{"id":26,"date":"2011-01-29T06:07:39","date_gmt":"2011-01-29T06:07:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wineandbeertasting.com\/?p=26"},"modified":"2011-07-13T09:34:28","modified_gmt":"2011-07-13T09:34:28","slug":"2008-vintage-ugc-event-held-jan-2011","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wineandbeertasting.com\/?p=26","title":{"rendered":"2008 Vintage UGC Event held Jan 2011"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n

January 26, 2011 — Mostly from UGC Bordeaux Tasting, Boston, MA with input from Michaela Norrman, who contributed her tasting notes from the Los Angeles UGC Event co-sponsored by Wally’s Wines.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

With its panoramic views of the inner harbor and nearby piers, the Wharf Room at the posh Boston Harbor Hotel provided the perfect venue for the representatives of the >100 Bordeaux Chateaux to showcase their 2008 vintage before an energetic crowd of wine buyers, restauranteurs, bloggers and other wine industry professionals.\u00a0 In sharp contrast to the windswept snow outside, the warm and enthusiastic atmosphere inside the ballroom, coupled with the impeccable service by the hotel staff, made for a very pleasurable tasting experience.<\/p>\n

It is difficult to pigeonhole the 2008 vintage in Bordeaux.\u00a0 On the one hand, the wines lack the overt fat and muscle of the 2005, yet on the other hand, the wines have plenty of concentration and charm, and many of the best wines are anything but thin.\u00a0 Most can be characterized by an abundance of red fruits in their flavor profile, good concentration, and adequate tannin to allow for 10+ years of development.\u00a0 What they are not is the fruit bomb-like 2003\u2019s \u2013 not a single wine that I tasted could be classified as over-ripe.\u00a0 On the lower end of the totem pole, a few of the wines exhibited some green elements, but by and large these under-ripe characteristics were not in evidence in the better wines of the vintage.\u00a0 A few Chateaux were guilty of over-extraction, and some others wine were unbalanced, with the most frequent culprit being tannins that were too aggressive and rough.\u00a0 However, those winemakers that used a deft touch produced lovely wines that will age gracefully for some time.\u00a0 Overall, the vintage appears less consistent than 2005 or 2000, where nearly everyone made successful wines.\u00a0 However, it is not the minefield that is 2003, in which so many of the wines are overly alcoholic, imbalanced and full of over-ripe fruit, while others are an essentially a perfect marriage of fruit, structure and accessibility.\u00a0 One thing seems certain \u2013 the top wines of 2008 (and there are many of them) are not far off from their older counterparts of 2000 and 2005.\u00a0 In my mind, what separates the 2008\u2019s from those two stellar vintages of the last decade is the considerable number of Chateaux whose wines are off the mark and do not approach the heights that they are capable of reaching in the very best vintages.\u00a0 Luckily, careful selection of the best 2008s will reward the shrewd consumer with many age-worthy wines that are the near-qualitative equals of the very best wines from these Chateaux, all for a mere fraction of the prices that those top bottlings normally command.<\/p>\n

What follows are tasting notes on 50+ red wines that were sampled, many of them several times, at the UGC event.\u00a0 Scoring is done on a 100-point Parker scale.\u00a0 The wines are arranged alphabetically within each appellation.\u00a0 A good percentage of the wines were re-tasted at a private event in early February, with consistent notes.\u00a0 Happy hunting!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Pessac-Leognan<\/h1>\n

 <\/p>\n

Chateau Carbonnieux<\/p>\n

Highly aromatic nose of loam, smoke, red raspberries and oak.\u00a0 On the palate, the wine is medium-bodied with red raspberries, earth and a touch of oak.\u00a0 Flavors linger for 15 seconds on the finish.\u00a0 This is just a notch below the 2005 in quality, but still a very good wine.\u00a0 This will drink well early. WB 90<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Domaine de Chevalier<\/p>\n

Soaring, noble aromatics of smoke, pipe tobacco, sweet raspberry.\u00a0 Red fruit on the entry, with some underbrush and very light toast on the medium-bodied frame.\u00a0 Twenty-plus second finish, with refined tannins gently gripping the palate.\u00a0 A clear step up from the Carbonnieux.\u00a0 This will benefit from some bottle aging, and is far better than what the estate produced even 10 years ago. WB 93<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Chateau de Fieuzal<\/p>\n

