Phil M's VCC lunch

The Ledbury, London
Tasted Friday, April 8, 2011 by SimonG with 730 views

Introduction

Thanks to Phil for pulling this together and to all for their company and bottles. Nothing stood out for me, but this reafirmed my like for VCC and its left-bank character. The 89 and 90 seemed a little subdued cd previous showings but what was really apparent was how well the 'off' vintages showed. A good
buy in the cheaper, less flashy years perhaps. Lovely showings from the top and tail fizz and Sauternes too. Food as expected, lovely. A slightly different dressing for the deer carpaccio from last time I had this, snails and the most melting slow cooked lamb I've had at the Ledbury yet. Yum!

Flight 1 (1 Note)

Flight 2 (4 Notes)

  • 1999 Vieux Château Certan

    France, Bordeaux, Libournais, Pomerol

    Quite a leafy, herbaceous nose. Fatter in the glass. Seems all there on the palate although less fragrant / more muted cf the others. Quite plush though. **(*1/2)

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  • 1996 Vieux Château Certan

    France, Bordeaux, Libournais, Pomerol

    Smoother and more rounded nose. A touch of freshness. En famille with the others. A little leaner on the palate. Decent attack but a little light on the finish. Lacks persistence. ***

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  • 1995 Vieux Château Certan Flawed

    France, Bordeaux, Libournais, Pomerol

    Corked and not served.

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  • 1993 Vieux Château Certan

    France, Bordeaux, Libournais, Pomerol

    More mature on the nose, an older version of the 99. Earthy, herbaceous. Reasonably positive attack. Light but quite flavoursome. A nice spiciness here. Touch of tobacco. Altogether this is a pretty decent effort. ***

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Flight 3 (4 Notes)

  • 1997 Vieux Château Certan

    France, Bordeaux, Libournais, Pomerol

    Lovely nose. Similar on palate. Very smooth, very drinkable though lacks depth and complexity. Not quite as persistant as it could be but a very pleasant drink now. ***

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  • 1994 Vieux Château Certan

    France, Bordeaux, Libournais, Pomerol

    More mute on the nose. Mineral, quite fresh, a touch of tobacco and herbaciousness. Very decent attack, thinner on the mid-palate and finish. Quite long. Savoury. Very good. ***

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  • 1989 Vieux Château Certan

    France, Bordeaux, Libournais, Pomerol

    Quite muted nose. Slightly lactic. Very smooth and harmonious. Builds in glass. Persistant and long though not as good as previous bottles. Still very nice. ****

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  • 1988 Vieux Château Certan

    France, Bordeaux, Libournais, Pomerol

    I'm the only one (apart from Luke) who doesn't think this is corked. Nicely 88, quite herbaceous, leafy, even a touch of woodiness but more 88 than TCA. No sign of deterioration with air. Fresh, slightly clipped
    on the finish but reasonable length. ***1/2

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Flight 4 (4 Notes)

Flight 5 (1 Note)

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