2 good wines, Bordeaux

[Serge Birbrair]

1996, Chateau Gruaud Larose, Saint Julien
The first impression - nothing special, besides very strong barnyard nose. After 45 minutes in decanted, the wine opened up showing fruit and lots of elegance. Mature tanins just coat your tongue, providing long finish. Quite memorable wine.


1996, Sociando-Mallet, Haur-Medoc
could have passed as a younger brother of CGL. Little bit less finesse, a bit more acidity, fullier body, but less dimensions. The good thing about this one is it's 1/2 the price of CGL.

[Aussie Jonny]

1996 Left Bank wines are just superb, and getting better. I prefer them to 1990, and I am sure in 5-10 years, they will be AT LEAST the equal of 1982. My advice is to buy any you can get your hands on.

[Serge Birbrair]

1996 Left Bank wines are just superb, and getting better. I prefer them to 1990, and I am sure in 5-10 years, they will be AT LEAST the equal of 1982. My advice is to buy any you can get your hands on.

I do....and replace every bottle consumed with 3...

Today we opened up Baron de Pichon-Longueville 1996. Much more powerfull juice than BPL 1995 and...decanting it was a big mistake, this wine is ready as it can ever be. Holding to them for another 5-10 years is more than I have will power to do.

[Guest]

So sorry but the Baron de Pichon-Longueville 1996 needs another 5-15 years to show its best. Yes its powerful but those tannins need time.

[Serge Birbrair]

So sorry but the Baron de Pichon-Longueville 1996 needs another 5-15 years to show its best. Yes its powerful but those tannins need time.

and who will lend me patience?

[finney_]

Hi all,

I have travelled to the Bordeaux, Paulliac and St Emillion region a couple of times now and always packed my luggage as much as I can with French Red. I currently have some:

BPL from 1996 & 1998
Les Tours de Longueville 2000 x 4
Grand Cru's from St Emillion 1995, 1997 and 2000
1st Cru's from Sauterne
1 x 1998 Pessac
1 x 1998 Nuef de Pape

Can anyone give me any guide as to when I should be drinking these vintages and also how can I get a hold of some 2000 BPL without jumping on a plane? I have tried emailing BPL. If you have ever visited the Paulliac region you will understand how hard it is to get information from the French there or for that matter at any winery in France.

I remember visiting Belair from St Emillion in 2000 and I wanted to buy wine, they where selling the wine that was still on the vine! Man I wish I had the forsight to buy some.

Anyway this is certainly a thread that interests me ALOT!

Regards

Finney