I had 2 bottles on a Disney cruise and was far from blown away. It was closed down and didnt offer much. Air didnt seem to help. I would stash it away for a while. I knew it wasnt ready, although at ~$65 I had to try it.
Had the 2000 back in early June and it was very nice. Very much open for business. The group of us that tried it very much enjoyed it with the ribeye we ate!
Posts: 2165 | Location: Chicago Suburbs | Registered: Oct 25, 2006
It's got quite a bit more structure than the last couple of vintages, so don't expect the accessibility of the '01 or the '03 ...
If you want to play it safe, let it sleep for a couple of years.
"I can certainly see that you know your wine. Most of the guests who stay here wouldn't know the difference between Bordeaux and Claret." John Cleese (Basil Fawlty)
Posts: 499 | Location: Mississauga, ON | Registered: Feb 15, 2006
I tasted this wine a couple months ago at a tasting party, and it was delicious - showing really well.
But it was someone else's bottle, and I have no idea how long it had been open, or whether it had been splash-decanted earlier, or what. If I were opening a bottle at home I would certainly decant it just as a matter of course.
Posts: 2369 | Location: L.A. | Registered: Mar 02, 2005
Opening one for our blind tasting group tomorrow (along with the '01, '03 and '05). Notes on CT have been all over the place & I haven't checked in on them for a while so I figured it's time.
_______________________________________________________________________ Wine is passion. It is family and friends, warmth of heart, and generosity of spirit. ~ Robert Mondavi
Posts: 1160 | Location: St. Charles, IL | Registered: Dec 26, 2002
Originally posted by AllRed: Opening one for our blind tasting group tomorrow (along with the '01, '03 and '05). Notes on CT have been all over the place & I haven't checked in on them for a while so I figured it's time.
Hey AllRed, ol' buddy. I will be interested in your notes on the '01. Got some that I'm sitting on.
******** "But, if ye wish her grateful prayer, Gie her a haggis!" -Robert Burns
Posts: 1460 | Location: Paradise (or 2400 miles from anywhere) | Registered: Feb 28, 2004
Haggis! How are things in paradise? I'll be sure to post notes. Give our best to Mrs. H!
_______________________________________________________________________ Wine is passion. It is family and friends, warmth of heart, and generosity of spirit. ~ Robert Mondavi
Posts: 1160 | Location: St. Charles, IL | Registered: Dec 26, 2002
2004 Concha y Toro Cabernet Sauvignon Don Melchor (Private Reserve) - Chile, Central Valley, Maipo Valley, Puente Alto Deep color. Opened with a sour citrus note, which dissipated fairly quickly. Following that were aromas of mocha, dark fruit, loam and plum. Nicely balanced, with flavors of plum, coffee, herbs and black fruit. There's a slightly sweet edge to the tannins. Long, balanced finish. 92-93 pts.
Decanted for an hour, allowed to breathe in bottle for another seven+ before the tasting.This message has been edited. Last edited by: AllRed,
_______________________________________________________________________ Wine is passion. It is family and friends, warmth of heart, and generosity of spirit. ~ Robert Mondavi
Posts: 1160 | Location: St. Charles, IL | Registered: Dec 26, 2002
Popped and poured the 2004 Don Melchor 3 nights ago. It was disjointed and angular, unbalanced, and really no nose to speak of. Each night since then it has improved. Finally tonight it is expressing some Cabernet characteristics on the nose along with some menthol and eucalyptus. Good concentration of fruit on the palate, with lively acidity and round tannins to balance, and a really pleasant chocolatey finish.
If you have this in your cellar, don't go near it for another few years!
