Category Archives: Bull & Bear

2013-1 Ron’s Favorite Wines When You Only Have $3000 to Spend

Bull and Bear

February 2, 2013 at 6:00 pm

syndicate-ronsfaves-20130202

The Wines

Ron provided a fabulous series of flight from his cellar. Wine of the night was the 1966 La Mission Haut Brion, ,followed closely by the Chateau Rayas. Other favorites were the Jacques Selosse Substance, 2005 Araujo Eisele and 1959 Aloxe-Corton. The only wine that was slightly disappointing was the 1994 Dominus, which despite a great Bordeaux-like nose mysteriously lacked structure and fruit. I thought the Suduiraut (a great year) was slightly more balanced than the Yquem, although the nose of the Yquem was quite complex.

I added a couple of wines to the flights. My 2010 Aubert Ritchie wasn’t as complex as the Lauren, and my 2000 Raymond Usseglio CDP was much less chewy than the Deux Freres, although at one fifth the price a good buy.

Flight I (Ron’s favorite Champagne producers)

96 Krug – toast, bread, pronounced lime, sharp finish that mellowed with an hour of air, 96 pts.
NV Jacques Selosse Substance – toast, orchids, meat, stones, oxidative nose, incredibly long and mouth filling. My favorite Champagne, 98 pts.

Flight II ( Ron’s favorite Chardonnay producers Old and New World)

10 Aubert Ritchie – bacon, butter, ash, 94 pts.
09 Aubert Lauren – lavender, floral, more complex on the tongue than the Ritchie, sharper finish, growing complexity with 30 minutes of air, 98 pts.
09 Raveneau Montee de Tonnere – intense anise nose, marine slat, soft on the tongue, a bit disappointing next to the new world chards, 92 pts.

Flight III ( Southern Rhone / Chateauneuf du Pape)

00 Pierre Usseglio Deux Freres – berries, meat, well structured, 93 pts.
00 Chateau Rayas – light ruby, cherry, mint, rhubarb, herbs, like a great Burgundy, 99 pts.
00 Rudolph Usseglio CDP – dark color, animal scents, simple on the palate, but chewy, good buy, 90 pts.

Flight IV (California Cabernet battle served blind) The Araujo beat some very high end Cali’s including Dominus at Andrus’s blind tasting.

94 Dominus – big dark fruit nose but a disappointing hollowness on the palate. Bottle variation or over rated or over the hill or awkward stage? 93 pts.
05 Araujo Eisele – tons of fruit and chocolate mint, big long vanilla mint finish. A monster of a new world wine. Cultish. 96 pts.

Flight V ( Bordeaux: Ron’s favorite 82 and my favorite Bordeaux Producer)

66 La Mission Haut Brion – redwoord, huge fruit, very fruity on the palate, earthy finish, easily WOTN. 99+ pts.
82 Pichon Lalande – intense dark mushroom, forest floor, perhaps the best 82 I’ve had, but slightly thin on the palate. 95 pts.

Flight VI ( Burgundy: Ron’s favorite vintages)

59 Domaine F Thevenot Aloxe-Corton 1er Cru – youthful bright cherry, bacon, wood smoke, big, sweet and fruity on the palate, ever so slightly musty. I love old Burgs! 99 pts.
78 Leroy NSG Boudots – cherry and herbal, thin compared to the Aloxe. Reinforces my NSG opinions. 92 pts.

Flight VII ( Ron’s favorite dessert wine )

97 Yquem – surprisingly off balance for Yquem, but a great complex nose. 89 pts.
01 Suduiraut – best Suduiraut ever, really balanced finish, but a much simpler nose than the Yquem. 93 pts.

 

Acquisitions

1970 Petrus! $1287    (we stole this from JJ Buckley’s year end sale)
Wines from Ron $3000

 

Upcoming Events

April 20 Syndicate

 

Treasurer’s Report

Previous Balance 1454
Dues Payable 5000
Purchases -4287
Dinner -2586
Balance -419

 

Please bring your dues of $1000 per couple to the event.

2012-3 Margaux Babies

Margaux Babies

at Bull & Bear

September 29, 2012 at 6:00 pm

Climbing back out of the hole Margaux was in during the 70s to taste some of the greatest vintages of all time.

