By: AJ McClellan
There are all kinds of great wines out there, but sometimes you get a bottle that is truly special. When you get that great bottle there are few experiences as rewarding as taking your time and truly enjoying the wine that you have in your glass. It is amazing how a simple glass of liquid can be an escape, a little slice of paradise…
Yesterday was a torrent of activity. We tasted over thirty different wines through the day, but my favorites were the stunning 1995 Margaux and the seductive 1996 Domaine Leflaive Bienvenue Batard Montrachet. The Margaux was first. When I first opened the wine it spilled out crisp red cherry and warm wet earth. After tasting the wine you discover massive tannins like an unbreakable wall of minerality and earth. I decanted the wine and let it sit while we moved on to the Leflaive.
The Leflaive burst with lemon zest and bright limestone minerality, like a ray of sunshine on a cold spring day, just a glimpse of the beauty to come. Once we got the wine into the glass there was a lovely limestone minerality as well as subtle notes of summer flowers and Asian pear. With more time in the glass the wine opened up to show notes of toast and honeysuckle. A very complex wine with a long finish.
After a hour or so I sent back to the Margaux which was just starting to come to life. The powerful red fruit was still showing but the tannis has softened some to become velvety in texture. The Margaux was perfectly classic with graphite, black tea, and soft cooking spice.
Of all the wines we tasted, the Margaux and Leflaive were absolute stunners! I am very thankful we had the opportunity to taste such lovely bottles of wine.