January 26, 2024 - Past prime, very noticeable when compared to 1998. 1 hour decant, will PNP next bottle. Still ok but structure and fruit have faded.
January 19, 2024 - Still deep ruby with some browning at the edges. Earthy with red currant and some eucalyptus on the nose. Integrated tannins and smooth with a good mouthfeel. Slightly more enjoyable than the last bottle, but definitely in the drink up stage. Not a rush since it is still solid after almost 30 years, but I think now is a good balance of fruit, body, and some tertiary elements.
October 18, 2023 - Decanted; deep ruby color, little to no bricking, classic St Emilion nose. Not the fruit bomb it was in its youth but not lacking fruit. No tannins left and just a solid enjoyable Bordeaux. Gained a little weight but still fresh on day 3 after recording.
August 6, 2023 - Another delicious bottle of well aged Bordeaux that checked all the boxes as it was chosen as the opening act for the 1998 that was to follow. In a totally different vibe and direction than the 98, this was far more serious and left bankish in demeanor. Clay laden, decaying wood, roasted herbs....really savory and delicious with beautiful freshness and persistence. These stupid surprise wines that bring these unexpected experiences bring more joy to my head than an expected delivery from something far more expensive like the 2000 Cheval Blanc from days ago...I'll take 8 of these and stay drunk. Love it...Drink
January 28, 2023 - Purchased on release and perfectly stored ever since. Dark, opaque red center and a ruby rim... no signs of bricking. Tannins are well resolved and secondary notes are evident. Currants, leather, celery seed and tobacco. Ready to drink, but this still has great freshness to it. Well stored bottles can probably still go for several more years.
January 14, 2023 - 94 upon opening. Cloves, cinnamon, tobacco and red/black fruit. Beautiful color for age. Slow ox’d for for a couple of hours and lost some of its depth on the palate and finish over that time. I have one more bottle and will pop and pour.
September 24, 2022 - This was enjoyable, but definitely getting to the end (375 ML bottle). Some fruit remains mostly all tertiary at this point. Tannins have faded, but just enough of everything to still drink.
October 28, 2021 - Shows some cinnamon tan tones but still deep red/purple. Aromas of licorice, leather, and a whiff of rum. Extremely ripe red fruit borders on port. Too ripe for me but is a big impressive wine and T enjoyed.
March 12, 2021 - This was fully mature delicious Monbousquet! Classic Right Bank nose with blueberry, blackberry, cherries, currants aromas, with leather, tobacco, smoke blended in. Palate is medium body, soft black fruits, currant preserves, secondary flavors of leather, tobacco, cedar and nearly fully resolved tannins and balanced acidity. Long finish. One of the best vintages of this chateau I have tasted. Prime time drinking!
November 30, 2020 - Impressive Bordeaux. Modern style. Prune, cocoa, graphite. Sweet fruit profile. Easily can go another 10. Tasty!