WTN: 1975 Left Bank Bordeaux

[David M. Bueker]

1975 Prieuré-Lichine (Margaux)
Decanted by the light of an iPhone, this opened up considerably over the two hours I followed it. Initially a somewhat generic "old Bordeaux", after an hour it evolved a beautiful aromatic of red currant, tobacco and cedar. Nearly completely resolved (a miracle that happened for any 1975), the palate had a pillowy softness, and a long, whisper of a finish. It was never assertive, but it did not fade. Beautiful, aged Bordeaux in miniature.

The owner had purchased the bottle on release, and kept it in his good cellar since then. The price tag was still on the bottle. $4.99.

Deleted.

[David M. Bueker]

Provenance, provenance, provenance.

Nice TN, David, which distils the essence of what 40+ year old claret can be. I wonder how far the ripe vintages of the 2010s will become capable of similar showing.

[David M. Bueker]

We won’t be alive to find out.

I’ve had a few surprisingly good bottles of the 75 Lascombes through the years, all seemingly with perfect provenance. Ethereal bouquets.

[David M. Bueker]

I’ve had a few surprisingly good bottles of the 75 Lascombes through the years, all seemingly with perfect provenance. Ethereal bouquets.

The same guy who opened this Prieure has also opened several Lascombes over the years. Lovely wine.

While there are some 75s that have lost their fruit before shedding all the hard tannins, there are quite a few that have managed to retain fruit while (slowly) softening.

I was lucky (although I did do my homework) in only buying the wines that would eventually give pleasure - Branaire, Beychevelle, Gruaud, Leoville Barton and Las Cases and the superb La Mission. Plan on opening one soon (am sadly down to less than a case in total).

Your result doesn't surprise me, David, but nice for you to get a good bottle.

I recall some mutterings about the 1986 vintage along the same lines - and they have also come around for the most part and drink well today.

[David M. Bueker]

Some folks who have had the tough 1975s are trying to say that 2000 is in the same boat. I just laugh and walk away.

I doubt that there will ever be another vintage like 1975. Given the advances in knowledge there are work arounds available.

2000 was lucky that they had some late rain before harvest but even so I doubt it would have been a disaster. But thanks for mentioning it - I didn't buy much but it is time to try some that I do have.

[David M. Bueker]

I doubt that there will ever be another vintage like 1975. Given the advances in knowledge there are work arounds available.

2000 was lucky that they had some late rain before harvest but even so I doubt it would have been a disaster. But thanks for mentioning it - I didn't buy much but it is time to try some that I do have.

I have a note up on the 2000 Lagrange. It's very good with time to spare.