1986 Château Montrose
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Wednesday, November 22, 2023 - A Reflection on Time, Elegance, and a French Summer Romance: The 1986 Château Montrose
In the refined halls of the upper echelons, where taste is a virtue and sophistication a way of life, the 1986 Château Montrose stands as an emblem of timeless elegance. Its deep ruby hue, a testament to the decades spent maturing in the Bordeaux terroir, evokes memories and stories that transcend the mere tasting notes encapsulated within its exquisite depths.
As a member of this stratum, the encounter with this particular vintage was not just a moment of indulgence but a journey into the corridors of reminiscence. It brought me back to that enchanting summer in France, a season that holds a special place in the alcove of my heart.
Amidst the sun-drenched vineyards of Bordeaux, where each grapevine seemed to whisper secrets of the land, I had the serendipitous encounter with a woman of unparalleled sophistication. Her name, a whispered breeze amid the vines, revealed itself as Genevieve. Twenty years my senior, yet possessing a wisdom that seemed to defy the passage of time, she became the beacon illuminating the path to the finer aspects of life, especially the art of savoring wines.
The 1986 Château Montrose, with each sip, unveiled a mosaic of flavors that resonated deeply with that summer. Its aroma, a delicate bouquet reminiscent of the velvety warmth of the French sun, intertwined with hints of blackcurrants, cedarwood, and a whisper of tobacco. It was as if each element had been curated to echo the complexities of life, much like the layers of experiences shared with Genevieve.
The first taste enveloped the palate in a symphony of rich, ripe fruits, interlaced with subtle undertones of spice and a gentle touch of leather. The wine's impeccable balance between power and finesse, akin to the delicate dance between youth and maturity, mirrored the bittersweet essence of our fleeting time together. Today the relationship would be frowned upon, me a mere 15 but as I see it, it twas a blessing and I would run toward it daily. Ahh, the life and the vintage.....no its not a mouton, nor an opus, but a mere 93.
The velvety texture, reminiscent of silk caressing the senses, mirrored the sophistication and grace exuded by Genevieve. Her guidance through the labyrinthine world of wine appreciation, much like the wine itself, was a tapestry woven with patience and profound understanding, leaving an indelible mark on my nascent appreciation for oenology.
The 1986 Château Montrose, with its lingering finish that embraced the senses long after the last drop had been savored, paralleled the enduring memories of that unforgettable summer. Each subsequent glass unfolded new chapters, reminiscent of the layers of discovery and enlightenment that Genevieve imparted during our conversations beneath the starlit French skies.
In the realm of an adventurer and a hopeless romantic, this vintage transcends the confines of a mere libation. It embodies the essence of a narrative—a tale of youth, wisdom, and a fleeting yet profound encounter with the finer things in life. The wine, like Genevieve, remains etched in memory—a testament to the transformative power of an encounter that transcended mere moments, leaving an indelible mark on the tapestry of one's being.
To savor the 1986 Château Montrose is not merely to taste a wine; it's to embark on a sensory voyage that weaves together the threads of time, nostalgia, and the essence of an unforgettable summer in France—a season that will forever remain intertwined with the complexities and allure of this exquisite Bordeaux vintage.
NOTE TO SELF: OPENED AFTER 1.5 DECANT.
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