Bordeaux first-growth lunch
Tasted Friday, February 2, 2024 by melvinyeowq with 67 views
Introduction
'95 Lafite was the near unanimous favourite, with the '95/88 Margaux, '96 Latour and '03 HB finishing as the best of the rest.
Tasted Friday, February 2, 2024 by melvinyeowq with 67 views
'95 Lafite was the near unanimous favourite, with the '95/88 Margaux, '96 Latour and '03 HB finishing as the best of the rest.
2018 Jérôme Prévost Champagne La Closerie Extra Brut Les Beguines 94 Points
France, Champagne
Much better than the 2019 that I had previously. Round and rich, white / slightly tropical fruit without being too overbearing or natty. Delicious, fresh and balanced; loved the energy on this.
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NV Moët & Chandon Champagne Brut Impérial 93 Points
France, Champagne
Brought this an extra. Early-90s label, similar to previous impressions that this was a nicely-aged example to show the longevity of these older NV bottlings. Vinous with a hint of bubbles left, honey notes without entering sherry territory. Age had mellowed the sweetness and coarseness of this, leaving a gentler expression of champagne.
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1996 Château Laville Haut-Brion Blanc 94 Points
France, Bordeaux, Graves, Pessac-Léognan
Deep golden in colour, thought this was from the '80s. While this was not my preferred style of white, thought this had enough tension to be interesting. Superb aromatics with some sherry notes without being too distracting; a waxy, oily texture with some grapefruit, marmalade notes on the palate. The oxidative element came and went in waves, but still had plenty of life. Thought this could have passed off as an old grand cru Burgundy.
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2005 Pavillon Blanc du Château Margaux 93 Points
France, Bordeaux
Wow this was so pale in colour and fresh on the palate that many thought this was post-2010. Despite the youthful appearance, thought it had plenty of weight and development so guessed a warmer vintage like '09 because of the obvious alcohol. Some straw and pineapple notes with a nice salinity. A better experience today than my previous one with this wine.
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1979 Château Haut-Brion 88 Points
France, Bordeaux, Graves, Pessac-Léognan
Had an obtrusive iron note that I found distracting. Tertiary notes but fresh for a '79 but thought this wasn't very interesting, tannins were still rather blocky.
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2003 Château Haut-Brion 94 Points
France, Bordeaux, Graves, Pessac-Léognan
Brought for me by a friend. Some bottle variation I suspect with this wine judging from previous notes. This was so subtle and elegant that most guessed Margaux from a cooler vintage like '01! Loved the silkiness on the palate even though it didn't have the most complexity or length. This bottle was drinking perfectly today.
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2001 Château Latour Grand Vin 92 Points
France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Pauillac
A serious, structured wine with the classic pencil lead marker of Pauillac. Fruit was a little roasted that made me think a warm vintage like '05. Clearly had more depth than the '03 HB alongside but this was so brooding that it was a rather difficult drink to me.
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1996 Château Latour Grand Vin 95 Points
France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Pauillac
Dcwino's previous note pretty much nailed it. One of my bucket list wines and it lived up to expectations in terms of sheer power. Incredibly powerful structure and concentration of black fruit that made it a little brutish. Also had a similar pencil lead note to the '01. Not sure if this beast will ever settle down, but a treat to have tried this.
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1995 Château Margaux 94 Points
France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Margaux
Didn't realise I had this wine before but similar impressions to before. Elegant and classy without hitting fifth gear. Had a slightly distracting iron note (but wasn't as bad as the '79 HB).
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1995 Château Lafite Rothschild 96 Points
France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Pauillac
I don't usually like the phrase 'exploded out of the glass' but I couldn't think of a better descriptor here. A rich, concentrated wine with chocolate notes while remaining decidedly old-school with some pyrazines. Incredible vibrancy to the fruit so I thought this was a '90. Superb drive and focus to the wine. Think this was the near unanimous favourite of the line-up. My first Lafite and one of the best Bordeaux that I have drunk.
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1981 Château Haut-Brion 91 Points
France, Bordeaux, Graves, Pessac-Léognan
The MW had an interesting comment that '82 was the turning point for Bordeaux, where the fruit became noticeably riper. I hadn't thought about this before and based on today and previous experiences, I am inclined to agree. Thought this was quite similar to the '79 but with a little more plumminess and tea-like flavours. More energy than the '79 and marginally more interesting.
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1994 Château Haut-Brion 87 Points
France, Bordeaux, Graves, Pessac-Léognan
Dilute and unripe with tertiary, mushroom flavours.
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1988 Château Margaux 94 Points
France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Margaux
Rather understated at lunch but it fully blossomed when I tried the remainder at dinner. An old-school restraint and elegance as with most '88s; gentle and soft but not lacking in backbone. A traditional claret that was in my wheelhouse.
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