2010 Lanessan

[JimHow]

Not of the quality of other recent Lanessans but a solid wine nonetheless. 14% alcohol. Typically on the traditional side despite the alcohol. This will be a wine to drink in the next 7 years. 88 points.

[Chasse-Spleen]

Jim,
How did you like the '08 Lanessan?
-Chasse

[JimHow]

I don't recall drinking the 2008, Chasse, but I do recall liking the 2000, 2005, and 2009. It does seem a little odd that the 2010 would be less than strong.

[Chasse-Spleen]

I think I had the 2008 and 2009. The '08 was a little dull but in more of a classic style. The '09 was very good with excellent structure. I'm wondering if the '08 might have turned into something a little more interesting with two more years of bottle age. Odd about the '10, but I think these 'superstar' vintages may not be to all tastes, at all times. I've also had the 2000 and 1996, both very good.

[Jay Winton]

I bought 09 Lannesan but will let it sit for a while. The store also had some 01 which is a nice drink today.

[OrlandoRobert]

I don't recall drinking the 2008, Chasse, but I do recall liking the 2000, 2005, and 2009. It does seem a little odd that the 2010 would be less than strong.

My personal opinion is that Lanessan is stronger in riper years.

[dstgolf]

2009 Lanessan tonight. A little hollow on the mid palate and short finish but drinking well now.Good not great!I thank everyone for forcing me to open a bottle. I won't be holding this for the long term.

[stefan]

Hmmm. Even in ripe years Lanessan is slow to mature. I would not be quick to drink and judge an '09 at this point.

[dstgolf]

Stefan,

Don't think this 2009 has enough tannin backbone and acidity to go the distance.

[OrlandoRobert]

Stefan,

Don't think this 2009 has enough tannin backbone and acidity to go the distance.

I will conceded the tannins are not structured but the acidity level, to me, is quite high (a positive, in my book). I was thinking about the Lanessan yesterday afternoon as I was rearranging my Bdx storage locker, mostly to accomodate '09s. I placed some Lanessan deep in the back after reflecting on how well the '01 is drinking right now. I'm fairly comfortable with a 10+ year horizon with this wine. No a blockbuster to be sure, but I'm betting on 10 years showing some interesting stuff. I'll drink some much earlier, too, as I like where this wine is.

[johnz]

I've followed Dan Kravitz' long threads on "another board" about Lanessan, which he's been drinking for decades. He claims he's learned not to touch it for about a dozen years after the vintage, and then drinks it for 6-10 years. I've just started to pop a few of my 375s of the 2000 -- the one last night was excellent and plenty young. Even that 375 had a big sandy deposit. It's not a seductive wine, but classic, perhaps "rustic" to some, but for the price I think it's a very difficult wine to best.

--Gary Rust

[stefan]

I agree with you and Dan, Gary. Probably the price stays reasonable because newbies
Do not like to wait. 'Course the large production does not hurt.