By: AJ McClellan
June is always a fun month at Graileys. We have 3 of our brokers birthdays all within a week of each other, and you know our members never need much of an excuse to open stunning bottles of wine. Around the table a slew of epic wines were opened and shared each bottle getting better than the last.
2004 Bollinger Grande Annee – This 04 was showing fresh green apple, peach, and a crisp acidity when we first opened it up. After some time in the glass the wine started to put on some weight and gaining more of a yeasty character. The wine finished with a slight nuttiness and a pleasant citrus nuance.
1996 Leroy Pommard Les Vignots – This wine never fails to disappoint. The bottle is still young and fresh showing big red fruits with a slight spiciness. Red cinnamon, liquorish, and star anise follow the bust of red cherry and raspberry. Subtle black tea notes come out after the wine has been in the glass for a while with a slight wheat notes. The palate is stunning with classic Burgundy notes and a long complex finish of mixed fruits and earth.
2008 Ausone – Pure power… I am intrigued with the 08’s so far. This Bordeaux tasted more like a killer bottle of Harlan than a rustic Bordeaux. Many of the 08’s I have tasted have been similar. Showing very well while young with big fruit and slightly lacking in the earth area. Big cherry cough syrup with black fruits were exploding from the glass. There was a note of soft leather and big tobacco that lingered on the back end. The wine was big in the mouth with a heavy weight. Very complex with a great finish.
2003 Pichon Lalande - I am a huge fan of the 03 vintage and the 03 Pichon in particular. However, this bottle was a little shut down with damp fruit and over powering tannins. I think this wine may just be going through a muted period, give it a few months and I think it will be back in full form.
1990 Pichon Baron – Big smoke and meat. The fruit is ripe and forward with a slight iron backing. I thought it was Cali cab on first whiff but once you get into the wine it is all Bordeaux. Great earth on the palate with a black liquorish on the backend. The finish is powerful black fruit with soft earth.
1988 Ducru Beaucaillou - Classic Bordeaux with ripe red fruits and apple pie cooking spices. Very earthy with soft tannins that feel like they are on the edge of non-existence. Pipe tobacco and leather on the palate with a long finish of dried red apples and raisins.
2010 Sine Qua Non Five Shooter Grenache - As always massive fruit with a complex spice aroma backed by Cote Rotie like earth and smokiness.
1996 Leoville Las Cases – When first opened the wine was quite tight but after a good three hours the nose opened to show black currants, leather, smoke, and tilled earth. The palate was hard but in balance with a great structure.