Well, this was a very disappointing tasting. Very little great wine was made in the 1970s in Bordeaux, and Margaux made none of it. But while the other first growths were releasing knockout after knockout during the 80s, Margaux was still struggling. It was not until 1989 that things really came together. The tasting was not helped by the fact that two of the better vintages–the 1978 and potential 100 point 1990–were corked. Overall a very lackluster group.

Fortunately the members brought some great wines, so we drank well during a fabulous tasting dinner that featured an octopus sort of crepe thingie, amazing mussels, and cod that was laboriously prepared using locally gathered pine needles(!) The new Italian sous chef was in charge, and really knocked it out of the park.

1977 Ch. Margaux Red Bordeaux 241
1978 Ch. Margaux Red Bordeaux 377
1979 Ch. Margaux Red Bordeaux 285
1980 Ch. Margaux Red Bordeaux 342
1981 Ch. Margaux Red Bordeaux 340
1982 Ch. Margaux Red Bordeaux 1017
1983 Ch. Margaux Red Bordeaux 582
1984 Ch. Margaux Red Bordeaux 198
1985 Ch. Margaux Red Bordeaux 445
1986 Ch. Margaux Red Bordeaux 543
1987 Ch. Margaux Red Bordeaux 335
1989 Ch. Margaux Red Bordeaux 483
1990 Ch. Margaux Red Bordeaux 1077
6265

Wine Notes

1977 – classic Bordeaux nos, iron, coffee grounds, smoke, meat, thin, short, 88 pts

1978 – corked. some underlying fruit and tannin, coffee grounds, no score

1979 – a bit of caramel, medicinal, iron, meat, wax, vanilla, tannin, 87 pts

1980 – chalk, dust, decent structure, spice, coffee candies, 86 pts

1981 – spicy, coffee, refined fruit, 90 pts

1982 – coffee, curry, big structure, simple, 94 pts

1983 – tannin, not a lot of fruit, salty, 91 pts

1984 – chalk, soft, short, 82 pts

1985 well-structured, tannic, iron, 89 pts

1986 – mint, tannic, thin, short, 91 pts

1987 – gamey, mint, thin, 85 pts

1989 – smoke, earth, gamey, lead pencil, 95 pts

1990 – corked, big fruit, no score

Other Wines

2000 Pavillon Rouge by Margaux – Dick – big fruit, long, blackberry, ocean, 95 pts

2007 Spottswoode Cabernet Sauvignon – Steve –  vanilla, pepper, meat, mint, shell, herbs, chocolate, coconut, chewy, long, 99 pts

2008 La Cigare Blanc – Andy – interesting Rhone blend, nutty, balanced, butter, 91 pts

2005 Domaine Weinbach Clos des Capucins Cuvee Theo – Ron – petrol, armpit, elegant, 93 pts

2008 Evans Ranch Chardonnay – John – butter, toast, big, balanced, long, 91 pts

2010 Bonny Doon Sparkling Albarino – Andy – caramel, butter, high acide, fascinating, 90 pts

1967 Nuits-Saint-Georges “Les Boudots” Georges Noellat – Ron – Cigar, sweet cherries, 89 pts

2002 Clos de Vougeot Maison Champy – John – closed, cherries, short, 84 pts

2004 Evans Ranch Lone Oak Pinot Noir – Andy – vanilla, spice box, baking spices, 92 pts

2000 Segla – Dick – 2nd wine of Rauzan Segla, tannic, not much fruit, 88 pts

1986 Laurel Glen Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon – Ron – chewy, tannic, vanilla, cherry, peppers, acid, old style CA that will age well, 90 pts

2007 Ch. de Fonsalette Rhone by Rayas – Ron – cherries, anilla, chalk, herbal, kirsch, raspberry, young, 92 pts

2004 Noon Eclipse GSM – Ron – great structure, long chocolate finish, 92 pts

2003 Henry’s Drive Reserve Shiraz – Steve – extremely aromatic, wood, vanilla, intense mint, 94 pts

1969 Beerenauslese Osterreich Assmannhauss – Steve – balanced, good acid, wax, 92 pts

1975 Ch. Les Justices Sauternes – Steve – botrytis, simple, 88 pts

2007 Argyle Minus Five Cryo Cluster Riesling – Andy – petrol, varietal, 90 pts

 

Acquisitions

 

none $0

 

Upcoming Events

 

November 17 Syndicate

 

Treasurer’s Report

 

Previous Balance -4856
Dues Payable 5000
Purchases  0
Dinner -1860
Balance -1756

 

Please bring your dues of $1000 per couple to the event.

