1996 Croix de Beaucaillou, France, Bordeaux, St. Julian, Wine Review

This is the second wine of Beaucaillou. I have always thought that as second wines go, this is one of the best. This is drinking beautifully right now. Purple/ruby in color. No real sign of it being 23 years old. The nose is dusty with cassis, slight cedar and just a bit of tobacco. There is also some volatile acidity. On the palate, this is surprisingly fresh and lively. It has a lovely texture. Plenty of cassis fruit. Medium tannins. Some depth. Moderate finish. This drinks more youthfully than expected. If this bottle is representative, this should easily go another ten to fifteen years. It will works well with heavier meat or fowl dishes.

Grade:

A-

Score:

Vintage:

1996

Bordeaux First Growths: Chateau Lafite, First Amongst First Growths

Of all Bordeaux first growths, perhaps none is as well known, both inside and outside of the wine world, as Chateau Lafite Rothschild. Its name transcends wine, standing as a symbol of luxury. How did it get this lofty reputation? And, more importantly is, it deserved? The answer to the second question is a definite yes. This article will explore the first question in more detail. The History: Records of this estate stretch as far back as 1234 when Gombaud de Lafite, abbot of the Vertheuil Monastery north of Pauillac, owned the property. The name Lafite comes from "la hite", a Gascon expression meaning "small hill." Records from the 14th century indicate that it was not a vineyard, but what the French call a seigneurie. This is an estate run by a lord and others who are effectively sharecroppers. The manor house was constructed in the 1500s and still standing today. Read part one of the First Growths Series. The Ségur family bought the property in the 1600s. Jacques de Ségur planted the vineyard in 1680 although grapes were no doubt grown before that. By the early 1700s, thanks to Nicolas-Alexandre, Marquis de Ségur, Chateau Lafite wines were very popular with those wealthy enough to afford them, first in English Society (where it was a favorite of Prime Minster Robert Walpole) and later in French society.

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2018 Le Petit Ducru de Ducru Beaucaillou, France, Bordeaux, St. Julian, Wine Review

Vintage:

2018

Score:

Grade:

A-

Current Price:

$30.00USD

This is a blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Merlot. It used to be known as Château Lalande-Borie but the name changed starting with the 2018 vintage. Purple in color, opaque and bright. The nose is powerful with cassis, black cherries, coffee, spice and dust.

1983 Château Ducru-Beaucaillou, France, Bordeaux, Saint Julian, Wine Review

Vintage:

1983

Score:

Grade:

B+

Current Price:

$150.00USD

This was pop and gently poured around the table. Ruby/brown in color. The nose is dusty at first. With air some cassis and celery come out. With more air, the cassis takes over along with some cigar box, but after a bit, it starts to fade albeit slowly. On the palate, it starts out slightly bitter but with air gets a bit riper. Not the deepest or most complex wine but still drinking nicely. Certainly past prime at this point but with something to offer. A nice contrast to slightly more youthful wines. At 35 years from birth, pretty impressive.

2005 Château La Croix St. Georges, France, Bordeaux, Pomerol, Wine Review

Vintage:

2005

Score:

Grade:

Current Price:

$120.00USD

Much better and cleaner than another bottle tried a couple years ago. Both were bought on release at the same time. A right bank wine from the great 2005 vintage. The vineyard is 95% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Franc (unsure about the specific vintage in bottle). Purple in color, ruby at the rim. The nose is nice with cherries, black cherries, cedar, chocolate, slight tobacco and just a bit of smoke. Consumed over two days, this was better/more open on day 2. Full bodied. Lush texture but with good acidity. Lots of black cherry fruit over smoke with some chocolate. Nice finish. This s

1986 Château Ducru-Beaucaillou, France, Bordeaux, St. Julien, Wine Review

Vintage:

1986

Score:

Grade:

A-

Current Price:

$240.00USD

A dangerous vintage for this wine as they had winery wide issues with cork taint in the late 80's. This bottle, however, showed very well. Pop and pour, it took about 30 minutes to really get going. After that it kept opening in stages for the next couple hours. Purple in color, ruby at the rim. Mostly opaque and bright. The nose is nice with cassis, leather, a slight horse note and with air, cigar box. On the palate, this is fresh and drinking well. Tannins are pretty much resolved. Layers of fruit and earth unwind in the glass. Good finish. I would drink these sooner than later

1996 Croix de Beaucaillou, France, Bordeaux, St. Julian, Wine Review

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