So our Bordeaux met last night at Rothmann's for a look at the 1989 Bordeau x at 25. In discussions we had decided to do this in 2 tastings, with the f irst geared more towards mid-tier bottlings. So a nice group of 9 got toget her for the opening round.
Suzanne and Bill had brought a couple of starter wines
2011 de Moor "d'autre Vallee" A VdP. Don't think this is Chardonnay, a more tensile experience than even nervy Chablis. Honied with an edge of sweetness, but laser acids. I like a lot. B+/A-NV Godme Rose Champagne I didn't give this one much time, but liked- red fruits, chalk, nice body. B+
On to the 1989 reds, with dinner (I went healthy with spinach and tuna, mos t others did wedge salads and steaks). My food was good if not great, thoug h the communal "hashbrowns" really resembled sauteed/burnt french fries.
1989 Domaine de Chevalier I liked this, but was surprised by ripeness and amount of oak showing, I th ink of DDC as more elegant than opulent, this is young. B+/B1989 Ch. Pavie Macquin Medium bodied, soft finish, not very long. B-
1989 Ch.La Dominique Soft compared to Figeac, plummy fruit, a little smoke. B1989 Ch. Figeac Herbs and olives, young, somewhat tannic, needs time but one of my faves of evening. Double-decanted in afternoon, thought best at end of night B+/A-
1989 Ch. Le Gay Ready, plush, easygoing. B1989 Ch. La Fleur de Gay More complete than Le Gay, floral, pretty plum fruit. B+
1989 Ch. Clerc Milon Something weird on nose, I thought VA at first, but it seemed to blow off, a little barnyard, not very long. B-1989 Ch. Sociando-Mallet Earth and herbs. good black fruit, a tad roasted. B/B+
1989 Ch.Leoville Barton Stern, big and tannic, some barnyard, firm. B+1989 Ch.Lagrange (St. Julien) Redder fruit, but I thought corked, and think table came round to that as w ell
1989 Ch. Gruaud-Larose Plenty of Cordier funk (too much for some), brawny dark fruit, needs time. B+1989 Ch. Cos d'Estournel Still young, nicely balanced, ripe and smoky. Good finish, and my WOTN by a hair. B+/A-
In our 3/2/1 voting Cos garnered 20 pts as easy winner, with Gruaud, Figeac , DDC, Barton, LFdG, and La Dominique all getting votes. Fun night with a nic e group, and enjoyed most of the wines, though I was surprised there wasn't any one "wow" wine.
Grade disclaimer: I'm a very easy grader, basically A is an excellent wine, B a good wine, C mediocre. Anything below C means I wouldn't drink at a pa rty where it was only choice.Furthermore, I offer no promises of objectivit y, accuracy, and certainly not of consistency.