I was at a friend's home for dinner last night, and she pulled this bottle out of the cellar and asked if I knew anything about it. It's a 1975 Ch. Bellevue-Figeac, and it was given to her as a gift about ten years ago when she was living in Europe. It came from the original owner's cellar, and has been properly cellared since, but I told her it was probably way past it's peak. Is there any possibility that it's still drinkable? I'm not really familiar with vintages this old ( I was 3 years old in 1975!). Any input is appreciated. Thanks!

Why would you think it was way past its peak? If it was well stored, it could live for another couple of dozen years.

Is the Bellevue-Figeac that you mention the same as Rocher Bellevue-Fiegeac from St. Emilion? Perhaps the name changed since 1975. I am not familiar with Bellevue-Figeac as such. If this is just an old moniker for what is known today as Rocher Bellevue-Figeac, then it is probably past it's prime, since it is a merlot based blend that is designed for early consumption. But you really never know until you try it! It is certianly worth trying, even though you may or may not find that it is not worth drinking.

Pyang has been blowing thru '75 Frog juice like it is water, it is his birth year. He thinks that most '75's are dead or close to it. I had a '75 Mouton with him this past May and it was over the hill.

quote:

Originally posted by Wine Joe:
Is the Bellevue-Figeac that you mention the same as Rocher Bellevue-Fiegeac from St. Emilion? Perhaps the name changed since 1975. I am not familiar with Bellevue-Figeac as such. If this is just an old moniker for what is known today as Rocher Bellevue-Figeac, then it is probably past it's prime, since it is a merlot based blend that is designed for early consumption. But you really never know until you try it! It is certianly worth trying, even though you may or may not find that it is not worth drinking.

It is a St. Emilion, I can't say for sure if it's the same producer, but probably, as it's the only one from that appelation I can find with this name. I guess I am also basing my low expectation on the notes I have found on this wine from later vintages. She wants to save it for a "special occasion" but I told her if it were me, I wouldn't set my sights too high on this one. I've seen too many faces of people who held on to a wine for a really great occasion only to end up pouring it down the sink with great disappointment.

quote:

She wants to save it for a "special occasion"

It's probably dead. At this point, why ruin a special occasion with it. Open it now.

create a special occasion. Like, did you know this year is the 65th anniversary of the marketing of Cheerios?
But, have a back up bottle.

But is merlot a good match with cheerios???

Some '75s are drinking beautifully right now (LLC, Haut Brion, Cheval Blanc, for example), but for a lesser growth such as this I wouldn't hold out a lot of hope - though provenence is everything in a case like this. Like irwin says, have a backup bottle handy.

The 1975s, in general, lacked balance and many of the ones with enough tannin to last didn't have enough fruit. The Petrus still wasn't ready at last tasting, but most of the others are tiring.

Thanks for all the opinions on this. When we showed up for dinner tonight, my friend had the bottle on the table, ready to open and share with us. As I had guessed, it was really past it's prime, probably by a decade. Pretty much no fruit, just a lot of mineral. It was a dark brick color, somewhat cloudy, and lots and lots of mineral. Like licking a rock. Hmmmm....glad she didn't save it for a really special occasion. Luckily, she had two backup bottles, both of which were better than the bordeaux.

quote:

Originally posted by Eric White:
Some '75s are drinking beautifully right now (LLC, Haut Brion, Cheval Blanc, for example), but for a lesser growth such as this I wouldn't hold out a lot of hope - though provenence is everything in a case like this. Like irwin says, have a backup bottle handy.

I've had the LCC at least four times, probably once with you as well. I've always find the wine to be tired and just about dead...

Talk your friend into opening it and let us know how it is.

Sorry, I did not read the last post.

I had a 1975 Mouton, perfectly stored last week, and it was holden on by a thread. If you got 75 bdx's drink them!

Why do i get the feeling that its been ruined by improper storage....

Wines that old; if they so much as change temperature a few degrees they tend to become ruined.