2001 Malescasse and Vielle Cure

[Ken]

Recently tried the following 2001's, both of which were quite good for the price.

2001 Chateau Malescasse (Haut Medoc) 88
Double decanted about an hour before serving and served with grilled lambchops. Initial nose of leather, earth, and plums. Good mouthfeel and texture with leather and plums persisting into the finish. Slightly drying but not bitter tanins in the finish, a moderate and pleasant length, and some slight complexity. I would buy this again, but would not hold for more than a couple of years. (about $27)

2001 La Vielle Cure (Fronsac) 90
Wine recently became available at a local wine shop. Opened, did not decant. Served with grilled pork loin rubbed with spices. Nice nose of casis, touch of leather. Initial flavors of casis, leather, and touch of nutmeg. Mile tanins, moderate length, somewhat course texture and chalky in the finish. Still, a very nice wine and worth purchasing. (about $30)