My buddy was married in 1988 and collects wines from that vintage. He said he was going to open a few for their anniversary, so I dug up my only '88 and headed over.
1988 Dom Perignon. Mature color, some fine beads of bubbles. Nose is baked apple and biscuit. Holding on to some nice acid on the palate. Perfect pairing with the raw oysters. I would say drink up if you own any, good now but hard to imagine much improvement especially if the CO2 dissipates.
1988 Spottswoode - Cork was beautiful, but it had oxidized aromas of molasses. Perhaps it had been cooked at some point in the last 30 years? I bought it a few years ago.
1988 Pichon Lalande. Now we are talking, BDX does something wonderful with age. The cedar and tobacco take the place of whatever fruit was their initially. Smooth tannin, savory finish, not a powerhouse by any means, but an excellent example of how graceful aged wine becomes.
There were only 2 of us really drinking at the table, but we felt like grabbing something else. And I’m glad we did!
1988 Jaboulet Hermitage la Chapelle. Juicy, meaty and hanging on to some dusty tannin.
2002 Zind Humbrecht Pinot Gris VT Clos Windsbuhl. Pinot Gris never excites me. It is fine as a quaffer, but never really stands out or speaks to me. But this was the WOTN. Unreal aromatics of tropical and exotic fruits, honey, spices, herbs and a texture and finish that were unbelievable. I just looked it up and it is only $45 in New York! if you live in the city, that is a no-brainer! It had a dollop of wax over the cork, but under the capsule, which is something I’ve never seen.
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