2000 Bordeauxs--how they comin'?

[Jenise]

Bob and I opened a disappointing 2000 Lascombes a weekend ago. And last night I pulled a Chasse Spleen after reading a disappointing note on CT from someone else but that wine, unlike the Lascombes, is just fine. I really haven't gotten into my 2000's yet; and have probably left several too long.

Anyway, I asked the guy who was unhappy with his CS what other 2000's he'd been disappointed in. His response: Leoville Poyferre, Pontet Canet, Maucaillou, Beau-Sejour Becot, L’Arrosee, Fonplegade, Grand Corbin-Despagne, Laroque, Haut Chaigneau and, of course, Chasse Spleen. On the other hand, Talbot was marvelous and Tour St Bonnet, Paloumey, Charmail, Moulin de Tricot and Cote de Baleau were satisfactory.

So I'm wondering what others think of the vintage at this point compared to initial expectations. Happy? Sad? Mixed?

What is this Boardie-yoo of which you speak? Do they still make it?

[David M. Bueker]

2000 is maturing very, very slowly. Right now it's as if the wines are 10 years old, not 15.

Haven't opened any yet.

I opened a Pichon Baron about 10 mo. ago and it was fabulous but primary and very young with tannins starting to resolve. A Poyferre about 1.5 yrs. ago was unyielding. I'll wait another 5+ years for my Clos St. Martin, Clos de Sarpe and remaining Baron and Poy. I think my 2001 Baron with lots of decant time will be ready sooner.

I think it's basically too early for anything outside of petit chateaux, satellites, etc. We did a midtier tasting this year and I thought lots of wines had potential, none at peak. Top three wines all had lots of air- Paul decanted P-Baron night before, I double-decanted Beychevelle and Talbot 8+ hours before serving.

[Jenise]

That's reassuring, Dale, thanks.

Gigault Cuvee Viva was still drinking very young a year ago. Not planning on touching Pontet-Canet for a few more years.

The lower tier (4th and 5th growth) 2000’s were delicious early on. I bought a bunch of them because they were a comparatively good value at the time. Unfortunately, those wines peaked at about the age of ten and then nose-dived quickly. The little bit of 2000 Marquis, Montrose and Las Cases that I have seem to be a few years from peak yet.

I dug out a few satellite and cru Bourgeois for drinking in short term.

Sam, what 4th and 5th growths did you think were in decline? In last couple years I've had Talbot, Beychevelle, Duhart-M, Lafon-R, GPL, Pontet Canet, Lynch Bages, du Tertre, Clerc Milon, Cantemerle . Didn't think any had peaked yet- only du Tertre and Lafon-Rochet wouldn't clearly benefit from another decade for my tastes (admittedly somewhat necrophiliac)
.

[David M. Bueker]

I had the same question Dale.