The color has lightened, of course, with brickish tones. And the smells and flavors are tertiary. Red and black fruits, savory, salty, meaty. Proper acidity: cured meats and grilled tomatoes. Light in body with a cool, silky texture. Nuanced flavors that keep growing through the meal. During my birthday month, I am drinking cellar treasures, and this is by far the best I have had so far.
The color has lightened with garnet/amber tones. The cork was sound and dry with wine stain less than a quarter of the way up from the bottom of the cork. I bought the wine soon after release at the old Sam's Wine store near the subway on North Streetr in Chicago. $11.95 says the sticker, a markdown from $13.95. Smells and flavors are glorious after all that time in the bottle. Ripe strawberry, red currants, sweet spices. Could easily be mistaken for a mature Pinot Noir. No tannin but enough acid to brighten the flavors. I'm sure the wine was even better 10 years ago, but tonight I have no complaints.
On a small tasting pour, the color is medium light with amber creeping in from the edges. But on a full pour, it is almost opaque! Lifted bouquet with a touch of mint and herbs. Sweet Cabernet and Merlot flavors on a savory, slightly salty background. Not soft but no obstructive tannins. Red fruit acidity keeps it fresh and lively.
1975 was a very backward vintage in Bordeaux and critics worried that the fruit would not outlast the tannins. As the Village Corner salesman told me, this wine, selling for only $9.95, was an exception. "Just give it time," he said. And I did.
Medium deep gold. Showing a maturity that I like in a Chardonnay. Pear, citrus, flowers. Lively on the tongue with a fine array of flavors on the finish.Some Chardonnays are best at 3 to 5 years; some at 5 to 7 and a few (very few) will last 10 years or longer. I rank this one in the mid-range and would gladly go back for more from a recent vintage
Dark ruby, bright and clear. Has been aged 30 months, at least 12 of which were in wood. From the aromas and flavors, I would say that some of the wood was new. Vibrant red cherry with leather tones. Layered flavors, nuanced and complex. Medium body, bright acidity. Silky texture. I bought this last year for $14.99; the 2020 vintage is now on the shelves for $15.99--still an excellent value.
Medium deep ruby. Dark cherries, anise, maybe a touch of vanilla. I believe this has seen some new oak but it is highlighting rather than dominating the smells and flavors. Medium deep body. Barbera acidity. Long ripe fruit finish.
Medium deep ruby, bright and clear. 60% Grenache and it shows its face: strawberries, red raspberries, ripe cherries. 30% Syrah for color, body and weight. 10% Cinsault for that spicy, peppery flavor. Ripe enough to drink easily with no hard edges. Enough acid and tannin for structure and complexity. For the price, I should have bought more.
