Terrazas Malbec 2008

Argentina Malbec. Ordered in an Indian restaurant hence thought it'd be a stronger wine in that context (trusted the restaurant to 'pre-pair' their wines w menu). But what came was a rather mellow medium-bodied Malbec. Nose was attractive w carrassing warm rich berry scents - v good and promising. On the palate, not as full as I expected from an Argentine Malbec, mouthfeel more like Cab Sauv in a cool year - quite atypical. But roundness improved a bit in the glass, however it never became assertive enough and was easily overwhelmed by the Indian food we had. Acidity also noticeably out of balance. Moderately enjoyable wine for S$80 (US$60+). Will not pay more than $35 retail for it (7.5/10).

Clos des Prince 2001

St Emilion GC. Q a solid right banker - it has all the textbook Bordeaux elements - tannic backbone w a touch of fruit. Not your usual New World fruit bombs. Still dark garnet in colour despite a decade of bottle age. Nose is adequately open - w weak scent of warm berries. Rounded palate, q enjoyable, even trying to impress w some complexity peeking through at the end but not enough to make it great. Finishes off with a ok length. Not a powerhouse but definitely a decent wine for a decent price (7.7/10).

Les Allees de Cantemerle 2005

2nd wine of Ch Cantemerle, Haut Medoc 5GCC. 2005 is a celebrated Bordeaux vintage and it shows. Remarkably expressive nose of dark fruits, although some obtrusive alcohol still evident. In the mouth, attack is intense followed by a rounded texture that is mouth-coating w overtones of sweet blackcurrants. Tannins and acid in check. Keeps building in the mouth and complexity kicking in after 5 secs. A big wine. Powering towards an enormous 15 sec finish. Great value - the Grand Vin should easily at least be 3GCC quality (8.7/10).

Chasse Spleen 2008

Moulis AOC. In the same vein as Sociendo Mallet, Siran, etc. - Performing at GCC level although officially unclassified. Second experiece with the CS 2008, first being at UGC tasting earlier this year. Nose of restrained berries and some cool floral elements. Q austere at first in the mouth, but develops roundness and complexity in the mouth. Medium body Acid, tannins and fruit all in great balance, only slightly bitter tannins at finish. V forward wine, only 3 years old and it's already enjoyable, may be the 50% Merlot that's responsible. Cru Classe standard as popularly asserted? Definitely, easily a 4GCC in quality (8.3/10).

Kaiken Ultra 2006

Mendoza, Argentina Cab Sauv. Dabbling again in the New World. This is an okay specimen, nowhere near great. Very youthful deep purple color. V dense when swirled in the glass, thick legs. First whiff overwhelming alcohol, this remained dominant until the last galss where some black fruits began to peek. Very strong on the palate, to the point of overpowering. Brute tannins dominant, although there are attractive black fruit components in the background. Strong but unrefined finish. Unbalanced and over extracted but still defnitely superior to your everyday supermarket variety (7.3/10).

Separately, my experience w S American & Australian wines has been terrible headaches the day after, even if only a moderate quantity is consumed. Was told it was due to too much sulphites added? Don't seem to have the same nasty experience w good Bordeaux btls....