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WTN - for science: two 1973 Bordeaux curiosities

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Ryan M

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WTN - for science: two 1973 Bordeaux curiosities

by Ryan M » Sun May 29, 2016 11:12 am

I went through the trouble of taking one for the team with these, so I might as well report on them. This is one these odd situations where a local retailer bought a stash of these at auction (from who knows where), and apparently I have enough of a reputation around here that he specifically wanted me to try them. These were bottled for "Heika" (not sure who they are) and imported by a company in Lenexa, Kansas. A little research indicates that even today, these two chateaux are under the same ownership.

The basic character of these two is very savory with what would have been attractive attractive fruit, which is consistent with my notes for the 1973 Mouton (from 2009).

Chateau Belcier, Cotes de Castillon 1973
Cork in pretty good shape and came out in one piece. High shoulder fill. Light garnet. Vinegary and with brown sugar notes on the nose and palate, but under that there is what once must have been very attractive blackberry and tobacco; it still very much makes sense that this is Right Bank. Improves for a while with air before collapsing into offensive territory. Frankly, not really worthwhile even for academic purposes. 0 Stars. [5/28/16]

Chateau Ramage La Batisse, "Chateau du Terrey," Haut-Medoc 1973
Cork in tolerably good shape, but came out in two pieces. High shoulder fill. Light garnet. Somewhat acetic with some brown sugar notes, and with plenty of mature glycerin notes (although those don't combine with the acetic notes in an particularly nice way). Not showing too badly, with a personality of black raspberry, black cherry, and somewhat Pauillac-ish notes of graphite, cured leather/tobacco, and gravelly mineral (and a search after writing those notes confirms that the chateau is in fact near Pauillac - it's nice when the terroir makes sense). The nose in particular might have been a very nice example of the northern Medoc at one time. Sadly, that time is not now. 0.5 Star, for academic interest. [5/28/16]
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Re: WTN - for science: two 1973 Bordeaux curiosities

by Jenise » Sun May 29, 2016 4:41 pm

The best lesson learned from wines like that is that it's best to drink too early than too late. We all need to be reminded of that from time to time.
My wine shopping and I have never had a problem. Just a perpetual race between the bankruptcy court and Hell.--Rogov

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