Smoky spices and tobacco on the nose.\u00a0 Medium-bodied, with red currants, orange rind and a hint of oak.\u00a0 Falls off a cliff on the short finish with some unrefined tannins briefly clinging to the palate. WB 86<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Chateau Haut-Bailly<\/p>\n

Very dark red.\u00a0 Noble nose of smoke, dark cherry tobacco and cassis jumps out of the glass.\u00a0 Red and black fruits in the mouth, with a beautifully round mid-palate serving as exhibit A of superior winemaking.\u00a0 Medium-bodied, with a long finish marked by fine-grained tannins that arrive very late.\u00a0 This superb Haut-Bailly needs a minimum of 10 years in the cellar, but it has all the elements of a star in the making. WB 95<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Chateau Haut-Bergey<\/p>\n

Smokey, modern nose with tobacco and black raspberry.\u00a0 Rather fruit-forward on the palate, with plums, cherries and earth in evidence.\u00a0 Medium- to full-bodied and a bit short on the finish, this Haut-Bergey is not in the same league as the 2000, but is a good, modern Pessac nonetheless. WB 90<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Chateau Larrivet Haut Brion<\/p>\n

Deep red with some purple evident.\u00a0 Sweet tobacco and some serious smoke and plums on the rather effusive nose.\u00a0 Silky in the mouth, but linear and rather four-square at the moment, with plums and cassis making their presence known.\u00a0 Finishes with a good burst of fruit on the 15- to 20-second finish.\u00a0 A qualitative equal of the 2000 and 2005. WB <\/strong>91<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Chateau Latour-Martillac<\/p>\n

Smoke, underbrush and black tobacco on the nose.\u00a0 Darker in color than most of the other Pessac reds, almost purple-ish.\u00a0 Medium-bodied with black cherries and toast in evidence.\u00a0 Finishes with big tannins and a healthy dose of toasty oak.\u00a0 I wonder whether the oak will ever be completely integrated here.\u00a0 WB <\/strong>88?<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Chateau Olivier<\/p>\n

Ruby red.\u00a0 Subdued nose of smoke and plum.\u00a0 Rather lean on the palate, with some cherry red fruits in evidence.\u00a0 Finishes short and abrupt. WB<\/strong> 84<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Chateau Pape-Clement<\/p>\n

Dark Red.\u00a0 Very modern \u2013 toasty oak, vanilla, and coffee on the nose.\u00a0 Lots of extract, big body, dark fruits and drying tannins throughout.\u00a0 Best on the long finish that really fans out.\u00a0 Of all the wines tasted in this appellation, this one has the least Pessac character.\u00a0 Nonetheless, could be very good if it comes together.\u00a0 Needs lots of time. WB<\/strong> 92+<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Chateau Smith-Haut-Lafitte<\/p>\n

Very dark red.\u00a0 Smoke and tobacco on the very reserved nose.\u00a0 Full-bodied on the palate, loaded with black cherries, loam and tons of vanilla oak.\u00a0 The long finish is very drying.\u00a0 In the style of the 2004 at this estate.\u00a0 If oak fully integrates, this could be even better than current assessment. WB <\/strong>91+?<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Saint-Emilion<\/h1>\n

 <\/p>\n

Chateau Angelus<\/p>\n

Very dark red.\u00a0 Powerful and noble aromas of violets, raspberry and asian spices.\u00a0 Medium to full-bodied\u00a0 in the mouth, with dark plums, licorice and mocha, all presented in a package of notable refinement.\u00a0 A good, rather than great vintage of Angelus, but still one of the better St Emilions of the vintage.\u00a0 WB <\/strong>93<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Chateau Beau-Sejour-Becot<\/p>\n

Purple.\u00a0 Smoke, incense and flowers dominate the aromatics here.\u00a0 Refreshingly cool in the mouth, with dark berries, chocolate and minerally overtones abundantly present.\u00a0 Finishes with medium length and some dusty tannins.\u00a0 WB <\/strong>91<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Chateau Canon<\/p>\n

Ruby-red.\u00a0 Red cherries, smoke, and lavender on the nose.\u00a0 Red currants, wood, vitamins on the decidedly medium bodied palate.\u00a0 Quite refined, with no sense of heaviness, and flavors that linger for 20+ seconds on the finish.\u00a0 Not forced at all.\u00a0 WB <\/strong>92<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Chateau Canon-la-Gaffeliere<\/p>\n

