Top Bordeaux over 50 years old is incomparable, and this was no exception. That initial sensory rush of beef blood, old leather and full tertiary notes, combined with residual cedar and sweet tannin is overwhelming, and in itself, merits a perfect rating. Likewise, the mouthfeel is is exquisite, and is liquid velvet. However, the Pichon Lalande does not quite have the complexity end palate and on the finish of the heavy hitters from 1966, such as the Palmer. But, hell what a privilege! That by itself is worth another point.
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From a pristine bottle this was just stellar. Subtle Paulliac notes of pencil and gravel mixed with more St Julien notes of cedar and ash (blind I might have actually called St Julien). Pure rich red fruit albeit smooth (lighter weight). Wonderful with slow roasted rosemary chicken. Supreme elegance and it held for over 2hrs without any decline. In a wonderful window and continues a run of excellent 66 Bordeaux (which are now drinking superbly). Lacks complexity, depth and power for a higher score but this is a very fun bottle of Bordeaux that wowed people. 95pts
Expected more, even though clearly very old. Thin and acidic; first 2+ hours had tons of odd notes (plus some oxidation of course); eventually improved, but only slightly. Disappointing. UPDATE. Bottled up the extra at the end of the evening (air evacuated). Tried 2 nights later and it was a different wine! Now some red fruit, lots of leather/tobacco/etc on the nose. Almost as good 2 nights later (4 days after initial open). So this baby needs a LOT of time and air!!
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3/30/2024 - johnh1001 wrote: 90 Points
Mid shoulder. Nice color. Faded fruit and mainly earth. Pleasant enough. Not the best bottle
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2/27/2024 - djhammond Likes this wine: 96 Points
Top Bordeaux over 50 years old is incomparable, and this was no exception. That initial sensory rush of beef blood, old leather and full tertiary notes, combined with residual cedar and sweet tannin is overwhelming, and in itself, merits a perfect rating. Likewise, the mouthfeel is is exquisite, and is liquid velvet. However, the Pichon Lalande does not quite have the complexity end palate and on the finish of the heavy hitters from 1966, such as the Palmer. But, hell what a privilege! That by itself is worth another point.
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10/1/2023 - JulianSkeels wrote: 95 Points
From a pristine bottle this was just stellar. Subtle Paulliac notes of pencil and gravel mixed with more St Julien notes of cedar and ash (blind I might have actually called St Julien). Pure rich red fruit albeit smooth (lighter weight). Wonderful with slow roasted rosemary chicken. Supreme elegance and it held for over 2hrs without any decline. In a wonderful window and continues a run of excellent 66 Bordeaux (which are now drinking superbly). Lacks complexity, depth and power for a higher score but this is a very fun bottle of Bordeaux that wowed people. 95pts
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1/29/2023 - asteff Likes this wine: 92 Points
Nicely alive. Lots of red fruits. Tertiary flavors nice finish.
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1/15/2023 - wgilbert3 Likes this wine: 91 Points
Expected more, even though clearly very old. Thin and acidic; first 2+ hours had tons of odd notes (plus some oxidation of course); eventually improved, but only slightly. Disappointing.
UPDATE. Bottled up the extra at the end of the evening (air evacuated). Tried 2 nights later and it was a different wine! Now some red fruit, lots of leather/tobacco/etc on the nose. Almost as good 2 nights later (4 days after initial open). So this baby needs a LOT of time and air!!
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