Chicago Wine Geeks - Pauillac and St. Julien Tasting

Chicago, IL
Tasted Saturday, February 17, 2007 by Nanda with 331 views

Introduction

This months theme is a blind comparative tasting of Pauillac and St. Juilien.

Flight 1 - STARTERS (2 Notes)

Flight 2 - WINE ONE (1 Note)

My #5

  • 1998 Château Pontet-Canet 87 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Pauillac

    Dark ruby red with reserved aromtics. Stubborn notes of cassis, earth and smoke on the nose. The palate is tight and light-bodied. Hints of cedar and pencil lead can be found, but the predominant taste is of straightforward red berries. Plenty of acidic strucutre and tannins, but will the fruit ever come out to play? 4+11+16+6=87

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Flight 3 - WINE TWO (1 Note)

My #3, Tied for group #3

  • 1994 Château Pontet-Canet 90 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Pauillac

    Dark ruby with effusive aromas of pencil lead and cassis. On the palate, smoke, cedar and pencil lead are at the forefront over black currants. Fine tannins are in harmony with the fruit. Mature with secondary notes showing. Ready-to-drink and in a nice place. 4+12+17+7=90

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Flight 4 - WINE THREE (1 Note)

My #4, Tied for group #3

  • 1996 Château Batailley 91 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Pauillac

    Bright ruby red with an intense, giving nose of black currants, smoke, cedar and pencil lead. The palate delivers big and rich fruits that are well integrated with fine, but firm tannins. Medicinal notes and herbs add complexity in the finish. Well balanced and fun to drink. (4+13+17+7=91)

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Flight 5 - WINE FOUR (1 Note)

My #8

Flight 6 - WINE FIVE (1 Note)

My #6

  • 2004 Carruades de Lafite 88 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Pauillac

    Dark ruby in color with an effusive nose of ripe red fruits, cough syrup and caramel. Big, rich fruits and oak on the palate. Syrah-like mouthfeel with a plump and smooth texture. Significant tannins that are not yet integrated. Lots of stuffing here and very, very young. (4+12+16+6=88)

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Flight 7 - WINE SIX (1 Note)

My #2 ... and a favorite that a threw in for a ringer. Group #2

  • 1993 Anderson's Conn Valley Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Estate Reserve 93 Points

    USA, California, Napa Valley

    Dark ruby with effusive and layered aromatics. Black currants, earth, cedar and pencil lead. Palate is richly concentrated with a flavor profile that echoes the nose. Purity of fruits highlights the pedigree here. Poised with integrated tannins and acidic edge that provides persistence and lift to the fruits. Full-flavored finish of cedar, smoke and herbs. Excellent. 4+13+18+8=93

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Flight 8 - WINE SEVEN (1 Note)

My #7

Flight 9 - WINE EIGHT (1 Note)

My #1, group #1

  • 1993 Château Léoville Las Cases 93 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Médoc, St. Julien

    Light ruby in color with a seductive nose. Aromas of cedar, herbs, smoke and cigar box leap from the glass. Precise palate with a concentrated core of red fruits married to firm, dusty tannins. Currants, herbs and tobacco notes fill the medium lengthed finish. In a beautiful place --- muscular yet evolved and complex. (4+14+17+8=93).

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Flight 10 - BONUS WINES (2 Notes)

Closing

Thanks to all for the contributions and company!

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