Two very lovely, young Bordeaux from a vintage that critics generally eschewed. Pomerols, however, did very well. And Magdelaine, well, it always wins.
VCC was on a 1-hour decant, the Magdelaine was P&P but followed over a couple hours.
The VCC is a rich, wet earth, dark-fruited wine. While more on the dark spectrum of fruits, it felt more cool climate, more crisp with better acids. A very layered, earthy wine. Starting to show some more complexities of tobaccos, truffles and saddle leather. (94+ pts.)
The Magdelaine was far more aromatic. Has that lovely minty top note that I often get on less ripe vintages of Magdelaine. Pretty range of red cherries and more spicy black fruits and plums. More rounded on the palate than the VCC, but also more primary, less complex. Showed a greater range of fruit while the VCC felt more earth-driven. (93 pts.)
Both showed quite well, albeit still in their relative youth. The VCC is a better wine, and likely can go quite the difference given the density of fruit, structure and complexity that is emerging. The Magdelaine is last of a generation, the final vintage of this wine. Iāve had a lot of it, and generally love it for what it is. Itās quite charming.
I have not had the VCC, but have a couple of bottles. Figured it would be too young.
But I have had numerous bottles of Magdelaine, the poster child of how underrated right bank 2011 is. Such an irony that given its success, it was the last vintage. Great perfumed red fruit, spice and violets. Still primary, but thanks to it being so beautifully balanced, it is already drinking well. This and 2008 are incredible sleeper wines.
Agreed. The 08 is another notch up, Iād say. Gosh I wish we were able to have Magdelaine in 2012 and 2014. It would have shined in those vintages. As does VCC.
Nice notes. I have a friend who works a local shop and gets 40% off this weekend and was looking at some 11ās so thanks for the vote of confidence on the vintage.
I bought a bottle of '11 VCC based off that recent thread where you and I believe Mark G., among others, were extolling its virtues, and this note has me itching to open it. Have never had any vintage of VCC before (or, really, any high-end Pomerol) so Iām really looking forward to trying it. Your notes on the Bordeaux classics, particularly these less-heralded vintages that are a bit more attainable, are always appreciated!
We all have our likes, right? Iād take the so-called lesser vintages over the so-called 100-point vintages of VCC. I vote with my wallet. The grocery-store critics seems to love the big boy ripe vintages, which aināt my thing. There is a 1%+ difference in the ABV of VCC vintages like 2018 and 2015 (pushing 14.5%+) versus 2014, 12, 11, etc (squarely in the 13.x% range).
Most Magdelaine, I say 20-25+. The 2007 is ready to go. The 2011 is approachable but still will benefit with time. Itās not really showing yet what a mature Magdelaine can show, but I also donāt think it needs 25. Check in in 3-4 years perhaps. I have quite a few, including a silly 3L purchase, so will likely pop more often.
We all have our likes, right? Iād take the so-called lesser vintages over the so-called 100-point vintages of VCC. I vote with my wallet. The grocery-store critics seems to love the big boy ripe vintages, which aināt my thing. There is a 1%+ difference in the ABV of VCC vintages like 2018 and 2015 (pushing 14.5%+) versus 2014, 12, 11, etc (squarely in the 13.x% range).
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Hi Robert, thanks for your tasting notes and I look forward to trying my 2011 VCC even more now.
Have you tried the 2017 vintage of VCC and if so, what are your impressions? Thanks.
Sorry, I have not. Jeff Leve have it a solid review. Curious if MarkG has tried. At this point, Iām trying not to buy new releases the theoretically need 20 years, but did get sucked into buying a few 2019s!
These notes of yours on the 2011 Magdelaine always get me! I didnāt buy any, not knowing ahead of time it would be its final vintage. I might have to source some in Europe.
Robert, It seems like a lot of people bought more 2019 Bordeaux than typical with the attractive futures pricing. I know that I did!
Iām glad to hear positive things about 2017 VCC, Mark. I have also picked up one bottle but might consider adding even more. I have little 2017 Bordeaux compared to the surrounding vintages and wouldnāt mind adding more VCC to follow the evolution over several years.
