This was terrific on release, I drank a bunch as it was like $25 on the shelf.
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I would have liked to clink crystal with your dad. Truly a lifetime ago, a number of our tasting group had purchased a desirable slice of a cellar from a deceased dentist (I think?) and we had a small group dinner featuring the wines, mostly 89 & 90 right bank Bordeaux. We had never met the gentleman, but his selections were superb, and afterwards one of our cadre reached out to his widow, praising his palate and foresight.
She seemed appreciative … but mostly that the wines were no longer occupying her house. (Also we were not to contact her any more in the hopes of finding more treasures)
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Maybe that’s the reason I never see them fall apart - they are gone pretty quickly in this household! Reminder to self - pop and pour '03s and drink quickly…
This update provoked me into opening up a 2003 Sociando Mallet [Haut Medoc] and taking a look at its’ page in my shiny new (well 3 xmas’s ago) Jane Anson tome. Full bodied, dark edges, with a bouquet of currant and cedar, and a long black fruited finish. There is still some tannic structure here, but acidity is low. 13% abv on the label, but it feels bigger, more viscous than that metric. There is a lushness/sweetness on the backpalate that is remarkable, unlike most pyrazine inflected S-M’s, which might remind long time Jean Gautreau fans of his glorious 1990. On my ledger, I place this slightly cabernet dominant blend in the A zone.
It has taken a generation of exceptional efforts, and happy/warm weather, for Sociando Mallet (and Gloria) to transcend the constricted, rigid classification framework, and receive fair accolades – $40 prices and scarce slots in redwood racks in cooled cellars.
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03 Latour was stunning last year to celebrate our 20th. And I don’t really like claret. As was the 03 CdM. Only two 03s from anywhere I would drink again. Although I have some Sociando Mallet and Pontet-Canet in the cellar.
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Lafon Rochet - St.Estephe - 2003
Like the last one tried in 2021, this had an inviting nose of dark cherry, sweet blackcurrant and plum, perhaps a little more Xmas cake than before. Fully mature, it provides a very smooth mouthful of those flavours, plus some dark raspberry midpalate and a lingering finish. Still quite fresh and vibrant, once again with none of the figgy, porty tastes of other 03s. Just a very good wine.
Not as good as more recent Lafon-Rochets, and I think like the other rare 03 successes, “in spite of” rather than “because of” the vintage conditions, but well worth looking out for at auction as it’s selling here for around 40€ commission included. 93 pts
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I had the '03 Montrose this weekend and it was superb. Still going strong and probably in it’s peak drinking window.
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I had not had any Brainire-Ducru in some time, so opened this 2003 Branaire-Ducru [St Julien] to go with takeout mixed tempura. I like this and don’t find it to be a vintage caricature – pruney, flabby etc. - that seems to be a well vocalized view. It’s medium bodied, 13% abv stated, and is a mature Medoc. My garnet example shows pipe smoke, rosemary herbs on the nose then juicy red fruit; texturally the tannin is soft and I find more brightness than one would expect. I thought there was a ferrous tone too. Light sediment, natural cork, purchased EP. I had expected this to be fading, but it’s still going strong. Perhaps other 2003 Medocs will keep as well. On my scorecard, this is an A- perhaps a touch less lovely than a prior bottle.
The vineyard is from the 1600’s and has quite a fascinating ownership history, overlapping with neighboring estates. Somehow I had forgotten, or never realized all that.
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I’m very fond of this bottle. Glad you liked it
Thanks for posting. Here is my note from a few years ago**. . .4/12/2022 rated 90 points:** PNP. Tawny red color. Nose shows some funk, figs, plums and a little heat. Seems a little tired on the nose. The palate is deep and rich, dark fruits and plums, not much tannins nor acidity, but a deep texture that is pleasing. Better after being open for 2 hours as it gains more structure and complexity. (3302 views)
I liked this on release and ended up purchasing 1.5 cases of the 03, still have over a case left so I hope it’s not on the downward slide yet.
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