Very plush, velvety, with balanced tannins. Some cherries showing, and interestingly, a hint of something close to milk chocolate right out of the bottle. Some nice minerality, diminishing with a couple of hours of decanting.

Good, but it'll take more to convince me of the merits of quality French vs. big new world wines, especially considering price. 85-88pts. Paid $55.

There is good Bordeaux in the $15-$30 range. Poujeaux comes to mind among others. At this point I like it better than new world wines.

I can't address your stylistic preferences. Frankly if you like big new world wines you'll probably prefer them over more subtle retrained old world wines. That being said, the 1999 Latour a Pomerol was a mediocre wine from a mediocre vintage. Your money could have been spent better elsewheere.

PH

quote:

Originally posted by spo:
There is good Bordeaux in the $15-$30 range. Poujeaux comes to mind among others. At this point I like it better than new world wines.

Cool, I'll seek this one out. I understand that there're good wines from everywhere, and except for Italian Sangiovese, and Sauternes, my tastes have always leaned toward New World. I just bought a bottle of 2001 Ch. Haut-Marbuzet on sale that I'll probably open next.

As far as the '99 Lat. a Pom, it has had good reviews across the board, and even though I probably paid too much, I expected more from this.

I love CL-a-P, it has always been one of my favorite Pomerols. The 2000 I have had 2 times and was floored both times

Indybob, a few things...

For Poujeaux, I would recommend a 1998, 1999 and maybe a 2001. Avoid 2000 because it is way too young. I also heard 1996 and 1997 are good. I have not yet had the pleasure.

I have had some solid 1999 Bordeaux. I cannot argue with PH saying it's a mediocre vintage. However, I do think a wine that is ready to drink from a mediocre vintage is better than one opened 5-10 years too early from a great vintage.

Some wines from 2001 that are ready (barely) that are inexpensive and good are...
Rollan De By
Beaulieu Comtes De Tastes
Chateau Clarke (I think its ready now)

quote:

Originally posted by the sprinkler:
I love CL-a-P, it has always been one of my favorite Pomerols. The 2000 I have had 2 times and was floored both times

Sprinkler,

Have you had the 1999? Just wondering what you thought.

Also, my LWS has 1988 Poujeaux available (as well as '02 and '03). Any ideas on the '88?

This message has been edited. Last edited by: indybob,