Sommelier Selection 2013 Wine List RED WINE-Bordeaux France
Sommelier Selection 2013 Wine List RED WINE-Burgundy France
Sommelier Selection 2013 Wine List RED WINE-Other Regions in France
Sommelier Selection 2013 Wine List RED WINE- Italy
Sommelier Selection 2013 Wine List RED WINE-Spain
Sommelier Selection 2013 Wine List RED WINE-Regions Around the World
Sommelier Selection 2013 Wine List WHITE WINE- France Burgundy
Sommelier Selection 2013 Wine List WHITE WINE- France – Bordeaux and Other Regions
Sommelier Selection 2013 Wine List WHITE WINE-Whites Wines from Around the World
Sommelier Selection 2013 Wine List champagne-Champagne and Sparkling Wine
Sommelier Selection 2013 Wine List champagne-VINTAGE CHAMPAGNE
2010 Château Cerestin La Lande, Mèdoc
PHP 2,700
Equal parts of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot from 30-year-old vines produced a well-balanced wine that captialized on the virtues of a great vintage where ripeness was balanced out to perfection by fresh acidity. This wine is delicious already but it will continue to improve with age for 10 years, or more. No doubt, this classic Bordeaux red wine will be enjoyed with duck, lamb, roasted red meat or game and of course, a nice juicy steak.
2009 Château Haut Brignot, Mèdoc
PHP 1,900
Stury wine made from 55% Cabernet Sauvignon and 45% Merlot with mostlu old vines with low yields producing concentrated flavors. The resulting wine is rich, structured with good ripeness and the kind of concentration expected from one of the most revered vinage of the least 5 decades and ageing power that will ultimately imbue harmony into the wine. For now, enjoy the wine for its juicy plum and lbackberry aromas, a mouthfeel of smoothness amid firm round tannins, easily a match for richer dishes.
2006 Château Ludeman la Côte, Graves
PHP 2,300
The early-ripening zones like Pomerol and Graves fared well, and despite the difficulties of the year (cool damp August and the threat of rot) this was a successful vintage for Graves classed growths. The Merlot was picked at a good level of ripeness before the Sept rain could cause damage, and the Cabernet Sauvignon concentrated in late-season sunshine. The wines have a good depth of fruit, fresh acidity and strong tannins. Consistent with the friendly demeanour common to the fine wines of Graves, the 2006 Château Ludeman la Côte is more than ample on the palate as well as on the nose.
2005 Château Jalousie-Beaulieu, Bordeaux Superieur
PHP 1,300
Their beautifully structured supple and flavoursome wine is made from ‘noble’ varieties – Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. Perhaps because the vines are tended with such unusual affection their response is to yield the most remarkably ripe and healthy fruit. Château Jalousie Beaulieu is the leading producer of Bordeaux Supérieur in the southern region of France. The blend of 70% Merlot, 11% Cabernet sauvignon and 19% Cabernet franc produced a wine with elegant smell and ripe but subtle tannins. Many prefer to pair this fine claret with cooked meats, poultry, red meat, cheese.
2005 Château Meyre, Cru Bourgeois, Haut-Mèdoc
PHP 2,800
A skillful blend of 40% Cabernet 35% Merlot plus some Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, all hand-picked followed up another sorting in the winery, resulting in a wine that is balanced and elegant with ripe fruit flavors, good acidity held up by a firm structure ripe tannins and flavored by 12 months of 30-40% new oak. Obviously well above its class, the wine is drinking beautifully now but destined for even better times in years to come. Enjoy this one with lamb, steak and grilled red meat, or if you like, sipped slowly over some fine music or a good film in the comfort of your living room.
2003 Château Les Tuilieres, Bordeaux
PHP 1,500
Marked by heatwave that resulted in early harvest of very ripe grapes, 2003 produced rich, fruit-filled wines, often with high alcohol. Cabernet Sauvignon withstood the extreme summer heat better than Merlot. In general the ripeness of the wines coupled with lower acidity levels mean shorter cellaring time. All the 2003s are drinking very well today.
2000 Château Angelus, Premier Grand Cru Classé A, St. Émilion
PHP 45,000
Château Angelus has one of the longer histories in the St. Emilion appellation, some 700 years old, and is considered one of the top estates in the entire Right Bank (St. Emilion and Pomerol). Vineyard is planted to 50% Merlot and 47% Cabernet Franc with 3% Cabernet Sauvignons on two unique types of soil. Clay with limestone and clay with sand and limestone that is located on the sloping hillsides. The vines average close to 38 years of age. The grapes are hand picked and sorted three times and only 7000 cases are produced each year. Fans of Angeles enjoy the wine for its silky velvety texture and its ability to age well for many years.. It’s a rich, full bodied and concentrated Bordeaux wine filled with luscious, opulent, spicy dark fruit, licorice, spice and truffle.
2000 Château d’Issan, 3eme Cru Classé, Margaux
PHP 8,800
Chateau D’Issan is located in the Margaux appellation of Bordeaux. The vineyards date back to the 12th century, but it was not until the Cruse family took over the estate in 1945 that the true potential of the vineyards was revealed. Today, Emmanuel Sr. and Marguerite Cruse run the estate with true passion towards the whole wine making process. They make continual improvements to both the vineyard and the technical aspects of winemaking. The vineyard is made up of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon and 35% Merlot making it authentically Margaux!
1999 Château Gruaud Larose, 2eme Cru
Classé, St. julien
PHP 8,900
Since the 1980s, Gruard Larose has been held by groups of institutional investors before coming into the hands of the Merlant family in 1997. The vines are in a single block on a rise consisting of deep red gravel. Georges Pauli and his team have been responsible for winegrowing since 1970. Due to their expert care, Gruard Larose’s soil is able to express its full potential. The wine is more than ever worthy of its Second Growth status in the 1855 classification. The 1999 Gruard Larose delivers lots of blackberry, mineral and mint on the nose. Full-bodied, with plenty of fruit and racy, polished tannins on the finish. This wine is quite enjoyable now but collectors will bring home an extra bottle or two to cellar for a few more years also.
