1989 Chateau LaNerthe, Cuvee des Cadettes, CdP
Not decanted. I’ve had this wine once previously and that one didn’t impress. This bottle was just about everything I could want in an aged CdP. Dark fruit (anyone know the blend on this as it doesn’t show much Grenache character), wonderful aromatics, lingering finish. Joyous. I revisited it about 2 hours later and it had completely fallen apart…almost made me wanna cry.
1995 Chapoutier Cote Rotie, La Mordoree
Not decanted.
ANIMALE/barnyard aromatics. I knew I should like this wine based upon the nose alone. Unfortunately it was “just OK” with a huge hole in the mid-palate. Some spice and pepper kicked in on the finish which helped salvage a bit of enjoyment. Hardly memorable, so I put a cork in it and let it rest on the counter for 18 hours.
Day 2: This is more like it. Funky, bacon, olives have filled out the middle and the finish is still quite peppery. Plenty of acids and dark fruit. Very good and a decided improvement from Day 1.
'Winger