Some days are definitely better than others at work. These past few days have been especially taxing with preparations for an upcoming HK sale (14-15 hour days). Today’s Tasting bottles more than made up for the past week and a half.
1945 Chateau Margaux - Amazing! Still pours a dark garnet with a discernible brickish orange at the edges. I could hardly believe the power, richness and concentration in this wine. Fruits galore commingle with a sweet, warm & intoxicating blend of spices. Good acidity & a complex tertiary character. Outstanding.
1945 Chateau Latour - a big step down from the Margaux, this one poured a dull reddish-brown. Very “earthy” on the nose with what I could only describe as a bit of a brett-bomb. Nonetheless, it improved markedly on the palate with a surprising bright red fruit profile on a medium-bodied frame. Quite lighter and greener than the Margaux. More interesting than good.
1961 Chateau La Gaffeliere - another winner! This offered everything the Margaux had, but added a brighter acidity to balance out the richness. Absolutely superb.
1996 Opus One - poured super dark and immediately gave off a funky nose of earth, sweet fruit, barnyard & mushroom. Much better on the palate, this is still a youngster with lots of richness, young tannins and sweet oak. Let it rest for a few more years.
1996 Beringer Private Reserve Cabernet - this one was the opposite of the Opus, giving off a beautiful fragrance but coming up short & lean on the palate. Perhaps lots of air time is necessary but I’d say drink this up.
Days like these make me feel grateful I’m in this business.