes from all over California, according to cask23.com: 74% Paso Robles, 8% Sonoma, and 6% Lake County - so - ws	9.99	***

Raymond/Sherry hot pot dinner with kk/x, wai/lo, james chen, eric & grace yuen and son Justin 2003/3/8

Year	Wine	Price	Rating
2000	Cordero di Montezemolo Barbera d'Alba, Barbera d'Alba cassis, cherry, herb bouquet, violet, floral, med body, alcoholic, slight burning sensation at throat - so - ws	24	***
1999	Liparita Cabernet, Napa Valley blackberry liqeur aroma, oaky, powerful but not well integrated yet, back palate is lacking, coarse tannic, slight warm throat sensation. Pretty concentrated and has depth, need time. - so - ws	32.99	****
1998	Wynns John Riddoch Cabernet, Coonawara tangy cranberry, eucalyptus, peppery, mineral, soil, elegant, lacking body but finishing long, should be age worthy with the nice acidity - so - ws	30.99	****
1997	Casa Lapostolle Cuvee Alexandre Cabernet, Rapel Valley An elegant mix of Napa and French style, jammy blackcurrant, violet, licorice, earth, coarse tannins, sweet oak finish. - so - ws	n/a	****

K&L Saturday Tasting: Club Selections, Best Buy Club (17.95 per month), Premium Club (29.95), Signature Red Club (49.95) 2003/3/8

Year	Wine	Price	Rating
1993	Laurent Perrier Brut, Champagne juicy, fruity, jammy pineapple, apricot, full body, slightly yeasty, very good. - so - ws	n/a	*****
2001	Mission Hills Pinot Blanc, Okanagan Valley Pear, pineapple, med-full body, pleasantly sweet - so - ws	n/a	****
1999	Buehler Estate Reserve Chardonnay, Russian River aroma of butter extracting, long finish, little bit of pickle hint, strange old feeling - so - ws	n/a	**
2000	Robert Stemmler Pinot Noir, Carneros very strong aroma of tangy raspberry, jammy cherry, mineral, full body, long finish - so - ws	n/a	****
2000	M. Chapoutier "Belleruche", Cotes du Rhone tight aroma of spice and red fruit, med body, not well integrated yet - so - ws	n/a	***
1997	Wynns "Michael" Shiraz, Coonawara earthy, blackberry, dusty, very powerful, peppery - so - ws	n/a	****
1999	Barnwood Trio, Santa Barbara County nice blackcherry aroma, cassis, chalky tannin, violet, raspberry, complex, long finish - so - ws	n/a	****
1999	Vina Penalolen Cabernet, Maipo Valley white pepper and tar/earth aroma, full body, coarse tannin, chalky, backberry/licorice flavor, long finish - so - ws	n/a	****
1999	Signorello Merlot, Napa Valley plummy, powerful but tight, focus but simple, long long finish - so - ws	n/a	****

Stanley comes to deliver gifts from HK 2003/3/5

Year	Wine	Price	Rating
NV	Overture, Napa Valley med garnet color, blackberry jam, with a hint of raspberry and violet. The flavor is not as impressive as the nose while fruity and plummy and complex, the body is medium and the flavor is not consistently evolving like its big brother Opus One. A little bit of bitter edge in the herbal, licorice finish. The grassiness is too overwhelming, that seems to be the flaw. When warmer, the texture becomes more chalky, fuller and flavor is less bitter. - so - ws	40	***

K&L Saturday Tasting: Bordeaux new arrivals 2003/2/15

Year	Wine	Price	Rating
2000	Roquefortissime de Chateau Roquefort, Bordeaux aroma: very ripe blackberry, toffee, tar. med body, pleasant, cumin spice? simple but very pleasant - so - ws	15.99	****
2000	Malescasse, Haut-Medoc Bell pepper, black currant, pleasantly acidic, med body, finish lacking - so - ws	17.99	***
2000	Carruades de Lafite-Rothschild, Pauillac decanted 2hrs, still tight, concentrated currant, vanilla, raspberry, med finish - so - ws	41.99	***
1993	Pichon Baron, Pauillac Strong green pepper aroma, simple but concentrated, currant, coffee - so - ws	29.99	****
1994	Pichon Baron, Pauillac Green pepper, violet, floral, sweet oak, sandalwood, mellow yet complex and well integrated - so - ws	39.99	*****
1994	Lynch-Bages, Pauillac cedar, currant, mint, mild, watery body - so - ws	44.99	***
1997	Cos d'Estournel, St. Estephe Complex smoky nose, cigarette smoke, meat, very good tannins, extremely long finish - so - ws	39.99	*****
1996	Climens Sauternes, Barsac aroma: wasabi soy, pungent, very interesting - so - ws	37.99	***

