Holiday Cheer

[RPCV]

What a Holiday Season it has been. We have truly had a wonderful time this year with family and friends....a few brief notes from the more memorable wines.

1990 Lynch Bages

Surprisingly youthful appearance. Upon opening I knew this would be great....timeless beauty. Not to the heights of the '89 but excellent and will continue to evolve.

1999 Grivot Clos Vougeot

Will these 99's ever be ready? Decanted and enjoyed over several hours, but closed and not showing it's inner beauty. This is a big wine that needs time....five years, maybe ten.

2000 Labegorce Zede

Elegance and beauty...perfect now and just what you would expect from this estate. No rush but I don't think additional age will add complexity.

2005 Malmaison

This was a surprise. Consumed over two days....was excellent upon the open, albeit tight. On the second day however, this was much improved. Deep and complex. Hold, but will be great with 7-8 more years of age.

2005 Potensac

Elegant and refined. One can sense the excellent wine making here. Not the last word in complexity but a perfect luncheon claret. Great with roast chicken.

2002 Serveaux Brut BdB

Best champagne of the year. Elegance and beauty, that's all I have to say about that...

2005 La Rioja Alta Rioja Vina Ardanza Reserva

A house favorite and did not disappoint. A bit simple but that was to be expected.

2011 Tiezzi Brunello di Montalcino Poggio Cerrino

Another surprise of the year. I had a bottle back in June and found it to be good, not great. This bottle, on the other hand, was fantastic. Leather, iron and deep cherry nose that followed seamlessly through the palate and finish. Will be seeking more....2010 is great, but this will change your mind about 2011.

Happy New Year All

[JimHow]

Happy new year RPCV, thanks for the report.
Those sound like some beauties.
The few Chiantis I've had from 2012 seem to have been delicious, I was wondering what the reports are on the post-2010 vintages in Italy.

[AKR]

Nice wines. I'd been curious about the 2005 Malmaison, glad to hear its good. Never had anything from them.

[Blanquito]

I just lost out on two bottles of 1990 Lynch Bages on auction-- the lot went for $578 or $289 a bottle. Whoa.

[RPCV]

Amazing the price appreciation for this and the '89.

[Racer Chris]

The '08 Malmaison is available in my local store. I've had a couple bottles.
It's 80% Merlot, 13% abv. A bit of a lightweight, with well resolved tannins. B

[sdr]

I just lost out on two bottles of 1990 Lynch Bages on auction-- the lot went for $578 or $289 a bottle. Whoa.

I just won the '89 Lynch Bages at $299.

Does anyone think the '90 is almost as good as the '89?

That has not been my experience based on limited tastings.

Stu

[JimHow]

Well done indeed, Stuart.
That's about what the '89 is going for out there.
I still say BWE affected the market on that wine.
I agree, the '90, while excellent, is no '89.

[Winona Chief]

The 1990 LB is very tasty and fun to drink but the 1989 is a better wine.

Chris Bublitz