An “intermezzo” as we prepared for the reds flights. This was served blind. The 1978 shows really young for its age. Most at the table, including myself, were convinced that this was classified growth Bordeaux with maybe 20-30 years of age. However at least one of us thought it was Napa…and whoa. The color was dark and handsome though there was some sediment (to expected). The fruit was bright but I felt it was secondary to the dried leaf tobacco, earth and leather notes. There was good acid too. Tannins have integrated. Lots of wows when this was revealed while the Napa holdouts gave a smile. Bravo. This could easily live well for another 10 or so years. — 3 years ago
Deep Ruby, aromas of red and black fruits with sweet spice and oak, a classical blend of 85% Tempranillo, 10% Graciano and 5% Mazuelo, barrel aged for 24 months. On the palate flavors of black cherry and currants with spice, espresso, vanilla & toasty oak tones. Fine tight tannins, lively acidity on a long finish ending with fruit, sweet spice and an earthy mineral character. Nice! — 3 years ago
The 2006 Bordeaux vintage. The vintage while wasn’t Bordeaux’s best, it certainly wasn’t one of its worst. It had the unenviable position of following a grand 2005 vintage. I think better than 2000, maybe 09 & 10? Jury is still out. The Bordelaise also got greedy and raised their prices from 05. That was a mistake when it came to selling the 2006 vintage and it laid another layer of bad taste in consumers minds.
I really enjoy Pichon Lalande’s style/craft. The 06 is good, not great. In fact, I enjoyed this better w/o the lamb.
The fruits are just ripe. Velvety, rounded M+ tannins. Brambly blackberries, dryish black plum, black cherries, black raspberries, strawberries, some raspberry hues, oak barrel shavings, graphite, dry soils, dry tobacco & leather, dry clay, soft but dark spice, some dry herbs, soft baking spices- clove, nutmeg, cinnamon & vanillin, light milk chocolate, caramel hues, black tea, anise, some mid berry cola, dry & withering, dark & red flowers, violets, decent, round acidity, balanced, neatly structured/tensioned with an elegant finish that lasts just over 90 seconds and falls on dry earth and soft, dark spice.
Still acceding and has 15 plus yrs of good drinking ahead. Could make a case for rounding up to 93.
Paired w/ Grilled Rack of Lamb, Served with Rosemary Jus, Fondant Potatoes and Steamed Broccoli.
@EK148 — 7 months ago
This sub $10 Trader Joe’s treasure really shines. The butter is restrained and balanced, also has a bright acidity. Notes of citrus on the nose and caramel, vanilla and butterscotch on the palate. Great delightful wine to pair with spicy food. — 8 months ago
Perfect wine to celebrate the wife’s birthday this last week. Medium garnet red and clear in appearance. Well rounded nose with truffles, damp earthiness, cherries and some black berries. Medium tannins (5.5/10), balanced acidity and medium plus body. Balanced palate with tobacco, leather, earthiness, black plums and cherries. Long finish. Drink till 2027. — 4 years ago
Sipping Fine Wine
Barrel aged 10 months sur lie! Medium lemon color with aromas of stone and citrus fruits with notes of warm baking spice. On the palate ripe apple and lemon flavors with vanilla and nutty toasty oak. Well balanced on medium finish ending, a bit buttery with slight oak and mineral notes. Drink now! — 5 months ago