2012-1 Four Decades of Margaux

Four Decades of Margauxat Bull & Bear

March 31, 2012 at 6:00 pm

 

It had been many years since we did a vertical of a first growth. Linda and I have been collecting Chateau Margaux for almost 30 years, and decided it was time to give them a try. I split our collection into two tastings. This first batch begins in the middle, a tough time for Bordeaux and Margaux in particular.We tasted the wines in reverse chronological order, from 1975 to 1949. Margaux was a property in decline during the 60s and 70s, and the first seven wines really reflected this. Even the 70 and 75 were uninspired. The 75 is probably the worst price performance ration of the bunch. The 66 and 64 were the first wines I would actually have consumed!

The reward was at the end While the most famous Margaux is perhaps the 59, it has never blown me away, but this was an excellent example. However it was eclipsed by the other three. 62 is an often overlooked year, having occurred in the shadow of the great 61s. This 61 did not disappoint. Despite an extremely low shoulder, it was a beautiful wine with many flavor profiles. But the stunner was the 1949, an extraordinarily fresh, feminine and complex wine that evolved in the glass for hours. A real treat to end on.

In September we’ll complete this tasting with vintages from 1977-1990.

1975 Ch Margaux Smoke bacon, tart, sour finish 84pts 432
1973 Ch Margaux Overripe fruit, stewed, sweet finish 85pts 175
1972 Ch Margaux Sawdust, oak 88pts 286
1971 Ch Margaux Face powder, cherry, balanced, coffee 89pts 225
1970 Ch Margaux Bug spray, ashes 88pts 212
1969 Ch Margaux Candy, funky, chemicals 83pts 220
1967 Ch Margaux Madeirized, bacon 84pts 158
1966 Ch Margaux Eucalyptus, mint, dust 89pts 188
1964 Ch Margaux Big fruit, wood finish, much disagreement about mildew, chocolate, caramel, the group was vehemently split on this wine, with some hating it 90pts 293
1962 Ch Margaux Fruity, young, violets, red fruits 94pts 629
1961 Ch Margaux Extremely low shoulder yet beautifully fresh, roses, sawdust, soy, earthy, waxy 97pts 910
1959 Ch Margaux Young and fresh, smoke, waxy 93pts 1,167
1949 Ch Margaux Cherries, bright fruit, light color, cinnamon, crisp, apple 99pts 1,643
6,538

Other wines:

2008 “Y” Steve botrytis, very fruity, dry but doesn’t seems so, semillon 99pts
1981 Alzeyer Sybillenstein Spatlese Ron medium amber, mint, floral, surprisingly sweet 89pts
2006 Adobe Road Pinot Noir Steve Varietal, cherries, leather 90pts
2006 Chateau Beaucastel CNDP Dick Cherries, vanilla 92pts
2000 Clos de Papes Ron Menthol, tar, cherries 94pts
2001 Casanova di Neri Tenuta Nuova Brunello di Montalcino Dick tar, chewy, black fruits 95pts
2006 White Oak Syrah Andy Vanilla, meat 90pts
2001 Marquis Phillips S2 John Syruppy, canilla 90pts
1999 Pride Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon Ron Wood, a bit uni-dimensional considering its pedigree 95pts
2002 Torbreck “The Factor” Ron Black fruits, vanilla, bacon 92pts
1992 Hacienda Henline Conquistador Port John This wine was made in 1992 by John Henline from grapes from a vineyard at Martin’s old house that were planted by Steve, Linda and Martin. It is no longer a port, although I don’t know where the sugar and alcohol went. It’s now a medium weight fairly dry red. Amazingly, the Conquistador has retained its color, and the wine was quite drinkable, an impressive feat for such an old hybrid. 83pts

 

