WTN: '99 Clos du Marquis
Posted: Fri May 12, 2006 9:29 am
With all the controversy on the '99 vintage recently I decided to open a bottle and see for myself. I splash poured two large glasses, set one aside and started on the other one. Initially the wine showed nothing, non-descript, tight, unyielding. There was obviously a dark fruit core and the real plus was no dominant oak. As I finished the first glass, about 1/2 hour, the wine was beginning to open up. Over the next 1/2 hour I drank the second glass. Have to admit to being impressed as everything that seemed hidden initially came to the front. The wine remained restrained but showed complex flavors of dark berries without any overiding sweetness, classic Bordeaux. The oak remained integrated and balanced and tannins did show themselves on the finish. I obviously cannot make a living as a wine reviewer but this wine has a future and one I want in my cellar. My guess in another 2-3 years it will open up and begin drinking well. Since this was a recent purchase I plan on going by and getting the last few bottles and imagine it to be very pleasant for at least another 10+ years. I tend to driink my bordeaux classic in style and with quite a bit of bottle age. If you like a big fruit style and very forward Bordeaux this may not be for you. In general I have been impressed with the '99 vintage, something like '89 but with less weight. The low acicity may keep it from being a 20+ year vintage but still one that will reward cellaring.
Walt
Walt