Which Bordeaux to open?

In keeping with my drinking better wine (see previous post) regularly I have some 2000 Bordeaux that I would like to open if any are accessable. What do you all think about the following: (I have 3-4 of each)

2000 Pichon Baron
2000 Calon Segur
2000 Clos du Sarpe
2000 Clos St. Martin

I also could open a 2003 Leoville Poyferre or 2003 Moulin Saint-Georges but figured they were even more inaccessable

In keeping with my drinking better wine (see previous post) regularly I have some 2000 Bordeaux that I would like to open if any are accessable. What do you all think about the following: (I have 3-4 of each)

2000 Pichon Baron
2000 Calon Segur
2000 Clos du Sarpe
2000 Clos St. Martin

I also could open a 2003 Leoville Poyferre or 2003 Moulin Saint-Georges but figured they were even more inaccessable

I don't know of these specific wines Jim, but keep in mind that 2003 is generally an accessible, early-maturing vintage in which even the top wines are ready to drink. OTOH, I expect 2000s such as those you have to still be tight. I'd go with one of the 2003s, probably the Moulin St-Georges.

I'd generally just assume that 11 year old St Emilions (outside of a few outliers like Cheval Blanc and Magdelaine) are generally more approachable that 11 year classified Medoc wines. Plus I think Clos du Sarpe and Clos St Martin are fairly plushly styled.

I'd generally just assume that 11 year old St Emilions (outside of a few outliers like Cheval Blanc and Magdelaine) are generally more approachable that 11 year classified Medoc wines. Plus I think Clos du Sarpe and Clos St Martin are fairly plushly styled.

I agree, and the idea did occur to me. So let's generalize - go with one of the St.-Emilions.

I would also go with the '03s before the '00s.

Hmm, I could see the '03 St Emilion. But I'd be really surprised if the Poyferre was in a good place right now. I haven't had since release, but that was a big tannic wine then. I'd agree that the 2003 classified Medocs probably won't last as long as the equivalent 2000s, but that's a case of maybe 18-25 year wines vs 20-40 year wines. 8 years post vintage is for me about the worst time to taste a Bordeaux built for aging. The 03 Poyferre is modern (which is why 2002 is last of many vintages I own, after tasting the 2000, 01, 02 I decided to spend elsewhere), but there's a lot of tannin (or was). I think the only 03 classed growth I own more than a bottle or two of is Leoville-Barton, and that is definitely not drinking well now. Little experience with Right in 03, but found a La Vieille Cure and will open tonight as an experiment.

Might be fun the dive into a Poyferre now, with a 2-3 hour decant. I've found these wines to be approachable early (and Cellartracker.com seems to back that up). If you have more that 2 bottles it would be worthwhile (and instructive) to open one. Decant for 2-4 hours, and rinse out the bottle (I like to put the wine back into the bottle and chill down to about 62-64 degrees). I think you will be pleasantly surprised. Let us know what you decide on.

Generally, 2003 are much more open than 2000 at the moment.

I agree with Dale.

However, having had the 1985 Clos Saint-Martin on Christmas day, I confirm that it is also one that will age well.

Best regards,
Alex R.

[David M. Bueker]

I would go with one of the right bank wines. As they are all rather modern styled I am not sure it really matters which one.

Just stay away from the 2000 Pichon Baron. It needs and will reward time.