1999 Château Langoa Barton, 3eme Cru
Classé, St. Julien
PHP 8,200
The blend of Cabernet Sauvgnon 72%, Merlot Noir 20%, Cabernet Franc 8% produces a wine that is typical of the Saint-Julien area, well balanced wines with subtle bouquets and flavors; the emphasis being on elegance and finesse rather than on power and extraction. Famous 2nd growth Léoville Barton is made at Langoa Barton because there is no château at Léoville Barton. Barton uses only a small amount of the supple, fleshy Merlot in his blends, keeping the proportion of Cabernet Sauvignon high.
1999 Château Leoville Barton, 2eme Cru,Classé
PHP 14,000
The family secret, however, is that there is no Chateau at Leoville-Barton at all. Grapes from the 47 hectare vineyard are vinified in the cuvee of neighboring Chateau Langoa-Barton. Vineyard being planted to 72% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot and 8% Cabernet Franc, reflects the Barton’s vinous ideology: traditionally styled, Cabernet dominated St. Juliens. The resulting wine is rich, and densely concentrated with compelling fruit complexity, enticing inner-mouth perfume and suave tannins. Though rarely hard in its youth, the wine is capable of extended aging for decades.
1999 Château Marquis d’Alesme-Becker, 3eme Cru Classé, Margaux
PHP 8,300
Typical of Margaux, the delicate aroma of dark forest fruit leads to a full-bodied, but not heavy, wine this is a complex blend of grapes and flavours that has nothing going against it. Not as harsh as some Margaux’s are, this wine needs to be savoured in the mouth to explore its full taste. This is a soft, fruity wine, with blackberry, coffee and light vanilla on the nose and palate. Full, with very velvety tannins and a long, flavorful finish. One could drink it with good red meat that will stand up to the superb wine.
1998 Château Bolderon, Haut-Mèdoc
PHP 2,900
Despite some late rains during harvest, the vintage produced some very good quality wine. Although the 1998 Médocs are not the ripest wines of the decade, they have both length and balance. These are not flashly wines but they will continue to show well for some years to come. Haut-Medoc wines with a higher Merlot content in the blend faired very well.
1997 ChâteauFerriere, 3eme Cru Classé, Margaux
PHP 8,200
Château Ferriere is Médoc’s smallest Cru Classé chateau. The soils comprise deep swathes of very typical Garonne gravel, over a chalk marl, and they are planted with 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot and 5% Petit Verdot. The average vine age is 35 years. Due to both its size and the extraordinary care taken during the winemaking process, Château Ferrière is a rare wine, highly valued by connoisseurs. The wine offers impressive depth of fruit and character on the nose: blackberries, light vanilla, flowers, spices. In the mouth, it is full-bodied, with excellent tannins that caress the palate.
1996 Château Le Boscq, Cru Bourgeois, St. Estephe
PHP 3,900
Château Le Boscq is a Cru Bourgeois wine estate in the St Estephe appellation in Bordeaux , and has been owned by Dourthe which part of the CVBG group – one of the leading négociant companies in Bordeaux – since 1995. The wine is well-balanced with fresh bouquet of dark fruits and subtly roasted, oaky notes. The wine is round on the attack and well-structured on the palate, revealing a tannic structure enveloped in concentrated, ripe flesh. The dense, tight texture on the finish signals a wine with great ageing potential.
1996 Château Clinet, Pomerol
PHP 8,500
Château Clinet makes up one of the most prestigious terroirs of the appellation, set as it is upon the best parcels of the renowned gravel terraces of Gunz, terroir of the greatest Merlots in the world. The vineyard is planted to 85% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Cabernet Franc. The wine is aged in 60% new oak barrels and 40% one-wine oak barrels. Only 3000-4000 cases are produced each year. The 1996 is a backward, muscular, highly-extracted wine with a boatload of tannin. The saturated plum/purple color is followed by an aggressively oaky nose with scents of roasted coffee, blackberries, and prunes. It is somewhat of a freak for a 1996 Pomerol given its richness, intensity, and overripe style. The wine was extremely closed for the first five years, but bottle age helped it to evolve with the tannin fully integrating itself into the wine’s concentrated style.
1996 Château Muret, Haut-Mèdoc
PHP 3,600
1996 was an uneventful year which is a blessing for Bordeaux. This resulted in classic wines like this Château Muret that ages beauifully by virtue of good acidity and a firm structure. Still with many years of life ahead, the wine is already drinking nicely and is mellow enough to pair with a very nice steak or lamb.
1995 Château Grand Puy Ducasse, 5eme Cru Classé, Pauillac
PHP 9,500
This 5th Growth Pauillac is made from a blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Merlot, 25-year-old vines planted on Garonne gravels and silica, typical of Pauillac, for the Cabernet Sauvignon, and sandy gravels for the Merlot. Grapes are hand picked and de-stemmed before fermenting in temperature controlled stainless-stell tanks followed up 24 months of 40%-new French Oak all under the consultancy of the famous Denis Dubourdieu.
1995 Château Grand Puy Ducasse, 5eme Cru Classé, Pauillac
PHP 18,000
This 5th Growth Pauillac is made from a blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Merlot, 25-year-old vines planted on Garonne gravels and silica, typical of Pauillac, for the Cabernet Sauvignon, and sandy gravels for the Merlot. Grapes are hand picked and de-stemmed before fermenting in temperature controlled stainless-stell tanks followed up 24 months of 40%-new French Oak all under the consultancy of the famous Denis Dubourdieu.
1995 Château Lynch Bages, 5eme Cru
Classé, Pauillac
PHP 16,000
The wine of Château Lynch-Bages is part of the lineage of the great Pauillac wines. The blend of 76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Franc, 2% Petit Verdot is aged in French oak barrels for 15 months (70% new wood). The wine combines structure and finesse, elegance and longevity. It is further distinguished by its opulence. Generous right from its youth, it develops more flavours and greater complexity as it matures. Château Lynch-Bages has been characterised by its extraordinary qualitative homogeneity. The 1995 vintage exhibits wonderful dark cherry and leather notes. Medium bodied with well-integrated tannins and a nice earthy spice on the finish. A true expression of a classic Lynch-Bages.
