Tuesday, April 18, 2006

Some Old Bordeaux


1971 Chateau La Mission Haut Brion -- Appelation Graves Controle, Grand Cru Classe. Last night several of us stayed after the Cabernet Franc blind tasting at Pho Paris (I will post later when I find my notes or borrow Joe's) to enjoy a few bottles of old wines and the chef's tasting menu. I had planned on leaving at ten, but when the phone rang at midnight I knew I was in trouble as I had carpool at 6:30 am.

My notes on this wine are scant as it was late and I was more into enjoying the show. I thought this wine outclassed the others. What is amazing is that this bottle had been abandoned at a friend's house when he purchased the house because the whole wine cellar had been "ruined" due to a freeze in the cellar. The friend gave me four of these "old" bottles last winter as they were probably "worthless".

My opinion is that this wine was young and would last another ten years. Big nose, full fruit, very long finish with tannins present. Amazing!

Oregon Pinot Camp

I haven't been to summer camp for some 40 years but this year I get to spend 4 days in Oregon sponsored by 50 wineries in their collaborative effort to highlight Oregon wines. I promise to provide you with full details when I return. I will take notes this time!