After a month of tasting the new releases from Burgundy (2011) and Bruno Giacosa’s sensational new Barolos, it seemed only appropriate to change tack and delve in to the archives to see how some older vintages of Bordeaux are performing.
Last week the Buying Team organised 3 short tasting sessions over 3 days to explore the wines of the Left Bank, Right Bank and the sweeties of Sauternes and Barsac. With vintages on show between 1989 and 2009 there was a real breadth of styles and, it must be said, conditions! From surprisingly approachable ‘08s and 09s to one or two older vintages that were perhaps fading a little, it certainly tested our palates.
Highlights included the sublime Château Calon Ségur 2008 (best wine of the tastings, how can a St. Estèphe be so good so young?!); the regal Château Pichon Baron 2006; the bargain-priced Château Capbern Gasqueton 2008 (£15.28 per bottle!); the over-performing La Chapelle de La Mission Haut Brion 2007 (best 2nd wine of the vintage…?); the cheeky Petit Védrines 2007 (undervalued 2nd wine of big-league Barsac Ch. Doisy Védrines); the show stopping sticky Château Suduiraut 2007 (seemed everyone needed three samples of this one, just to be sure…).
Ah, now I remember why Bordeaux is held in such high regard…
Blog by Matt Thompson