Updated: 08th June 2002
(These pages are updated early/end each month with revisions as news breaks - check-in here often)
UNION DES GRANDS CRUS DE BORDEAUX was in Singapore 7 June to present their 1999 vintage wines to Trade persons. It was a well-attended affair and offered valuable insights on this underrated Bordeaux vintage. Most wine writers were engrossed by the high quality of the 2000 vintage that just came in at the same time when they were bottling the 1999s. As such, 1999 never received sufficient press coverage, even now.
It is acknowledged that 1999 was not great, but, nevertheless, it is a vintage that should please restaurants & winebars seeking ready-to-drink Bordeaux wines for their customers. At this tasting, I found several very agreeable wines. These showed good balance already with subtle tannins making them very drinkable NOW & for the next 5 years. The second good news is that prices for 1999 have remained modest & rather attractive.
Serious
tasting in progress
The Ste Emilion wines had more Merlot that normal, thus, naturally making them very approachable. Among them were Ch. Grand Mayne & Ch. La Couspaude. Ch. Gazin was impressive among the Pomerols. The St. Julien wines seemed approachable earlier too. Ch. Beychevelle had impressive power. Restrained elegance & breed was found in both wines of Sir Anthony Barton - Langoa Barton & Leoville Barton.
Well-known tasters with Mdme. Barton
With good & direct involvement of the owner, Ch. Branaire-Ducru had good fruit with fine tannins.
M.
Patrick Maroteaux, owner of Ch. Branaire-Ducru
It was refreshing to taste many of the WHITE Pessac-Leognan wines. These wines have evolved into lovely refreshing wines, with some weight from the Semillon but Sauvignon Blanc takes centerstage with its crisp acidity. A short time in wood allowed for some complexity & ageing potential in these wines. Look out for Ch. Carbonnieux, Ch. La Louviere, Ch. Latour-Martillac. On the other hand, the steely & minerally flavours in their reds has always been a barrier in their enjoyment.
A selection from the other appellations were Ch. Dauzac (Margaux), Ch. Giscours (Margaux) & Ch. Lynch-Bages (Pauillac).
An impressive effort by M. Xavier Planty of Ch. Guiraud (Sauternes) allowed his wine to stand out among the Sauternes. His blend with 35% Sauvignon Blanc lifted up the flavours & added distinct freshness to his wine. The remainder were typical Sauternes or Barsac styles.
You are visitor since 01st January 2002