Darkly colored, with lots of oak and violets evident on the nose.\u00a0 Slightly rough around the edges on the palate, with a medium body, black raspberries, toasty oak and considerable tannin which is even more evident on the 15+ second finish. WB<\/strong> 90<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Chateau La Dominique<\/p>\n

Very dark, nearly opaque red.\u00a0 Here too the Cabernet Franc asserts itself with lavender, dried herbs and some cassis on the nose.\u00a0 A smooth entry with dark fruits leads to a medium-bodied palate that is quite minerally and spicy.\u00a0 Lots of oak evident on the finish \u2013 if it gets better integrated (and this is a big if!), this wine will merit a higher score.\u00a0 WB <\/strong>90+<\/strong>?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Chateau Figeac<\/p>\n

Clear medium red.\u00a0 Restrained aromas of flowers and red raspberries.\u00a0 Some spice on the palate, with considerable tannin and an underlying herbal streak.\u00a0 Not in the same league as the stellar 1982, 1990 or 1998.\u00a0 It may ameliorate with some years in the cellar, but that\u2019s far from a sure thing. WB<\/strong> 86+?<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Clos Fourtet<\/p>\n

Deep red.\u00a0 Nose heavy on the Cabernet Franc components, with violets and exotic spices especially strong.\u00a0 Shockingly sweet and suave in the mouth \u2013 nearly compote-like sweetness that\u2019s followed by a long, minerally finish with high quality oak and very fine grained tannins that arrive quite late.\u00a0 The latest installment in a string of excellent wines from this Chateau.\u00a0 WB <\/strong>94<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Chateau Franc Mayne<\/p>\n

Ruby red.\u00a0 Medium-intensity nose of fresh flowers and incense.\u00a0 Sweet berries on the medium-bodied palate, a little monolithic in comparison to the better St. Emilions of the vintage.\u00a0 Finishes with adequate length and a touch of minerals.\u00a0 WB <\/strong>89<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Chateau Grand Mayne<\/p>\n

Deep, dark red.\u00a0 Noble aromas of violets, mocha, and dark cherries.\u00a0 Deep and vinous in the mouth, full-bodied with black raspberry, chocolate and plum notes that eventually lead to a long, minerally finish with fine tannins coming on quite late.\u00a0 A very impressive young wine. WB<\/strong> 93<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Chateau La Gaffeliere<\/p>\n

Dark red with hints of purple.\u00a0 Chocolate, plum and spice on the nose.\u00a0 Medium-bodied and refined on the palate, with plums, sweet red cherries and exotic spices making up the flavor profile.\u00a0 High degree of refinement and a deft winemaking hand go al long way here.\u00a0 WB <\/strong>93<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Chateau Larcis-Ducasse<\/p>\n

Deep garnet.\u00a0 Wild strawberry, dried herbs and a hint of mint can be found on the nose of the 2008 Larcis-Ducasse.\u00a0 Silky-smooth in the mouth, with a medium body and lots of red raspberries and sweet chocolate.\u00a0 Finishes fairly long with some oak poking through at the very end.\u00a0 Thoroughly modern-styled, and unabashedly hedonistic.\u00a0 WB <\/strong>93<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Chateau Pavie-Macquin<\/p>\n

Nearly opaque red.\u00a0 Aromatics of cassis, chocolate, spices and violets distinguish the nose of this St. Emilion offering that hails from the C\u00f4te Pavie.\u00a0 Powerful and dense, full bodied in the mouth with good complexity of flavors, ranging from mocha, licorice, and plum to roasted herbs and a hint of exotic spice.\u00a0 Suave and refined, with a strong minerally streak that is seemingly omnipresent all the way to the long, resonant finish. WB <\/strong>94<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Chateau Troplong-Mondot<\/p>\n

Inky purple\/red.\u00a0 Nicely-delineated aromatics of lavender, spices and subtle vanilla and camphor.\u00a0 Very powerful in the mouth, with a dark berry essence and underlying minerality that just won\u2019t quit.\u00a0 This shows an exhilarating sweetness\/acid balance and a very long, complex finish.\u00a0 This superb wine really demands at least ten years in the cellar. WB <\/strong>95<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Pomerol<\/h1>\n