K&L Saturday Tasting: Burgundy 2003/1/4

Year	Wine	Price	Rating
1999	Chateau de Beauregard, St. Veran very silky, full body, acidic, roasted oak, citric, pineapple, buttery - so - ws	10.99	***
1999	Domaine Vincent & Marie-Christine Perrin, St. Romain silky, toasty, complex, fig, crisp - so - ws	11.99	***
1999	Domaine Bouzereau-Gruere, St. Aubin "Les Cortons" extremely full body, long finish, nose of pickle, conentrated fruit - so - ws	14.99	***
2001	Domaine Vincent Girardin, Savigny Les Beaunes "Les Vermots Dessus" pear/pineapple, acidic, full body - so - ws	18.99	**
2001	Domaine Vincent Girardin, Santenay "Le St. Jean" pear/fresh herb, full body - so - ws	19.99	**
2000	Domaine Matrot, Meursault fresh taragon, simple pickled fig - so - ws	28.99	***
2000	Domaine Heresztyn, Bourgogne Rouge blackberry, simple red fruit, lack finish - so - ws	11.99	**
2000	Domaine Sylvie Esmonin, Bourgogne Rouge aromatic tarragon, raspberry, med finish, light body - so - ws	17.99	***
1999	Edmond Cornu & Fils, Ladoix "Les Carrieres" green, raspberry, organge peel, complex, mid body - so - ws	21.99	***
2000	Frederic Esmonin, Gevrey Chambertin "Estournelles St. Jacques" cherry, raspberry, med-full body - so - ws	31.99	***
2000	Domaine Groffier 1er Cru, Chambolle Musigny "Sentiers" plummy, minty, spicy, cherry, complex - so - ws	61.99	****
2000	Frederic Esmonin Grand Cru, Mazy Chambertin dried date, olive, pickle, strong smoky nose, mid-full body, long finish - so - ws	46.99	*****
2001	Domaine Bruno Clair Rose, Marsannay med-full body, fragrant (like soap), simple lack finish, boujolais feel - so - ws	12.99	**

Henry Lai dinner 2003/1/8

Year	Wine	Price	Rating
1994	Chateau Haut-Brion, Pessac-Leognan blackcurrant, jammy raspberry, floral, earth, tea leaves, extracting, very balanced, dusty tannins, cedar, dried mushroom - so - ws	130	*****
1994	Chateau Angelus, St. Emilion Grand Cru green pepper, very balanced, plum and black cherry, cedary oak, licorice, anise, soupy texture - so - ws	n/a	*****
1998	Penfold Bin 707, South Australia lavender, vanilla, extremely concentrated, blackcurrant, like Ribana without diluting, pleasantly acidic, long oaky finish, very smooth, integrated tannis. - so - ws	65	*****

Casual tasting with kinghim 2003/1/7

Year	Wine	Price	Rating
1998	Chateau Talbot, St. Julien dark chocolate aroma, roasted nuts, simple berry and beefy flavors, slightly bitter finish, cedar wood - so - ws	n/a	***

Casual tasting with bigland and kinghim 2003/1/5

Year	Wine	Price	Rating
1995	Antares Merlot, California raisins, mocha, dark chocolate, cherry, somewhat lacking in front palate, med body, med finish. very interesting wine, but not necessarily pleasant. Old and tired feeling. - so - ws	n/a	**
2000	Kalinda Special Reserve Syrah, Napa Valley blackcurrant, vanilla, very concentrated although somewhat one dimensional, nice finish, quite heavy duty as Lewis always is, hint of orange zest. - so - ws	19.95	****
2000	Le Carillon de l'Angelus, St. Emilion Grand Cru blackberry, vanilla, med to full body, lacking in back palate, dried herbs, dried prunes, smoke. - so - ws	n/a	***

