Hello; Still organoleptically challenged from a a headcold, and yet: The youngest one who´s born 1982 is leaving for Australia and not likely to come back for the next year (if then, since his ambition s to make enough money to continue to Japan, there to study Japanese ... good luck Johan!) so the father invited hime to ask over a few friends and in honor of the occasion open a few of the 1982 vintage wines residing in the family cellar for A Special Occasion. After a contemporary Mucat d´Alsace from Ginglinger of Orschwir, much to dry for an aperitif, just acidity and minerals (v high acidity for a Muscat) which did not meet with high approval, we openede Puligny-Montrachet 1:er cru Les Pucelles from Vve Henri Moroni 1982. The worthy widow Mme Moroni had produced a wine with a heady nose of freshly roasted coffee, followed by the expected nuts & butter, a bit of vanilla but not much, a surprising sniff of lavender, and a cleansing acidity. The color, not to be wondered at, an almost saffron yeallow which, in the glass, gradually darkened, and, after a couple of hours the wine had died the death of oxidation. Still, a wonderful experience, a wine that will be long remembered for its complexity, and intensity. Next: The perennial under-achiever `mongst the second growths of Medoc [1]: Rausan-Gassies 1982. The Godfather of the Mickey Mouse splinter group, Magnus, had warned me that this would in all likelyhood be way over the top, that the R-G´s had died in the mid 90s, have a back-up bottle ready ... Hooray, he was WRONG. This was a serious contender with a good Cab nose, a good acidity and sound tannic structure, highly enjoyable and good for a few years in the cellar. Not unforgettable, but a nice Bordeaux with lamb steak and baked veggies, very good pairing BTW. Finally, the number one suspect himself, Johan, contributed a gift from his
20th birthday Sandeman Vintage 1982 Apparently 1982 was not a very good year in the Douro valley, and few producers declared a vintage. The vintages produced are said to have low staying power, and they should mostly be drunk by now [2]. This was a deep ruby red, with purple highlights. Nose intensely peppery (Piri-piri saue was mentioned) with cherry pits and fieryness. On the palate dominated by high alcohol, to the point where little else could be recognized. Bit of a bummer, really. Oh well [ibid].
Cheers
Nils Gustaf
[1] According to some press, the producer, long living in the shadow of its eminent neighbour, has made serious progress since the late 90s. [2] I am not a port drinking man. I tend to find port too high in alcohol, and prone to induce migraine. Anything I say considering port is to be taken into the account.