1993 BV Georges de Latour Private Reserve

[newsguy]

Was lucky to purchase a six-pack of this (still in OWC) last month from a recent winery re-release at $39.99 per bottle. Was hoping to pop this first one with Winoweenie during his recent San Diego visit, but his dance card was full.

13.0% alc. Poured straight from the bottle, no decant. Clear ruby going slightly orange at the rim. Beautiful nose of cedar, plum, spice, black cherry and a hint of blueberry.
Goes in strong and expands, filling the mouth with excellent mouthcoating flavors of same, plus some stone on the finish. Great fruit, still a touch of fine "Rutherford dust" tannins, minimal acidity. My only disappointment was the average length finish. This is a great example of a 15-year-old wine that still has wonderful fruit that still retains some youthful rather than fully mature characteristics. Intial score: 91 pts.

Poured half the bottle into a decanter. Started in on that after about 30 minutes. The only big difference was the finish really lengthened. Enough for me to bump the score up to 93.

I'm not experienced with this wine but have to believe this bottling is very close to its peak and will probably hold for quite a few years. If you have some that's had great provenance, lucky you. For my personal tastes, I'll probably drink my other five bottles one every six months.

[This message has been edited by newsguy (edited 04-05-2008).]

[winoweenie]

Sorry 'bout the dance-card Newsie but my guy over there had plans. Loved every bottle of BV Reserve I've had over the years. Was lucky enough to score a bottle of the 36 back in the 80s. Ranks as one of the greatest bottles in my experience. Amazing juice. BPR, WW