December 16, 2023 - First one out of an epic wait. These are great. I am so glad that Ralph Sands put me in these almost 20 years ago and told me to wait. Such typical BDX mustiness on the nose, which fills the room when the cork is pulled. Dark crimson red. Tonge numbing but without the high heat you might expect. In perfect balance tonight. So glad I had it to myself! Interestingly, the cork was very difficult to extract--maybe it was my bush-league wine key but I have never experienced anything like this.
September 20, 2023 - Perfect now - this has aged a bit
September 19, 2023 - Dense, deep purple with no signs of fading around the edges. This is at a beautiful stage of maturity right now, though it was at its best after 5 hours in the decanter. Concentrated essence of Paulliac. Amazing juice.
August 18, 2023 - Beautifully balanced kept since en primeur purchase. Well worth the wait.this is neat perfection.
June 21, 2023 - This is awfully good. Gorgeous garnet color that remains remarkably youthful. The nose is the definition of Pauillac: cassis, pencil shavings, hints of tobacco. A little sweet. A little plump. The palate follows the nose. There is still a separation in the flavor and structure yarns that need to knit together. What a wine - can only imagine how impressive big brother must be. Still needs a few years to show its best. Will be fun to follow. Happy birthday DBKIII. (93)
January 7, 2023 - Coravin fun - Random Bordeaux (My place, Kent Street): From Coravin. Aromas of ripe plums, blackcurrant, sweet spice, smells dense, plenty of woody oaky notes and a little smoky underpin. Still quite primary. Juicy, fleshy, plummy with blackcurrant, oaky, talc textured tannins all travel very long. As per the nose this still feels quite primary but is more balanced than previous tastings. Good but time.
December 31, 2022 - Still a lot of legs left. Wonderful.
December 26, 2022 - Opened at the Jackson Room in the HKC. Decanted and enjoyed over dinner.
Despite the 17 years of age, this was still a really big wine. Very glad I chose to decant it but even so, I feel like this just needs a bit more time. Would be excited to revisit in 5+ years.
That being said, very solid Pauillac nose. Powerful structure, still slightly grippy (but not unpleasant) tannins and good finish. Still quite dense and there was some tension on the palate - as noted above this just needs more time.
I've always been consistently impressed by Les Forts, which is probably the best of the 'second flights' out there, and I'm certain that this will just continue to get better.
November 21, 2022 - Tempted to score it higher but then again I have another 6 bottles left which will evolve with time :)
Decanted and aerated for 3 hours before drinking over 90 minutes. Dark ruby red, inky and dense color. On the nose very rich cassis, graphite, pencil lead, black currants, pepper, crushed rocks and hints of bitter chocolate and blackberries. Full bodied palate, very powerful mid palate, great acidity, solid structure and complexity with a long tannic finish laced with spice cake. Delicious but needs lots more time.
June 3, 2022 - Masculine nose of dark red and black fruit, perfumed cassis, leather and graphite. Dark ruby red. Hardly any signs of aging. Powerful palate strong tannins still prevalent and a long leathery finish. Needs another 5 years or a 4 hour decant!