Man-Man-Has-Wine-Drink pre-tournament for Daniel Fung 2003/1/4

Year	Wine	Price	Rating
1997	Chateau Smith-Haut-Lafitte, Pessac-Leognan (raymond). Leathery and smoky with currant fruit and roasted coffee underlying. Med body. Consider 1997 was a poor Bordeaux vintage, this shows up well. #4 - so - ws	n/a	***
2000	Lewis Cabernet, Napa Valley (bryan). Aerated for 2 hours before tournament. Strong blackberry and pencil lead aroma, silky and constantly evolving in the palate, long finish. #1 - so - ws	n/a	*****
1999	Chateau l'Eglise d'Armens, St. Emilion Grand Cru (bigland) Rather flat and unappealing, thin body, not much of a finish #8 - so - ws	n/a	*
1998	Pira Luigi Margheria, Barolo (kinghim) fragrant aroma, first impression is extremely velvety, soup consistency, tannins are coarse, has potential, has complex fruit and mineral, requires cellaring to become a great wine #5 - so - ws	n/a	****
1998	Freemark Abbey Cabernet, Napa Valley (kk) nose of soil and ash, some raspberry and spice. disappointing body and finish #9 - so - ws	n/a	**
1999	V. Sattui Preston Vineyard Cabernet, Napa Valley (tony) Concentrated blackberry jam, very vibrant, similar to Lewis but did not hold up for as long. #3 - so - ws	n/a	*****
2001	V. Sattui Gamay Rouge, n/a (jonson) this is a rose, disqualified - so - ws	n/a	*
1999	Vosne Romanee 1er Cru, Vosne Romanee "les Beaux Monts" (hand) white pepper and mineral, salty? concentrated red fruit, average wine #6 - so - ws	n/a	***
1999	Beringer Knights Valley Cabernet, Napa Valley (wai) brilliant nose of blackberry, violet and spice, orange peel, good solid body and flavors, finish is the only lacking attribute. #2 - so - ws	n/a	****
1999	Simi Cabernet, Alexander Valley (pau) cardboard smell, second tasting, same notes, flavor is better than the nose with gentle cherry. Poor wine #7 - so - ws	n/a	**
2000	Edna Valley Pinot Noir, San Luis Obispo (llchan) nose of ash, orange rind, taste of berry, nutty finish, not my glass of wine, apparently other members concur #10 - so - ws	n/a	*

The Wine Club Saturday Tasting: Italian 2003/2/1

Year	Wine	Price	Rating
1996	Dal forno Romano Valpolicella Classico, Valpolicella Classico n/a - so - ws	71.99	****
1998	Allegrini Amarone, Amarone ***** - so - ws	49.99	n/a
1999	Bussola Valpolicella Classico, Valpolicella Classico n/a - so - ws	24.99	***
1999	Allegrini Lagrola, n/a n/a - so - ws	15.99	**
1999	Zenato Ripassa, n/a Ripassa is a wine made from a combination of Valpolicella Classico and Amarone. Very interesting flavor and depth. http://www.winebow.com/shortdet.asp?ID=215 - so - ws	14.99	****