 <\/p>\n

Chateau Beauregard<\/p>\n

Light ruby red.\u00a0 Rather flamboyant nose of plums, mocha and flowers.\u00a0 Quite sweet on the palate, with a good density and red cherry-dominated flavors.\u00a0 Lingers for 15 seconds on the finish.\u00a0 This will provide immediate pleasure. WB <\/strong>90<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Chateau Clinet<\/p>\n

Intense aromatics of violets, lavender and plums.\u00a0 Full-bodied on the palate, with raspberry coulis, licorice and figs all in abundance.\u00a0 Finishes with a burst of fruit that lingers on the palate for more than 30 seconds.\u00a0 A very impressive Clinet \u2013 quite possibly the finest vintage here since the otherworldly 1990! WB <\/strong>95<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Chateau Gazin<\/p>\n

Ruby red.\u00a0 Raspberries and smoky plums on the moderately intense nose.\u00a0 Good fruit density on the palate, with dark plums, blackberries in evidence and adequate acidity.\u00a0 Some oak and tannin still need to be resolved on the 20+ second finish.\u00a0 This should really come together after about 5-10 years in the cellar.\u00a0 WB <\/strong>92<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Chateau La Conseillante<\/p>\n

Deep garnet.\u00a0 Aromatically complex nose of red raspberries, violets, mocha and subtle oak.\u00a0 Light- to medium-bodied on the palate, almost deceptively airy, yet at the same time packed with red fruit and herbs.\u00a0 Best on the long, very minerally finish that really fans out like a peacock\u2019s tail.\u00a0 A dead ringer for the 2001 tasted at a similar stage.\u00a0 This will really be stunning should the wine gain weight with bottle age. WB <\/strong>93+<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Haut-Medoc<\/h1>\n

 <\/p>\n

Chateau La Lagune<\/p>\n

Deep red with purple tinges.\u00a0 Camphor, spice and smoke on the nose.\u00a0 Medium-bodied and very dry on the palate, with lots of extract but a rather rustic style.\u00a0 Medium length finish. WB <\/strong>90<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Margaux<\/h1>\n

 <\/p>\n

Chateau Brane-Cantenac<\/p>\n

Translucent red.\u00a0 Rather reserved red berry- and herb-dominated nose.\u00a0 Very green on the palate, with a strong sense of underripeness.\u00a0 A disappointment in the context of the vintage.\u00a0 WB <\/strong>80<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Chateau Cantenac-Brown<\/p>\n

Dark red.\u00a0 Margaux berries and smoke make up the aromatic profile of the 2008 Cantenac-Brown.\u00a0 Red currants, cherries and dried herbs on the decidedly medium-bodied palate.\u00a0 A 15-second finish caps off this decent, but by no means standout, wine. \u00a0WB <\/strong>88<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Chateau Du Tertre<\/p>\n

Red with hints of orange.\u00a0 Smoky nose with camphor, plum, mocha and spice \u2013 aromatically, this could be from anywhere.\u00a0 Red-fruited mid-palate, not overly complex at this stage, but not overdone either.\u00a0 By no means a blockbuster, but a nice enough drink. \u00a0WB <\/strong>89<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Chateau Ferriere<\/p>\n

Ruby red.\u00a0 Elegant nose of red cherries and subtle flowers.\u00a0 Medium-bodied, reasonably refined on the palate, but a bit four-square at the moment.\u00a0 A nice, early drinking wine. \u00a0WB <\/strong>89<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Chateau Giscours<\/p>\n

Garnet.\u00a0 Penetrating nose of spices, cassis and flowers.\u00a0 Medium- to full-bodied, with red and black berries, plums and herbs dominating the taste buds.\u00a0 A note of bayleaf makes itself apparent on the 20+ second finish and adds complexity.\u00a0 Not for fans of very ripe meritage blends. A notch below the very successful 2000 vintage here. \u00a0WB <\/strong>90<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Chateau Kirwan<\/p>\n

Nearly black in color.\u00a0 Aromatics are highlighted by cassis and toasty oak.\u00a0 Full-bodied and loaded with dark fruit.\u00a0 Very fruit-forward with a short, 10 second finish with nice licorice notes but also loads of toasty oak.\u00a0 Far too modern-styled and overextracted for me. \u00a0WB <\/strong>84<\/strong>. <\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Chateau Labegorce<\/p>\n

