Early Bordeaux Consumption... '01, '03 or '04?

WINE TALK
1

I have several rated growths spread between these vintages. Most notable Pavie, but other wines as well. Any thoughts on which vintage over all will most accessible at an early age?

I would say '04.

2

My guess is '03…seems like those respond quickly to air.

3

If you can be more specific as to the wines I can be more helpful. But in general '04 is very easy going and approachable. I think the '03s are a mixed bag and not my favorite right now. The '01s are (can be) very good. Of all of these vintages '01 may drinking the best, but, depending on the wine, may also turn out to be the best in the long run.

4

I think all three of those vintages you mention are all very accessible. I keep waiting for the 03s to shut down, but most haven’t (the montrose has never really opened, has it???). The 01 Pavie was freaking outstanding right out of the bottle, so much so, I’ve purchased a few more since last week.

5

Depends on the wine, but a lot of 2001’s drink surprisingly well.

6

Pavie '01, '03, '04
Leoville Poyferre '03
Leoville Barton '03
Pontet Canet '03, '04
Lascombes '04
Pape Clemenet '01, '03

7

This is the order that I would drink these wines in:

Lascombes '04
Pavie '04
Pontet Canet '04
Leoville Barton '03
All of those can be sprung easily this year

Pavie '01
Pontet Cantet '03
Next tier . . . I know you have had the '01 Pavie so you know what that is about. I am not high on the '03 Pontet Canet right now (in the minority on that, trust me!) . . . wait until the end of the year or next year

Pavie '03
Pape Clemenet '01
Next tier . . . hold a little while longer.

Don’t do it man. These are worth waiting on.
Leoville Poyferre '03
Pape Clement '03

8

Pavie 2001 can drink really, really well. I have only had a 375ml of Poyferre, and it rocked me. And I have had a lot of vintages of Poyferre. Same for 2003 Pape from 375ml.

9

01s I’ve had generally felt approachable and starting to show signs of secondary elements. They were mid-to low tier classified - like Lagrange and Prieure Lichine. I wouldn’t hit 01 Pavie yet though.

03s I’ve had in the last year were all pleasurable - Lagrange, GPL, Phelan Segur, etc. I think they will all get better, so I’d hold your 03 PC, but if you decide to pop an 03 I think it will be tasty (but primary) nonetheless.

Haven’t had many 04s so I’d be interested in people’s thoughts on them.