1994 Château Malescot St.-Exupery, 3eme Cru Classé, Margaux
PHP 9,000
The Zuger brothers have put much into the estate, improving quality, before handing over to Roger Zuger’s son, Jean-Luc. Under the Zuger’s the estate has grown to 23.5 ha, and many improvements and innovations have been implemented.The vineyards are planted with 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc and 5% Petit Verdot, planted to a density of up to 10000 vines/ha, with an average age of about 35 years. After 14-16 months in barrel the wine is bottled without fining or filtration. Chateau Malescot St-Exupéry produces 13,500 cases each year. The wines, in most wine lovers’ experience, have a quality that exceeds the property’s reputation and price tag.
1994 Château Reve d’Or, Pomerol
PHP 4,750
Proprietor Maurice Vigier plants this 7-hectare vineyard to 80% Merlot and 20% cabernet Sauvignon producing a mere 18000 bottles a year of classic right-bank red wine with ripe flavors of plum and a velvety texture typical of wines from Pomerol. This wine is a fine expression of Merlot grape variety, fleshy and mellow, well-rounded, dense, full-bodied but elegant and long. Best with a nice juicy steak but many other roasted or grilled red meat would do just fine.
1992 Château Priure-Lichine, 4eme Cru
Classé, Margaux
PHP 6,900
Famous and sometimes controversial wine consultant Michel Rolland guided this Grand Cru Classe Chateau to an unusually elegant rendition of a Margaux red wine, showing restraint and deep respect for its innate personality. 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 45% Merlot and 5% Petit Verdot is a classic left bank blend. Seriously wet summer in 1992 brought apprenhension to winemakers until dry periods showed up during harvest . Not a big wine by any measures, enjoy this matured Margaux for its fragance, understated charm, a good wine for savory food that is not too heavy.
1990 Château Bouscaut, Grand Cru Classé, Pessac-Leognan, Graves
PHP 4,800
A pretty famous Chateaux steeped in winemaking history dating back to 17th century, its wines are continued to preserve a slightly rustic personality what is expressive but retrained, primarily an expression of Merlot grown on sandy-gravel-clay soil with limestone bedrock. (White Bouscaut is a fantastic wine, round and fruity.) Wines of Pessace-Leognan and Graves are notably friendly and approachable but that doesn’t mean they are simple and shallow. These are structured wines with distinction. Good food accompaniments include grilled or roasted meat, stew and a nice juicy steak.
1990 Château Larose Trintaudon, Cru Bourgeois Superieur, Haut-Mèdoc
PHP 4,500
Elegant wine, subtle flavors, firm structure from the blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon with 40% Merlot supporting the wine for the slow ageing process that produces complexity and depth of flavors. This matured Bordeaux is a fine match for a really good steak, lamb, stews, grilled and braised meat. It is also a nice wine to sip and savor on its own.
1989 Château Palmer, 3eme Cru
Classé, Margaux
PHP 39,000
Château Palmer’s 52 hectares of croupes (knolls) of Garonne gravel are planted to 47% Cabernet Sauvignon, 47% Merlot and 6% Petit Verdot. Here, the tradition and evolving techniques have always gone hand in hand, and always with respect for the typical characteristics of this outstanding terroir. Finesse and elegance, typical of the great wines of Margaux, are the permanent trademarks of Château Palmer, characterized by the softness and refinement of silk, the warmth of velvet, and the leather of noblesse. The unusual combination of grape varieties – as much Merlot as Cabernet Sauvignon and a small amount of Petit Verdot – gives Château Palmer a bouquet of extraordinary complexity, with fruit, flowers, and spice wrapped in a fleshy and generous structure. The subtle balance between aromatic richness and powerful yet always restrained tannins makes Palmer a wine of incomparable charm in youth and in maturity.
1988 Château Gazin, Pomerol
PHP 9,500
The Château GAZIN vineyards cover 64.2 acres in a single lot, with 56.8 acres under vines, located on the renowned clay-gravel plateau of Pomerol. The estate can produce up to 100,000 bottles a year. The grapes are fermented in small cement vats. The wine is aged for 18 months in oak barrels (50% new) according to the Bordeaux tradition: malolactic fermentation in casks, rackings to separate the fine wine from the lees, fining with egg whites and, if necessary, light filtration. The wines offer aromas of charred wood, coffee, blackberry and cherry fruit, and new saddle leather. On the palate, it is full-bodied, dense, chewy, and intense, this muscular as well as backward vin de garde requires cellaring.
1988 Château Gloria, Cru Bourgeois, St. Julien
PHP 6,900
Very few experts will argue with the suggestion that Chateau Gloria definitely belongs in the list of Grand Cru Classe if there will ever be an update to this famous classiciation. As it stands today, this classic red wine from St. Julien remains a favorite among connoisseurs and wine collectors simply because it is reliable and a real joy to drink. Surprising soft and mellow considering its blend fo 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot and 5% cabernet Franc, but faithtul to the St. Julien style of wine, many would order a top-end steak or a nice poultry or game in red wine sauce to accompany the wine.
1986 Château de Malleret, Cru Bourgeois Superieur, Mèdoc
PHP 4,500
The blend of 54% Merlot. 41.5% Cabernet Sauvignon. 2.5% Petit Verdot produced a wine with a distiguished yet delicate nose full of refined fruit. On the palate the wine shows a balance of spice and woody notes, with flavours of fresh red berries. Subtle flavours and silky tannins persist with a balance and freshness which carries through to a superb finish. Popular food accompaniment includes rack of lamb, side of beef or cheese.
