LJ's Annual Luncheon

RDG
Tasted Tuesday, October 30, 2012 by THA with 314 views

Introduction

LJ's annual luncheon with Anthony Barton and Jean Charles Cazes. Usually also attended by a representative of Ch. Montrose, but travel schedules prevented his attendance. Wines served included the trio of Leoville Barton, Lynch Bages, and Montrose from vintages 2006, 2005, 2000, 1990, and 1966. Chef Robert Del Grande prepared an excellent meal to pair with the flights - one of his talents - especially the cheese course for the 1966s.

Flight 1 (3 Notes)

  • 1966 Château Montrose

    France, Bordeaux, Médoc, St. Estèphe

    I've read many times that Montrose is historically backward and tannic, so I was not surprised that this wine's tannins were still present. It had unfortunately lost its fruit, which left a dominant note of grilled meat layered over a woody component. But still a perfectly drinkable and proper claret. Before this, I've had the '82, '89, '90, '96, '00, '01, '02, '04, '05, '06, and '09 Montrose. I was born in 1976. What a memorable experience to drink the '66!

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  • 1966 Château Léoville Barton

    France, Bordeaux, Médoc, St. Julien

    From magnum. Consumed with Anthony Barton, who had nice things to say about the wine. I sat at the table of the original purchaser of the bottle, and it had hibernated in his cellar since he purchased it. A fine example of mature claret -- a gentleman of a wine. Delicate and lovely. The Barton was the most "perfect" of the three '66s poured -- the tired fruit, acid, and tannin all still in balance. Maybe a once in a lifetime experience!

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  • 1966 Château Lynch-Bages

    France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Pauillac

    Consumed with Jean Charles Cazes, who was noticeably excited to drink it. Jean Charles defered to the elder Anthony Barton to speak to the vintage, which garnered a laugh from the others at the lunch. I now see how Lynch Bages bullied its way from a Fifth Growth to a Super Second. The Lynch Bages had the most color, depth and "youth" of the '66s. It still had a complex nose of smoke and grilled fig. On the palate it was refreshing! Delicious.

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