Deep red.\u00a0 Cranberry and bell pepper on the nose.\u00a0 Light- to medium-bodied, with raspberries and green herbs in evidence.\u00a0 This should be drunk upon release, and does not seem fully ripe. \u00a0WB <\/strong>82<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Chateau Lascombes<\/p>\n

Dark red.\u00a0 Powerful, aromatic nose of red cherries, cassis, and incense.\u00a0 Sweet on the entry, with black raspberry, mocha, and licorice on the medium-bodied palate.\u00a0 Medium-length finish with some toasty oak showing through.\u00a0 WB <\/strong>91<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Chateau Malescot-Saint-Exupery<\/p>\n

Ruby red.\u00a0 Cassis, lavender, and oak all make their presence known on the flamboyant nose.\u00a0 A smorgasbord of red and black berries on the medium-bodied palate, with some minerality for good measure.\u00a0 As approachable as this is now, this will really benefit from some time in the cellar. This chateau is making some of the best wines that are coming out of the Margaux appellation. \u00a0WB <\/strong>92+<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Chateau Rauzan-Segla<\/p>\n

Deep, dark red.\u00a0 Dark, brooding nose of flowers, black cherries and high-quality toast.\u00a0 Similar on the palate, with cassis, toasty oak and considerable stuffing.\u00a0 Finishes with medium length and considerable tannin.\u00a0 Today this has all the elements of an overextracted, overoaked wine.\u00a0 If it ever comes together, it could merit a significantly higher score.\u00a0 WB <\/strong>90+?<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

<\/strong><\/p>\n

Saint Julien<\/h1>\n

 <\/p>\n

Chateau Branaire-Ducru<\/p>\n

Dark garnet.\u00a0 Modern nose of red raspberry, asian spices and a hint oak.\u00a0 Medium-bodied and quite complex on the palate, with red cherries, licorice, sweet plums and minerals.\u00a0 Flavors really linger on the 20-25 second finish.\u00a0 Not a heavyweight by any means, but what great balance here! WB <\/strong>93<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Chateau Gruaud-Larose<\/p>\n

Smoky, musty nose with licorice, red cherry aromas \u2013 really stands out among the other wines tasted.\u00a0 Masculine and dark in the mouth, with lots of cassis and dark plums, a full body with fine-grained tannins on the medium-length finish.\u00a0 A unique wine.\u00a0 WB <\/strong>92<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Chateau Lagrange<\/p>\n

Cassis and violets on the somewhat subdued nose.\u00a0 In the mouth, chunky red and black raspberries, drying tannins and lots of stuffing.\u00a0 The overall sensation here is that of a big-framed wine that is lacking some polish.\u00a0 A Medium-length finish is all bitter chocolate at the moment.\u00a0 Wait and see on this one. WB <\/strong>90+?<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Chateau Langoa Barton<\/p>\n

Dark red in color.\u00a0 Some red cherries and hints of blackberries on the nose.\u00a0 Medium bodied and rather stern on the palate, just a notch below aggressive.\u00a0 Certainly too austere for current enjoyment, and probably will always be marked by an excess of tannin and paucity of fruit. WB <\/strong>85<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Chateau Leoville Barton<\/p>\n

Nearly impenetrable red.\u00a0 Reserved nose dominated by cassis and oak, with hints of lead pencil.\u00a0 Serious, somewhat stern on the palate, with strong minerality, black cherries and slight oak char.\u00a0 Long finish of 30+ seconds.\u00a0 This is reminiscent of the 1995 here, and will require 10+ years for the tannins to subside enough to provide enjoyment.\u00a0 This one is for lovers of traditional claret. WB <\/strong>92<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Chateau Leoville-Poyferre<\/p>\n

Deep ruby-red.\u00a0 Very effusive on the nose, with currants and tons of vanilla in evidence.\u00a0 Silky-smooth on the palate, nearly full-bodied with copious black cherries, cassis, plums and licorice all present.\u00a0 Long finish with omnipresent tannins.\u00a0 This modern-styled cellar-worthy concoction is miles away from its classically-styled, reserved neighbor Leoville-Barton. WB <\/strong>94<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Chateau Saint-Pierre<\/p>\n

