1992 Haut Brion

Well, I did read that they have been adding acid to their wines. They used to do it only when it needed it, but after seeing the results decided to always do it. It's not exactly a natural approach to winemaking.

The Montrachet is aged on 100% new oak versus something like 33% new oak for the other bottlings. I read this information on the Internet, cellarnotes.net. That's not the only place, though. On your advice I now own a 1998 Bienvenue-Batard which I bought because I found it fairly cheap. Even though 1998 was not the best year, Parker says it was better than the 1996 and 1997 (ostensibly better years in Burgundy). Have you had it? When will it be ready to drink?

I looked and I bought 6 bottles for $20 each. Supposedly they are not that good compared to the best Burgundy has to offer, but for $20 they don't have to be. Thanks for pointing that out to me! I am anxious to try them. For $20 (even with shipping) they might make great everyday wines! If not, then I learned something interesting. I have had red Chassagne before and I think it usually represents good value, although it is a bit thin.

Dimitri

Reply to
D. Gerasimatos
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Hi Dimitri,

Well, I think WA really missed the boat on 1996 Ramonet. That was one of the greatest Bienvenues they ever made. The other wines were similarly stellar.

The 1998s I have had are fairly forward and well structured. No Ramonet TNs however- I missed the 1997 and 1998 vintages during my wine collecting hiatus.

This forwardness is where I get concerned with WA reviews. Many 1997 red burgs got higher marks than 1998s and even 1999s. The wines are not as good, but certainly far more obvious in youth. I am of the impression that forward vintages are getting a bit better overall press than they deserve and that more structured backward vintages like 1998 are dismissed generally.

Bienvenue Batard is the most forward of the Ramonet grand crus, but I have been told by those who know older vintages well that the wine has the staying power of the Batard over time. Given what little I have experienced with 1998 whites, I would suggest drinking your Ramonet Bienvenue between 2005 and 2008. It may go longer, but if you only have the one bottle it is not worth the risk to keep it too long- especially since it is surely already at a point where it is going to show well.

Good show on the Chassagne reds! Looking forward to your TNs for those. I have had all of the Ramonet whites many times, but the reds have never come my way.

Take care,

Tom.

Reply to
Elpaninaro

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