1985 Château Cos d’ Estournel, 2eme Cru
Classé, St. Estephe
PHP 21,000
Cos d’Estournel is without doubt the leading estate in St-Estéphe. It is located in the south of the appellation on the border with Pauillac and its vineyards are superbly sited on a south-facing gravel ridge with a high clay content, just north of Lafite. Cos d’Estournel is typically a blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 38% Merlot and 2% Cabernet Franc – do not be fooled by the relatively high Merlot content, as these are full-bodied, dark, brooding tannic wines when young which develop a complexity and intensity that can rival many top growths from Pauillac. The 1985 vintage offered earth, tobacco, spice, cassis and cranberry on the nose. This elegantly styled wine offers a lot of charm. Plums, tobacco, Asian spice and forest floor aromas tempt you. Light in style and fully mature, it’s a softer style of this estate, packed with finesse.
1985 Château Du Coursin, Bordeaux Superieur
PHP 2,900
1985 was a vineyard’s dream year, a practically problem-free growing season resulting in clean wines that are expressive and attractive. This humble Bordeaux Superieur punches far above its weight. The wine is soft, mellow and elegantly balanced, an excellent accompaniment to savory dishes and even those with a touch of heat or spice.
1983 Château Andron Blanquet, Cru Bourgeois Exceptionnel, St. Estèphe
PHP 5,100
Following a lacklustre period in the 1970’s, Bernard Audoy has brought this attractive 15-hectare property into the limelight in St. Estèphe. Situated next to Château Cos d’Estournel, the estate was purchased by the Audoy family (who also own Château Cos Labory) in 1971. This is classic St. Estèphe – assertive and powerful, yet with an intriguing supple, fleshy fruitiness and a deep colour. Château Andron Blanquet makes lovely very reliable succulent St Estèphe. Winemaking is similar to Château Cos Labory, a Grand Cru Classe but only 20% new oak is used. Made with a blend of 35% Merlot 30% Cabernet Sauvvignon 30% Cabernet Franc and 5% Petit Verdot, this wine is firm and deep, a fine accompaniment to a really nice steak.
1982 Château Cure Bon La Madeleine, Grand Cru Classé, St. Émilion
PHP 5,500
1982 was and still is a much heralded vintage ushering in the modern era of Parker wines. Château cure Bon La Madeleine is a small estate adjacent to the legendary Château Ausone. Considered a connoisseur’s wine, it is hardly seen outside of France . The wine is flavorful yet elegant and friendly with food, especially steaks and grilled meat.
1982 Château Grand Puy Ducasse, 5eme Cru Class, Pauillac
PHP 21,000
This 5th Growth Pauillac is made from a blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Merlot, 25-year-old vines planted on Garonne gravels and silica, typical of Pauillac, for the Cabernet Sauvignon, and sandy gravels for the Merlot. Grapes are hand picked and de-stemmed before fermenting in temperature controlled stainless-stell tanks followed up 24 months of 40%-new French Oak all under the consultancy of the famous Denis Dubourdieu.
1982 Château Leoville Barton, 2eme Cru
Classé, St. Julien
PHP 32,000
The family secret, however, is that there is no Chateau at Leoville-Barton at all. Grapes from the 47 hectare vineyard are vinified in the cuvee of neighboring Chateau Langoa-Barton. Vineyard being planted to 72% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot and 8% Cabernet Franc, reflects the Barton’s vinous ideology: traditionally styled, Cabernet dominated St. Juliens. The resulting wine is rich, and densely concentrated with compelling fruit complexity, enticing inner-mouth perfume and suave tannins. Though rarely hard in its youth, the wine is capable of extended aging for decades.
1982 Château Magence, Graves
PHP 6,000
A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Dark, rich fruit on the nose with a touch of cinnamon. The palate is unbelievably smooth and decadent with gravelly notes (hence Graves) and huge black berry and cassis hints. A wine that should not be missed from a vintage that is heralded as one of the most significant years in the last century. Now fully matured, the wine is a bit lighter with red fruit aromas and some herbal notes, the palate is on the lighter side, slightly austere and tight knit with medium finish.
1978 Château Angelus, Premier Grand Cru Classé A, St. Émilion
PHP 25,000
Château Angelus has one of the longer histories in the St. Emilion appellation, some 700 years old, and is considered one of the top estates in the entire Right Bank (St. Emilion and Pomerol). Vineyard is planted to 50% Merlot and 47% Cabernet Franc with 3% Cabernet Sauvignons on two unique types of soil. Clay with limestone and clay with sand and limestone that is located on the sloping hillsides. The vines average close to 38 years of age. The grapes are hand picked and sorted three times and only 7000 cases are produced each year. Fans of Angeles enjoy the wine for its silky velvety texture and its ability to age well for many years.. It’s a rich, full bodied and concentrated Bordeaux wine filled with luscious, opulent, spicy dark fruit, licorice, spice and truffle.
1978 Château La Rose du Pin, Pauillac
PHP 4,700
Typical of wine from Pauillac, Château La Rose du Pin has a lot of body, slightly less evident now with age. The wine was once very tannic and difficult to approach, now with age and maturity it is harmonious. Youthful sharp have mellowed out and an opulent bouquet with aromas of blackcurrant has given way to cedar with age. Enjoy the sturdy combination of elegance and complex flavors with sophisticated food with simple recipes using ingredient of the highest quality.
1975 Château Le Maine, Graves
PHP 4,700
20 months maturation in oak before bottling really helped tame the tannic structure of the wine allowing it to age slowly inside the bottle for many years to produce the velvety texture that gives us the silkiness on our palate today. 1975 was rated highly but wines were relentless hard and required extensive ageing. Enjoy this classic French red wine with a good steak or grilled red meat.
1975 Château Marquis d’Alesme-Becker, 3eme Cru Classé, Margaux
M PHP 28,000
Typical of Margaux, the delicate aroma of dark forest fruit leads to a full-bodied, but not heavy, wine this is a complex blend of grapes and flavours that has nothing going against it. Not as harsh as some Margaux’s are, this wine needs to be savoured in the mouth to explore its full taste. This is a soft, fruity wine, with blackberry, coffee and light vanilla on the nose and palate. Full, with very velvety tannins and a long, flavorful finish. One could drink it with good red meat that will stand up to the superb wine.
