Happy new year, dear readers! I feel quite bemused by the fact that it is now 2011.

Two reds from last night, as well as a lot of Champagnes that will be written up separately. One underwhelming Burgundy, and a really nice Bordeaux.

Domaine Robert Arnoux Nuits Saint Georges 1999 Burgundy
Pale colour. Light, cherryish and quite fresh. There are some subtle savoury herbal notes as well as red cherry fruit on the palate. Simple but satisfying. Nice balance, but lacking real complexity. 88/100

Chateau Lynch Bages 1998 Pauillac, Bordeaux
Fresh, focused and gravelly with pure sweet dark cherry and blackcurrant fruit. Lovely structure. Quite spicy with a savoury, almost Italian-like quality. Serious and still youthful, this is an expressive wine with beautiful dark fruits and a fine, subtly green edge. 93/100