Saint Emilion

The first bottle that we opened was corked.  A second bottle proved quite fresh indeed.  This was a surprise as it showed quite well.  Still, in the older style.  The label was actually in very good shape as well.  Purple in color with just a slight bit of bricking at the rime.  Clear and bright.  The nose has cherry fruit, with a slight bit of funk.  With air it becomes a bit more cigar box.  On the palate, this is clean and fresh.  Certainly mature but nice cherry fruit, just a wisp of tannins with underlying barnyard.  The finish is a bit drying.  Older wines can be a gamble, mostly due

This is certainly not today's Pavie.  A very different style of Bordeaux.  Whether that is good or bad is subjective.  Ruby/brown in color though clear if a bit muted.  The nose is all about the earthy funk.  There is some slight mine and slighter cherry fruit.  Tart acidity.  On the palate, this starts out with thin cherries.  As it blows off bottle stink, it adds some weight but tastes old and past prime.  Certainly no sin for a 37 year old wine.  There is a lot of funk on this wine.  One of the people sharing this wine called it "dirty" which might (or might not) be a bit strong.  Still,

This is coming along quite nicely.  It's not yet at peak and still drinks big and young.  Purple in color.  The nose is big with black cherries, some black raspberry, spice, some chocolate and a bit of coffee.  On the palate, this has medium tannins.  Lots of black cherry and black raspberry fruit over a bit of char/dark chocolate.  Slight black licorice on the finish.  This is delicious and great on its own or with bolder roasted meat (or vegetable) dishes.  It will continue to improve for another five to ten years, and be good for another ten to fifteen after that if well stored.  This bo

This is the second wine of Gracia and is a blend of 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc.  This sample was drinking very well right now.  Purple in color.  The nose has black cherries, dark chocolate dust and slight coffee.  Certainly no issues with getting ripe.  The palate has light tannins.  Some depth.  Black cherry fruit over a dry earthiness.  Good finish.  This was not cheap; retailing at $85 compared to the First wines at around $135.  But it is a very good wine.  Should drink well for a decade as it matures.  Probably won't get better.  

This is a blend of 55% Merlot and 45% Cabernet Franc.  It had been decanted for about four hours.  It is drinking quite well right now and just a very pretty wine.  Not the powerhouse of some vintages but it will certainly hold its own.  Deep ruby with purple swirls in color.  The nose has cherries, soy sauce, black cherries and spice.  On the palate, there are cherries and black cherries with an underlying char.  Nothing about this wine is under ripe or green.  Very nice acidity.  Medium tannins.  Very long finish.  This went quite well with food.  It improved slightly in the glass but ove

Time has been great for this bottle.  At age 14, it is a stunning bottle of Bordeaux.  Probably at or close to peak but with years left.  Purple/ruby in color.  The nose is fresh with cherries, cigar box, slight earthy funk and slight spice.  On the palate, this has complex layers of cherries, black raspberries, and tobacco.  Great balance.  Long finish.  This drinks well on its own because of the complexity but really shines at the dinner table with meat and roasted dishes or stews.  This is a great example of buying affordable Bordeaux in great vintages and letting them age.  It can still

Gorgeous wine.  This was controversial on release for being too big and bold, but I think it would be less so today.  Maybe not.  It is still a ripe wine but not overblown or raisiny, etc.  Just a gorgeous expression of Merlot.  Purple in color, ruby at the rim.  The nose is initially tight but opens quickly showing dusty cherries, slight mocha ad roasted herbs.  On the palate, black cherries layered with dry earth and just a hint of cocoa powder.  Great plush yet juicy texture.  This is deep with tight layering that unwind in the glass.  Long finish.  It probably won't get better but will

At peak.  Purple/ruby in color, ruby at the rim.  The nose has nice cherries with some cassis and cigar box.  On the palate, some complexity.  Nice texture.  Juicy cherries with some cassis and underlying slight cocoa dust and tobacco.  Nice finish.  This is about as good as this wine will be.  Reasonably food friendly for medium and heavier foods.  

Purple in color.  This is drinking quite well now.  Pretty classic right bank but perhaps still a skosh more room to develop.  The nose is nice with cherries, some cassis, cigar box and chocolate shavings.  On the palate, this has nice cherries, not super ripe, but nothing green.  Undertones of tobacco and damp earth.  Good balance.  Drank over two nights and while different just as good on each night.  Will work with most foods.  Really everything you could want from this wine at this point.  

From an excellent vintage whose wines are slow to come around, this one is drinking well.  Seems to be shy of peak but getting close.  Purple/ruby in color.  The nose has cherries, slight tobacco and spice.  On the palate, this has medium body.  Cherries with some intertwines tobacco.  Some depth if not a lot.  Good acidity.  Worked well with food.  Nice finish.  I believe this was under $30 on release which is a fair price.