1975 Château Le Commandeur, Pomerol
PHP 5,300
Fans of well respected Pomerol Chateau La Croix de Gay would enjoy this second label. Le Commandeur is a faithful rendition of Pomerol’s expression of the Merlot grape variety, black fruit flavors, good flesh, smooth texture, attractive bouquet, a real treat for someone ordering a nicely marbled steak.
1975 Château Montrose, 2eme Cru
Classé, St. Estephe
PHP 15,000
The 94 hectare Bordeaux vineyard of Chateau Montrose has a terroir of gravel, typical of the St. Estephe appellation with sand and some clay. The vineyard is planted to 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot with vines that are on average close to 40 years of age. The large gravel found throughout the estate’s topsoil originated in mountains in the Massif Central and the Pyrenes. These pebbles absorb the sun’s heat during the daytime and release it at night. This is an important way of improving the maturity of the grape. The 1975 is ruby tea colored with an earthy, Asian spice, smoke, tobacco and cassis filled nose. Old school in style, this foursquare wine is on the firm and austere side of the style meter. It ends in a cassis and cranberry finish.
1975 Château Pouget, 4ème cru
classé, Margaux
PHP 7,900
Compared to some of the cru classé Medoc properties, Château Pouget had a relatively calm history of ownership. From 1748 to early 20th century the estate changed hands through inheritance only – and just managed to avoid being snatched away during the French Revolution. It is named after the estate’s original owners, the Pouget family, who were bequeathed a working vineyard in the mid 18th century (it had once been cultivated by the monks of Cantenac’s ancient priory). This was handed down to the De Chavailles family in the 19th century, until its 1906 purchase by ‘outsider’ Pierre Guillemet, who in the thirties added Chateau Boyd-Cantenac to his portfolio. For several decades the wines of Guillemet’s holdings were handled together but are now produced separately. Cabernet Sauvignon 60%, Merlot Noir 30%, Cabernet Franc 10%
1967 Château Canon, Premier Grand Cru Classé B, St. Émilion
PHP 17,000
Owned by The house of Chanel, Château Canon’s vineyard of 22 hectares on the clay – limestone plateau is planted to 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Franc. The medium-bodied wine is appreciated for its silky texture, impeccable balance, well integrated tannins and a refined and pretty finish. The 1975 has been in maturity for many years and is still smooth and supple, attractive and thoroughly enjoyable. This is a wine of finesse and ageless charm.
1961 Château Calon Segur, 3eme Cru
Classé, St. Estephe
PHP 78,000
Chateau Calon-Segur was the treasure of renowned 18th century winemaker Alexandre de Segur. Although he owned wine powerhouses Lafite and Latour, he famously declared that "his heart was with Calon-Ségur." Mature red-amber color. Developed aromas of singed plum, roasted cherry, currant, tobacco, marzipan and chocolate. Fat, rich and complex in the mouth, with lovely sweetness leavened by firm acids. Fully evolved but still fresh. Very solidly structured wine but perhaps beginning to lose its grip on the end.
1961 Château Rauzan Gassies, 2eme Cru Classé, Margaux
PHP 55,000
Grapes are hand-picked. Fermentations last about 3 weeks in temperature-controlled stainless-steel tanks, with frequent pumping-overs and addition of yeasts. Wines are afterward transferred to oak barrels, of which 25% are new, for 14-18 months aging. They are fined and filtered prior to bottling. No press wine is added into the grand vin. Not a noteworthy 1961, Rauzan-Segla is a ripe, fruity, somewhat awkward and disjointed wine. While the wine tastes jammy, diffuse, and finishes flat, it nevertheless has appeal, as well as plenty of concentration and power.
1959 Château Ducru Beaucaillou, 2eme Cru Classé, St. Julien
This is one of the great vintages of this famous second growth from Saint Julien. Well-balanced and full of cedar and black currants backed up with a bit of spice, the age and quality of the vintage makes this a very special wine as does its complexity and finesse. You may find floral and coconut hints in here.
back to top
2010 Fixin, Lupè-Cholet, Côte de Nuits
PHP 2,700
A relatively new appellation born in 1936 but had long been producing qualty Pinot Noir well before that here in the northern portion of Burgundy’s Cote d’Or wine region. These wines are classic Burgundy, not overly rich and dense but more of a subtle combination of power and elegance, a really nice wine with light to medium-weight meat dishes; slightly tannic now.
2011 Mâcon Rouge "Pierreclos",
Lupè-Cholet, Mâconnaise
PHP 1,750
Seriously underrated, great value especially for fans of classic Pinots from southern warmer climates; attractive perfumed nose, warm texture of flesh and clearn, rich flavors, lend well to beef, grilled meat, steaks and game
2009 Pommard Les Cras, Domaine Roger Belland Côte de, Beaune
PHP 3,900
Vigorous sorting of grapes are done in the vineyard, then the Pinot Noir fruits are destemmed in the winery before undergoing a cold maceration. Fermentation occurs under temperature control at 15C for three to five weeks. When the alcoholic fermentation is finished, the wines are warmed at thirty-five degrees for two or three days, in order to stabilize the colors and refine the tannins. This wine-making technology enables to keep the maximum of wine-fruit aromas and to valorize the substance, the concentration, while avoiding to extract the too rustic tannins. Les Cras is located near Volnay and the wine is a generous blend of elegance and power.
2008 Santenay, Lupè-Cholet, Côte de Beaune
PHP 2,700
Famous also for its spas, Santenay is a primarily red wine town although a small quantity of very good white wines can be seen from time to time. There were nervous moments near the harvest in 2008 as rain fell frequently only later to be saved once more by the north wind which blowdried the grapes. Deeply colored, nose and flavors equally intense, mineral notes of its marlstone soil base shining through giving the wine an extra lift, a good quality for a wine to drink with food which can range from grilled salmon to game and grilled red meat.
2004 Chassagne-Montrachet, Les Voillenots Dessous, Gilles Bouton, Côte de Beaune
PHP 3,700
Although more famous for its white wine, many collectors seek out the red wines of Chassagne-Montrachet not just for novelty but also for the wine’s warmth, well integrated flavors and a velvety texture. 2004 presented some challenges to Burgundy with a cool summer but the vintage was saved b a warm and dry September that ripened the grapes sufficiently to produce wines of substance and richness. These are classic Burgundy red wines that will go very well with game, braised and grilled red meat, grilled salmon and even savory Asian dishes.
