December 28, 2023 - 12x Bordeaux 1983 vs 1993: All wines tasted single blind. Not decanted. As anticipated, the 1983 vintage prevailed in our comparative tasting, scoring 8 to 2 wins against the 1993 vintage, with two ties. The structured, classic ’83s exhibited greater depth and harmony compared to the ‘93s, which tended to be simpler, sometimes slightly green and dry, or at their best, fresh and light. However, in both vintages, aside from a few notable labels, many wines were evidently beyond their peak. The standout was, unsurprisingly, the Margaux (94pts). Tasting the some of the same ’83s a second time a few days later with decanting showed a marked improvement, highlighting the need of aeration.
TN: The nose and palate are marred by a bit of stinkiness, showing signs of slight brett, but unfortunately, it's not the pleasant kind. This characteristic slightly taints the overall experience. Additionally, there's a subtle drying aspect that doesn't quite help matters. Given these factors, the 82pts (same as the 1983) for a nice fresh fruit core still seems generous.
November 20, 2023 - Bordeaux 1983 vs 1993 face-off: Extracted but weirdly at the same time unripe cherry fruit, plenty of leather, tobacco and some oak flavors. Soft texture, but full-bodied and masculine on the palate with good balance.
December 11, 2021 - Popped and poured, and drank over 3 hours. Excellent cork. Much better bottle than the previous one, and sadly my last. Fully mature Bordeaux and hitting above its weight. Underrated Château in my opinion.
November 18, 2021 - Well made wine, but now past it’s prime. Better 5 years ago.
August 13, 2021 - My expectation was not high given the reviews but this wine impressed. Started off with generous expression on the nose - ripe red fruits, forest floor, hint of peppers and smoke. The palate was initially light and fresh, without much depth - so i thought the reviews we on the mark. But as the night progressed, subsequent glasses gained weight, the acidity that was prominent in the first glass gave way to deep dark fruits, chocolate, coffee and leather notes. Finish was decent, not particularly long. A superb bottle from an average vintage. Loved it!
June 16, 2017 - drank at beach long ago
September 30, 2016 - Popped and poured, and drank over 2 nights. Initial nose and flavor of acetone, but this blew off over time. Fully mature Bordeaux.
January 22, 2016 - Amazing. This wine shows its pedigree even in off-years. Still dark garnet on the glass very little to almost no rim. Mature notes of leather jacket, wet alpaca wool, along with blackberry and cassis. This is at a great point of development on the palate as well. Velvety smooth, thick, unctuous like a well extracted espresso. The fruit is still alive in the core and the finish is dusty, chalky. Brilliant. This may be my favorite second growth. Great effort.
June 11, 2015 - A magnum. Fine nose flavors and fish. No deteoriation.
August 1, 2014 - Popped and poured. Did not require decanting. Full bodied and good mouthfeel. Initial flavor of blueberries. Plenty of fruit and tannins left here! A bit acidic for my taste, but my mouth got used to it. I'll save the other bottle and try agin in a another five years.