TN Chateau La Gaffeliere 1966 - surprise, it still is quite drinkable

I had one bottle of Chateau La Gaffeliere 1966 which I opened but expected to be too old. It was a decent, but not top, wine in the mid

80s and likely at the peak then according to some old reviews. I was thus not expecting much, and had another bottle of younger wine as a backup. The fill was still in the low neck, and the cork was still sound, although a bit soft.

The wine still is fairly deep in color with only moderate age showing around the rim. There is fairly intense black fruit such as cassis and blackberry. There is considerable mixed spice. The tannins are a bit dry as often is the case for old 66s, but not too intense. The acid balance is good. This is an old style common in Saint Emilion PP (pre- Parker). Such wines often can take many years to fully develop and can hold a long time after they mature. They can be very good matches for some foods. However they often do not make friends when young. I do not know if anyone makes this type of wine anymore.

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Reply to
Timothy Hartley

What a nice surprise. Last '66 I had a Ducru from that era in 2005 was faded though the provenance was good and the condition was good.

Reply to
Lawrence Leichtman

I've had a "66 Latour and a '66 Pichon Baron recently that were incredible. Both were still dark and full of fruit.

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Bi!!

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