Monday started out sedately with the peace and quiet only interrupted by the clicking sounds coming from our computer keyboards. So when a member walked in around 4:30pm, it was a welcome distraction.
Matt J wasted no time in pouring a blinder for the crew. First sniff out of the glass revealed a complex barbecue pit, camphor, tilled earth, aromatic herbs, and just a hint of sweet black fruits. Great finesse on the palate. Silky, vibrant with a remarkable freshness in a wine that is at its peak of maturity. The wine’s elegant structure and the smoky nuance reminded me of a 1988 Gruaud-Larose. To me, the structure suggested a wine from a less-than-powerful vintage. This turned out to be a 1981 Pichon Lalande. This happens to be one of my favorite wines from last year’s bacchanalia.
Simon threw in a bottle of red wine to be blinded next to the Lalande. This showed a deeper core but with a garnet hue on the rim. First whiff from the glass was this specific eucalyptus/menthol note backed by a sweet, blackcurrant and blackberry core. The palate was richer, very round, with supple tannins and velvety texture. The eucalyptus note and the sweet fruit core, to me, suggested a Napa Cabernet but from an old-school producer who makes wines for the long haul. I thought this was more Bordelaise in style and sensibility. This turned out to be a 1994 Robert Mondavi Reserve Cabernet. As the wine sat in the glass, it gained in weight and flesh. The bouquet and flavors were even more stunning! Creamy cassis intermingling with licorice, dried violets, black raspberries, pencil lead, and dried tobacco. Persistent length.