By: AJ McClellan
Even on a slow night you never know what is going to happen at Graileys. One second you think you are going to be headed home early, the next you have two of your favorite members drop in and a few glasses of world class juice at your fingertips… Life is good
2008 Domaine Bertagna Vougeot 1er Les Cras – This is a very unique wine. Coming from Vougeot in the Cote du Nuits, a predominantly red wine growing region, this stunning example of chardonnay has set itself apart from the pack with its power and unique structure. Needless to say, I was very impressed with this wine… The nose was fragrant and complex showing white summer flowers, melted caramel, and toasted popcorn. With more time in the glass the wine seemed to expand giving off elegant mineral notes of limestone and slate. The palate was wonderful full and rich with a creamy texture and a mouthful of complexities. Notes of honeyed pineapple, and caramelized peaches mated perfectly with the subtle minerality and pleasant toast. For sure this will be a wine to contend with after 10 or more years in the bottle. I was astonished at the great price point for this wine, for only $110 a bottle this wine punches way above its weight class and is perfect to lie down in the cellar.
1990 Latour – In 1997, this wine scored a lofty 98 points by Mr. Parker, in 2000 it was downgraded to 96 points and in 2009 it was downgraded again to a 95+. While still having an impressive score the track record of this wine is not impressive. I have tried this bottle on three separate occasions now, and I must say that while last night’s example was the best I have had there might be another downgrade in this wines future… I feel like all the components for a great bottle are lurking somewhere in this wine’s DNA, but it has yet to come together and produce. Dried red and black fruits on the nose with a distinct barnyard note showing on the back end. There is a hint of potpourri, graphite, and moist earth but they are muddled hiding in the depths of this wine… The palate was more of the same with some great classic components but like a collection of malformed Lego blocks, the wine refuses to come together properly… All that being said the wine is still not horrible, only disappointing for the pedigree and vintage. I foresee 93-94 points in this wines future.
I think the Domaine Bertagna is a great deal, but we only have 12 bottles available. If you would like to pick some up just Click Here