Something fun from the wine director at work 🙂 popped (complimentary) for a trade VIP who came in for dinner and shared with the staff.
This was a bit of a low-expectation bottle from our head somm, who had it tucked away in his off-the-list personal stash for friends and family. Still, the fill level was good, the label was in immaculate condition, and I think he told me he paid about $20 for it.
Very classic nose for a back vintage left-bank wine. Shockingly, the fruit was still there – I’d describe it as being similar to the dried cranberries that you find in trail mix. Rustic scents of undergrowth, cedar, and leather too. I loved the nose very much. The palate was fresh, so lively for its age, and fully resolved as far as tannic structure which is to be expected. I, too, hope to be lively, fresh, and resolved at 56 years of age (only 32 more to go!).
Unfortunately, but predictably, the wine died a quick death after being opened. Still, I think it held up well for an old bottle from a chateau of no renown. I’m not even sure this wine exists anymore, though the label was purchased in 1988 and may have been renamed. The VIP, a buyer for another steakhouse here in LA, luckily got to experience it before its demise.
by christisanders1