April 23, 2024 - Bought a case at auction on the back of David Peppercorn's comments in 2004. "A wine for those who love Medocs for their own sake and are not slaves to labels". Medium body, pleasantly acidic, sufficient fruit remaining, though initial richness disappears perhaps a little too quickly. This might be my go-to wine for 2024. Can't see it getting any better for keeping.
December 17, 2023 - Had a total of three bottles of the 2000 Lanessan over the last 6 months or so. A correct Bordeaux but not much more in my eyes - but then Lanessan is neither a Grand Cru nor a Cru Bourgeois so I guess thats ok at age 23 even in a very good Bdx vintage.
Garnet with a fairly wide clear rim in the glass. Quite a pretty nose with wood spices and dark fruit. On the palate there is not enough meat on the bone for further development. A bit thin and acidic, a touch of dark fruit, integrated tannins, short finish. This will not fall of the cliff anytime soon but will not improve either. so drink up.
May 25, 2023 - Fully tertiary. Showed really well. Best with food.
March 24, 2023 - Opened and decanted for 1 hour, continued to open up over 3 hours. Still has plenty of acid and tannin, fruit is starting to drop off. Tertiary development is starting, nice notes of sous boi, leather, some cedar notes. Good length, but subdued intensity. Nice wine for the price.
November 24, 2022 - A Thanksgiving Day treat. I can’t fault this wine in any way, especially in terms of value. Sure you could pick up another WS point or two for $200 and MAYBE get 5 times the enjoyment. But my own peasant palate would never notice the difference and it’s complementing our feast delightfully.
October 14, 2022 - An interesting and well preserved bottle that shows the quality of an good, solid and inexpensive producer in Bordeaux. Lots of tannins still at the 22 year mark and could actually go a while longer I imagine. It is still a bit strict, though, and the fruit is fading. But it is very enjoyable and amazing that this inexpensive wine is this long lived. Great QPR and a solid example of aged Bordeaux without spending a heck of a lot.
September 22, 2022 - Classic example of a fully mature, reasonably-priced left-bank Bordeaux. Nothing outstanding, but extremely enjoyable with a really nice finish! Excellent QPR at $39 a bottle. A recent purchase and it had obviously been stored very well. Excellent fill level. One of the only wines in recent memory which did not require decanting.
July 7, 2022 - Red plum, blackcurrant, forest floor, some stewed fruit (but certainly not excessive), garrique, barnyard coming through with air. On the palate, smooth and relaxed. At first, I thought the fruit had faded a little too much in the face of the remaining tannin but that’s not the case for my palate. While the tannin remains prominent, the whole palate comes together with the bright acidity and a linear spine of fruit that extends into a long finish. Popped and poured. I’ve had various bottles of this over the red and there has been considerable variation - when you get a good one, it is exceptional value and I’m delighted that is the case for this bottle....which might be my last.
February 21, 2022 - Gareth’s ‘Cru Bourgeois’ @ Hawksmoor: 2 bottles with consistent notes. Slightly maderised nose and a stewed, porty palate. Atypical.
February 7, 2022 - Gang of 4 in Covid19 times; Haut Medoc (@ RW): Pleasant and mature bouquet with rustic impressions. On the palate red berries, chocolate, sweet spices, earth and autumn forest. A lot of acidity.