Trip to Silver Oak, Opus One, Heitz for Dominique articles 2003/2/12

Year	Wine	Price	Rating
1998	Silver Oak, Alexander Valley cassis, dark chocolate, jammy nose. flavor of blackberry mid palate tannin, alcoholic - throat-warming, an underlying hint of licorice and cedar wood, mid body, long buttery finish. Towards the simple side. Between 3 and 4 stars. - so - ws	60.00	***
1998	Silver Oak, Napa Valley Backward nose of cassis and raspberry, full body, concentrated blackcherry vanilla flavor, tangy, very long toasty oak finish. - so - ws	100.00	****
1999	Opus One, Napa Valley extreme strong nose of cassis, spice (nutmeg) and fresh french oak. Probably the strongest nose I've tasted ever. Silky smooth body, blackcurrant, tasty oak, smoky, coffee, earth. Long long earthy finish. A general impression of harmony. A wine to die for. The 1998 was disappointing. This vintage definitely brings back their reputation to show how Napa Valley wine can be on top of the world. - so - ws	150	*****
1999	Heitz Napa Valley Cabernet, Napa Valley red cherry, raspberry, cassis nose; cherry, mint flavor, med body, med finish. Fresh youthful impression. - so - ws	30	***
1998	Heitz Bella Oaks Cabernet, Napa Valley plummy, cassis nose; spicy, acidic, violet, strawberry flavor, med to full body, long jammy finish. The 1997 vintage shows a much better Heitz minty characteristic and more depth. A very good wine but as compare to the 97, this is lacking behind. A general impression of seriousness, feeling of sipping wine in a dark quiet midnight - so - ws	75	****
1998	Heitz Martha's Vineyard Cabernet, Napa Valley plummy, cherry, jammy nose, full body, vanilla oak, quite simple, there is surprisingly few hints of the famous Heitz eucalyptus feature that I could detect even in the 1999 Napa Valley Cab, one more proof that 98 is such a difficult, irregular vintage. The only minty hint is in the long fruity finish. - so - ws	125	****

K&L Saturday Tasting: Pinot Noir New Arrivals 2003/3/1

Year	Wine	Price	Rating
2000	Erath Pinot Noir, Oregon med body, fruity, alcoholic, berry, acidic, a bit of grassiness, amazingly long finish as compare to the body. - so - ws	12.99	***
2000	Ramsay Lot #15 Pinot Noir, California cherry, strawberry, juicy, with a hint of licorice, light body, pale color - so - ws	11.99	***
2000	Willakenzie Estate Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley a purple hue, orange peel, strawberry, a bit bitter on the finish at back and side palate. Perhaps will get better with airing, but currently it is unpleasant - so - ws	19.99	**
2000	Handley Pinot Noir, Anderson Valley currant, raspberry, med to full body, pleasant nice finish - so - ws	19.99	***
2000	Rex Hill Pinot Noir, n/a oaky, tight, tannic, not open yet, hard to judge - so - ws	21.99	***
2000	Robert Sinskey Pinot Noir, Los Carneros very light ruby color, berry, oak, good biting texture, but not depth, overly oaked. Disappointing with this price. - so - ws	22.99	***
1999	Domaine Serene Evenstad Reserve Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley complex earthy cherry, chalky, full body, great long finish, worth the price - so - ws	44.99	****
2001	Lewis Pinot Noir, Napa Valley first effort from Lewis for this varietal, and coming from a region that is not generally suited for Pinot either. Typical powerful, spicy Lewis style with strong aroma of earth and meat, prune, fig, strawberry flavor, full body. Not as elegant as Domaine Serene of the same price. But a great effort nonetheless. - so - ws	44.99	****

Vicky's bday, tasting at Pau's. Poon's theory on monkey touching and Kum Lau Gwun. 2003/3/1

Year	Wine	Price	Rating
1999	Chappellet Pritchard Hill Estate Cabernet, Napa Valley Originally priced at $99.99, the aroma has strong blackcurrant, berry, vanilla with a hint of eucalyptus and anise. Extremely powerful and tight, evolving beautifully in the palate. - so - ws	59.99	****
2000	Shafer Napa Valley Merlot, Napa Valley dark chocolate, anise, cigar, raspberry, spice. Med body, a little over ripe giving an off-dry illusion - so - ws	30	***
1997	Robert Mondavi Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley Raymond brought this wine which has been Vicky and Pau's wedding wine. Starting to show signs of flattening. Generally pleasant with plummy flavor, aroma is fading. - so - ws	22	**
1999	Chateau St. Jean Merlot, Sonoma Simple fruit and plain structure. Unimpressive but pleasant. - so - ws	17	**

rehearsal for Xmas dinner. Shrimp toast must not be baked. Too moist. Frying will make mositure evaporate faster. Baking makes moisture settle in bread... ugly. Truffled fried rice is a success. 2002/12/21

Year	Wine	Price	Rating
1998	Le Strette Barbera d'Alba, Barbera d'Alba Well worth the price. Acidic, but in a nice way. A lot of berry flavor, and distinctively herbal. Woody but not exactly oak. Pine, perhaps. A hint of tar and butter - so - ws	12.99	***

bigland treats at my home. I made Chinese style dinner, first time! 2002/3/30

Year	Wine	Price	Rating
1988	Margaux Margaux, Margaux aroma: plum, cedar, thyme, smoke, lavender. Flavor: berry, vanilla, med body, silky sandalwood finish. Very very long finish that never finishes! - so - ws	199.95	*****

