Community Tasting Note

Putnam Weekley Likes this wine:

Monday, March 11, 2024 - Freshly open—confusing, grape-flavored simplicity. 88-89
24 hours later—tannins marshal, bringing a suggestion of gravel. 89-90
Now, 45 hours later—this almost-full bottle produces something more interesting. Cedar mulch, black berry, and mint are joined by affirmative St. Estephe build and action. A tall scaffolding of inky, articulated tannin enables cooling, botanical respiration. There's plenty of mineral; and nothing remotely salty or glutamic.

Pairing this wine with thoroughly rested Montgomery cheddar is beautiful, and a triumph of gastronomic scripture. It's been so long since I drank 1989 Haut Marbuzet that I couldn't insist this vintage is inferior to it (though I suspect it is.) I could, however, more confidently differentiate the "style." 2020 tastes more typical of the appellation when compared to 1989 at a similar age. Someday one of us look under the hood for clues about that, beginning with çepage. 90+ ... really on the cusp of 91. Let's see how it tastes by memory tomorrow.

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