Question re 1958 Lynch Bages....

[JimHow]

There is like no 1958 Lynch Bages in the world, except for possibly one bottle in the Netherlands per this site I am unfamiliar with.
I've had the 1961 Lynch a couple of times, it was a very different estate back then.
I'm sure this '58 is swill, 1958 was a notoriously bad year in Bordeaux (but a GREAT year in Lewiston, Maine!), but I figure it might be fun to drink that wine for my 60th this fall, just about 60 years after they were picking the grapes in late September!
Do you see anything about the labels in this picture that shy you away?
Does anyone know anything about the merchant?

https://bestofwines.com/wine/13033/chat ... bages/1958

[JimHow]

Well, I just ordered it. Dare I be so beautiful. I'm sure it's swill, but we shall see.

[JimHow]

It says zero in stock now that I placed the order, hopefully I got the last bottle!
I'm sure its awful, even the '61 basically sucks.
Those old Lynches -- heck, anything pre-1983 -- are not like the Lynches since then.
They are still interesting, though, all about leather, tobacco, coffee, etc.

[Nicklasss]

A better bet than my vintage: 1974.

Nic

[jal]

Did you ever open the 1918 Haut Brion? I'm curious to know how that tasted

[DavidG]

I’m no expert on labels so can’t offer any insight. There are some knowledgeable people on Wine Berserkers who could likely comment on the pictures of the bottles or the store's reputation.

Hope it’s great, and I hope your 60th brings you health and happiness.

I'll put Tom's and my birth year, 1956, up against anyone’s for worst ever for Bordeaux. A horrible freeze killed most of the vines. We shared an awful 1956 Gillette in 2016 to cap a dinner to celebrate our 60th. It was an interesting experience which confirmed the awfulness of the vintage. It was an exception to the "Most Bordeaux should be consumed within 8-20 years" rule. It was a wine for laying down and avoiding. I don’t think any of us took more than one sip, but it was fun to see the bottle. And there was Yquem in reserve.

[dstgolf]

Jim

It's all about the experience and what better tribute than a 58 Lynch for the BD. I'd hunted for a 57 for years and I've never seen one anywhere. I love Jeff Leve's comment...if you want try a 57 then look at Tokaij...unfortunately I couldn't source one of those either. The 82 Mouton was a great birthday compromise being their 60th anniversary vintage. Hopefully we can raise a glass or two together to honour your 60th Jim.

[JimHow]

Emotionally, I feel 25 years old. It's crazy.
I have not opened the 1918 Haut Brion, I figure 2018 is the year to do it.
It looks pretty vile from what I can see through the bottle. It is only about 2/3 full.

[AKR]

A better bet than my vintage: 1974.

Nic

If you can find any, its a great year in Napa.

My brother's birth year, so when we were younger I chased down various names and enjoyed them with him.

Chappelet is worth a search

[Nicklasss]

AKR, i had the 1974 Mondavi cabernet sauvignon reserve a few years ago and it was glorious. But i was infinitely lucky to find that bottle, at a good price.

1974 California cab seem inexistant or disappeared, like the dinosaurs.

Nic

[JimHow]

The bottle has arrived, looks like it is in good shape!

[Nicklasss]

It looks as young as you! For no real good reason, it is always special to try a wine from your birth year. It did not happen often in my case, only 2 times. 1974 Petrus and 1974 Mondavi Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve.

Nic

[Carlos Delpin]

Looks like we also share the book bug... My wife asked me the other day if I could find book storage similar to external wine storage!

[SF Ed]

Jim, look at Barolo if you want wine that will still be good from 1958. I don't have a lot of experience with 1958, but it is a good/great vintage, and the best Barolos last that long. I've had many tasty Barolos from 1964

SF Ed

[JimHow]

Good to know Ed. A few years back, in the earlier days of BWE, I had a chance to get a mag of 1958 Mouton, with the Salvador Dali label, for $400. Sadly, I passed on it.

[AKR]

AKR, i had the 1974 Mondavi cabernet sauvignon reserve a few years ago and it was glorious. But i was infinitely lucky to find that bottle, at a good price.

1974 California cab seem inexistant or disappeared, like the dinosaurs.

Nic

No one was really cellaring the stuff like it was investment grade juice back then.

However it is slightly easier to find older stuff here in Northern California.

I'm not sure I'd be chasing any of it today though.

The same scammers cooking up DRC probably can do the same with Martha's Vyd.

[Winona Chief]

I agree with Ed, look for 1958 Barolo.

Chris Bublitz

[Michael-P]

I've had a few 57 Haut Brion and 57 Montrose as that was my parents wedding year. I bought them in some mixed lots about 20 years ago in some London, Paris or Amsterdam auction. They always got a kick out me bringing them to major wedding anniversaries, like 50 and 60. Last summer I brought my last 2 Montrose's and they were basically identical. The HB was better but as I recall they were all overly acidic, with only hints of fruit, more earth, some complexity but not changing, and a short watery finish. Any other time I would pass.

Michael-P

[Harry C.]

Put a call into Bern's in Tampa and speak to one of the sommeliers. They have very cold storage and they may be able to hook you up if you go down there. Not a bad short trip from cold Maine.

[JimHow]

I gotta check out that Bern’s place sometime.
We’re in a nice little French bistro in Key West right now.
I just can’t take the single digits in ME.