WTN: 2 inexpensive (I assume) Bordeaux

We went to dinner at the new home of a violist friend of Betsy's, joined by Sue's luthier (not sure I've ever used that word in a TN before). Assorted cheeses, tilapia, spaghetti with red sauce, and two Bordeaux:

1998 Ch. Clos Magne Figeac (St Emilion)
A little barnyard, touch of earth, but mostly rather flat/tired black plum fruit. Not particularly acidic, but what acids there are seem unintegrated. A little green pepper, surprising for a '98 Right Banker. Actually revives a bit with air, shows some tobacco and livelier fruit, but mostly uninteresting. C+/B-

2001 Ch. Greysac (Medoc)
Well, here's a surprise. I didn't expect much here, but this is a fairly solid bottle of Bdx. Midweight, black plums and currants, a distinct note of pencil shavings and a touch of smoke. Light integrated tannins, enough acids to keep the fruit lively, decent length. I'd happily have this on my dinner table. B

Good night, though some of the classical music gossip went over my head (as did extended discussions on sound post adjustments and the market for antique bows and Amatis, etc).

Grade disclaimer: I'm a very easy grader, basically A is an excellent wine, B a good wine, C mediocre. Anything below C means I wouldn't drink at a party where it was only choice. Furthermore, I offer no promises of objectivity, accuracy, and certainly not of consistency.
 

[David M. Bueker]

When I see a bottle of Greysac fro ma decent or better vintage open at a party I immediately head for it. I'm never woed, but it's always been a good drink (at least since I started caring about Bordeaux).

Greysac is the kind of inexpensive Bordeaux that costs as much as a Chilean clone, making the latter unnecessary...

[Jenise]

We went to dinner at the new home of a violist friend of Betsy's, joined by Sue's luthier (not sure I've ever used that word in a TN before). Assorted cheeses, tilapia, spaghetti with red sauce, and two Bordeaux:

1998 Ch. Clos Magne Figeac (St Emilion)
A little barnyard, touch of earth, but mostly rather flat/tired black plum fruit. Not particularly acidic, but what acids there are seem unintegrated. A little green pepper, surprising for a '98 Right Banker. Actually revives a bit with air, shows some tobacco and livelier fruit, but mostly uninteresting. C+/B-

2001 Ch. Greysac (Medoc)
Well, here's a surprise. I didn't expect much here, but this is a fairly solid bottle of Bdx. Midweight, black plums and currants, a distinct note of pencil shavings and a touch of smoke. Light integrated tannins, enough acids to keep the fruit lively, decent length. I'd happily have this on my dinner table. B

Good night, though some of the classical music gossip went over my head (as did extended discussions on sound post adjustments and the market for antique bows and Amatis, etc).

Grade disclaimer: I'm a very easy grader, basically A is an excellent wine, B a good wine, C mediocre. Anything below C means I wouldn't drink at a party where it was only choice. Furthermore, I offer no promises of objectivity, accuracy, and certainly not of consistency.
 

What a surprise about the Greysac. There's still some of the 01 around town--I'll grab one next time I see it.

[Jenise]

Greysac is the kind of inexpensive Bordeaux that costs as much as a Chilean clone, making the latter unnecessary...

You know, if I'd read this note a week ago, your offhand comment could have caused me to use the Greysac as a ringer in my Chilean tasting. Would have been more interesting than the Viu Manent....

I've generally found Greysac solid, but more in a drink soon mode (although I've had the '90 twice in the last 3 years, from different sources,and it was solid). I was just thinking that in this case it might be a bit awkward at 7, and besides I think '01 favored Right. But it was nice, for its assumed price.