BORDEAUX

The Gaja Barbaresco 1958 was made made by Angelo Gaja’s father, Giovanni—before the DOC rules were put in place in 1966, so there is no DOC on the label. Angelo remarked that all the 1958 Nebbiolo would have had some Barbera included at that time. And if you do find a bottle of 1958 on the market, there are several different labels, because the wines were bottled to order over a period of something like 14 years, and during this time the labels changed. In those days, there was no single-cru concept, and Angelo’s father Giovanni bottled different lots of this wine, labeling his best blend of the best plots “Infernot.”

Exceptional Château Margaux tasting from vintage 1865 with plenty of rare "off-vintages".  /  Château Margaux 1865 bottle looks almost too pristine to be true, but let's taste it before passing judgment.  It has a deep garnet color, displaying its age with subtle hints of brick-orange at the rim. Helathy aromas of dried dark fruits, such as prunes and blackberries, mingle with earthy notes of leather and tobacco. Medium-bodied, the palate reveals flavors of dried berries and plums, complemented by nuances of forest floor and a touch of vanilla and forest. The tannins are alive contributing to a bit sharp and thin texture that coats the palate. The finish is moderate in length, with notes of dried fruit and a hint of dried herbs, leaving a decent and mature impression. 

For me this bottle was real, but as we all know, you can never be sure with these very old bottles. But wherever the truth may lie, this bottle is a particularly pleasant, rare, and historic experience.

In 1865, the year of this vintage, marked significant historical events worldwide. It was the year when the American Civil War came to an end with the surrender of the Confederate forces to the Union army at Appomattox Court House, Virginia, symbolizing the reunification of the United States. Meanwhile, across the Atlantic, the construction of the iconic Château Margaux was well underway, representing a milestone in the estate's history and Bordeaux's winemaking heritage.

Tastingbook had a very interesting Bordeaux tasting. We compared the best vintages of the 1990s with the vintages of the 2010s. The basic essence of the wines had remained recognizable, but e.g. the alcohol percentage and structure are very different in the wines of the 2010s than in the 1990s. Everyone can decide for themselves whether it has gone in a better direction, but this tasting alone showed that Bordeaux today produces even higher-quality wines with a wide spectrum, which are also enjoyable almost as soon as they hit the market.

Château Mouton-Rothschild tasting from vintage 1945 to 2005!

Château Latour tasting from 1928-1990 /  Château Latour 1945 presents a deep, garnet hue with subtle hints of brick-orange at the edges, indicating its maturity and long aging.The bouquet is incredibly complex and captivating, offering a symphony of aromas that evolve with each swirl of the glass. Initial notes of ripe black fruits such as blackcurrants and plums mingle with nuances of cedar, leather, and tobacco. As the wine opens up, delicate hints of dried herbs, truffles, and earthy undertones emerge, adding layers of intrigue to the olfactory experience.

 On the palate, Chateau Latour 1945 showcases its remarkable depth and structure. The velvety texture coats the palate with flavors of rich dark fruits, accented by touches of spice and a subtle minerality that speaks to its terroir. The tannins, though still present, have softened over time, lending a smooth and seamless mouthfeel. There is a beautiful balance between fruit intensity, acidity, and tannic grip, indicative of the wine's impeccable aging potential.

The finish is long and lingering, leaving an impression of elegance and sophistication. Subtle echoes of dark chocolate and espresso linger on the palate, accompanied by a touch of graphite minerality that adds to the wine's complexity.

100 points

Tastingbook Napa Valley tasting 1986-2019 with all the best wines like Screaming Eagle, Harlan, Colgin, Bryant, TOR etc.

Once in a lifetime Penfolds Grange tasting 1955-2005 in Helsinki.