Saint-Estèphe Red Bordeaux Blend

1989 | Red Blend

Blind dinner, open theme, at Little Cat Lodge, Hillsdale, NY.

Drinking fine reds like these makes me realize I know nothing about red wines outside of North & South America and Australia. My knowledge is minimal. Was schooled today, but it was a treat. This was red number 1 and I guessed Bordeaux, but didn't have much more detail than that. Sediment swirled in the glass and it had that lovely leather and tar finish.

1989 vintage.

Loved this. Decanted. Nice cigar and spice box nose. Smooth. wb

Can you call this modern? Polished and straightforward.

Leather, cigar box, black fruits, probably a little Brett as well, also mature but more tannic and brooding than the lovely Bon Pasteur, very good.

Slightly corked, but you can tell there is a very nice wine underneath. Nicely structured, smooth, and full bodied.

Shared by FIL. Stored in a passive cellar upon release, $18. Double decant. Red fruits on nose faded fast. Nose & palate all leather & plum. Smooth, medium bodied with medium plus acidity. Very good. 12.5% ABV.

Dark fruits, faint leather notes, balanced and close to mature, medium-long finish, very well-made older Bordeaux.