K&L Saturday Tasting: Bordeaux 2002/1/5

Year	Wine	Price	Rating
1998	Cantelys Blanc, Pessac-Leognan oaky, nutty, citrus, full body, fig, smoke - so - ws	16.99	**
1999	Les Grands Marechaux, Cotes de Blaye Acidic, berry, toasty, Burgundy style - so - ws	10.99	**
1999	La Fleur de Jaugue, St. Emilion roasted coffee, meaty - so - ws	19.95	**
1998	Pavillon Rouge due Chateau Margaux, Margaux dark chocolate, full body, blackberry, tobacco, vanilla aftertaste - so - ws	39.95	****
1998	Cantelys Rouge, Pessac-Leognan acidic, extracting, berry, Burgundy style - so - ws	16.99	**
1998	Beychevelle, St. Julien raspberry, tannic, bit of coffee, spicy, lamb meat? - so - ws	32.95	***
1996	Chateau Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande, Pauillac tobacco, olive, silky, berry, balanced, long finish, sweet oak - so - ws	99.95	****
1998	Rieussec Sauternes, Sauternes soupy, syrupy, coconut, guava - so - ws	36.95	****

In-joy prep meeting 2002/3/23

Year	Wine	Price	Rating
1999	Freemark Abbey Sangiovese, Napa Valley raspberry, violet, cherry, somewhat one dimensional - so - ws	n/a	***
1998	Penfolds Bin 389, South Australia blueberry, vanilla, anise nose, also tasted blackberry, med to full concentration, med to long finish. - so - ws	18.95	****
1998	Justin Isosceles, Paso Robles strawberry, plummy, black cherry, minerals, jammy full body, some pepper spice, velvety fiish. A little little hints of salty blackcurrant finish. - so - ws	40.00	****

K&L Saturday Tasting: Italian 2002/1/12

Year	Wine	Price	Rating
1999	Rosso di Montepulciano, Tuscany acidic, tannic, woody - so - ws	13.99	*
1997	Vallagarina Merlot, Trentino soft plummy, tannic, anise, bitter finish, no depth - so - ws	12.99	**
1999	Rosso Piceno Superiore "Rosso del Nonno", Marches cherry, raspberry, plum, lots of fruit no depth - so - ws	17.99	**
1998	N'Antia, Tuscany fragrant, bit truffle, raspberry, toasty, salty - so - ws	24.99	***
1998	Vignaalta, Tuscany Foul smelling flowers, mineral, oak - so - ws	29.99	**
1998	Chianti Classico "Monsenese", Toscana violet, jam, extraction, full body, italian spice, tarragon - so - ws	n/a	*****
1996	Casalferro, Toscana truffle, earth, mushroom, acidic - so - ws	29.99	***
1999	Infinito, Tuscany plummy, cassis, currant, alcoholic - so - ws	36.99	****
1999	Barbera d'Alba "Scarrone", Piedmont truffle, floral, currant - so - ws	34.99	***
1999	Barbera d'Alba Superiore "Funtani", Piedmont truffle, floral, raisin, wood - so - ws	31.99	****

K&L Saturday Tasting: Rhone Valley 2002/3/23

Year	Wine	Price	Rating
2000	Vin de pays des Collines Rhodaniennes, Rhone a bit of meat, pepper, blackcurrant, however, rather 1-dimensional, alcoholic - so - ws	9.99	**
1999	Monsieur Paul, Cairanne, Cotes du Rhone Villages sushi soy sauce aroma, full body, lots of spice, very long finish, very coarse tannin. An interesting wine to try. - so - ws	13.99	***
1999	Cuvee Prestige, Rasteau, Cotes due Rhone Villages yeaty, cheesy, bad wine. Opened two bottles, same taste. Most other tasters think it is a great wine. Fifteen-dollar great wine? - so - ws	15.99	*
1999	Domaine Cecile Chassagne, Gigondas simple raspberry, tannic yet watery. My taste may be thrown off by the previous wine, this may be ranked ** instead of *. But... I won't buy it in either case. - so - ws	14.95	*
1999	Domaine de Saint-Prefert, Chateauneuf-du-Pape very light color, grassy, raspberry, pleasant - so - ws	14.95	***
1999	Domaine de Marcoux, Chateauneuf-du-Pape sweet port aroma, full body, salty, tannic - so - ws	27.99	**
1999	Cuvee Confiance, Rasteau, Cotes du Rhone Villages very pleasant, aroma of raspberry and currants, very long finish, chalky texture - so - ws	19.99	****
1995	La Chapelle, Hermitage complex aromas composed of wood, spice and pepper, very tannic and tight. Not ready to drink yet. - so - ws	79.00	****