Upcoming Events

June 9 Luma

Acquisitions

1964 Pierre Ponnelle Chassagne-Montrachet “Clos de la Boudriotte” Red Burgundy 95 Bonhams 12/2011
1967 Pierre Ponnelle Fixin Red Burgundy 95 Bonhams 12/2011
1967 Pierre Ponnelle Fixin Red Burgundy 95 Bonhams 12/2011
1972 Pierre Ponnelle Vougeot Clos du Prieuré Red Burgundy 95 Bonhams 12/2011
1966 Remoissenet Père et Fils Beaune 1er Cru Grèves Avery’s Bottling Red Burgundy 95 Bonhams 12/2011
1966 Remoissenet Père et Fils Beaune 1er Cru Grèves Avery’s Bottling Red Burgundy 95 Bonhams 12/2011
1966 Remoissenet Père et Fils Beaune 1er Cru Grèves Avery’s Bottling Red Burgundy 95 Bonhams 12/2011
1970 Remoissenet Père et Fils Corton Diamond Jubilee Red Burgundy 95 Bonhams 12/2011
1971 Remoissenet Père et Fils Corton Diamond Jubilee Red Burgundy 95 Bonhams 12/2011

 

1962 Corton Charlemagne, Patriarche White Burgundy 180
1971 Chassagne-Montrachet, A. Ramonet White Burgundy 180
1976 Chassagne Montrachet, Les Chenevottes, A. Lichine White Burgundy 180
1969 Chevalier-Montrachet, G. Deleger White Burgundy 180
1969 Puligny Montrachet, Clavoillon, Domaine Leflaive White Burgundy 180
1969 Puligny Montrachet, Clavoillon, Domaine Leflaive White Burgundy 180

 

 

I’ve transfered 26 bottles of Ch. Margaux from my cellar, to comprise two separate vertical tastings. The first will cover four decades of Margaux, working backwards from 1975 to 1949. They are the classic vintages of Margaux. The second, to be held after the summer, will work forward from 1977 through the famous 1990. This is the Renaissance period for Margaux.

1949 Ch Margaux 1,643
1959 Ch Margaux 1,167
1961 Ch Margaux 910
1962 Ch Margaux 629
1964 Ch Margaux 293
1966 Ch Margaux 188
1967 Ch Margaux 158
1969 Ch Margaux 220
1970 Ch Margaux 212
1971 Ch Margaux 225
1972 Ch Margaux 286
1973 Ch Margaux 175
1975 Ch Margaux 432
1977 Ch Margaux 241
1978 Ch Margaux 377
1979 Ch Margaux 285
1980 Ch Margaux 342
1981 Ch Margaux 340
1982 Ch Margaux 1,017
1983 Ch Margaux 582
1984 Ch Margaux 198
1985 Ch Margaux 445
1986 Ch Margaux 543
1987 Ch Margaux 335
1989 Ch Margaux 483
1990 Ch Margaux 1,077
12,803

 

Treasurer’s Report

Previous Balance 5924
Dues Payable 5000
Purchases -14,738
Dinner -1892
Balance -5706

 

Please bring your dues of $1000 per couple to the event.

2011-5 Seven Decades of Burgundy

Seven Decades of Burgundyat Bull & Bear

December 10, 2011 at 6:00 pm

Format

We started with a seven decade Burgundy tasting, then a couple of random wines, and a Madeira. These wines weren’t poured blind. I slipped in a 1969 BV Beaumont Pinot Noir which fooled no one, and a 1983 Acacia Pinot Noir which everyone thought was old world. a 1968 BV Cabernet beat a 100-point Parker 1986 Mouton, and seemed about the same age. Wine of the night was 1955 Chambertin.

1949 Mazis Chambertin – Seguin-Manuel Red 500 garnet, strawberry, floral, tart cherry, vanilla, mint, unbalanced. Some discussion of its authenticity, but I believe it to be real, but uninspired. 88 points
1955 Chambertin, Louis Latour Red 390 Wine of the night. Medium brown, bacon, wax, smoke, ashes, sage, herbs. 98 points.
1964 Pommard, Grand Epenots, Leroy Red 200 Lemon, floral, smoke. Wish I’d saved some a bit longer. 92 points.
1978 Chambolle Musigny Red 140 Woodsy at first, coffee, youthful. 91 points.
1983 Romanee St. Vivant DRC Red 300 Cherries, refined, balanced, long lasting. Second favorite wine of the night. 95 points.
1997 Echezeaux Reserve Bocquenet Red 90 Wood, vanilla, balanced. 92 points.
2000 Montrachet, G. Amiot White 260 Disappointingly one-dimensional. lemon, vanilla. 90 points.
1968 BV Cabernet 100 Deep red, more pepper and gravel than GDLTPR. Astonishingly youthful, third most popular wine of the night. Beat the Mouton in a non-blind vote, 94 points.
1986 Ch Mouton Rothschild Pauillac 700 I still don’t get this Parker 100-pointer. Tight, tannic, uninteresting. 93 points.
1901 Madeira, Malvasia Madeira 260 Citrus, caramel, long and balanced, wonderful! 96 points.
2940

 

Upcoming Events

March 31 Wine Syndicate

Acquisitions

 

Treasurer’s Report

Previous Balance 2629
Dues Payable 5000
Purchases 0
Dinner -1705
Balance 5924

 

Please bring your dues of $1000 per couple to the event.

