"Some earth aromas with hints of ripe fruit. Medium-bodied, with fine tannins and a simple finish. A bit short. Drink now. 20,000 cases made. (JS)" WS84

I bought a case of this 6 months ago and I could have sworn the WS rating was higher as I would not purchase an entire case of wine that is WS84. I've had the 96 vintage and loved it.

Is this score correct???

Yes, that is the correct review and score for the '03 Château Caronne-Ste.-Gemme, pennned by our man in Bordeaux, JS...

The '96 rated 90 pts back when it was released...

quote:

Originally posted by Bella Donna:
I would not purchase an entire case of wine that is WS84.

What difference do points make to someone buying wine to drink and enjoy? Did you drink it? Did you enjoy it? Or, are you just chasing points?

Damn! Screwed up again.

Serve it with Steak Carcar.

I'd suggest going and reading James Molesworth's latest blog entry.

quote:

Originally posted by Maverick:
What difference do points make to someone buying wine to drink and enjoy? Did you drink it? Did you enjoy it? Or, are you just chasing points?

I don't know if I tuned my palate to Wine Spectator's 100 point scale...but my palate usually scores wine very similiarly to WS's scores rather than Parker or Tanzer. I also don't want to be disappointed with an entire case of wine if I don't like it. I think what happened was the retailer posted the wrong score for this wine and I didn't double check prior to purchasing.

tlily,
I did read over James Molesworth's latest blog thanks to your recommendation...and there have been many sub 90 wines I have enjoyed. But it was foolish of me to purchase an entire case without tasting the wine.

Bella,

Some of my past purchase include:

1989 Monte Bello RP 78
2001 Jade Mountain Mourvedre JL 74

Both wines I enjoyed a great deal. There is a good leason there. Taste before you buy in quantity, especially if it's a producer you have limited (1-2 vintages) experience with.

At least you didn't sock down $100 a bottle on something you hadn't tried to find out later you didn't like it.

quote:

Originally posted by Bela Donna:
Damn! Screwed up again.

You won't know until you crack one. Keep an open mind. Don't let your pre-conceived expectation based on the score affect your opinion. I'll look forward to your first TN on this one!

PH

PH, take a close look at the spelling of her name.