1999 Nuits St. Georges Les Brulees 1er cru, Charles de Valliere, Côte de Nuits
PHP 4,800
Located in northern region of Burgundy, the wine has strong built, difficult to approach when young and even now after over a decade of ageing it is powerful and intense, muscular and a bit chewy; all those components are neatly balanced in one package of a firm and strudy red wine with interesting notes of leather, truffle and game, a really classy wine to enjoy with food of matching stature.
1998 Mercurey, Joseph Drouhin, Côte Chalonnaise
PHP 2,900
The largest appellation of the Côte Chalonnaise region of Burgundy producing seductive looking wine with a nose of raspberry and some black currant. On the palate, spicy notes combine with leather and brown tobacco to deliver a wine a complexity and depth that make for an interesting wine to savor even just on its own. This is one of those wines that connoisseurs go to for reliable gratification without paying excessively for a more famous label.
1998 Volnay, Fremiets, 1er Cru, Marquis d’Angerville, Côte de Beaune
PHP 4,500
Volnay’s premier Cru climat Fremiets is situated immediately north of Volnay village, its north-eatern edge adjoins Pommard. The vineyard benefits from well-drained limestone-rich soils and a south-east-facing aspect which helps the vines to enjoy the morning and early afternoon sunlight. A lot of work went into sorting grapes weeding out those affected by rot which affected the 1998 vintage for some terroirs. These efforts paid off in a wine that is well structured, elegant and succulent, giving pleasures for many years.
1997 Beaune, Les Marconnets, 1er Cru, Albert Morot, Côte de Beaune
PHP 4,900
Les Marconnets is situated south-east of Savigny-les-Beaune village, on the southern side of the Rhoin Valley where it widens out onto the plains between Beaune and Corton. This climat faces directly across the plains below to the southern Corton slopes. In keeping with traditions, Domaine Albert Morot’s de Janvry respects his Aunt’s love of old vines, vowing to tend with care so as to retain the Domaine’s average vine age of more than 50 years. 1997 produced rich and supple wines throughout Burgundy, much more successful than in Bordeaux.
1996 Beaune, Les Greves, 1er Cru, Domaine de l’Arlot, Côte de Beaune
PHP 5,900
The wines of Domaine de L’Arlot are aged in about one third new wood from the Allier forest and are bottled after 16-18 months for the premier crus, 14-15 months for the village wines. The reds are bottled unfiltered. Winemakers here are committed to maintaining the classic, elegant style that has come to define the wines of Domaine de L’Arlot. Greves – the name is derived from "graviers", small pebbles or gravel found on the soil of the vineyard – is a famous vineyard, recognized as one of the best Premier Crus of Beaune, Grèves is at mid-slope, at the northern end of the appellation.
1996 Clos du Vougeot, Grand Cru, Rougeot-Dupin, Côte de Nuits
(M) PHP 21,000
Most of the wine produced in this small village comes from one single walled grand cru vineyard, the famous Clos de Vougeot. The vineyard in its present form dates from 1336. Clos de Vougeot is the smallest commune and largest clos in the Cote d’Or. It consists of 50 hectares of vineyards owned by 82 owners, with six soil types. There is quite a difference in quality between the upper (best) and lower (least fine) parts of the vineyard, though in medieval times a blend from all sectors was considered optimum.
1995 Mercurey, Clos L’Evéque 1er Cru, Hugues et Yves de Suremain , Côte Chalonnaise
PHP 3,200
Maturity brings complex elements of tobacco, spice and cocoa to the nose; medium-full bodied, not as chewy as in its youth but still meaty and quite rich; interesting part is its mineral notes, a refreshing quality in red wines because it makes it all that more versatile with food. Popular pairings include lamb, ribeye and rump steaks, braising recipes and even roast pork just to name a few of many options
1995 Morey-Saint-Denis, Chartron et
Frebuchet, Côte de Beaune
PHP 3,700
Morey-St.-Denis is a masculine wine, full-bodied and quite powerful, leathery notes on the nose; structured wine with big round tannins requiring age to develop properly. Aside from game bird, this wine is equally happy with braised or roasted red meat, and a well marbled steak
1994 Aloxe-Corton Les Paulands, 1er Cru, Ch. De Valliere, Côte de Beaune
PHP 6,500
Aloxe-Corton is tightly surrounded by vines – out of a total a total of 263 hectares, 245 of these are planted with vines. There are also 25 lieu-dits that may be used on the label together with Corton and Les Paulands is one of them. There are many different wines from the heterogeneous Corton appellation. Les Paulands is one of the more elegant wines.
1992 Beaune, 1er Cru, Jean-Pierre
Collin, Côte de Beaune
PHP 4,600
Juicy nature of the wine in youth frequently hides its full potential; with age, truffle, leather and spice notes emerge on the nose. Quite a full-bodied wine, it is maturing into a wine with solid structure, still lots of fruits but the texture is not so chewy anymore, a wine that can partner with even firmer meats but a real treat with a good cut of steak such as rump or flank
1992 Chambolle-Musigny, 1er Cru, Dom. De la Tassée, H. de Boileau, Côte de Nuits
PHP 11,000
Chambolle-Musigny is often regarded as the most feminine wine of the Côte de Nuits ; its intensity and delicacy express themselves with elegance and subtlety. To the eye, it presents a bright ruby hue with luminous highlights. It may darken a little over time but with no loss of impact. Its bouquet, easily recognisable, is composed of violet and small red fruits (raspberry, strawberry). With further aging it tends towards spiced ripe fruits and prune, or towards truffle, underbrush and animal notes. Rich, fragrant and complex, it lines the palate with silk and lace. Its delicate but fleshy texture in no way detracts from its solid and durable structure. On the sweet side with little trace of acidity, its tannins remain silky-smooth.
