[/URL]pThen with beef on the bone the two main protagonists entered the ring.
In the blue corner Chateau Pichon Longueville Baron 1988 and in the red corner La Pousse D'Or Volnay 1er Cru Clos De La Bousse D'Or, Monopole.
The Pichon out pointed the Volnay in the early rounds with its to die for entry of earth, gravel, leather, tobacco, minerals, hints of garrigue but above all wet stones after a spring shower.
The Volnay is perfumed and elegant and gradually started to make an impression, and opened up beautifully with beguiling smokiness, sauvage, sousbois and sensual texture. It is svelte and elegant, perfectly balanced, and finishes beautifully.
By now the Volnay is floating like a butterfly, stinging like a bee picking off the Baron at will. The Baron has some asparagus notes on the palate, but is plodding by comparison, and shows some hints of drying on the finish. On its own a very complete, upstanding and satisfying wine, but last night it was outclassed (but it least it didn't hit the canvas).
La Pousse D'Or Volnay 1er Cru Clos De La Bousse D'Or, Monopole: 95 points
Pichon Longueville Baron 1988: 92 points
On Friday night we had this.
We really enjoyed it. It had creamy oak and luscious fruit. It has benefitted from ageing. A modern wine, which is recognisable as Merlot, less so as a St-Emilion.
