1959 Château Lafon-Laroze Contigu Yquem

Community Tasting Notes (1) Avg Score: 95 points

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  1/18/2017 - johnrm Likes this wine: 95 Points

  Slight ullage but the level was well above the bottle shoulder. Very dark but clear. The capsule seal was tight but there was very slight seepage above the cork when it was removed. The cork had shrunk slightly and was difficult to remove without breaking up and shedding a few fragments even when a 2-pronged 'Waiter's Friend' was used. Filtered into a decanter.
  Deep golden-brown colour with all the signs of an aged wine.
  Tasted just below room temperature. Caramel on the nose with citrus, prunes, and spice opening gradually. Some early character reminiscent of a Marsala. The first taste was full of honey and toffee but with gentle citrus fruit and acidity. Long in the mouth. With time, the major flavours were of Frank Cooper's Original Oxford Marmalade, including the taste of slightly burnt Seville orange skin that is typical of this marmalade.
  It lasted well in the glass and got more interesting with time. Lovely mouthfeel, balance of acidity, and length. It is an education to taste older but non-fortified wines like this and also a relief that it has survived in such good condition over 58 years. A privilege and a great pleasure. Worth 95+ for quality and uniqueness.
  Still giving great pleasure next day.
  
  Note: This was a gift from my sons who bought it at auction. The wine reminded them of the multi-layered character of Avignonese Vin Santo di Montepulciano Occhio di Pernice and I agree with this perceptive assessment, despite the totally different grapes used. The Lafon-Laroze is not as complex as the younger Vin Santo but, at this age, there are certainly echoes of it.

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