I am out of the bin so, as promised, here are my brief notes from the aborted trip to France. On our first day we had:
Chassagne-Montrachet Premier Cru Morgeot 2001, Moreau et fils
Quite direct, some nice weight, though, but not terribly complex. It had been opened for a day.
Puligny-Montrachet 2000, Domaine Leflaive
Nice creamy nose, quite mineral. Palate has fresh acidity but the creamy texture of Leflaive. A very nice village Puligny.
Chassagne-Montrachet Premier Cru Champs-Gains 2001, Moreau et fils
Very direct, linear palate, acidity quite high and not much fat. It is ok, but hardly thrilling.
Puligny-Montrachet Premier Cru Folatieres 2000, Paul Pernot
A very nutty, lemony nose, with a complex interplay of fruit, flowers and minerality. The palate has a lot to offer. It has weight, breadth, but with really good acidity. It is quite youthful. Fine and stylish, top bunny.
Hermitage 1996, J-L Chave
Lovely perfumed nose, quite Burgundian fruit to it. It is really earthy and complex. Very stylish nose: lovely. The palate is very voluptuous, round and giving. Quite delicious and fruity. This is really complex. Very long. Excellent wine, super top bunny.
Crozes-Hermitage 1996, Alain Graillot
Very peppery, spicy, plummy nose. Smells (and looks) quite young. Hints of cheap cologne. Plate is quite smooth with reasonable length and complexity. It is really very good.
Riesling Erdener Pralat Auslese Goldkapsel 1997, Dr Loosen
Very botrytic. Very forward on the nose. Quite heavy. Lacks a bit of zip, focus and purity. It is just a bit dull, really.