24 bottles per lot
Details
A SUPERB RANGE OF FIRST GROWTH BORDEAUX OF TWO EXCELLENT VINTAGES
The decade of the 1980's was blessed with many fine vintages, in particular the twin successes of 1988 and 1989. Although certainly overshadowed by the 1982s that went before and the 1990s that came after, these two vintages demonstrate with clarity how Bordeaux of differing style can be attractive to the informed consumer.
The principal qualities of the best 1988 wines lie in their great elegance, balance and prospects for the future. They are not big or particularly deep in colour, but the best demonstrate many of the finest qualities that Bordeaux has to offer without the hefty price tag attached to more fashionable vintages. The 1989s in contrast exhibit much more of the ripe, rich and fleshy characteristics of the 1982s, combined with high levels of alcohol alongside hefty tannins and good concentration. As with the 1988's, they have a great future ahead but with the additional quality of having been so much more drinkable in their early years.
These cases were recently removed from the natural, cool cellar conditions of a private cellar in the UK where they had been stored since original purchase following the vintage. Never traded, never moved for 16/17 years until shipment to Hong Kong for this auction. D.E.
1988 BORDEAUX VINTAGE REPORT
The first of a trio of very good vintages and the penultimate vintage of a more than interesting decade. Rather like the '86s, with which, at one time, they seemed to be level pegging, I now think that the '88s, initially somewhat overrated, are now just about coming into their own as serious long-term clarets.
Climatically, for this has the greatest influence on quality and quantity, the spring of 1988 was more than just usually wet, necessitating much spraying; the later flowering conditions were uneven. The summer, from July to September, was drier than usual, monthly temperatures being average. The grapes were ripe and thick-skinned, resulting in deep colours and high tannins following a late harvest in satisfactory conditions.
My conclusion is that the 1988 is a very good vintage and currently undervalued; but in the end, time and tannin will be jostling for supremacy. M.B.
Château Lafite-Rothschild--Vintage 1988
Pauillac, 1er cru classé. Château-bottled
Tasting Note: Broodingly backward and in need of considerable bottle age, the 1988 is a classic expression of Lafite. This deeply-coloured wine exhibits the tell-tale Lafite bouquet of cedar, subtle herbs, dried pit fruits, minerals, and cassis. Extremely concentrated, with brilliantly focused flavours and huge tannins, this backward, yet impressively endowed Lafite-Rothschild may well turn out to be the wine of the vintage! Anticipated maturity: 2000-2035. Robert Parker, Wine Advocate 95, October 1994
24 bottles per lot
The decade of the 1980's was blessed with many fine vintages, in particular the twin successes of 1988 and 1989. Although certainly overshadowed by the 1982s that went before and the 1990s that came after, these two vintages demonstrate with clarity how Bordeaux of differing style can be attractive to the informed consumer.
The principal qualities of the best 1988 wines lie in their great elegance, balance and prospects for the future. They are not big or particularly deep in colour, but the best demonstrate many of the finest qualities that Bordeaux has to offer without the hefty price tag attached to more fashionable vintages. The 1989s in contrast exhibit much more of the ripe, rich and fleshy characteristics of the 1982s, combined with high levels of alcohol alongside hefty tannins and good concentration. As with the 1988's, they have a great future ahead but with the additional quality of having been so much more drinkable in their early years.
These cases were recently removed from the natural, cool cellar conditions of a private cellar in the UK where they had been stored since original purchase following the vintage. Never traded, never moved for 16/17 years until shipment to Hong Kong for this auction. D.E.
1988 BORDEAUX VINTAGE REPORT
The first of a trio of very good vintages and the penultimate vintage of a more than interesting decade. Rather like the '86s, with which, at one time, they seemed to be level pegging, I now think that the '88s, initially somewhat overrated, are now just about coming into their own as serious long-term clarets.
Climatically, for this has the greatest influence on quality and quantity, the spring of 1988 was more than just usually wet, necessitating much spraying; the later flowering conditions were uneven. The summer, from July to September, was drier than usual, monthly temperatures being average. The grapes were ripe and thick-skinned, resulting in deep colours and high tannins following a late harvest in satisfactory conditions.
My conclusion is that the 1988 is a very good vintage and currently undervalued; but in the end, time and tannin will be jostling for supremacy. M.B.
Château Lafite-Rothschild--Vintage 1988
Pauillac, 1er cru classé. Château-bottled
Tasting Note: Broodingly backward and in need of considerable bottle age, the 1988 is a classic expression of Lafite. This deeply-coloured wine exhibits the tell-tale Lafite bouquet of cedar, subtle herbs, dried pit fruits, minerals, and cassis. Extremely concentrated, with brilliantly focused flavours and huge tannins, this backward, yet impressively endowed Lafite-Rothschild may well turn out to be the wine of the vintage! Anticipated maturity: 2000-2035. Robert Parker, Wine Advocate 95, October 1994
24 bottles per lot