Bottle dinner of the Commanderie de Bordeaux (London)
- C Van Aeken
- Sep 27, 2016
- 2 min read
Bottle night of the Commanderie de Bordeaux (London chapter) at the Carlton Club in London is always good fun. A variety of Bordeaux wines are brought by the members and there are always a few (happy) surprises. The following six wines stood out (from the 15 wines sampled.)
Château Gruaud-Larose, St-Julien, 2001
Medium ruby colour with a watery rim. Medium + intense nose with notes of ripe red and black fruit, red cherries, plum, spice and violets. Medium bodied with firm, well integrated tannins, medium + acidity and a medium + intense elements of blackcurrant and chocolate. Elegant and balanced.
Château Cos d’Estournel, St-Estephe, 1996
Medium ruby. Mature, intense nose with blackcurrant but also farmyard, meaty notes. Full bodied with soft tannins, medium acidity and medium intense fruit of black and red berries and chocolate. Long finish. Balanced wine.
Château Figeac, St-Emilion, 1995
In Magnum. Deep ruby. Rich aromas of red and black berries, blackcurrant, cedar wood and spices. Full bodied with medium + acidity, pronounced but ripe tannins and sweet fruit of blackberry, chocolate and plums. Very long finish with hints of strawberry. Complete and balanced wine that retains its freshness. Outstanding.
Château Latour à Pomerol, Pomerol, 1989
Developed colour. Medium intense nose of ripe black fruit, blackberry and tobacco. Medium bodied with medium acidity and soft, velvety tannins, Ripe, dark fruit on the palate and a medium long, meaty finish. Drinking well now.
Château Ducru-Beaucaillou, St-Julien, 1982
Medium ruby. Sweet, floral nose of blackberry, cassis, exotic spice and cedar wood. Full bodied with medium + acidity, firm but velvety tannins and very ripe fruity aromas of red and dark fruits with chocolate and spice. A very good wine that is concentrated and pure.
Château Cos d’Estournel, St-Estephe, 1966
Excellent bottle condition. Pale ruby with garnet rim. Medium + intense, herbaceous bouquet of liquorice, cedar wood, blackcurrant, cassis and plums. Medium bodied with medium, fresh acidity, integrated tannins and delicious intense, sweet fruit of blackcurrant and plums. Medium + length with some slightly bitter notes on the finish. A beautiful drink.
Comments