A somewhat disappointing showing for the usually impeccable Clos du Mesnil, this bottle showed less vigorous than usual and less distinctive. Heavier and simpler than better examples and minus the usual perfume. It did improve with air though and showed glimpses of its former glory. This bottle was well stored so I can’t blame it on heat damage.

This bottle, from Hugh and purchased on release, is different from any of the others I have experienced so far. What was consistent was its deeply saturated color and high ripe tannins. What differed was the strong ultra-ripe to over ripe character of prune. I like this flavor in wine so rate it highly, but if you do not, you will not be as pleased.

Hugh’s bottle, purchased on release. Yes, ‘82 Latour is a perfect wine, jaw-droppingly gorgeous. Before you raise the glass to your mouth, the beguiling perfume of black currant, cassis, violet and rose assaults you. You fear the flavor will not live up to the incredible aroma, but you have worried for naught. Perfectly spherical, juicy, majorly fruity yet framed by perfect silky tannins, minerals and just the right amount of acidity, each sip lingers for minutes. Surely the greatest Bordeaux of this storied vintage. Who knows how it will age even further but it can’t get any more beautiful than it already is.

Medium garnet, brown rim. As usual, the ‘66 Mouton is rather monolithic and a bit too thin and acidic, especially in the finish. Briny and smoky with a note of coal. Still has life, it’s interesting but not really enjoyable. This has never been a great vintage of Mouton and was the weakest of the 6 bottle Mouton/Latour mini-vertical.

Another outstanding example of ‘66 Latour, surely the wine of the vintage at this point in time. Outstanding color, no brown. Deep and black fruity, intense, blackberry and cassis, graphite and charcoal, classic Latour. Fragrant and very complex, holding very well at hour three. A great vintage of Latour and no sign of slowing down.

Medium garnet, brown rim. Impressive in an old cedary way with extraordinary complexity. It’s now for lovers of autumn leaves and dry earth since the fruit has almost evaporated. It actually held up better in the glass than the ‘59 Latour but eventually turned too tart and acidic. Still, a fascinating experience, not repeatable with “young” Mouton at 30 or 40 years of age.

Beautiful old tawny color, darker than the ‘59 Mouton. For the first hour amazing. Incredibly sweet, mellow and smooth, dreamy old Bordeaux. But it gradually faded, becoming more acidic and leathery and became a ghost by hour three. A thrilling experience though. My score is an average of the initial and final impressions.

Hugh’s bottle (375ml)/Excellent finish to a monumental mini-vertical of Latour and Mouton. Extremely viscous, sweet and luscious, with more than a passing resemblance to Yquem. Lots of botrytis and caramel and decent acidity. But after a sip or two it gets tiring since it lacks the balance that only Yquem seems to obtain. Still, it may improve with more time in bottle.