Community Tasting Note
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Decanting Queen Likes this wine: 92 points
August 25, 2022 - A guess the vintage BDX tasting. This was one of two wines in the lineup that I really enjoyed. I am not writing notes for all so I chose this one since it was a favorite and unexpectedly so.
Plenty of fruit and complexity remaining. I am starting to think this producer is underrated as I have often enjoyed them in the presence of supposedly better bottles.
Overall I guessed 2002 or 2004. And my takeaway from the tasting is that 2002 is not a vintage that I enjoy. Good to know. There are other ‘off vintages’ that have seemed under rated to me (03 and 04) but not this one
The other wines in the lineup:
Angelus (so disappointing)
Palmer (my other favorite)
Figeac
Gazin
Lynch-Bages
Becur -Sejour
Pichon Lalonde Comtesse
Many had a great nose but just didn’t deliver on the palate. Angelus in particular had a short finish as did L-B. I don’t think they will get better.3 people found this helpful 3,146 views
13 Comments
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I'd Rather Be Drinking Wine commented:
8/28/22, 12:23 AM - Nice note and stream of consciousness! I agree 2002 sucks in Bordeaux! However, 2003 was pretty well regarded (although a hot vintage)....but 2004 is rather under-rated because it fell between 2003 and 2005. When I went to Bordeaux, I visited Chateau Margaux, and they poured the 2004, which I was very impressed with! I think 2004s are drinking quite well now, while 2005s definitely need more time.....I suspect 2003s are getting ready now, or near future! Just my opinion!
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Decanting Queen commented:
8/28/22, 4:26 AM - 03s are good now, just not very ‘classic’ in style, given the warm vintage. But I have been enjoying 04s despite the reputation. And luckily 01s have come around as it is our anniversary Year!! Cheers, Jason!
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Mark1npt commented:
8/30/22, 2:38 PM - DQ, ever since we went to BD in '17, I have been saying in every review..."they are very underrated and a great value for Bdx". This is always one of my fav Chateau and I think I poured an '03 for you and the family at one of our first dinners together. This is always so feminine and smooth and usually just a classic nose and palate.
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Decanting Queen commented:
8/31/22, 3:45 AM - Yes you did pour us an 03!! I bought some ‘21s this year after an en premiere tasting. One of the few futures I bought but it is going to be good in a hit or miss vintage
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Mark1npt commented:
8/31/22, 3:50 PM - I may just make it til the '21 is at its peak!!!
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Decanting Queen commented:
9/1/22, 4:29 AM - They are gifts for grandkids so if I don’t make it that’s ok (well, not really…)
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Mark1npt commented:
9/1/22, 4:43 AM - I hear ya!
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JJYoyo commented:
9/13/22, 8:22 PM - I agree that Branaire is undervalued. But I think they have been making differently styled wines since maybe 2016(?). The old Branaire was always (to me) an early charmer in overall good vintages - and did not make very old bones. I can remember the outstanding 1989 that was available for a song back in the day. But the 1989 really didn’t improve with (or require) substantial cellar time. The 2009 was a similar success. Since 2016 they seem to be much bigger wines , to my taste more impressive, but also much more forbidding young. They might be even more undervalued in more recent vintages!
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Mark1npt commented:
9/14/22, 9:54 AM - JJ.....their wines have always been softer, more feminine in nature, not bold. With the son having taken over for his recently passed father in '17, I think maybe a difference in style is coming along. We shall see!
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JJYoyo commented:
9/14/22, 10:27 AM - Mark1npt - yes, I would agree with everything you said …. But taste the 2018 juggernaut and see if it isn’t a very different beast. I first noticed a more forceful style in the 2015 and I don’t think it’s a matter of youth: the 2009 and the 1989 were very supple right out of the gate. Now for me, the new style is I think overall more impressive, but it means I now have to find another wine of Branaire quality to fill in the spot of young drinking left bank wine. I know I know, GLWT.
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Mark1npt commented:
9/14/22, 11:10 AM - JJ....lol.....seems you like your Bdx youngish, I usually get crucified on here for doing that! As far as the older Branaire, I usually prefer them at about the 15 yo mark but I'll gladly try all my wines at any age. The latest vintage I have is '16. I can usually find something good out of all of them, cheers!
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JJYoyo commented:
9/14/22, 11:31 AM - Lol - Like you, I like them at all ages if they will like me back! I wouldn’t try, say, a Lafleur young. And sometimes I’ll open a lesser growth or a second wine early For Science. I always had Branaire in particular pegged as a good one young. Although I have not had Branaire 2016 I am willing to bet that you would find it a bit of a beast and better left asleep for 15 years.
Now the few 2018 second wines I have had while young are approachable now. However, the vintage seems to have a pile of tannic reserves that make me really hesitate to open and grand vin early. There is the usual fretting about too much alcohol in the 18s, they’ll blow up, etc. I don’t think so.
As for early drinking, I would rather try that with the 19s than the 18s although I bet the 19s will also last and last. And luckily with the Covid economy 30% discount I backed up the truck in the first round of the 2019 EP mkt and I don’t think I am going to be sorry about that. Makes up for all the overpriced 2019 burg I had to buy because vintage of the ages (as always), mission from god, yadda. -
Mark1npt commented:
9/14/22, 12:40 PM - No, I don't think you'll be sorry at all with those '19s and the few '18s I've tried have been excellent. For a Cali red junkie, the more modern Bdx is quite palatable!