I don’t like the idea of “getting rid” of wine, but this was at the bottom of my cellar rack, and I felt like it might be over-aged. I was right. Still has a lot of character, standing strong, but the fruit is getting weaker and muted. Not corked, but faintly musty. The last 99 bottle I had was singing, but this is a farewell. I’ll sip it slowly over the next few days and see if some air will do this one some good.
Day 2: Some of the must has evaporated and the fruit is better. But still feels too old and not so tasty. I was hoping for more improvement. Lowering my rating a little.
I don’t like the idea of “getting rid” of wine, but this was at the bottom of my cellar rack, and I felt like it might be over-aged. I was right. Still has a lot of character, standing strong, but the fruit is getting weaker and muted. Not corked, but faintly musty. The last 99 bottle I had was singing, but this is a farewell. I’ll sip it slowly over the next few days and see if some air will do this one some good.
Day 2: Some of the must has evaporated and the fruit is better. But still feels too old and not so tasty. I was hoping for more improvement. Lowering my rating a little.
Nov 7th, 2025I had the 1998 vintage of this dusty old Bordeaux about 5 months ago and it was underwhelming. Maybe an off bottle. But THIS 99 is pretty great. Fresh mixed berries (blueberry) on the nose, and very elegant fruit + tame soft tannins give a really nice mouthfeel with an extraordinarily long finish. Dried herbes de Provence and hay for days. I’m having one glass tonight and will check back in tomorrow after more air. Not an expensive bottle, but age served it well.
Follow up: Really singing on day 2. Got even better with another hour+ in the glass. But I’d say it’s getting slightly past its prime and best to drink now :) Party like it’s 1999.
I had the 1998 vintage of this dusty old Bordeaux about 5 months ago and it was underwhelming. Maybe an off bottle. But THIS 99 is pretty great. Fresh mixed berries (blueberry) on the nose, and very elegant fruit + tame soft tannins give a really nice mouthfeel with an extraordinarily long finish. Dried herbes de Provence and hay for days. I’m having one glass tonight and will check back in tomorrow after more air. Not an expensive bottle, but age served it well.
Follow up: Really singing on day 2. Got even better with another hour+ in the glass. But I’d say it’s getting slightly past its prime and best to drink now :) Party like it’s 1999.
Oct 17th, 2024
Moulis en Médoc, Médoc, Bordeaux, France