Hong Kong 2/14/2002 - 3/10/2002 2002/3/8

Year	Wine	Price	Rating
1998	Stag's Leap Wine Cellars Fay Cabernet, Napa Valley musky, peony, plummy nose, extremely balanced, toasty oak, full body, long black currant finish, a hint of eucalyptus. - so - ws	69.95	*****
1997	Elderton "Command" Shiraz, Barossa Valley extremely strong nose. Aroma of dry raisin, black fruit, mocha and toasty oak. Taste a little bit salty, mineral, fruity, spicy, peppery, with a long herbal, minty finish. Tannic. Should try in 10 years. - so - ws	480HKD	****
1994	Chateau Clerc Milon, Pauillac earthy, mineral, some black fruit, biting tannins, velvety body, rather simple, fresh herbs, beefy finish. - n/a - ws	n/a	***
1996	Carruades de Lafite, Pauillac green pepper, smoke, tobacco, soft tannin, blackberry, medium finish, towards the simple side. - so - ws	440HKD	***
1998	Penfolds Bin 389, South Australia plummy, toasty oak, lavender, long finish, nice acidity, peppery, spicy, vanilla/cream. - so - ws	n/a	****
1998	Wynns Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, Coonawarra very concentrated blackcurrant, raspberry, blueberry, vanilla, metallic, minty, very exotic herbs, lavender, cilantro, long tannic finish, very complex. A little unbalanced and slightly acidic/alcholic making it unable to attain the highest score. - so - ws	n/a	****
1999	Chateau Lynch-Bages, Pauillac classic bordeaux coffee, dark chocolate, black currant, cherry, pine wood, very balanced, very long finish, soupy body, soft silky tannin. - so - ws	n/a	*****

After Heart of the Valley Barrel Tasting 2002. Gift from Daniel Fung 2002/3/16

Year	Wine	Price	Rating
2001	B&B China Mead, n/a Aroma like Chinese grocery store, "salt-sour-vegetable", mushroom and then turn honey. Taste is simple honey and floral, mid to full body. see www.chinamead.com - so - ws	n/a	*

Dominique Fung's family visit at So's 2001/12/29

Year	Wine	Price	Rating
1999	Mount Eden Cabernet, Santa Cruz Mountain blackcurrant, smoky, raspberry, tea-leaves, herbs, earth, tobacco, licorice, cassis, perfume. Very complex. Only medium finish and medium concentration, a pity. - so - ws	29.99	****
2000	Kalinda Cabernet, Dry Creek Valley cassis, cranberry, raspberry, strawberry, crisp, pleasantly acidic with a mild mineral tone, simple but pleasant. - so - ws	14.99	***
1997	Chateau Souverain Winemaker's Reserve Cabernet, Alexander Valley plummy, blueberry, focus, blackberry core, anise, full body, long tannic finish. - so - ws	39.99	*****

man-man-has-wine-drink reunion at Raymond's 2001/12/16

Year	Wine	Price	Rating
1998	Duckhorn Napa Merlot, Napa dried fruit, plum, leather, licorice, vanilla, good finish but somewhat bitter. Somewhat flatter than previous tastings. - so - ws	35	***
1999	Duckhorn Napa Merlot, Napa cassis, licorice, cherry, powerful but soft tannic, full body - so - ws	42	****
1996	Beringer Private Reserve Cabernet, Napa violet, blackberry, plummy, cassis, long finish, soft but very nicely integrated - so - ws	67	*****
1997	Beringer Private Reserve Cabernet, Napa blackcurrant, black cherry, plum, fig, floral, extracting, anise, licorice, mineral, long long finish, extremely unusual - so - ws	82	****
1998	St. Clement Oroppas, Napa caramel, toffee, jammy, cherry, cassis, sweet finish, a little bit of spice - so - ws	35	*****
1999	St. Clement Oroppas, Napa toffee, blackcurrant, jammy, balanced acidity, slightly chalky, full body, spice - so - ws	35	*****
1998	Grgich Hills Zinfandel, California peppery, astringent, full body almost soupy, black cherry, dried tea leaves - so - ws	19	****

