Thanks to the generosity of our member Lancelot Jaundoo, we were fortunate in early October 2021 to be able to enjoy a magnificent 1995 Claret tasting, rescheduled from 2020 and led by Jeffrey Benson.
The 1995 summer in Bordeaux was extremely hot and dry, but there was rain in early September and fine weather from the start of harvest in late September. the harvest was large and some good wines were produced. Many wines are rich and structured with concentrated fruit and high tannins.
These wines were all double decanted.
Château Troplong Mondot – St Emilion Grand Cru (in 1995 – promoted to Premier Grand Cru Classé in the reclassification on St Emilion wines in 2006)
Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc
Merlot violet nose, soft fruit on the palate, still plenty of tannins. Structured and beautifully balanced.
Château La Conseillante – Pomerol
Merlot, Cabernet Franc
Soft violet Merlot characteristics. Tannins showing, velvety and acidity on the finish. A super wine.
Vieux Château Certan – Pomerol
85% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc
The third Right Bank wine in this tasting. Also showing soft violet Merlot characteristics. Well balanced and beautifully made, smooth tannins.
Château Pape Clément – Pessac-Léognan Cru Classé de Graves
60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot
A modern style; rich texture, concentrated ripe fruit. Polished tannins.
Château Léoville Poyferré – St Julien 2ème Cru Classé
Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc
Predominantly black fruit and also red fruit on the nose, plus a little sweet vanilla from 100% new oak. Delicious.
Château Rauzan-Ségla – Margaux, 2ème Cru Classé
Cabernet Sauvignon 60%, Merlot 36%, Petit Verdot 4%
This château was bought in 1994 by the owners of Chanel, and 1995 was the first vintage that they were able to control completely. Significant investment, renovation and restructuring followed the purchase.
The wine had a superb nose, showing richness and concentration of fruit, with a dry finish. Still tannic.
Les Forts de Latour – Pauillac
Cabernet Sauvignon 70%, Merlot 30%
This is the second wine of Château Latour, and excellent in its own right. Black fruit, still tannic, a powerful monster of a wine – stunning.
Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande – Pauillac 2ème Cru Classé
Cabernet Sauvignon 45%, Merlot 35%, Cabernet Franc 15%, Petit Verdot 5%
The relatively high Merlot content makes it less tannic than the preceding wines. Showing black fruit. Another powerful wine. Multi-dimensional, supple and balanced.
Château Lafite Rothschild – Pauillac Premier Cru Classé
Cabernet Sauvignon 75%, Merlot 17%, Cabernet Franc 8%
Blackcurrant, black cherries, plum fruits. Cedar. Lots of tannin. An amazing wine. Massive, with depth and finesse.
What a splendidly exceptional tasting!
Rachel Burnett