My partner’s father was a wine collector in the 1980s. Recently, my partner inherited two bottles, and we are nervous on how to open them. We have a bottle of 1982 Chateau La Lagune Haute Medoc and a bottle of 1982 Chateau La Croix Dartigue. First, are we able to open them with a standard wine opener, or do we need something like a Durand Corkscrew? Does the wine need to be oriented a certain way prior to opening? Once open, should we wait longer to decant the wines? Any and all suggestions would be appreciated, these bottles an are very special to our family, and we want to open them and enjoy them to the best of our ability. Thanks!
by j__rage
4 Comments
Fill level looks good, so I’m assuming the corks are in decent shape for the age, but still… they’re over 40 years old, and will likely be brittle. Also, do I see some cork protrusion on the Lagune? That could be concerning as far as heat damage goes.
I’d suggest using at least an Ah-So opener if you don’t have access to (or don’t want to spend money on) a Durand. Look up a video on how to use one.
I’d leave the bottles standing for 48 hours before opening so the sediment settles and is easier to decant. I recently opened an [85 Lagune](https://www.reddit.com/r/wine/s/KF7KMVlhXu) and it threw off a ton of sediment.
People will argue with me about this but I think they’ll be ready to drink right away. The decanter is just to remove sediment IMHO, but taste it and see if you think it needs air.
Enjoy! 82 Bordeaux truly is magical. You’ve actually inspired me to post some notes this week…
I don’t think you necessarily need a Durand Corkscrew but they are the safest, I’d be comfortable with a standard waiters friend. Stand up overnight before opening, once opened I’d decant and drink immediately as you’re really just blowing the cobwebs off and and even though 1982 is a great vintage at this advanced age whatever they have left to give will likely dissipate rapidly. Ensure you serve cool room temperature around 14/15 degrees. Based on reputation the Lagune is likely to show best. Enjoy!
Opening any bottle of this age or older can be tricky. The Durand bottle opener would be fine, but you could likely do well enough with a standard waiter’s wine key, if you’re good with those. Just take your time, get the corkscrew fully inserted (otherwise, that old cork may just break in half.
It may sound a little unorthodox, but I carefully run the corkscrew down fairly deep, put the bottle on the floor between my feet and apply steady, even, (straight) upward force on the cork. Having it on the ground between my feet prevents any sudden jerk or any sort of strange angles of force as I’m removing the cork. It may look a little strange, but I’ve just noticed that I have a lot more control over the amount of force and the direction of that force when the bottle is in this position.
I enjoyed an 82 La Lagune last night. It was very good, classic Medoc style. Medium garnet, almost no bricking, impressive (for the age) fruit on the nose, with earthy notes. In the mouth the wine was so elegant and refined. Some dark fruits but quite dry (as expected) in the mouth. Hints of graphite / pencil shavings.
Paired with beef shin, this was excellent.
I don’t know La Croix Dartigue. We enjoyed a La Domonique ’82 (paired with duck breast) which was drinking very well and also a merlot dominant St Emilion so there may be some similarities. We had 3 bottles open of this and due to bottle variation and age, two were not showing as well – fortunately mine was great.
La Domonique ’82. Medium garnet, slight bricking. Instant eucalyptus on the nose. Soft mouth feel with very integrated tannins and acidity. Some dark fruit and herbal elegance. Hints of coffee. Very graceful and slightly more acidic than the La Lagune.
You have some opening instructions already. Plan some great pairings, these wines will need / love food. Might have some back up bottles just in case.
(last nights line up: La Lagune: 2008, 2005, 1986 & 1982. La Domonique: 2014, 2012, 1998 & 1982.)