12 bottles per lot
Details
Bordeaux 1982 *****
A milestone. The combination of richness and perceived quality matched the economic climate. It was the first really important, and well-timed, vin de garde since 1970. Ideal growing conditions. Flowering early and even. Hot and dry summer, harvest from 14 September in great heat, the early-ripening Merlot having very high sugar content. There was then a change, two days of heavy rain, but then the sun and fresh breezes enabled the Cabernets to ripen well. Rich tannic wines resulted. It should not be surprising that after a quarter of a century most '82s are more than fully mature and virtually all the lesser clarets should have been consumed. The best, however, are superb. Michael Broadbent M.W.
Château Latour--Vintage 1982
Pauillac, 1er cru classé
Offered in original wooden case. Stained labels. Levels base of neck or better
Tasting note: Always somewhat atypical (which I suspect will be the case with the more modern day 2003), the 1982 Latour has been the most opulent, flamboyant, and precocious of the northern Medocs, especially the St.-Juliens, Pauillacs, and St.-Estephes. It hasnt changed much over the last 10-15 years, revealing sweet tannins as well as extraordinarily decadent, even extravagant levels of fruit, glycerin, and body. It is an amazing wine, and on several occasions, I have actually picked it as a right bank Pomerol because of the lushness and succulence of the cedary, blackberry, black currant fruit. This vintage has always tasted great, even in its youth, and revealed a precociousness that one does not associate with this Chateau. However, the 1982 is still evolving at a glacial pace. The concentration remains remarkable, and the wine is a full-bodied, exuberant, rich, classic Pauillac in its aromatic and flavor profiles. Its just juiced up (similar to an athlete on steroids) and is all the better for it. This remarkable effort will last as long as the 1982 Mouton, but it has always been more approachable and decadently fruity. Drink it now, in 20 years, and in 50 years! Dont miss it if you are a wine lover. 100 points. Robert Parker, Wine Advocate # 183 (Jun 2009)
12 bottles per lot
A milestone. The combination of richness and perceived quality matched the economic climate. It was the first really important, and well-timed, vin de garde since 1970. Ideal growing conditions. Flowering early and even. Hot and dry summer, harvest from 14 September in great heat, the early-ripening Merlot having very high sugar content. There was then a change, two days of heavy rain, but then the sun and fresh breezes enabled the Cabernets to ripen well. Rich tannic wines resulted. It should not be surprising that after a quarter of a century most '82s are more than fully mature and virtually all the lesser clarets should have been consumed. The best, however, are superb. Michael Broadbent M.W.
Château Latour--Vintage 1982
Pauillac, 1er cru classé
Offered in original wooden case. Stained labels. Levels base of neck or better
Tasting note: Always somewhat atypical (which I suspect will be the case with the more modern day 2003), the 1982 Latour has been the most opulent, flamboyant, and precocious of the northern Medocs, especially the St.-Juliens, Pauillacs, and St.-Estephes. It hasnt changed much over the last 10-15 years, revealing sweet tannins as well as extraordinarily decadent, even extravagant levels of fruit, glycerin, and body. It is an amazing wine, and on several occasions, I have actually picked it as a right bank Pomerol because of the lushness and succulence of the cedary, blackberry, black currant fruit. This vintage has always tasted great, even in its youth, and revealed a precociousness that one does not associate with this Chateau. However, the 1982 is still evolving at a glacial pace. The concentration remains remarkable, and the wine is a full-bodied, exuberant, rich, classic Pauillac in its aromatic and flavor profiles. Its just juiced up (similar to an athlete on steroids) and is all the better for it. This remarkable effort will last as long as the 1982 Mouton, but it has always been more approachable and decadently fruity. Drink it now, in 20 years, and in 50 years! Dont miss it if you are a wine lover. 100 points. Robert Parker, Wine Advocate # 183 (Jun 2009)
12 bottles per lot