Very dark, nearly opaque red.\u00a0 Aromatic nose of camphor, violet, spice and berries.\u00a0 Big, bracing tannins permeate the palate, as do dark fruits, dried herbs and oak.\u00a0 A 25+ second finish saturates the palate.\u00a0 This up-and-coming estate has really been on a roll since the 2003 vintage. WB <\/strong>93<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Chateau Talbot<\/p>\n

Medium intensity red.\u00a0 Redcurrant and asian spice note, and a slight mustiness on the nose.\u00a0 Medium-bodied on the palate, with a bright red fruit character and intense underlying minerality.\u00a0 Some oak is evident on the medium-length finish.\u00a0 Solid wine that needs five years in the cellar to come together. \u00a0WB <\/strong>90<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Pauillac<\/h1>\n

 <\/p>\n

Chateau Batailley<\/p>\n

Cedary, aromatic nose that screams Pauillac.\u00a0 Medium-bodied on the palate, with cassis, licorice, minerals and a smidgeon of high-quality toasty oak.\u00a0 Flavors linger on the palate for more than 20 seconds after wine is swallowed.\u00a0 A very nice, traditional-styled Pauillac. WB <\/strong>91<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Chateau Clerc-Milon<\/p>\n

Ruby-red with hints of purple.\u00a0 Aromatics of smoke, cassis, lead pencil and a hint of violets.\u00a0 Medium- to full-bodied, with cassis, dark chocolate and minerals all present on the palate.\u00a0 Finishes with a 20+ second burst of fruit and tannin of reasonable polish. WB <\/strong>92<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Chateau d\u2019Armailhac<\/p>\n

Deep red.\u00a0 Aromatic nose redolent of cassis, with interspersed hints of cedar and flowers.\u00a0 Smooth on the entry, with mostly red fruit and a hint of oak on the medium-bodied palate.\u00a0 Slightly shorter and less dense than Clerc-Milon, but quite nice nonetheless. WB <\/strong>90<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Chateau Lynch-Bages<\/p>\n

Very dark red.\u00a0 Rather reserved on the nose, with cassis aromas being predominant.\u00a0 Medium- to full bodied on the palate, with dark fruits and toast in evidence.\u00a0 Some tannin is pokes through on the medium-length finish.\u00a0 A good rather than great vintage here \u2013 closer to the 1999 than to the 1989. \u00a0WB <\/strong>91<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Chateau Lynch-Moussas<\/p>\n

Translucent red.\u00a0 Fruity nose with gentle, freshly picked raspberries and hints of dried spices.\u00a0 Medium-bodied on the palate, with rather four-square sweet red cherries in evidence.\u00a0 Falls off a cliff on the short finish.\u00a0 This simple, but pleasant claret ought to be consumed over the short term.\u00a0 WB <\/strong>85<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Chateau Pichon-Longueville<\/p>\n

Very deep red.\u00a0 Noble, effusive nose of cassis, black plums and flowers.\u00a0 Full bodied on the palate, with a panoply of fruit, licorice and minerality and high-class refinement that really separates the 2008 Pichon-Baron from the pack.\u00a0 A very long, complex finish of at least 40 seconds is a fitting crescendo for this first-rate claret.\u00a0 Superb! \u00a0WB <\/strong>96<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Chateau Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande<\/p>\n

Lighter in color than the Baron.\u00a0 Highly complex, aromatic nose of plums, smoke, asian spices and violets.\u00a0 Medium- to full-bodied on the palate, with red cherries, cranberries and chocolate all beautifully delineated.\u00a0 Silky-smooth, liquid cashmere-like texture effortlessly glides across the palate, leading to a long, resonant finish that leaves the taster without any doubts about the noble pedigree of this wine.\u00a0 WB <\/strong>96<\/strong>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

January 26, 2011 — Mostly from UGC Bordeaux Tasting, Boston, MA with input from Michaela Norrman, who contributed her tasting notes from the Los Angeles UGC Event co-sponsored by Wally’s Wines. With its panoramic views of the inner harbor and nearby piers, the Wharf Room at the posh Boston Harbor Hotel provided the perfect venue […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-26","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-wine-events"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/wineandbeertasting.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/26","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/wineandbeertasting.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/wineandbeertasting.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wineandbeertasting.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wineandbeertasting.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=26"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/wineandbeertasting.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/26\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":43,"href":"https:\/\/wineandbeertasting.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/26\/revisions\/43"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/wineandbeertasting.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=26"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wineandbeertasting.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=26"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wineandbeertasting.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=26"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}