Sadly, this was corked. It is too bad because it really seemed like a special wine underneath. But it would be unfair to judge it. A shame as the last time I had this, it was given a perfect score and seemed to be just getting to maturity.
Lots to say about this wine, but first, why it was opened. My friend Chris is about to retire. Way back in 1986 or so, Chris was convinced to spend $30 for a 375ml bottle of this wine. Since that time, he has waited for the right special occasion to open the bottle. Luckily for me (since I din't meet Chris until around 2010), this bottle is known to maturing at a glacial pace. He has moved all around the world waiting for the right time and place. My wife and I had dinner at Chris's home before he leaves town and goes to spend his retirement in Cape Cod. Chris opened the wine. What
Any time one gets a chance to drink Mouton it is special. Even if it wasn't from a stellar vintage. Such is the case here. Sort of a dark brown/ruby in color. The nose has cinnamon but not really much else going on. On the palate, this has tart acidity. Slight dried cherry fruit. It does have a nice texture. It is certainly drinkable if old. No point waiting on these any longer. It will work better with food. This was consumed with a group and a couple of them really enjoyed it. Such is wine.
It is always a pleasure to drink a first Growth. 2003 was an extremely hot vintage all across Europe. This vintage is a blend of 76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot. Purple in color, opaque and bright. Great nose. A bit of funk, some cigar, plenty of cassis, and leather. Full bodied. Light tannins. On the palate, this seems about at peak maturity. Plenty of depth. Layers of cassis with some tobacco notes and earthiness. Long finish. Just a fantastic wine. This drinks great on its own and would work well with roasted meats or veggies. It w
Not a particularly good vintage, but when someone opens a bottle of Mouton, it gets one's attention. Purple/brown in color, mostly opaque and slightly flat. There is some fruit on on the nose, cherries along with dried cherries and caramel/brown sugar notes. Thin. Moderate acidity. Some cherries on the palate. At age 50, it really was better than expected. More of a cool factor than a wine I would want to drink but not bad. Maybe with some cheeses at the end of a meal would be cool. Drink up.
Tasted blind, I guessed Napa Merlot (Screaming Eagle The Flight). It was so open and accessible, it was quite surprising to find out it was a five year old First Growth. Gorgeous wine. It is a blend of 86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Merlot, and 2% Cabernet Franc. Purple in color, opaque and bright. The nose is tight but with air, black cherries, chocolate, cassis, spice, and dust. Full bodied. Firm tannins. On the palate, black cherries, cassis, and a slight dry earthiness. Deep. Complexity that unwinds in the glass. Long finish. Delicious. It will definitely get better, but was s