2011-1 Bring Your Own Flight

Bring Your Own Flight 

at Bull and Bear at the Waldorf

 

February 5, 2011 at 6:00 pm 
Bring Your Own FlightThis was a pseduo Syndicate event, with wines provided by the attendees:

Ron & Bev
John & Debbie
Steve & Linda
Andres & Paula
Andy
Martin

Each couple was requested to bring two or three wines in bags for a mystery flight. As it turned out, they brought more! And what a great collection of wines they were:

1 2006 Tablas Creek White Andy Creamy, nutty chalk, vitamin soap (Viognier, Marsanne, Rousanne blend) 82
2 2007 Williamsburg Seyval Blanc Andy Clearly Seyval 86
3 1998 Alexis Seyval Blanc Andy Caramel, oily 84
4 1992 Haut Brion Blanc Steve Lemon, candle wax, tangerine rind 95
5 1992 Aubert Ritchie Vineyard Chardonnay Steve Smoke, oak, ash, minerals 98
6 2009 Evans Ranch Chardonnay Steve Floral, pears 92
7 2009 Conundrum Martin spritzy, lanolin, cat box, cream, lichee, very sweet finish 90
8 1947 Chambolle-Musigny premier cru Steve Bacon, mushroom, iron, citrus 95
9 1993 Rex Hill Pinot Noir Andy Coffee, iron, meat, bacon, sweet 90
10 1995 Gevrey-Chambertin Dujac Andy Iron, polish, old pinot 88
11 2006 Foxen Sea Smoke Vineyard Pinot Noir Andy Big, ripe sweet 88
12 2008 K Syrah Northridge Vineyard Andres Vanilla, sweet cherries, cinammon 94
13 1997 Hermitage Les Bessards Delas Freres Andres Smoke, bacon, tart, seemed like Burgundy 91
14 2004 Syrah, South Africa Andres Lacquer, floral, geraniums 92
15 1985 Streblow Cabernet Sauvignon John Mint, vanilla, merlot 92
16 1985 Ritchie Creek Cabernet Sauvignon John Pencil lead 94
17 1985 Hop Kiln Primitivo John Mint, bacon asparagus, 25% Petite Sirah, shocking! 98
18 1992 Foppiano Sonoma Petite Sirah Martin Coffee, caramel, mint 90
19 1991 Conrad Petite Sirah Martin Corked, big vanilla 92
20 1988 Stags Leap Petite Sirah Martin Coffee, green pepper, black pepper, big, long 98
21 1992 Williams Selyem Pinot Noir Ron Burgundian, Rose petals, floral 92
22 2000 Ch, Rayas Rhone Ron Burgundian, vanilla, anise 95
23 1999 Clos de la Roche, Laurent Ron Young, smoke, big, bacon 96
24 1997 Martinelli Chardonnay Ron waxy, caramel, oxidized 86
25 1976 Ch. Montelena Ron Incredibly youthful 93
26 1976 Jordan Cabernet Sauvignon Ron tired and a bit sour 91
27 1976 Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon Ron fading, drink up 89
28 1986 Lafaurie Peyraguey Sauternes Ron medium amber, raisins, good acid 90

Also, chef outdid himself. Highlights for me were the Hamachi Salad, where every ingredient was an explosion of flavor; the corn and truffle soup, incredibly rich and creamy; the generous serving of huge scallops; the spinach that came with the duck; the very bacony mac & cheese; a great bone-in filet, so flavorful; all the passed desserts. Come to think of it, basically everything was my favorite!

Thanks for the wonderful wines, everyone!

Upcoming Events

March 7-9 Wine Syndicate Goes to Vegas!

Treasurer’s Report

Previous Balance 3335
Dues Payable 0
Purchases 0
Dinner Pay for your own
Balance 3335

 

No dues are due.

2010-4 Holy Crap! It’s 1961!

