Community Tasting Note
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Motz wrote: 91 points
May 25, 2019 - Drank over four days...count'em, four. Massively overstated, and a noteworthy confirmation of the head-scratching overhype associated with this vintage. On the first day, this was all about oak, and extracted, somewhat pithy, notably purple berries. That was it. Neither tightly wound, nor reticent, nor tannic. Just high-pitched purple fruit, and an acute absence of substance.
After more of the same on the second day, and questioning whether my wine senses had gone on hiatus, I opened a 2010 La Dame de Montrose. NO CONTEST!!! The 2010 vintage second wine destroyed this over three days. Go figure!
On the third day, the wine put forward its best showing, indicating 92 point potential at best. It began falling apart on the fourth day.
Overall, I have found all other 2016 vintage Bordeaux prior to this tasting experience underwhelming compared to the press. My critiques of all of them have been twofold: No middle to speak of, and lacking substance. This wine suffered from the same issues.
Is there a remote chance that this was an 'off' bottle? Sure, but I do not think so.
Two or three more like tastings of highly regarded Bordeaux will seal this vintage for me, and I will cease to buy it thereafter. In particular, the 2016 Pontet-Canet will offer pivotal evaluation criteria.
I have found the 2016 vintage every bit as overrated as 2009, albeit for different reasons. That vintage was red-fruited, Californiaesque, and suffered phenolic ripeness issues. This vintage is purple fruited, high-pitched, gritty, and devoid of quality substance.
I would love to be proven wrong; though my instincts tell me that is unlikely.
Worthwhile to taste this vintage blind, alongside any another vintage, or the 2010 vintage second wine.8 people found this helpful 17,669 views
9 Comments
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kosdogger commented:
5/26/19, 12:04 PM - Wonder if this is simply a case that 2016 are totally shut down for now. As a comparison, when I opened 2010 Bordeaux a few years back they were totally shut.
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Motz commented:
5/27/19, 12:44 PM - In my experience, shut down wines feature tautness, high reticence, and-or near unapproachable substance. This showed none of these qualities. Nor have any other 2016 vintage Bordeaux I have tasted.
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10xM commented:
6/23/19, 12:54 AM - I think you are drinking this too early. You are comparing wine that is aged 9 years to a 3 year aged bottle. Apples and oranges.
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BillyB2 commented:
12/18/19, 9:44 PM - he has 10,000 notes under his belt.....
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Motz commented:
12/19/19, 12:05 PM - Thank you, BillyB2.
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wineotim commented:
5/16/20, 11:15 AM - Motz, I still bought one because you and I both love this Chateau. I couldn't stop myself...and i hope I have a better experience with this than you.
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Motz commented:
5/16/20, 2:41 PM - WT: No matter how pretty the high-pitched blackberry flavors, I look forward to your assessment of the wine's middle and bass substance.
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wineotim commented:
5/16/20, 5:15 PM - I had to get one in the name of science...as they say!
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Motz commented:
5/16/20, 8:33 PM - Science, indeed!