JG Double Blind Intro Retro

A simply unbelievable double blind tasting of fine and rare Cabernet-based wines out of magnum. Timeless treasures, for sure.

• 1990 Pol Roger Champagne Cuvée Sir Winston Churchill 94 Points

  France, Champagne

  Served double blind from magnum. Full lifted nose of mature white fruit, earth and a bit of truffle. The palate is mature but still quite vibrant and fresh. Excellent round body with great depth and texture. Some wood framing remains. I was guessing much younger.

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• 1949 Château Talbot 93 Points

  France, Bordeaux, Médoc, St. Julien

  Served double blind and en magnum. Mature ruby brown. Full captivating nose of decayed earth, mature dried plum, mineral with some light bell pepper and tobacco. One of the leaner wines in the flight of four with higher acidity and less fruit concentration. Terrific earth and cedar tones in the finish. I was guessing 70s Cali - shocked to learn it was a 1949. A rare treat that was drinking amazingly well. My #2, Group's #2 in the flight.

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• 1959 Château Gruaud Larose

  France, Bordeaux, Médoc, St. Julien

  Served double blind and en magnum. Light mature ruby brown. An awkward nose -- slightly damp basement aromas with fruit that is more canned/stewy than fresh. On the palate this is more fresh with ground round fruit and concentration. A bit one dimensional and not as interesting as the 49 Talbot or 61 Larose. My #3, Group's #4 in the flight.

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• 1961 Château Gruaud Larose 95 Points

  France, Bordeaux, Médoc, St. Julien

  Served double blind and en magnum. Light mature ruby brown. Full, bright nose has excellent layering with maturing red fruits, bell pepper, some mint and cedar. The palate is delicious with still sweet and fresh fruit. Great complexity and depth. Long, ethereal finish. Clearly has some age, but I was in the 80s not 1961. Amazing. My #1, Group's #1 wine of the flight.

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• 1970 Château Gruaud Larose

  France, Bordeaux, Médoc, St. Julien

  Served double blind and en magnum. Brighter aged ruby. Lighter nose with some aged red fruit and hints of bell pepper. Rather simple on the palate. Clearly has some age and is Cabernet, but otherwise non-distinct and not nearly as thrilling as the 1961 tasted just before. My #4, Group's #3 wine of the flight.

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• 1980 Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon Grace Family Vineyard 98 Points

  USA, California, Napa Valley

  Served double blind and en magnum. A simply thrilling bottle of Cabernet. Dark ruby. Gorgeous, lifted and delicious nose of rich plum and cherry, huge cedar note, herbs and pencil shavings. Palate is similarly delicious with great layering and concentration. Excellent detailing of precise, complex flavors. Tannins are still showing some degree of coarseness. This has plenty of room to go. Was guessing mid-90s Bordeaux. Wow. WOTN in a stellar line up.

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• 1980 Dunn Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain 91 Points

  USA, California, Napa Valley, Howell Mountain

  Served double blind and en magnum. Inky ruby in color. Full nose has dense plum fruit and some cedar ands spice, but this is brooding and closed-in for the most part. Palate has broad-scaled fruit and is rather non-delineated at the moment. Needs time. Crazy on reveal to see this is a still too young Dunn HM.

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