K&L Saturday Tasting: Southern Hemisphere 2001/12/15

Year	Wine	Price	Rating
2001	Konrad & Conrad Sauvignon Blanc, New Zealand Citrus, grassy, cat p, med to full body, nice finish - so - ws	13.99	***
2000	Glen Garlou Chardonnay, S. Africa Honey, nutty, very full body, leathery - so - ws	12.95	****
1999	Margan Semillon, Australia Smoky, acidic, citrus, bitter herbs - so - ws	12.95	**
2001	Lawson's Dry Hills Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough lemony, complex, acidic, full body, a little yeasty - so - ws	11.49	***
2001	Huia Pinot Gris, New Zealand Limey, mushroomy, concentrated, spicy - so - ws	14.95	***
1999	Mountford Pinot Noir, New Zealand spicy, orange peel, raspberry, smoky, long long finish, tannic - so - ws	27.99	****
1998	Pike's Cabernet Sauvignon, Australia Smoky, slightly acidic, pinewood, violet - so - ws	19.95	***
1999	Groot Constantia Gouverneurs Reserve, S. Africa Smoky, licorice, berry, spicy, oaky - so - ws	16.95	***
2000	Clonakilla Hilltops Shiraz, Australia boysenberry, peppery, a bit sulphur, dry, dusty, coarse tannin - so - ws	18.95	**
1999	Dutschke St. Jakobi Shiraz, Barossa full body, violet, blackberry, concentrated, white pepper, long finish, powerful tannins, complex - so - ws	29.95	*****
2001	Mount Horrocks Late Harvest Riesling, Australia floral, honey, full body, complex, sweet spices, mandarin orange - so - ws	24.99 (half)	****

Ronald/Athena treated Beluga and Osetra Caviar 2001/11/23

Year	Wine	Price	Rating
1998	J. Lohr Hilltop Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Paso Robles blueberry, blackberry, violet, fruity, licorice, well balanced and slightly meaty. med to full body, med to long finish. Less elegant than '97 and less stable. - so - ws	30.99	****

Thanksgiving dinner at Pau's 2001/11/22

Year	Wine	Price	Rating
1997	St. Clement Oroppas, Napa Valley toasty, chalky, tannic, simple blackberry/strawberry aroma, peppery, balanced but not impressive - so - ws	n/a	***
1997	J. Lohr Hilltop Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Paso Robles cranberry, blueberry, cherry, long finish, concentrated and balanced. Creamy full body - so - ws	22.99	*****
1998	Delectus Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley bell pepper, currants, meat, anise, med body, strong tannins but not overwhelming - so - ws	44.99	****
1996	Domaine De Gartieux, Pauillac bell pepper, silky, black fruit, toasty oak, velvety tannin, licorice and spice, soft - so - ws	19.95	***

Excuse Club Nov 18 tasting: Crystal's Choice at Ronald/Athena's 2001/11/18

Year	Wine	Price	Rating
1999	Shafer Merlot, Napa Valley garnet purple, soft tannins, somewhat bitter in mid palate, blackcurrant, spicy, classic california blend, full body - so - ws	30.99	****
1997	Les Launes, Crozes-Hermitage garnet/brown, earthy, salty, dried fruit, Rhone blend - so - ws	10.00	**
1999	St. Clement Oroppas, Napa Valley toffee, dark chocolate, extremely full body, velvety like soup, violet, pencil lead, blackberry, tea. Extremely complex yet blended unusually elegantly for such a young wine. Impressive! - so - ws	34.99	*****
1999	Cuilleron, Gaillard, Villard, Cote Rotie floral, raspberry - so - ws	32.99	***
1998	Brutocao Cabernet Sauvignon, Mendocino tannic, mineral, plummy, chalky, cherry, a bit herbal, parsley - so - ws	n/a	***