Holy Crap! It’s 1961!at Bull and Bear

 

September 25, 2010 at 6:00 pmWow, some great wines. The 1961 Haut Brion was the unanimous first place winner, with most people scoring it 100 points. That’s the first time that’s happened. Second place, with nine votes was the 1966 Haut Brion. A great tasting; thanks to all for bringing some magnificent wines.
 

 

 

 

 

 

The WinesPullin’ out all the stop for this one.

Year Wine From Notes Score
Price
1962 Ch Pichon Baron WS slight browning, caramel, hazlenut, vanilla, improved as it sat for about 30 minutes 88
140
1962 Ch Margaux WS light garnet, spices, violets, youthful, femenin, died quickly 92
225
1966 Ch Pichon Lalande WS somewhat brown, iron, sweet 84
140
1966 Ch Montrose WS garnet, mint, stil tannic, a bit short 88
140
1966 Ch Haut Brion WS dark garnet, classic haut brion nose, tannic, youthful, floral 95
210
1961 Ch Lynch Bages WS garnet, swamp water at first, then floral 94
380
1961 Ch Lafite (tenth) WS light garnet, sawdust, mint, acidic, great condition for a tenth 89
600
1961 Ch Mouton Rothschild WS very dark garnet, very young, early pours were turpentine nosed, sawdust, chewy 91
1700
1961 Ch Haut Brion WS one of the greatest wines I’ve had, dark garnet, classic haut brion nose, chewy, young, spectacular, a unanimous first place 100
1950
5455
2006 Puligny-Montrachet, Les Referts, J.M. Boillot Alcorn butter, ash, fruit, caramel, long finish 96
2004 Evans Ranch Pinot Noir Lone Oak Henline cherry 93
2003 Ch. Carbonnieaux Siegel Citrus, floral 91
2005 Robert Young Chardonnay Crockett creamy, balanced 94
2006 Adobe Road Petite Sirah Alcorn jammy, chocolate, mint, spice, long 93
2008 Tablas Creek Esprit de Beaucastel Robinson floral, spicy 92
2003 L’Aventure Optimus Robinson classic syrah blend 90
1984 Dominus Siegel tight, very Bordeaux like 93
1984 Ridge Montebello Siegel gravel, very Bordeaux like 96
1984 Robert Mondavi Reserve CS Siegel 1970 Ch. Lafit nose 90
2005 Adobe Road CS Henline Floral, sweet, vanilla 89

 

Acquisitions

Qty Year Wine
Price
4 1986 Ch Mouton Rothschild (100 pts)
699
2796

 

Upcoming Events

December 11 Wine Syndicate

Treasurer’s Report

Previous Balance -257
Dues Payable 5000
Purchases -2796
Dinner -1831
Balance 116

Please bring your dues of $1000 per couple.

2010-2 Burgundy Decades

Burgundy Decades

 

at The Bull & Bear
at The Waldorf Astoria

directions

April 17, 2010 at 6:00 pm

 

 
The Wines

Eight decades of great Burgundies ought to do the trick.

The favorite wine was overwhelmingly the 1937, followed by the 1983, 1928 and 1959. All wines scored in the 90s, and evolved for several hours. An amazing tasting!

Col Row Year Wine Price
5 28 1928 Pommard Epenots, Barolet
Given its thin, light brown color I didn’t expect this to last, but it actually held up for several hourse, increasing in complexity and sweetness. Cedar, smoke, varnish, artichoke, still very much alive and balanced. 93 points.
475
4 23 1937 Chambertin, Louis Latour
Also thin and brown, but appearances can be deceiving. Clearly the wine of the tasting, with waxy, charry notes that quickly turned to classic cherries, bacon fat and smoke. Caramel, chocolate, almonds and coconut on the palate combines to create a magnificent Almond Joy! Held up four hours. 97 points.
390
5 23 1949 Charmes-Chambertin, Liger-Belair
Probably not the best example of this wine. Hints of greatness spoiled by a maderized nose. Some smoke, fat and cherries. Oddly, some of the oxidation worked its way out over a few hours. 88 points.
317
4 22 1959 Gevrey Chambertin, Bouchard Aine & Fils
Better color than the first three, and quite fruity, but not nearly the complexity level. Still, a great Burg. 95 points.
380
5 29 1966 Echezeaux, Doudet-Naudin
Vanilla nose, still tannic, earthy, coffe. Another great wine. 94 points.
325
5 9 1978 Chambolle Musigny, Trapet
Youthful, fruity, earthy, mushrooms. 92 points.
140
6 28 1983 Grands Echezeaux, Domaine de la Romanee Conti
Classic for its type, mint, iron, a bit thin given expectations. 93 points.
300
3 23 1993 La Romanee – Bouchard, Pere et Fils
The disappointing wine of the tasting, since it was the big name in vineyards. Very young and fresh with vanilla and tannin, but not much going on. 91 points.
190
2000 Gevrey Chambertin, Clos Prieur
Added by John. Tight mushrooms, closed and a bit thin. Needs time. 91 points.
9 28 2000 Ch d’Yquem (tenth) 213
2730

