Tasting Notes: Weekly Roundup
Château Mouton Rothschild
Pauillac Red Bordeaux Blend 1982
Forty-plus years on, people still talk about the greatness of the 1982 vintage in Bordeaux. There are multiple factors that contribute to this and it’s fair to say that Robert Parker’s reaction played a major role in the early popularity; certainly in the States. While some may say that 1982 was merely a “good” vintage by today’s standards, I think history has proven it to be empirically special; there was just so much quality from top to bottom. And yet, even with the high praise of the vintage, the tone shifts to hushed whispers when the 1982 Mouton gets mentioned. Up until that point, the Chateau had sort of underachieved after receiving its unprecedented promotion in 1973. But in 1982, a year full of great wine, they created a legend and firmly cemented their First Growth status. Today, I’m pleased to report the plaudits for the ’82 are all warranted.
Opened and double-decanted earlier in the day. The ’82 Mouton pours a deep garnet color with a near opaque core with some sediment; almost youthful when compared to many of the other older wines poured on the night. On the nose, the wine is developing still; loaded with cassis, black berries, leaf tobacco, leather, and fine baking spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with fabulous structure. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long and full of power. A stunning wine and well in its prime…a window I expect will remain open for a longtime to come. Drink now with bacchanalian abandon and through 2082. — 11 days ago
Joseph Drouhin
Les Perrières Meursault 1er Cru Chardonnay 2019
Ripe, almost tropical, I found the richness appealing. — 10 days ago
Château Duhart Milon
Pauillac Cabernet Sauvignon - Merlot Blend 2019
On the nose and palate are notes of blackcurrant, crème de cassis, plum, purple fig, dark chocolate covered cherry, black licorice, anise, fennel, clove, nutmeg, cedar wood, cardamom, pencil shavings, graphite, leather, pipe tobacco, cigar, forest floor.
It’s dry with velvety tannins, medium (+) acidity, a medium body, and medium alcohol (13.5% ABV) and a persistent finish. It’s balanced and complex with depth and dimension. It’s providing warmth and deliciousness on this chilly winter night. Cheers! — 11 days ago
Laurent-Perrier
Brut Millésimé Champagne Blend 2008
Granny Smith, ginger, chamomile, oyster shells, lime zest, pear, brioche, crushed minerals & flowers ~ LOADS of energy — 2 years ago
Château Léoville Barton
Saint-Julien Red Bordeaux Blend 2005
Pierre Girardin
Vigne Blanche Chassagne-Montrachet Chardonnay 2020
Pierre-Vincent Girardin is the 13th generation of his family to make wine in Burgundy. He grew up learning in the cellar of his father, Vincent Girardin, from a very young age. When the elder Girardin sold his domaine in 2011, he made sure to keep 4.5 hectares of his best sites to one day pass on to his son. In 2017, Pierre-Vincent made his first vintage and announced himself as a rising talent in Burgundy. Great freshness and vibrant. 13 % quite low for the hot 2020 vintage — 11 days ago
Sipping Fine Wine
A blend of Cab Sauvignon, Merlot, Cab Franc, and Petit Verdot, aged for 22 months in French oak (76% new). Deep Ruby color with aromas of red and black fruits, spicy notes and cedar. On the palate flavors of plums, currants, cherry and wild blackberries adding cedar and cinnamon. Fine grainy tannins, well balanced with acidity, long finish ending with fruit, cedar and slight mineral character. Nice! Tasting Sample! — 9 days ago