1991 Nuits St. Georges Les Pruliers 1er cru, Henri Gouges, Côte de Beaune
PHP 4,900
There are no grand crus, but many fine premier cru vineyards, the mayor of the time – Henri Gouges – preferring not to single out any vineyard for the highest status. The 1991 vintage was a test of wisdom and prudence. Those like Gouges who harvested quickly avoided the rains which diluted the wines.
1990 Corton Marechaudes, Grand Cru, Prince Florent de Merode, Côte de Beaune
PHP 8,000
Corton Marechaudes is a tiny walled vineyard located on the lower easter slopes of the Montagne de Corton hill, on the western edge of Ladoix-Serrigny village. It is accorded the Corton Grand Cru appellation. The wine offers flavors of violets, forest berries, leather and earthy notes. In 2008, the Domaine Prince Florent de Mérode leased out 6 acres of its Corton vineyards to the legendary Domaine de la Romané-Conti after the death of both the Prince and the Princess de Mérode. DRC codirector Aubert de Villaine is confident that they will produce great wines worthy of the DRC name.
1990 Saint-Aubin, 1er Cru, Domaine
Larue, Côte de Beaune
PHP 3,900
St-Aubin also produces some red wines not nearly as famous as their whites, but they are light and charming. The top red vineyards tend to be those that are sited behind the village of St-Aubin: Les Frionnes and Sur le Sentier du Clou. With a rich proliferation of reliable growers, it is easy to suppose that all the wines of St-Aubin are worth seeking out. The 1990 vintage produced a wine with aromas of dark fruits and spice on the nose whilst the palate is dry, medium bodied with good concentration and an excellent intensity of fruit.
1990 Santenay Commes 1er Cru Roger
Belland, Côte de Beaune
PHP 3,900
The small spa town of Santenay, just over the departmental border into the Saone-et-Loire, produces full, rich, quite firm red wines which can offer good value for money. The 1982 is fully matured, a little past its prime even, but it offers attracive bouquet of licorice, red berries and violets on the nose, and a nice mouthfeel of silky tannins, a wine that can be enjoyed with more delicate dishes and a grilled salmon with red wine sauce perhaps.
1990 Savigny Lès Beaune, Francois
Gay, Côte de Beaune
PHP 3,200
Old-school red wines made from 100% Pinot Noir, styled not for size, power or flamboyance; elegant personality with lots of subtle charm, medium-bodied, an excellent partner with food that is not too heavy. Wine drinkers exhausted by massive wines with high alcohol levels and chunks of extract would find this wine to be a delightful reprief. This is also a great starting wine to go with interesting starters.
1990 Latricieres Chambertin, Grand Cru, Camus Pere & Fils, Côte de Beaune
PHP 7,700
1990 was one of the greatest vintages in recent history for Burgundy, producing classic wines with excellent balance, ripe tannins and fruit with longevity. These wines are destined to be admired for several decades, the kind of wines that connoisseurs of fine vintage wines look for, a real treat to sip and enjoy all by itself or with really fine food made from exceptional ingredients with recipes that do not overpower the natural virtues of the main ingredients.
1990 Vosne Romanée, Charles de
Valliere, Côte de Nuits
PHP 4,500
One of the great appeals of Burgundy is the complexity of the vineyard holdings. Vosne-Romanée is split into scores of different vineyards, each with subtly different characteristics. Each of these vineyards is then further split into plots — often just a couple of rows of vines — each owned separately. There are no markers or fences, as each vigneron knows exactly which vines they own. The vineyards themselves are graded by quality as village-level, premier cru and grand cru, in ascending order. he wine reveals its fine and pleasant tannins, which give it remarkable balance and nice volume. This Vosne-Romanée is elegant and has good length on the palate with fine and pleasant tannins, which give it remarkable balance and nice volume. Popular food pairings include steak, red neats, lamb and game birds.
1989 Beaune, Cuvee Rousseau-Deslandes, Hospices de Beaune, Côte de Beaune
(M) PHP 11,000
Each year, on the third weekend of November, Beaune plays host to the world’s most famous charity wine sale. Professionals, connoisseurs and wine lovers come together for two days of festivities, the epitome of pure Burgundy tradition. The auction takes place in a unique setting: the Hôtel-Dieu is an extraordinary collection of hospital buildings with their glazed coloured tiles. Since 1859, the Hospices’ prestigious vintages have been sold by candlelight on the third Sunday of November every year. For several centuries now, the entire proceeds of this exceptional charity auction have been dedicated to the charitable and religious works of the old hospices as well as new civil and secular hospital institutions.
1989 Pommard, Les Grands Epenots, 1er Cru, F. Gaunoux,Côte de Beaune
PHP 7,200
Pommard’s reputation of force and tenacity belons in the 19th century. 20th century renditions lean towards subtle richness resulting in a sensuous wine with deep, complex flavors. This matured version exhibits notes of leather, chocolate and pepper. With tannins now resolved, the wine’s velvety texture makes for a delicious accompaniment to natural flavors of game and red meat
1988 Clos du Vougeot, Grand Cru, Domaine Leroy, Côte de Nuits
PHP 28,000
Described as a "guardian of great wines", owner Lalou BIZE-LEROY who left the Domaine de la Romanee-Conti after a heated dispute, is a staunch advocate and practioner of biodynamics. The quality (and price) of the wines from Domain Leroy rivals that of the famous DRC. On the fields, careful selection by hand of the grapes when picking, the grapes are brought to the cave in small baskets. At the winery traditional methods are escalleted to the highest levels: fermentation in large wooden barrel without any de-stemming or crushing to avoid any oxidation and to preserve the precious native yeasts which are present on the skins of the grapes; slow fermentation and a long maceration. This Clos de Vougeot is, in a word, sensational.
1987 Beaune, Clos du Roi, 1er Cru, Robert Ampeau et Fils, Côte de Beaune
PHP 3,800
Not to be confused with the grand cru Corton-Clos de Roi, this 1er cru from Beaune is no ordinary wine either. In youth, it was a little too big and juicy to let its more dinstinguished qualities shine through. Now fully matured, the wine can be enjoyed for its complexity, well-balanced finish and powerful connection between tannins, acidity and fruit flavors. This is a wine that can be enjoyed from start to finish of a multi-course meal, surprisingly keen with seafood in tomato-based sauce.
