WINES OF THE WEEK FOR SATURDAY, MARCH 10, 2007
2004 BORDEAUX:
For true wine enthusiasts, 2004 Bordeaux is a blessing! Overshadowed by both 2003 and the upcoming 2005 vintage, 2004 is really a 'peoples vintage' in the true sense of the expression. Compared its aforementioned counterparts, prices for 2004 bottles are far cheaper and, in some cases, astounding value. For this reason, all my wine recommendations for this week are of 2004 Bordelais extraction --- my advice: buy some!
For true wine enthusiasts, 2004 Bordeaux is a blessing! Overshadowed by both 2003 and the upcoming 2005 vintage, 2004 is really a 'peoples vintage' in the true sense of the expression. Compared its aforementioned counterparts, prices for 2004 bottles are far cheaper and, in some cases, astounding value. For this reason, all my wine recommendations for this week are of 2004 Bordelais extraction --- my advice: buy some!
RED WINES
(1) Château Pontet Canet-Pauillac, Bordeaux, France
-Vintage 2004 (HOLD)
-L.C.B.O. FUTURES
PRICE: $73.00
-8.75/10
COMMENT:
For the past ten years or so, this
particular estate has been producing one excellent vintage after
another, and 2004 is no exception. With a beautiful nose of currants
and creamy earthiness and tight fruit on the palate, this wine is extremely impressive.
I have no reservations about saying that this wine will probably develop into
one of the most 'typical' wines of the vintage.
PAIRING SUGGESTION: Lightly-seasoned rack of lamb --- enjoy!
(2) Château Petit-Village-Pomerol, Bordeaux, France
-Vintage 2004 (HOLD)
-L.C.B.O. FUTURES
PRICE: Not offered
("Thanks, Dad!")
-8.75/10
COMMENT:Though
somewhat 'closed' on the nose at present, I was amazed at the level of
activity on the palate. Rather toasty (which should round out in a few
years), this wine shows clear breed and character, boasting really fine
fruit and fleshy notes. An excellent wine to seek out.
PAIRING SUGGESTION: Prime rib or steak --- enjoy!
WHITE WINES
(1) Château Smith Haut Lafitte-Pessac-Léognan, Bordeaux, France
-BLANC (WHITE WINE)
-2004 (HOLD)
-L.C.B.O. FUTURES
PRICE: $69.00
-8.75/10
COMMENT: Noticeably
tight at the moment on the nose, this wine (which is quite toasty) will
need just a couple of years to soften out. On the mouth, the quality of
the fruit is really high, with some teensy-light citric notes and
softness that is definitely impressive. A very beautiful white wine.
PAIRING SUGGESTION: Salmon fillet --- enjoy!
PAIRING SUGGESTION: Salmon fillet --- enjoy!
(2) Château Climens-Barsac, Bordeaux, France
-Sweet wine
-Vintage 2002 (HOLD)
-L.C.B.O. PRICE: Not in system
("Thanks, Dad!")
-9.5/10
COMMENT:Though I realize that this is not exactly from the 2004 vintage, I still thought it might be nice to include this glorious sweet wine among this week's recommendations. Outstandingly rich, with notes of honeysuckle, light nuts, and sweet-lemon, this wine carries enormous concentration and breed. If one ever comes across this wine, my advice would be to buy it!
PAIRING SUGGESTION: Roquefort cheese and dry crackers --- enjoy!
ANY QUESTIONS?
Email me at julianhitner@hitnerwine.com
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