Steffen, I have bought many Launois BdB from K&L over the years and am always surprised how quickly they seem to age. They taste great right away or soon after release and then tire quickly, tasting quite oxidized and a bit flat. We had a '96 BdB within the past year that especially comes to mind- and this wine was rocking back in '02-'03. Bummer. Atleast it is inexpensive, relatively speaking.
Sam.
Thanks a lot for the datapoint. I thought I was the only one who has been experiencing this. The ironic thing is that I just read the other day on this board or the “other” one that Launois uses a different lees regime to improve agability of their wines…that doesn’t seem to jive with our experiences.
And btw…I love Launois when it’s young and zippy.
SP
The only Launois I’ve ever had that has aged well is the Special Club which can be beautiful and towers over the rest of the range as it ages. I love the Sable/Quartz when it is young and super fresh, but feels it goes downhill quickly. The Reserve and Millesime do a little better, but still don’t age well. Regardless, they are good buys and very fresh, fruity expression of Le Mesnil-sur-Oger.
Brad. Thanks for your take. FWIW, I like the Reserve better than the millesime usually.
SP