Man, did I really want to like this wine! A vintage that I really enjoy, now, and a modern St. Em. producer that perhaps excelled when the weather was not as “cooperative” in years like, let’s say, '09 and '03 (bit of sarcasm there). In truth, I’m really just not buying much St. Em. these days, focusing almost entirely on left bank. I took a bit of a flyer on this one.
On pop and pour, this wine showed some restraint and crispness to the red fruits, coming across rather fresh. I was close to doing a nice write-up on this wine. By glass 3, 1.5 hours later, and this wine has become heavy, cloying, dark, with notes of burnt licorice, char and a sourish dark cherry note. Toss in some coffee for good measure, dark roast. A bit hot on the finish, though the bottle declares 13.5%. This is a wine that air did not do justice. A perfectly sound bottle of wine that contained a drink that was not worth the fare ($40).
My last St. Em purchases were from 2005 and a smattering of '08s in 375. Skipped them entirely in '09 and '10, just grabbing some Pomerols to satisfy my right bank love. Wish I could afford the beauties like Cheval Blanc, Ausone and Figeac.
On a related point, any truly traditional St. Em producers that excelled in '09 and '10, i.e., vintages that are still generally available? And under $100?
E.g. many vintages of Château Magdelaine should be available below 100$ … and it is/was a really traditionally made St-Emilion - at least up to 2008 … sadly 2011 was the last vintage, afterwards it will be merged with Ch.Belair-Monange (Moueix).
Also older vintages of Ch. La Gaffeliere should match your taste … and budget.