The 1982 Bordeaux vintage put Robert Parker Jr. on the map. Many wine critics at the time disagreed with Parker that this was a stellar vintage. Parker stuck to his opinion and turned out to be right! As a result, Parker started his career to becoming one of the most influential wine critics in the world.
One of my very good friends came to me with three bottles of 1982 Bordeaux that he got from his employer who collects wine. Hes asked me If I would like to try it with him. I almost wet my pants I was so excited. That is when I realized I was a helpless wine geek! I did not know what I was in for but I knew it was a one in a lifetime opportunity.
All three were from the Right Bank of Bordeaux meaning they were predominately Cabernet Sauvignon. Here are just a few quick notes on what I thought since I did not have a pen and paper to right things down.
Chateau Cos D' Estournel Grand Cru Classe Saint Estephe 1982 ...
This was the smoothest of the three. Very silky with notes of wet leather, truffles and earth. Very balanced with some acidity left in it. This was ready now with some nice fruit notes of black currants and blackberries. I was amazed at the finesse of this wine and would have never guessed it to be twenty-eight years old. Just remember that when I say this, I do not have a ton of experience tasting wines over twenty years old.
Chateau Latour Grand Vin Premier Grand Cru Pauillac 1982...
This wine was surprisingly youthful for it's age. The fruit was there but was buried by the wet wood and leather notes. I would give this wine another five years and it will probably come around. Good acidity and solidly built. I looked it up on the Internet and it goes for anywhere from $1,440.00 to $2,000.00. It was a learning experience tasting a wine this old that tasted that young.
Chateau Pichon Longueville Comtesse De Lalande Pauillac 1982
I was blown away by this wine! Black currants, dark cherries, forest floor notes, and tobacco leaves all day. This wine was so balanced,with wonderful warm spice notes on the backside of the palate. I could not get enough of this wine so when my friend gave me the choice to take any of the three wines home, this is the one I chose. I took it home and finished it off relishing every sniff and swallow. Yes it's true, I am a wine geek and proud of it.
I may never get a chance to try wines this old again but I am happy I had the opportunity .... Thanks go to my good friend Bob! .