1986 Fixin Les Hervelets, 1er Cru,
Crusserey, Côte de Nuits
PHP 3,800
Wines from this northerly appellation of Burgundy’s Cote de Nuits district are known as "winer wines" a term used on wines that require ageing in the bottle to show its best. Tannic structure helped the wine to mature slowly over the years into a complex wine with earthy flavors, delightful with game and high quality red meat carefully prepared without too much distraction on the plate
1985 Pommard, La Refene, 1er Cru, Dom. Latour-Giraud, Côte de Beaune
PHP 7,700
Pommard’s reputation of force and tenacity belons in the 19th century. 20th century renditions lean towards subtle richness resulting in a sensuous wine with deep, complex flavors. This matured version exhibits notes of leather, chocolate and pepper. With tannins now resolved, the wine’s velvety texture makes for a delicious accompaniment to natural flavors of game and red meat
1985 Pommard 1er cru Les Noizons, Denis Carré,
Côte de Beaune
PHP 5,800
The wines made by the Carré family are harvested by hand at the perfect stage of maturity to ensure a good concentration of fruit. The wood aging process is conducted with the potential of each cru firmly in mind to ensure that the final result is perfectly balanced. Denis Carré is a passionate wine enthusiast. The star of the Domaine is actually the grape variety, so Pinot Noir wine lovers should prepare themselves for a treat!
1983 Corton Greves, Grand Cru, Pierre
Ponnelle, Côte de Beaune
PHP 6,400
Less than 5% of the wine made in Burgundy qualify for the highest classification of Grand Cru. Invariably these special crus require extended bottle ageing to reach their prime. This 83 Corton-Greves’ has charming mineral notes on the nose leads into a supple and well-rounded red wine with generous flavors with firm backbone and a solid built, a wine that many enjoy with roasted or braised meat, steaks with natural juices flowing and grilled salmon.
1983 Pommard, Les Platieres, 1er Cru, Domaine Prieur Brunet, Côte de Beaune
PHP 5,800
This domaine can trace its history back to 1804 when all the land in the region was confiscated from the church and sold to private interests. today it is run by Dominique and Giullaume who are the 7th and 8th generation respectively to product wines on this estate. The wines of Pommard, as holds true for the balance of Burgundy, offer the taster varying degrees of flavor as well as aromatic profiles depending upon vineyard location.
1982 Santenay, La Comme, 1er Cru, J. La Fayette, Côte de Beaune
PHP 3,200
Santenay is one of several appellations in Cote de Beaune that has gained serious recognition over recent decades. One reason could be because its supple texture combined with an intense attack lends remarkably well to many Asian-styled food. Another popular choice of food accompaniment is salmon. the meaty texture of the wine also goes well with burgers and sirloin steaks.
1978 Morey-St-Denis, Les Charrières, 1er Cru, Maurice Sigaut, Côte de Nuits
PHP 7,700
Venerable vintage red Burgundy, a class act, not for quaffing; worthy some undivided attention. A masculine wine, full-bodied and quite powerful, leathery notes on the nose; structured wine with big round tannins requiring age to develop properly. Aside from game bird, this wine is equally happy with braised or roasted red meat, and a well marbled steak
1978 Pommard, Charmots, 1er Cru, Dom. Billard Gonnet, Côte de Beaune
PHP 7,700
Pommard’s reputation of force and tenacity belons in the 19th century. 20th century renditions lean towards subtle richness resulting in a sensuous wine with deep, complex flavors. This matured version exhibits notes of leather, chocolate and pepper. With tannins now resolved, the wine’s velvety texture makes for a delicious accompaniment to natural flavors of game and red meat
1978 Vosne Romanée 1er Cru Les Suchots, Charles Laurent Fils, Côte de Nuits
PHP 9,800
One of the most hallowed wine regions in the world, home to legendary names like ROMANÉE-CONTI, the wines are not made for casual everyday quaffing. Instead, these wines require extensive ageing to develop a velvety texture, refined and well-blended bouquet of leather and fur, gamey scents too. Fans of Pinot Noirs find its voluptuous nature irresistible especially in maturity when power is balanced properly by flesh; obviously a wine to savor with food of top quality, enjoyed in relaxed pace with due respect.
back to top
2009 Côtes du Rhone Merites, Southern Rhône
PHP 1,400
Grenache is the primary grape supported by other varieties as well, especially Syrah and Mourvèdre. Thanks to the Grenache, there’s usually ripe cherry and/or berry fruit showing on the palate. 2009 was a relatively ripe year, producing wines with good concentration of fruit flavors.
2008 Minervois, Prieure Saint-Roch, Languedoc
PHP 1,900
Minervois is part of the huge Languedoc-Roussilon wine regions of France. Red wines can be made from a blend of many grape varieties including Grenache, Syrah, Mouvèdre, Cinsault etc. They are typically a little hard and tannic when young but soften up and acquire a silky texture with age. Enjoy this matured red wines with delicate meat dishes, poultry and game also.
2007 Côtes du Ventoux, Dom les Herbes Blanches, Southern Rhône
PHP 2,200
The Ventoux (formerly Côtes du Ventoux) appellation lies between the area designated as Côtes du Luberon (now Luberon) in the south and the massive Mont Ventoux to the north. It is a large appellation covering some 50 communes over an area of 5800 hectares and producing over a quarter of a million hectolitres of wine annually. Reds and rosés are primarily made from the following grapes: Grenache, Syrah, Cinsaut, Carignan and Mourvèdre.
2002 Costières de Nîmes, Ch. d’Or at de Gueules, Southern Rhône
PHP 1,500
Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre must together account for some 60% of the blend, the remainder consisting of Carignan and Cinsault. Costières de Nîmes terroir consists of gravel deposited by the Rhone and Durance rivers. The outstanding drainage properties of the gravel means that water is quickly shed even in heavy downpours. The wine is fruity, spicy, wild, smooth, floral and rich.
<str