Cordier! Smattering of Gruaud Larose and Talbot
Wines by both these producers have been known to hit most of the traditional claret side of the spectrum, especially with their generally regarded successes during the 70’s and the 80’s.
Seven of the local Bordeaux group stretched what usually would have been a single producer vertical theme into a sort-of singles match between 2 of Cordier’s stablemates. Dinner was at midtown’s Bobby Van’s with mains of steaks for all. Fun catching up and bantering, as always, with this group, and in this evening included Neil, a non-regular but a very knowledgeable and enjoyable addition.
2016 Emmanuel Brochet ‘Le Mont Benoit’ Premier Cru Extra Brut Champagne
A little subdued on the bouquet, but sip after sip infused mineral, some saline notes, within tight acidity and a lip-smacking finish. B+
1978 Gruaud Larose, Saint Julien (1.5L)
Hint of ferric-metal on the nose, some say nose hinted on being corked, but not enough for my less-than sensitive smell and taste buds to drink my pour and able to experience some plump and some drying fruit, earth, and rusticity. B
1979 Talbot, Saint Julien
In a very nice drinking zone that highlighted cigar, old wood, lively cherry acidity, herbs and crisp dark fruit all in a very nice overall make-up. Good length. B+/A-
1982 Gruaud Larose
Even as I felt that this would have been better served at just a touch lower temperature that it was, this wine still rocked-and-rolled on all fronts. The bouquet evoking the classic leather and cigar notes, in the mouth the red-fruit acidity, cool ripeness, impeccable balance and elegant texture, closed out by a smooth, long finish. A
1985 Gruaud Larose
Very expressive on the nose, all classic Bordeaux, some earth and herbs. Delineated red and blue berries, just enough to complement the overall classic make-up. B+/A-
1986 Talbot
More classic tobacco, leather and a very slight hint of band-aid. Still showed the harshness that the vintage had generally exhibited throughout most of its life, but the dry herbs, cool dark fruit and burst of acidity made this wine more than interesting. B/B+
1986 Gruaud Larose
Superb expressive classic bouquet, adding in a touch of fruit confection. Just as in the same vintage Talbot, all the classic Claret make-up are present, except that there seems to be something that lacks, when I mentally compare with those mind-blowingly good ones in multiple tastings I’ve been in where this vintage was included. Speculating that this was stored deep in a very cold cellar that did not allow for that bit more of evolvement. B+
1990 Gruaud Larose
Declared corked by the attendees.
2000 Talbot and 2000 Gruaud Larose
Wtf happened here? It’s like everything was perfect and serene in laid back town of Hill Valley in the movie Back To The Future and then suddenly fast-forwarded to the scene with the futuristic sleazy Hill Valley where Biff becomes the mayor. These wines were nowhere near the style, elegance and classical complexity that the earlier ones showed. If blinded, these would have been declared as bad ringers. Not undrinkable and admittedly may appeal to some, but certainly not in my sphere of preference. C/B-
