An old friend of mine came over for dinner.

Chateau Gruaud-Larose 1978: This was the first of my bottles I opened and it was the one with the lowest fill level (middle shoulder). Somewhat discrete nose of slate and moss. After half an hour a distinct earthy sweetness showed up. Cloudy crimson with slight brown reflexes. Very earthy flavours of malt and moss, intermingled with sweet beetroot and cassis flavours. Tobacco and lead pencil. Medium-to-full bodied and still a lively acidity. Long, smoky and lingering finish. A pleasure now, a beautifully blossomed out old Bordeaux: 93 P.

Riesling Auslese Goldkapsel Ürziger Würzgarten 1998, Dr. Loosen (3/8): Overwhelming nose of ripe mango, passion fruit and buttermilk. Green apples and a delicate acidity. Long finish, creamy but still refreshing. Is showing very well now: 92 P.

Anche Dio è di-vino

Your manifest absence from the forums is thus graciously forgiven, for he who hath Bordeaux and Mosel (and post his TNs, that is) shalt rejoice among the elect...etc...etc ...sorry, I was still thinking of Jeremy's ascent to heaven...

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Free Winona!

huh? did I miss something important? Anyway, I felt very comfortable dealing with tonight's wines.

Anche Dio è di-vino

Important only for a Kiwi who woke up rich this morning...See Yquem'67...

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Free Winona!

I had an 89 Gruaud larose at dinner a few nights ago at Francois, a restaurant in Kalamazoo, before visiting Bell's Brewery. My palate has always leaned towards California Cabs but I really did like this 89.

Marc, Gruaud-Larose is one of my favorite Bordeaux, but my experience with the '78 has been different than yours. I felt the '78 missed the mark; not enough fruit when younger and in maturity it seems too soft. I've had it 56 or 6 times over the years and have one two bottles left.

Just one more sip.

Boardo, I don't know if you need "just one more sip". 56 or 6 times?

Board-O, when did you try it the last time? I have an interesting review here that probably gives the reason for the low price I paid as well: The autor (a respectful taster) claims that 1978 Gruaud-Larose has long been a dry, closed wine with some green notes. However it finally opened up after 2000 and shows very well nowadays. Well I certainly agree, I couldn't taste any green notes, tannins are integrated and its deep terroir-driven sweetness is really impressive.

Anche Dio è di-vino

Uhhh...make that 5 or 6.

Marc, I have one standing up. I'll try it soon.

Just one more sip.

I'm looking forward to seing your TN's! Make sure you give it a little bit of decanting time. Immeditately opened, my bottle was very mineralic and somewhat reserved. After half an hour it began to show the fruit and the warmer earthy notes. Cheers!

Anche Dio è di-vino

Marc, we'll be having our 7th and final bottle on Saturday. I'll post tasting notes. I found a thread I started about this wine a while back. Here's the URL:
http://forums.winespectator.com/eve/forums?a=tpc&s=9306023451&f=3146091161&m=9586091161

Just one more sip.

Posting about it on the other thread.

Just one more sip.