1111 party (Poon's bday and housewarming) 2001/5/12

Year	Wine	Price	Rating
1997	Toad Hall Bodacious, Napa Valley minty nose, raspberry, eucalyptus, chalky, long oaky finish. A bit of banana flavor after airing. Very unusual. - so - ws	45	****
1999	Francis Coppola Director's Reserve Merlot, Napa Valley plummy and fig, fruity, very soft tannins but powerful. med body. med to long finish. - so - ws	25	***
1997	Gallo of Sonoma Zinfandel, Dry Creek Valley tea leaves, plummy, rather hollow in middle, simple - so - ws	n/a	**
1996	Gallo Sonoma Frei Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Dry Creek Valley brown, cloudy, soft and fruity, a bit "old", blackberry and oak, med finish. - so - ws	21	***
1997	Galante Red Rose Hill Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmel Valley violet, black currant, very tannic, astringent, powerful, very long finish, hints of coffee and earth. - so - ws	n/a	****

K&L Saturday Tasting: Burgundy 2001/5/12

Year	Wine	Price	Rating
1999	St. Martin Chablis, Chablis apple, grassy, pineapple, concentrated, crisp, tart - so - ws	16.95	***
1999	Domaine Marc Colin 1er cru, Saint Aubin "Les Combes" smoky, full body, tart, grapefruit - so - ws	29.99	***
1999	Pinot Fin, Bourgogne cherry, olive, floral, cedar - so - ws	19.99	**
1999	Domaine Jean Noel Gagnard 1er Cru, Chassagne Montrachet "Morgeot" blackcherry, violet, strawberry, long finish but quite simple - so - ws	22.99	***
1998	Domaine Denis Bachelet, Gevrey Chambertin earthy, mineral, bay leaves, raspberry - so - ws	36.99	***
1999	Frederic Magnien, Morey St. Denis "Les Herbuottes" strawberry, raspberry, violet, alcoholic - so - ws	39.95	***
1999	Domaine Anne Gros, Chambolle Musigny "Combe d'Orveau" bay leaves, licorice, raspberry, long finish - so - ws	59.99	***

At KK & Crystal 2001/10/20

Year	Wine	Price	Rating
1998	Mount Eden Old Vine Reserve Cabernet, Santa Cruz Mountains Cassis, chocolate, black currants, herb bouquet, soft tannins, lacking finish. A lot like the regular Estate Cabernet. - so - ws	44.99	***
1997	Spring Mountain Miravalle-LaPerla-Chevalier, Napa Valley earthy, mocha, black fruit, very long finish, coarse tannic, smoky. - so - ws	45	****
1996	Matrix, Dry Creek Valley raspberry, metallic, rather thin body, vegetal, no finish - so - ws	n/a	*

K&L Saturday Tasting: Bordeaux 2001/10/27

Year	Wine	Price	Rating
2000	Saint Jean des Graves Blanc, Medoc Citrus, acidic but pleasant - so - ws	8.99	**
1999	Chateau Beaumont, Haut Medoc Simple, toasty currants, good finish, light-mid body - so - ws	12.99	***
1996	Domaine De Gartieux, Pauillac bell pepper, cigar box, nicely acidic, black currants, very soft, non-tannic. Gartieux is Pichon-Leland's 3rd label. - so - ws	19.95	***
1997	Chateau Lynch-Bages, Paulliac Concentrated cherry, blackberry, floral, complex, mid body, mid-long finish. - so - ws	34.95	****
1997	Chateau Leoville Barton, Saint Julien very concentrated cigar, black cherry, black currants, burned, tannic, full body. - so - ws	34.99	****
1998	Chateau Lynch-Bages, Paulliac floral bouquet, meaty, velvety, full body, cherry, berry, purple color, not tannic. - so - ws	43.95	****
1998	Chateau Latour, Paulliac extremely full body, tannic, complex, berry fruit, pencil lead, violet - so - ws	135.95	****
1999	Alter Ego de Palmer, Margaux full body, red fruit, a bit bitter and vegetal. - so - ws	30.95	***