1996 Mas de Daumas Gassac

Community Tasting Notes (36) Avg Score: 89.5 points

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  4/22/2024 - geraldsng wrote:

  Once again I will assert that MdDG is way underrated. Yes there can be some bottle variation but the band isn’t that wide on that count. Wasn’t sure how much air it needed so erred on the side of caution and consulted the winemaker - ended up pulling the cork the night before, pouring out a little taste (about 6mm off the well filled neck, still fairly above the shoulder), recorking and putting it back in the wine fridge overnight until lunch today. I think the idea is controlled oxidation, which worked as the predominant nose was mocha from the little taste but it transformed significantly at lunch.
  
  Anyway this felt very Bordelais, probably even Pauillac with graphite and cassis, but with an added meatiness and an animal edge. It is 80% Cab Sauv so perhaps unsurprising, I bet there is some Syrah in it too. Light touch of brett added to the character here. Still very young and primary despite the vintage. Fully round and long, with fresh acid on the palate. Yes it has a rusticity to it that is different from the polish of Bordeaux, but that just adds to the character. A great wine! I like also how because of the varying blend from the different years, some can seem more Bordeaux, some Rhone and very occasionally new world.

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  11/12/2023 - Xavier Auerbach wrote: 92 Points

  A magnificent Mas de Daumas Gassac vertical from the private cellars of Allard Jakobs (Restaurant Sinck, Amsterdam, NL): Single bottle Second highest level of acidity ever (until / after 2016). Again a claret like style, cool and gravelly, whiff of tomato, hint of liqueur on the finish. Not really convinced

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  7/8/2021 - cct wrote: 93 Points

  Double decanted for sediment then drunk over a few hours.
  
  Lovely mature nose with cassis, stone fruit, pencil lead, ash, iron, and some savory bouillon notes. At first it was pretty closed, but after a couple hours, it fleshed out, becoming supple and sappy. Mid plus weighted, with a broad palate presence, yet it remains focused and detailed. Bitter chocolate, stone fruit, cassis, and ash. Meaty and umami notes really add to the more Bordeaux varietal dominant tone. This has a lot going on, and it all comes together pretty seamlessly. This has power with balance and harmony. Quite long on the back end. At peak with time in hand. Interesting and outstanding. 93

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  1/11/2021 - Goldstone Likes this wine: 92 Points

  A bottle stored since we hosted the winemaker for a dinner in Hong Kong in 2009. 8-hour decant (which I think it needed, or at least 6 hours). Semi-opaque deep cherry red colour. Nose is an immediate fruit bomb of succulent black plums then all the accompanying members of the orchestra tune in: oak, fresh cinnamon stick and leather armchairs in a cigar lounge....really nice. Palate is smooth, velvety, warming, well integrated tannin that have softened a lot compared to the 2002 I drank recently. Similar components to the nose. Surprisingly, the major proportion of Cabernet Sauvignon gives a generous amount of room to the other grape varieties. Nice dry mulberry finish. Moderate length. Plenty of life for further cellaring and development. I wouldn’t be surprised if some people who like this style would score it higher than me. Ridiculously good value if you can buy it at current auction prices (we paid almost three times that but don't feel particularly aggrieved).

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  2/25/2017 - Nubian Likes this wine: 92 Points

  Best result here with great glass which stood in cool cellar for a day, initially no fruit notes. Great balance and ease on day 2, much freshness accompanying deep aromas of underwood, dried fruit and spices.
  
  First encounter with this slow beauty for me. Formidable!

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