Important Update From the Founder
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1989 vs 1990 Bordeaux
Tasted January 25, 2008 by kris.h with 800 views
Introduction
We started off with a blind guessing of varietals. It turns out all wines were from italy. The first was Nebbiolo and I guessed Nebbiolo. The second was Sangiovese and I guessed Cab Franc. The third was Dolcetto and I guessed Dolcetto. The fourth was Barbera and I guessed Merlot. Not too bad at getting 2 out of 4 correct.
Next, we moved on to some Riesling and then on to the main event followed by some Port.
Flight 1 (2 notes)
White - Off-dry
1976 Jos. Christoffel Jr. (Christoffel-Prüm) Ürziger Würzgarten Riesling Auslese
93 points
This is a really nice bottle of riesling. Good vibrant acidity and lush sweetness. Well balanced. Some petrol and apple.
White - Off-dry
1976 Groensteyn Kiedricher Gräfenberg Riesling Spätlese
Very dark. Looks like diesel. Smells like diesel too. Soft acidity. Something in it that drys the mouth. An interesting wine to taste. The nose is the best part about this wine. Love the diesel aromas. This was too weird to score but was fun to taste.
Flight 2 (3 notes)
Red
1989 Château Montrose
96 points
Great nose. Lots of fruit, leather, and cigar. A hint of green pepper. Firm, fine grained tannins with nice fruit and weight on the finish. Good balance and acidity. Spectacularly good. Will be even better with more time in the cellar.
Red
1995 Dominus Estate Napanook Vineyard
91 points
Dusty with some rubber and raspberry. Intrigueing profile. Good weight and balance. Good ringer for a Bordeaux.
Red
1989 Château Pichon-Longueville Baron
95 points
Very tight nose. Some cherry and blackberry. Was served cool and opened up some as the wine warmed in the glass. Firm tannins and lots of fruit. A really nice wine, needs time though.
Flight 3 (3 notes)
Red
1990 Château Pape Clément
92 points
Rich fruit, some tobacco. Low acidity. Firm tannins to start with that softened with air. Very pleasant overall.
Red
1966 Château Haut-Brion
flawed
Unfortunately this bottle was flawed. It could have been great. Lots of VA and some oxidation or maderization. Hideing under that was some nice fruit. The VA blew off somewhat with air but was still present.
Red
1990 Château La Mission Haut-Brion
97 points
A little barnyard. Some herbs. Nice fruit and weight on the palate with rich soft tannin. Some cedar and a nice smoky component. A great wine.
Flight 4 (3 notes)
Red
1990 Château Gruaud Larose
92 points
Good color. The nose gives up some fruit, cedar, and green peppers. Medium weight. Good finish and structure.
Red
1987 Robert Mondavi Winery Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve
89 points
Nice tannins and good acidity. Tight nose. Clipped finish. A nice wine but seems to be in a weird stage right now.
Flight 5 (1 note)
Red - Fortified
1977 Warre Porto Vintage
93 points
Nose of cherry and baking spice. Palate is medium to full with rich fruit and well integrated alcohol. nice finish. Good acidity. Well integrated tannin. earth. dark fruits. Really nice. Likely drinking at peak or even slightly past. Will hold and continue to drink well for several more years.
Closing
My Favorites:
1. 1990 La Mission Haut Brion
2. 1989 Montrose
3. 1989 Pichon-Longueville Baron
Group Favorites:
1. 1989 Montrose
2. 1990 Leoville Las Cases
3. 1990 La Mission Haut Brion