Pre-1996 Blind Napa vs Bordeaux (Ducru, Heitz, Abreu, Cos d'Estournel, Cask 23 & more)
Charlotte, NC
Tasted Tuesday, February 21, 2023 by kevinpatrick with 185 views
Introduction
Our tasting group met for another showdown of Napa versus Bordeaux at The Fig Tree Restaurant. All wines were pre-1996 and served mostly double-blind (I was single blind). The theme was chosen as our group is a decidedly Bordeaux-centric crowd but many fell in love with wine thanks to 80s and 90s Napa Cabs. The night was humbling, elucidating, and quite enjoyable. Wines were served in flights of 2 with guesses of Napa or Bordeaux after each wine. Top 3 Wines (in order): 84 Mondavi Reserve, 95 Abreu Madrona, 86 Ducru-Beaucaillou. The Judgement of Paris confirmed yet again. Cheers!
Flight 1 - Blind Flight 1 (2 Notes)
An interesting start to the evening as wine #1 clearly had a lot hiding behind its initial tasting. Wine #2 was stellar from start to finish. Just a joy. Wine of the flight: 6 votes for Mondavi, 2 for Pichon Baron.
Flight 2 - Blind Flight 2 (2 Notes)
This was the strongest flight on this evening and I honestly could flip a coin to choose my favorite. No "loser" in this fantastic flight. Wine of the flight: 6 votes for Abreu, 2 for Ducru.
Flight 3 - Blind Flight 3 (2 Notes)
The confusing flight which made it all the more fun. Blind tasting is always a helpful reminder of how little we "know," Wine of the Flight: 7 votes for Cask 23, 1 for Cos d'Estournel.
Flight 4 - Blind Flight 4 (2 Notes)
A final curve ball and some clarity. Martha's Vineyard distinctive notes was the only true "tell" on this night of blinds and a fun capper to the evening. Wine of the Flight: 5 votes for Beychevelle, 3 for Heitz.
Closing
Each participant only knew their own bottle and all bottles were randomized to start the evening. As the organizer, this was single-blind for me which honestly made the evening much “easier” versus my compatriots. All voting was done prior to any reveal. Six different wines received a Wine of the Night vote and every wine received at least one vote for a taster’s top 3 on the night reflecting the overall quality of these wines regardless of ranking.
1989 Château Pichon-Longueville Baron
France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Pauillac
3 hour double decant; served at room temperature (all other wines served with a slight chill). Heat on the nose followed by raspberry aromas. Garnet in color. Rich, dark fruit on the palate with a very pure expression. Drank like a richly textured modern Napa Cabernet with a hint of rustic notes. Commented that when we come back to this wine in a few hours it will probably be a far superior wine which was confirmed. Definitely give this wine a very long decant. This wine on the initial tasting was delicious but on the later tasting was spectacular. One vote for Wine of the Night.
7 guesses for Napa, 1 for Bordeaux. My guess: ‘89 Pichon Baron
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1984 Robert Mondavi Winery Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve
USA, California, Napa Valley
1 hour double-decant. Showing some age on the rim, ruby in tone.Delightful, soft, dried fruit nose. Elegant on the mouthfeel. Extremely pleasing balance of secondary and tertiary notes while maintaining ample primary fruit resulting in an outstanding performance. Savory medium+ length finish cap off a fabulous wine. Overall Wine of the Night. Two 1st place votes, four 2nd place votes.
6 guesses for Bordeaux, 2 for Napa. My guess: 84 Stag’s Leap Cask 23
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