2000 Haut-Bages Averous - on top of the classic claret nose of smoke comes the distinct notes of caramelized sugar, just like a cotton candy. Very sweet nose from a ripe vintage.
L'Interdit de Badon - once again I explained the story behind this wine to a group of people baffled by the label, with neither a vintage (2000), the appellation (Saint Emilion) nor the name of the château (Clos Badon). I've always loved this wine, especially given how little I paid for it en primeur. Nose of mint, smoke, soy sauce and grilled meats.
1962 Haut-Brion - I had brought two bottles of this wine to deliver to their owner, but as we were running out of wine, we decided to open the bottle with the lower level (mid-shoulder). The stock originally came from Mähler-Besse, but bottle variation is to be expected for a wine this old. Add to this the fact that the bottle had been knocked around in a suitcase on my flight yesterday... it wouldn't have had recovered from bottle shock for sure. Our expectations were low, and there wasn't much surprise on the upside. Nose of smoke, earth, and some cooked fruit with oxidation. All the tannins have been shed so the wine was very smooth on the palate, with a good acidity balance.
1964 Noval Colheita - I brought this in honor of the birthday girl since my other 64s just wouldn't travel well. Tawny ports - like Madeiras - are almost indestructible. I opened this during dinner and served it after all the food has been consumed. Nose was still a little sharp at the beginning thanks to the alcohol, and very sweet as expected, with nutty and concentrated grape aromas.
Full post on dinner is here.
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