 

Acquisitions

Acker Merrall – Feb 2010

Col Row Year Wine
Price
4 16 1964 BV Georges de La Tour Private Reserve
130
4 17 1964 BV Georges de La Tour Private Reserve
130
4 18 1964 BV Georges de La Tour Private Reserve
130
4 19 1964 BV Georges de La Tour Private Reserve
130
4 20 1964 BV Georges de La Tour Private Reserve
130
4 25 1964 BV Georges de La Tour Private Reserve
130
780

Bonhams – March 2010

Col Row Year Wine Size
Price
6 26 1958 DRC Echezeaux
675
6 28 1966 DRC Echezeaux
675
1350

Hart Davis – March 2010

Col Row Year Wine Size
Price
3 25 1964 Pommard, Grand Epenots, Leroy
200
3 26 1964 Pommard, Grand Epenots, Leroy
200
3 27 1964 Pommard, Grand Epenots, Leroy
200
9 16 1955 Ch Cheval Blanc tenth
320
9 17 1955 Ch Cheval Blanc tenth
320
9 18 1955 Ch Latour tenth
320
9 19 1961 Ch Lafite Rothschild tenth
600
8 19 1961 Ch Mouton Rothschild
1200
3360

Upcoming Events

June 5 Non Syndicate at Ocean Prime
September 25 Wine Syndicate
December 11 Wine Syndicate

Treasurer’s Report

Previous Balance 1689
Dues Payable 5000
Purchases -5490
Dinner -1456
Balance -257

Please bring your dues of $1000 per couple.

2009-6 1970 Bordeaux

 1970 Bordeaux

 

at The Bull & Bear
at The Waldorf Astoria

directions

 

December 5, 2009 at 6:00 pm
 
The WinesIt’s been a long time since we did a horizontal. This is a fairly comprehensive tasting of Bordeaux from an interesting year, when some lesser growths produced better wines than the first growths.All of our scores were better than Parker’s. My lowest scored wine was an 84. However our scores tended to track Parker’s. Favorite wines were Palmer, La Mission Haut Brion and Latour. It’s interesting that these three wines included the two half bottles. There’s still plenty of life left in those, and I would definitely consider them good buys.

Year Chateau Region Parker Notes Price
1970 Leoville Las Cases St.-Julien 77 2nd growth, next to Latour 85
1970 Talbot St.-Julien 78 4th growth 80
1970 Gruaud Larose St.-Julien 87 2nd growth 85
1970 Margaux Margaux 76 1st growth Steve
1970 Palmer (tenth) Margaux 95 3rd growth 135
1970 Figeac St.-Emilion 90 2nd growth 145
1970 Cheval Blanc St.-Emilion 85 1st growth 205
1970 La Mission Haut Brion Pessac-Leognan (Graves) 94 Arguably a 1st growth 155
1970 Haut Brion Pessac-Leognan (Graves) 84 1st growth 225
1970 Lafite Rothschild Pauillac 79 1st growth 175
1970 Mouton Rothschild Pauillac 92 1st growth 285
1970 Les Forts de Latour Pauillac 84 Second wine of Ch. Latour, regarded as a 4th growth 109
1970 Latour (tenth) Pauillac 99 1st growth 205
1889

 

Acquisitions

Purchased from Bonhams & Butterfields 11/21/09:

1949 Corton-Bressandes C. Vienot $550

 

Upcoming Events

February 20 Wine Syndicate
April 17 Wine Syndicate

Treasurer’s Report

Previous Balance -757
Dues Payable 5000
Purchases -550
Dinner -1697
Balance 1996

Please bring your dues of $1000 per couple.