1999 Bahans Haut Brion

[TheEngineer]

This wine feels like it has fully matured now and needs drinking

Colour is bricking all around, Nose of prunes, tobacco, cedar, very mellow. On the palate, much the same, mellow, smooth, dense, dried fruits, prunes, tobacco, cedar, and mineral. Still a touch of tannins at the back and needed about 1 hour of air in the glass. Medium plus body and a good persistence.

[dananne]

Thanks for the notes. I don't have this one, but I've got it from the 2000 vintage in the cellar. I glance at it from time to time, but haven't cracked one, as I've only got two. So, I've got to try and time it right!

[TheEngineer]

DA,

It might have more to do with the vintage. I suspect that the 00's are probably still doing fine. I've cracked into jsut a few of the cru bourgeouis level and even those are doing fine.

[wdonovan]

Bricking in a 99? Do you store your wine in a time machine? I've had a lot of Bdx's this age that matured early tastewise but have never seen the color deterioration you're describing.
The early maturation thing has always intrigued me. Best example; I have some 02 Fleur de Bouard (a $20 Lalande) that's showing maturaity that I don't have in some 96 2nd to 4th growths. Fascinating. Always wondered how they dial in a "maturity date"?

[TheEngineer]

I understand where you are coming from.

Unfortunately I only had one example so I could not tell you if it had been poorly handled before I got it. Cork was in great shape. I've also opened some '96's recently that were very young still. Perhaps this was a significant variation in the bottle.